Overview
EN ISO 16906:2024 (identical to ISO 16906:2015) specifies a laboratory method for determining the seam strength of resilient floor coverings after welding according to the manufacturer's instructions. The standard gives a repeatable tensile test procedure to measure the maximum tensile force per unit width (expressed in N/mm) at seam failure. It is intended for sheet and tile resilient floor coverings and is published by CEN, adopted from ISO/TC 219.
Key Topics and Requirements
- Scope: Method for measuring seam strength of welded resilient floor coverings (sheets or tiles).
- Definition: Seam strength - the maximum tensile force recorded, for a defined width, under constant rate of extension.
- Apparatus: Constant-rate-of-extension (CRE) tensile testing machine with force recording; separation speed (100 ± 5) mm/min.
- Sampling & preparation:
- Take representative material samples.
- Weld two sheets (or tiles) together per manufacturer’s instructions.
- Cut five test pieces, each 150 mm minimum length and 50 ± 0.5 mm width, with the seam centrally located.
- Conditioning: Test pieces conditioned at (23 ± 2) °C and (50 ± 5) % RH for at least 24 h; maintain these conditions during testing.
- Procedure: Clamp specimens ~100 mm apart, apply tensile load at specified speed, record force at break (maximum force).
- Calculation: Report mean of five tests and the minimum individual value; express result to the nearest 10 N in N/mm.
- Test report: Must include reference to ISO 16906, product ID (type, colour, manufacturer ref.), sample history, welding description, mean and minimum seam strength, failure type, and any deviations.
Applications and Users
- Manufacturers of resilient floor coverings - validate welding methods and product quality.
- Independent testing laboratories - provide certified seam strength results for compliance and performance claims.
- Specifiers, architects and contractors - assess seam performance for installations (commercial, healthcare, education, public buildings).
- Procurement and quality assurance teams - include seam strength data in specifications and acceptance criteria.
- Regulatory bodies and certification schemes - use as a reference for product standards and conformity assessment.
Keywords: seam strength, resilient floor coverings, EN ISO 16906, tensile test, CRE testing machine, welding, conditioning, N/mm.
Related Standards
- This document supersedes EN 684:1995 and was adopted from ISO 16906:2015. It sits alongside other floor covering standards developed by ISO/TC 219 and CEN/TC 134.
