PVC-asbestos floor tiles
1980 Edition

Applicability and Sampling Guidelines

Scope (Clauses 2.1 & 2.1.1):

• Pertains to polymer-based tiles formulated with appropriate plasticizers and stabilizers.
• Compliance testing includes dimensional accuracy, tolerances, stability under conditions, and indentation resistance (Clause 6.2.2).

Sampling Plan and Acceptance Criteria (Appendix A)

Conformity Evaluation Procedure (Clause A-3.1):

1. Conduct tests on the first sample.
2. If defective units ≤ acceptance number (a), accept the batch.
3. If defective units ≥ rejection number (r), reject the batch.
4. If defective units are between a and r, test the second sample.
5. Combine both sample results and reapply acceptance/rejection criteria.

This method balances inspection effort with reliability by statistical sampling.

Dimension and Tolerance Limits (Clause 3.2)

• For tile sizes not specifically defined, a tolerance of ±0.2% of length and width applies.

Notes:

• These tolerances correspond to those specified in Clauses 3.1 and 3.1.1.
• Dimensional checks are part of acceptance and type testing (Clauses 6.2.1 & 6.2.2).

Quick Reference Table:

Application:

• Manufacturing processes should ensure adherence to these tolerances.
• Sampling should follow Appendix A for acceptance testing.

flowchart TD
    Start[Begin Tile Production] --> Measure[Measure Tile Dimensions]
    Measure --> Check{Are Dimensions Within Tolerance?}
    Check -- Yes --> NextTest[Proceed to Next Test]
    Check -- No --> Reject[Reject or Rework Tiles]
    NextTest --> Finish[Complete and Package Tiles]

Ensures dimensional compliance per IS 3461.

Tile Grades and Specifications (Clause 3.2 & 4.1)

Dimensions & Tolerances

• Other dimensions: ±0.2% tolerance.

Thickness Options (Clause 3.1.1)

• Standard thicknesses: 1.5 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.5 mm, 3.0 mm.
• Custom thicknesses available if mutually agreed.

Colour and Surface Finish (Clause 4.1)

• Tiles available as plain (solid, uniform color) or mottled (random color distribution).
• Colour and finish must correspond with pre-approved samples.
• Some batch-to-batch color variation is expected.

Physical Characteristics (Clause 5.1)

• Tiles must satisfy durability tests as specified (refer to test tables).

Grade Summary:

flowchart LR
    Manufacture --> DimControl[Dimension Verification]
    DimControl --> ToleranceCheck{Within Tolerance?}
    ToleranceCheck -- Yes --> ColourFinish[Colour & Finish Verification]
    ToleranceCheck -- No --> Reject[Reject or Reprocess]
    ColourFinish --> PhysicalTests[Physical Property Testing]
    PhysicalTests --> PassCheck{Pass Tests?}
    PassCheck -- Yes --> AssignGrade[Assign Tile Grade]
    PassCheck -- No --> Reject

This system guarantees compliance with IS 3461 requirements.

Colour and Finish Requirements (Clause 4.1)

• Tiles may be produced as:
  • Plain: Uniform color throughout the tile thickness.
  • Mottled: Irregular color distribution through the tile.
• The final colour and finish must match an approved reference sample agreed upon by buyer and supplier.
• Some variation in shade and mottling between production batches is considered acceptable.

Testing Protocol (Clause 6.2)

• Type tests include colour, dimensional stability, colour fastness, indentation, among others.
• Routine tests require colour and finish verification on each tile.

Dimensional Tolerances Relevant to Finish (Clause 3.2)

• For other sizes, length and width tolerances of ±0.2% apply.

flowchart TD
    Start[Tile Production] --> DecideType{Tile Type}
    DecideType -- Plain --> UniformColour[Uniform Colour]
    DecideType -- Mottled --> RandomColour[Random Colour Distribution]
    UniformColour & RandomColour --> TestColourFinish[Colour and Finish Testing]
    TestColourFinish --> MatchSample{Matches Approved Sample?}
    MatchSample -- Yes --> Accept[Accept Tile]
    MatchSample -- No --> Reject[Reject or Reprocess]

Summary: Colour and finish must conform to agreed samples with ongoing testing to ensure consistency.

Physical Criteria for PVC-Asbestos Floor Tiles (Clauses 4–13 & 20)

Indentation Limits at 27 ± 2 °C (Table 2)

This assures that tiles are durable and fit for use in heavy traffic areas on rigid floors.

flowchart TD
    A[Physical Property Tests] --> B[Measure Squareness]
    B --> C[Check Dimensional Stability]
    C --> D[Assess Colour Fastness]
    D --> E[Evaluate Volatile Matter]
    E --> F[Check Curling]
    F --> G[Indentation Resistance Test]
    G --> H[Residual Indentation Check]
    H --> I[Resistance to Chemicals]
    I --> J[Deflection Test]
    J --> K[Impact Resistance Test]
    K --> L[Abrasion Resistance Agreement]

Overview of Testing under IS 3461 (Clauses 6.1 & 6.2)

Test Types

• Type Tests (Clause 6.2.1): Conducted once to establish product characteristics.

  • Colour and finish
  • Dimensional measurements and tolerances
  • Dimensional stability
  • Colour fastness under daylight exposure
  • Volatile matter content
  • Indentation and residual indentation
  • Chemical resistance

• Acceptance Tests (Clause 6.2.2): Performed on samples from every production lot according to sampling plan (Appendix A).

  • Dimensions and tolerances
  • Dimensional stability
  • Indentation resistance

Sampling

• Sampling follows a statistically valid procedure detailed in Appendix A.

Testing Summary Table:

This dual-level testing ensures consistent quality from development through production.

Packing and Marking Requirements (Clauses 7.1 & 8.1.1)

Packaging

• Floor tiles should be packed securely in cardboard or corrugated containers.
• Each package must be distinctly labeled with:
  • Manufacturer’s name or trademark
  • Tile size and thickness
  • Batch or lot number
  • Total quantity expressed in square meters

Marking

• Packaging may bear the ISI Certification Mark, indicating compliance with the standard and quality supervision.
• The ISI mark usage is regulated under the Indian Standards Institution (Certification Marks) Act.

Sampling and Conformity

• Samples for acceptance testing are drawn following the procedure in Appendix A.
• Tests include dimensions, dimensional stability, and indentation resistance.

Labeling Information Summary:

flowchart TD
    ProduceTiles[Produce Tiles] --> Pack[Pack Tiles into Boxes]
    Pack --> Label[Apply Markings to Boxes]
    Label --> Info1[Manufacturer, Size, Thickness]
    Label --> Info2[Batch Number, Quantity]
    Label --> ISIMark[Optional ISI Certification Mark]
    ISIMark --> QualityCheck[Quality Verification & Inspection]

This ensures traceability, quality assurance, and adherence to IS 3461.

Sampling and Acceptance Criteria (Appendix A & Clause A-3.1)

Sampling Plan (Tables A-2 & A-3)

Conformity Assessment (Clause A-3.1)

1. Test first sample:

   • If defective tiles ≤ acceptance number (a), accept the lot.
   • If defective tiles ≥ rejection number (r), reject the lot.
   • If defects fall between a and r, test a second sample.

2. Test second sample:

   • Combine defective tiles from both samples.
   • If combined defects ≤ acceptance number, accept the lot.
   • If combined defects ≥ rejection number, reject the lot.

Acceptance Tests (Clause 6.2.2)

• Dimensions and tolerances
• Dimensional stability
• Indentation resistance

Sampling Decision Flowchart

flowchart TD
    Start[Select First Sample] --> Test1[Test First Sample]
    Test1 --> Check1{Defects ≤ a?}
    Check1 -- Yes --> Accept[Accept Lot]
    Check1 -- No --> Check2{Defects ≥ r?}
    Check2 -- Yes --> Reject[Reject Lot]
    Check2 -- No --> Test2[Test Second Sample]
    Test2 --> Combine[Combine Defect Counts]
    Combine --> Check3{Combined Defects ≤ a?}
    Check3 -- Yes --> Accept
    Check3 -- No --> Reject

This protocol ensures statistically valid quality verification.

Overview of Acceptance and Routine Testing (Clauses 6.2.2 & 6.1.2)

Acceptance Tests

• Conducted on samples drawn from each production batch following Appendix A.
• Parameters tested include:
  • Dimensional accuracy and tolerances
  • Dimensional stability under specified conditions
  • Indentation resistance

These tests confirm the batch meets the standard before approval.

Sampling Details

• If the first sample fails, a second larger sample is taken with adjusted criteria.

Sampling and Testing Flow

flowchart TD
    ReceiveLot[Lot Received] --> SelectSample[Select Sample as per Table]
    SelectSample --> PerformTests[Conduct Acceptance Tests]
    PerformTests --> PassCheck{Tests Passed?}
    PassCheck -- Yes --> Approve[Accept Lot]
    PassCheck -- No --> SecondSample[Draw Second Sample]
    SecondSample --> Retest[Retest Acceptance Criteria]
    Retest --> PassCheck2{Tests Passed?}
    PassCheck2 -- Yes --> Approve
    PassCheck2 -- No --> Reject[Reject Lot]

This approach guarantees quality control using a statistically supported sampling plan.

Sampling Method for Tile Lots (Clause 2.2 and Table 3)

Sample Size and Acceptance Thresholds

Sampling Procedure

• Select tiles randomly utilizing random number tables.

• If unavailable, use systematic sampling: number tiles from 1 to N and pick every rth tile, where:

  [ r = \lfloor \frac{N}{n} \rfloor ]

  • N = total number of tiles
  • n = sample size

Acceptance Testing

• Performed on sampled tiles for:
  • Dimensional conformity
  • Dimensional stability
  • Indentation resistance

Sampling Flowchart

flowchart TD
    Start[Identify Lot Size (N)] --> DetermineSample[Determine Sample Size (n)]
    DetermineSample --> CheckRandom{Random Number Table Available?}
    CheckRandom -- Yes --> RandomSelect[Select Random Tiles]
    CheckRandom -- No --> SystematicSelect[Select Every rth Tile]
    RandomSelect & SystematicSelect --> ConductTests[Perform Acceptance Tests]

This ensures unbiased and statistically valid sampling.