Overview
ISO 16906:2015 specifies a laboratory method for determining the seam strength of resilient floor coverings (sheet and tile) when seams are welded in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. The standard defines test-piece preparation, conditioning, apparatus requirements and a tensile test procedure to record the maximum force at which a welded seam fails. Results are reported as mean seam strength (N/mm) and the minimum individual value.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Method for measuring seam strength of welded seams in resilient floor coverings.
- Apparatus: A constant-rate-of-extension (CRE) tensile testing machine with force recording that permits a separation speed of 100 ± 5 mm/min.
- Definition: Seam strength = maximum tensile force recorded for a defined specimen width.
- Sampling & preparation:
- Take representative material; weld two sheets (or two tiles) together per manufacturer’s instructions (weld on the long side for sheets).
- From the welded sample cut five test pieces, each with minimum length 150 mm and width 50 ± 0.5 mm.
- The seam must be centrally located in each test piece; the distance from the outer edge of the sample to the nearest edge of a test piece must be at least 100 mm.
- Conditioning: Test pieces conditioned at 23 ± 2 °C and 50 ± 5 % RH for at least 24 hours; maintain these conditions during testing.
- Test procedure:
- Mount specimen so the seam is equidistant from jaws (jaws approx. 100 mm apart).
- Apply tensile load at 100 ± 5 mm/min; record force at break or maximum force.
- Repeat for all five specimens.
- Results & reporting:
- Calculate the mean of five tests and express seam strength in N/mm, rounded to the nearest 10 N. Also record the minimum individual value.
- Test report must reference ISO 16906 and include product identification, welding process details, mean and minimum seam strength, failure type, and any deviations from the standard.
Applications and who uses it
- Flooring manufacturers: validate seam welding processes and product quality.
- Independent testing laboratories and QA teams: perform routine conformity and durability checks.
- Specifiers, architects and contractors: assess seam performance criteria for installations.
- Certification and compliance bodies: use results for standards compliance and product labeling.
Related standards
- Developed by ISO/TC 219 (Floor coverings). For comprehensive performance evaluation, pair ISO 16906 results with other resilient floor covering test standards for wear, dimensional stability and safety (refer to ISO catalogues or national standards bodies for specific related documents).
Keywords: ISO 16906:2015, seam strength, resilient floor coverings, seam testing, welded seams, CRE tensile testing, flooring quality control.
