Overview
ISO 24344:2008 specifies laboratory methods for determining the flexibility and deflection of resilient floor coverings. It defines two complementary test methods - Method A (flexibility), which bends a specimen 180° around a mandrel, and Method B (deflection), which deforms a specimen with a centre-loaded cylinder between two supports. The standard gives specimen preparation, conditioning, test apparatus, procedures, result expression and reporting requirements for resilient flooring testing.
Key topics and requirements
- Scope: Test methods for resilient floor coverings to assess bending performance and resistance to cracking.
- Specimens: Take six specimens (250 mm × 50 mm) from a representative sample - three in the machine direction and three transverse.
- Method A (Mandrel bend):
- Test piece is bent 180° around fixed metal mandrels (nominal diameters from about 7 mm to 120 mm).
- Condition specimens and mandrels at 23 ± 2 °C and 50 ± 5% RH for 24 h.
- Examine visually in the bent position for breaks, cracks or permanent damage.
- Report pass/fail relative to a specified mandrel or the smallest mandrel that produces no cracking.
- Method B (Deflection):
- Uses a deflection frame with two outer cylinders (axes 150 ± 5 mm apart) and a centre loading bar (radius 4 mm).
- Specimens are stored in a water bath at 25 ± 0.5 °C for ≥ 3 h before testing.
- Centre-bar is displaced at 100 ± 5 mm/min; record maximum deflection at break to the nearest 1.0 mm.
- Results & reporting: Report cracking/no cracking (ignore effects within 10 mm of edges), mandrel diameter or deflection at break, specimen orientation, any deviations and test date.
- Limitations: The methods are partly subjective; ISO 24344 states that no precision and bias can be established.
Applications
ISO 24344 is used by:
- Flooring manufacturers for product development and quality control of resilient floor coverings (vinyl, linoleum, rubber).
- Independent test laboratories performing compliance testing and certification.
- Specifiers, architects and procurement teams who need objective performance data on flexibility and deflection for installation and end-use suitability.
- R&D teams assessing formulation, thickness or reinforcement changes that affect bend and deflection behavior.
Practical uses include assessing suitability for curved installations, verifying durability under load, and supporting product datasheets and compliance claims.
Related standards
- EN 435 - Resilient floor coverings - Determination of flexibility
- ASTM F137 - Flexibility of Resilient Flooring Materials (mandrel apparatus)
- ASTM F1304 - Deflection of Resilient Floor Tile
- JIS A 1454 - Test methods - Resilient floor coverings
Keywords: ISO 24344, resilient floor coverings, flexibility test, deflection test, mandrel bend, deflection frame, flooring testing, quality control.
