Overview
ISO 23997:2007 specifies a standardized laboratory method for determining the mass per unit area of resilient floor coverings. The method produces a reproducible value expressed in grams per square metre (g/m²), supporting product specification, quality control and comparative testing for vinyl, rubber and other resilient flooring products.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Method for determining mass per unit area of resilient floor coverings.
- Conditioning: Specimens must be conditioned at 23 ± 2 °C and 50 ± 5 % RH for at least 24 hours and maintained under these conditions during testing.
- Sampling: Take a representative sample and prepare five specimens (square or round) located at equal distances; the nearest specimen edge must be at least 100 mm from the sample edge. Minimum specimen area: 0.01 m². Full tiles may be used.
- Apparatus:
- Balance accurate to 10 mg.
- Calliper gauge accurate to 0.05 mm.
- Measurement procedure:
- Measure specimen dimensions to 0.1 mm and weigh each specimen to 10 mg.
- Calculate mass per unit area as m / A (m = specimen mass in grams; A = area in m²).
- Expression of results:
- Results ≤ 1 000 g/m² - report to nearest 5 g/m².
- Results > 1 000 g/m² - report to nearest 10 g/m².
- Report the mean value for the five specimens to the nearest 1 g.
- Reporting: Test report must state conformity to ISO 23997, full product identification (type, source, colour, manufacturer reference), sample history, mean mass per unit area, and any deviations from the standard.
- Precision: A round‑robin interlaboratory study is referenced to determine method precision.
Applications and users
ISO 23997:2007 is used by:
- Flooring manufacturers for product specification and batch quality control.
- Independent testing laboratories to provide certified mass-per-area values.
- Architects, specifiers and procurement teams verifying product data against performance requirements.
- Retailers and installers assessing tiles or sheet materials for consistency and compliance.
Practical uses include confirming manufacturer claims, comparing material weights (useful for transport and installation planning), and ensuring conformity with contract or regulatory requirements for resilient floor coverings.
Related standards
ISO 23997 was prepared by ISO/TC 219 (Floor coverings) and complements other ISO standards and industry test methods for resilient flooring (thickness, wear resistance, dimensional stability, etc.). For comprehensive product evaluation, consult additional ISO floor covering standards and relevant national regulations.
Keywords: ISO 23997:2007, resilient floor coverings, mass per unit area, g/m², flooring testing, floor covering mass, quality control.
