Laminate floor coverings — Determination

of abrasion resistance
 NAT std-ref dated starts-with

National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of ISO 24338:2022. It
supersedes BS ISO 24338:2014, which is withdrawn.
The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical
Committee PRI/60, Resilient and Laminate Floor Coverings.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on
request to its committee manager.
Contractual and legal considerations
This publication has been prepared in good faith, however no
representation, warranty, assurance or undertaking (express or
implied) is or will be made, and no responsibility or liability is or will be
accepted by BSI in relation to the adequacy, accuracy, completeness or
reasonableness of this publication. All and any such responsibility and
liability is expressly disclaimed to the full extent permitted by the law.
This publication is provided as is, and is to be used at the
recipient’s own risk.
The recipient is advised to consider seeking professional guidance with
respect to its use of this publication.
This publication is not intended to constitute a contract. Users are
responsible for its correct application.
© The British Standards Institution 2022
Published by BSI Standards Limited 2022
ISBN 978 0 539 14132 0
ICS 97.150
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.
This British Standard was published under the authority of the
Standards Policy and Strategy Committee on 30 April 2022.

Amendments/corrigenda issued since publication

Date Text affected
INTERNATIONAL ISO
STANDARD 24338

Third edition
2022-03-31

Laminate floor coverings —

Determination of abrasion resistance
Revêtements de sol stratifiés — Détermination de la résistance
à l'abrasion

Reference number
ISO 24338:2022(E)

© ISO 2022
ISO 24338:2022(E)


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ii  © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved

 ISO 24338:2022


Contents Page

Foreword......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... iv
1 Scope.................................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 1
2 Normative references....................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
3 Terms and definitions...................................................................................................................................................................................... 1
4 Apparatus...................................................................................................................................................................................................................... 2
4.1 Testing machine (for method A and B) (see Figure 1)........................................................................................... 2
4.1.1 Test specimen holder (for method A and B)............................................................................................. 2
4.1.2 Holding and lifting device (for method A and B).................................................................................. 2
4.1.3 Rubber covered abrasive wheels (for method A)................................................................................. 2
4.1.4 Abrasive paper strips (for method A)............................................................................................................. 2
4.1.5 Calibration plates (for method A)...................................................................................................................... 3
4.1.6 Suction device (for method A).............................................................................................................................. 3
4.1.7 Revolution-counter (for method A and B).................................................................................................. 3
4.2 Grit feeder and accessories (only for method B)........................................................................................................ 3
4.2.1 General...................................................................................................................................................................................... 3
4.2.2 Vacuum cleaning device.............................................................................................................................................. 4
4.2.3 Abrading material............................................................................................................................................................ 6
4.2.4 Leather abrading wheels........................................................................................................................................... 6
4.2.5 Stopwatch............................................................................................................................................................................... 6
4.2.6 Grit collection container............................................................................................................................................. 6
4.2.7 Calibration plates............................................................................................................................................................. 7
4.2.8 Transparent template to evaluate the wear of the abraded area............................................ 7
4.3 Additional material or equipment (method A and B)............................................................................................ 7
4.3.1 Weighing equipment..................................................................................................................................................... 7
4.3.2 Conditioning chamber.................................................................................................................................................. 7
5 Test specimens........................................................................................................................................................................................................ 7
6 Procedure of method A................................................................................................................................................................................... 8
6.1 General............................................................................................................................................................................................................ 8
6.2 Preparation of test specimens and abrasive papers................................................................................................ 8
6.3 Preparation of abrasive wheels................................................................................................................................................. 9
6.4 Determination of the abrasion rate of abrasive paper........................................................................................... 9
6.5 Abrasion of test specimen.............................................................................................................................................................. 9
6.5.1 General...................................................................................................................................................................................... 9
6.5.2 Abrasion evaluation method A - octants...................................................................................................... 9
6.6 Expression of results........................................................................................................................................................................ 10
6.7 Test report................................................................................................................................................................................................. 10
7 Procedure of method B................................................................................................................................................................................10
7.1 General......................................................................................................................................................................................................... 10
7.2 Maintenance of the abrading wheels................................................................................................................................. 10
7.3 Operation of the abrader.............................................................................................................................................................. 11
7.3.1 To start the wear test: ............................................................................................................................................. 11
7.3.2 To halt the wear test: ............................................................................................................................................... 11
7.4 Calibration................................................................................................................................................................................................ 11
7.4.1 Rate of grit flow............................................................................................................................................................... 11
7.4.2 Abrading capacity......................................................................................................................................................... 11
7.5 Abrasion of test specimen........................................................................................................................................................... 12
7.6 Expression of results........................................................................................................................................................................ 12
7.7 Test report................................................................................................................................................................................................. 13
Annex A (normative) Calibration and maintenance of abrasion equipment...........................................................14
Annex B (normative) Measurement of shore A hardness.............................................................................................................18
Bibliography.............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 19

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ISO 24338:2022


Foreword
ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards
bodies (ISO member bodies). The work of preparing International Standards is normally carried out
through ISO technical committees. Each member body interested in a subject for which a technical
committee has been established has the right to be represented on that committee. International
organizations, governmental and non-governmental, in liaison with ISO, also take part in the work.
ISO collaborates closely with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) on all matters of
electrotechnical standardization.
The procedures used to develop this document and those intended for its further maintenance are
described in the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 1. In particular, the different approval criteria needed for the
different types of ISO documents should be noted. This document was drafted in accordance with the
editorial rules of the ISO/IEC Directives, Part 2 (see www.iso.org/directives).
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. ISO shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights. Details of
any patent rights identified during the development of the document will be in the Introduction and/or
on the ISO list of patent declarations received (see www.iso.org/patents).
Any trade name used in this document is information given for the convenience of users and does not
constitute an endorsement.
For an explanation of the voluntary nature of standards, the meaning of ISO specific terms and
expressions related to conformity assessment, as well as information about ISO's adherence to the
World Trade Organization (WTO) principles in the Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT), see www.iso.
org/iso/foreword.html.
This document was prepared by Technical Committee ISO/TC 219, Floor Coverings.
This third edition cancels and replaces the second edition (ISO 24338:2014), which has been
technically revised.
The main changes are as follows:
— In Clause 4, 3 samples to be taken from 3 different flooring elements instead of only one panel;
— In Clause 5, the evaluation of abrasion is now in octants instead of quadrants.
Any feedback or questions on this document should be directed to the user’s national standards body. A
complete listing of these bodies can be found at www.iso.org/member.html.

iv  © ISO 2022 – All rights reserved

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ISO 24338:2022

Laminate floor coverings — Determination of

abrasion resistance

1 Scope
This document specifies two methods (A and B) for measuring abrasion of laminate floor covering
elements. The tests described measure the ability of the surface layer to resist abrasive wear-through.
Abrasion according to method A is achieved by rotating a test specimen in contact with a pair of loaded
cylindrical wheels covered with specified abrasive paper. The resistance to wear according to method
B is evaluated by abrading the face of test pieces with a specified abrasive applied by means of two
loaded wheels. The number of revolutions of the test specimen required to cause a defined degree of
abrasion is measured by both methods.
NOTE The precision of the methods is not known. When inter-laboratory data become available, a precision
statement will be added.

2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
ISO 48, Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic —Determination of hardness (hardness between 10 IRHD
and 100 IRHD)
ISO 868:2003, Plastics and ebonite — Determination of indentation hardness by means of a durometer
(Shore hardness)
ISO 6506‑1, Metallic materials — Brinell hardness test — Part 1: Test method
ISO 7267‑2, Rubber-covered rollers — Determination of apparent hardness — Part 2: Shore-type
durometer method
ASTM D785, Standard Test Method for Rockwell Hardness of Plastics and Electrical Insulating Materials
FEPA standard 42-D, Grains of fused aluminium oxide, silicon carbide and other abrasive materials for
bonded abrasives and for general industrial applications
FEPA standard 44-D, Grains of fused aluminium oxide, silicon carbide and other abrasive materials.
Determination of bulk density

3 Terms and definitions

No terms and definitions are listed in this document.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp.
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/.

© ISO 2022 – All rights reserved  1

ISO 24338:2022


4 Apparatus

4.1 Testing machine (for method A and B) (see Figure 1)

4.1.1 Test specimen holder (for method A and B)

Disc-shaped holder with a diameter of approximately 105 mm (item 7 in Figure 1), which rotates in a
horizontal plane with a permitted deviation of ±2 mm/m at a frequency of (60 ± 2) rotations per minute
and to which the test specimen (item 6 in Figure 1) can be clamped with a clamping screw (item 5).

4.1.2 Holding and lifting device (for method A and B)

Holding and lifting device for the abrasive wheels, so constructed that each wheel exerts a force of
(5,4 ± 0,2) N (Method A) or (10 ± 0,2) N (Method B) on the test specimen.
For Method B a counterweight of (150 ± 3) g is required to counterbalance the mass of the leather
abrading wheel (see 4.2.3). A second pair of leather abrading wheels may be used for this purpose.
The calibration and maintenance of the Taber® abraser arms shall be carried out according to Annex A.

4.1.3 Rubber covered abrasive wheels (for method A)

Two cylindrical rubber-covered wheels of (12,7 ± 0,1) mm width and 50 mm diameter, which rotate
freely about an axis (item 3 in Figure 1). The curved surface of the wheels, to a depth of 6 mm, shall
be made of rubber (item 2) with a hardness of (65 ± 3) IRHD (according to ISO 48) or (65 ± 3) Shore A
(according to ISO 7267‑2). A description of the measurement and of a suitable measurement setup is
shown in Annex B.
The inside faces of the wheels shall be (52,5 ± 0,2) mm apart and equally spaced [(26,25 ± 0,10) mm]
from the centre line of the abrader head and the axis of the wheels shall be (19,05 ± 0,3) mm from the
vertical axis of the test specimen holder.
It is important to ensure that the abrasive wheels are in good condition, as variations in flatness,
hardness, regularity, roundness and width can significantly affect the test result.
It is important that the dimensions and tolerances in 4.1.3 and in Figure 1 are met as deviations can
lead to errors exceeding 100 %. See Annex B for more information.

4.1.4 Abrasive paper strips (for method A)

Abrasive strips1) of (12,7 ± 0,1) mm wide in the machine direction and approximately 160 mm long shall
be used (item 1 in Figure 1). They shall meet the following requirements:
— weight: 70 g/m2 to 100 g/m2;
— open coated 180 grit aluminium oxide (Al2O3), with a particle size that will pass through a 100 μm
aperture sieve and remain on a 63 μm aperture sieve;
— glue bonded;
— adhesive backing.

1) The abrasive paper strips Taber® S-42 is the trade name of a product supplied by Taber® Industries. This
information is given for the convenience of users of this document and does not constitute an endorsement by ISO
of the product named. Equivalent products may be used if they can be shown to lead to the same results.

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 ISO 24338:2022


4.1.5 Calibration plates (for method A)

Rolled zinc sheet 2), with a thickness of (0,8 ± 0,1) mm and a Brinell hardness of (48 ± 2) (according
to ISO 6506‑1, with a ball diameter of 5 mm and a load of 360 N), shall be used. For type approval or
verification purposes, the zinc plate shall not be used for more than 10 calibrations per side.

4.1.6 Suction device (for method A)

Two suction nozzles (item 4 in Figure 1) shall be so fitted that they cover the abraded area of the test
specimen. One nozzle shall be situated between the wheels, the other diametrically opposite. The
centres of the nozzles shall be 77 mm apart and (2 ± 0,5) mm from the surface of the test specimen.
When the nozzles are closed, there shall be a vacuum of (1,5 to 1,6) kPa.

4.1.7 Revolution-counter (for method A and B)

A revolution counter is used to record the number of revolutions of the specimen holder.
Dimensions in millimetres

a)   Side view b)   Top view

Key
1 abrasive paper 5 clamping screw
2 rubber 6 specimen
3 abrasive wheel 7 specimen holder disc
4 suction nozzle

Figure 1 — Abrasion resistance testing machine

4.2 Grit feeder and accessories (only for method B)

4.2.1 General

A grit feeder shall have a minimum storage capacity of about 200 g of grit and it shall be possible to
open the feeder at its top and at its bottom. The bottom opening shall be positioned (10 ± 1) mm above
the face of the test piece and have a length of (16 ± 1) mm and width of (3,18 ± 0,38 mm). The length of

2) Taber® S-34 is the trade name of a product supplied by Taber® Industries. This information is given for the
convenience of users of this document and does not constitute an endorsement by ISO of the product named.
Equivalent products may be used if they can be shown to lead to the same results.

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ISO 24338:2022


the bottom opening shall be installed radially to the test specimen holder. A device in the grit feeder
shall ensure a regular flow. The feeder shall also be equipped with a device that ensures an immediate
stop of the feeding when required (see Figure 2 and Figure 3).

4.2.2 Vacuum cleaning device

A suction nozzle, positioned (3 ± 2) mm above the track to be abraded, shall be installed in the axial
vertical plane on the left wheel after the abrasive grit passes under the wheel (relative to the rotation
direction, see Figure 3). The vacuum power shall be set at a level that removes all dust and debris.

Figure 2 — Example of a Taber® Abraser with Grit Feeder3)

3) Taber® Abraser with Grit Feeder is an example of a suitable product available commercially. This information is
given for the convenience of users of this document and does not constitute an endorsement by ISO of this product.

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 ISO 24338:2022


Dimensions in millimetres

a)   Side view

b)   Top view

Key
1 grit nozzle 7 abrader arm
2 suction nozzle 8 counterweight
3 test piece 9 wearing surface
4 specimen holder 10 direction of rotations
5 testing weight 11 clamping nut
6 abrading wheel

Figure 3 — Drawing of an abraser with grit feeder

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ISO 24338:2022


4.2.3 Abrading material

Abrasive grain (bauxite based, electric arc furnaced aluminium oxide) with a chemical composition
according to Table 1 shall be used4). The abrasive mineral has a specific mass of 3,96 g/cm3 and a Knoop
hardness of 21 kN/mm2. The medium grain shape of the mineral has a bulk density in the range of
1,51 g/cm3 to 1,62 g/cm3 according to FEPA standard 44-D. Particle size distribution ranges between
45 µm and 75 µm with a reduced fines portion according to Table 2 determined according to FEPA
standard 42-D.

Table 1 — Chemical composition

Type of oxide Al2O3 Fe2O3 SiO2 TiO2 CaO ZrO2 MgO
Mass-% > 95 < 0,30 < 0,90 2,4 to 3,0 < 0,30 < 0,30 < 0,30

Table 2 — Grain distribution

Sieve No. 170 200 270 270 to -325 > 325
Grading in μm 90 75 53 45
Grain distribution in % 0 0 to 5 ≥ 45 ≥ 80 0 to 10

The abrading material shall be stored in a dry place and shall be used only once. It shall not be
sieved before use.

4.2.4 Leather abrading wheels

Two cylindrical wheels5) free to turn on their axis with nominal diameter and width of respectively
44,4 mm and 12,7 mm. They are fitted with a leather strip of (12,7 ± 0,1) mm wide and with a minimum
thickness of 1,5 mm. The overall diameter of the wheels, with leather strips, shall not exceed 52 mm or
be less than 46 mm.
The hardness of the leather strips shall be suitable for the purpose. It is measured according to ISO 868
with a Shore durometer of Type A with the following deviation:
— the Shore-A hardness is measured at four points in the middle of the tire tread of the abrading
wheels (deviation from ISO 868:2003, 5.1, 5.2 and 8.1).
The hardness of the leather is suitable if all the results are contained within the range A/1:85 to A/1:95.
The distance between the internal faces of the wheels shall be (52,5 ± 0,2) mm, their common axis
being set, by (19,05 ± 0,3) mm nominally, off the axis of the specimen holder. The axis of rotation of the
test piece shall be equidistant from the two wheels.
Prior to testing, new abrading wheels shall be preconditioned: Subject new wheels to an initial 2 000
cycle test following the procedure described in 7.2.

4.2.5 Stopwatch

A stopwatch accurate to ±0,1 s.

4.2.6 Grit collection container

A container of known mass to collect the grit when calibrating the grit feeder.

4) ALODUR® ESK 240 (EN 15354) is the trade name of a product supplied by IMERYS. This information is given
for the convenience of users of this document and does not constitute an endorsement by ISO of the product named.
Equivalent products may be used if they can be shown to lead to the same results.
5) The abrading wheels Taber® S-39 is the trade name of a product supplied by Taber Industries. This information
is given for the convenience of users of this document and does not constitute an endorsement by ISO of the product
named. Equivalent products may be used if they can be shown to lead to the same results.

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 ISO 24338:2022


4.2.7 Calibration plates

Calibration plates6) made of cell-cast acrylics with Rockwell Hardness M 94 according to ASTM D785.

4.2.8 Transparent template to evaluate the wear of the abraded area

A transparent template shall be used for visual observation of wear-through. Each quadrant shall be
divided into four sectors of 22,5° (see Figure 4).
NOTE There is no commercial source available. This template can be easily made from a transparent film.

Figure 4 — Transparent template for visual observation of wear-through

4.3 Additional material or equipment (method A and B)

4.3.1 Weighing equipment

For determining the mass loss of the zinc plate by the sand paper or calibrating the grit flow of the
abrading material, weighing equipment with an accuracy of ±1 mg is needed.

4.3.2 Conditioning chamber

The conditioning chamber shall be able to maintain a standard climate of (23 ± 2) ºC and (50 ± 5) %
relative humidity.

5 Test specimens
For each method three laminate floor covering elements, taken at random are needed. Take from each
element one test specimen, measuring approximately 100 mm x 100 mm:
— One specimen located at 10 mm from the left short edge of the first element (see Figure 5).
— one specimen exactly in the centre of the second element (see Figure 5).
— One specimen located at 10 mm from the right short edge of the third element (see Figure 5).
Machined edges and machined surfaces shall be avoided in the specimens. If the thickness of the
specimens exceeds 8 mm the specimens shall be milled down from the backside to (7,5 ± 0,5) mm to
ensure a horizontal load of the abrader arms. Make sure that specimens are uniformly flat and parallel
after milling.

6) The calibration plates Taber® S-38 is the trade name of a product supplied by Taber Industries. This information
is given for the convenience of users of this document and does not constitute an endorsement by ISO of the product
named. Equivalent products may be used if they can be shown to lead to the same results.

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ISO 24338:2022


If the dimension of the elements makes the described sampling impossible, the test specimens shall
be sampled from the nearest available area. If the elements measure less than 100 mm, then a joint is
necessary. The joint shall be positioned in the middle of the 100 mm x 100 mm specimen.
Drill a (7,2 ± 0,1) mm center hole into the test specimen.

Figure 5 — Sampling from one floor covering element

6 Procedure of method A

6.1 General
The resistance to wear is evaluated by abrading the face of test specimens with a specified abrasive
paper applied by means of two loaded wheels. Characteristic rub-wear action is produced by contact of
the test specimen, against the sliding rotation of the two abrading wheels. As the turntable rotates, the
wheels are driven by the sample in opposite directions about a horizontal axis displaced tangentially
from the axis of the sample. One abrading wheel rubs the specimen outward toward the periphery
and the other, inward toward the center while a vacuum system removes loose debris during the test.
The resulting abrasion marks form a pattern of crossed arcs in a circular band that cover an area
approximately 30 cm2.

6.2 Preparation of test specimens and abrasive papers

Precondition the test specimens and the abrasive papers (4.1.4) for at least 24 h in the conditioning
chamber (4.3.2). After preconditioning, seal the paper strips in polythene bags (maximum 10 strips per
bag) until required for immediate use.
Clean the surface of the test specimens with an organic solvent which is immiscible with water.
Using a marker pen, mark the surface of each test specimen with four lines mutually at 45° angles so
that the surface area is divided into octants (see Figure 6) for abrasion evaluation.

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 ISO 24338:2022


Figure 6 — Division of the test specimens into octants

6.3 Preparation of abrasive wheels

Bond a strip of preconditioned unused abrasive paper to each of the rubber covered wheels (4.1.3).
Ensure that the cylindrical surface is completely covered without any overlapping of the paper. The
outside diameter of the finished assembled wheel shall be (50,90 ± 0,65) mm.

6.4 Determination of the abrasion rate of abrasive paper

Prepare two wheels with preconditioned unused abrasive paper according to 4.1.4 from the same batch
to be reserved for testing.
Clamp a zinc plate (4.1.5) in the test specimen holder (4.1.1), start the suction device (4.1.6), reset the
revolution counter (4.1.7) to zero, lower the wheels and abrade the zinc plate for 500 revolutions. Wipe
the zinc plate clean and weigh to the nearest 1 mg. Renew the abrasive papers with preconditioned
unused strips from the same batch and abrade the zinc plate for a further 500 revolutions. Wipe the
zinc plate clean and weigh it again to the nearest 1 mg.
The loss in mass shall be (120 ± 20) mg. Any lot of abrasive paper which causes a loss in mass outside
this range shall not be used for testing.

6.5 Abrasion of test specimen

6.5.1 General

Perform the test immediately after the determination of the abrasion rate. Prepare two wheels with
preconditioned unused abrasive paper from the same batch previously approved by determination of
abrasion rate (6.4). Fit the wheels to the machine and reset the revolution-counter to zero. Clamp the
first test specimen in the holder. Ensure that the surface of the test specimen is flat. Lower the wheels,
start the suction device and abrade the test specimen.
Examine the test specimen for abrasion after each 100 revolutions and renew the abrasive papers after
every 200 revolutions.
Continue the test in this way until the initial wear point (IP) is reached.

6.5.2 Abrasion evaluation method A - octants

The initial wear point (IP) is that point at which the first clearly recognizable wear-through of the décor
layer appears and the sub-layer becomes exposed in 6 out of 8 octants. The initial wear point is reached
when there are areas of at least 1,00 mm2 wear-through in 5 octants and an area of 1,00 mm2 wear-

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ISO 24338:2022


through becomes visible in a sixth octant. The sub-layer for printed décor paper is the background on
which the pattern is printed. For plain colours, it is the first layer of different colour. For assessment,
Figure 7 can be used.

a)   Insufficient test: Wear- b)   Correct test: Wear-through c)   Excessive test: Wear-

through with an area of at least of more than 1,00 mm2 is not through has passed beyond the
1,00 mm2 is only evident in obtained in octants 4 and 5 initial wear point
octant 6 and 7

Figure 7 — Assessment of initial point

6.6 Expression of results

Calculate the average of the IP-values obtained from the three test specimens to the nearest 100
revolutions.

6.7 Test report

The test report shall include the following information:
a) a reference to this document (ISO 24338) and the used abrasion method (i.e. method A);
b) the name and type of product;
c) the average initial point, in revolutions, of the three samples rounded to the nearest 100 cycles;
d) any deviation from the specified procedure;
e) the date of the test.

7 Procedure of method B

7.1 General
A specified loose abrasive is fed continuously on to the face of the test piece, in the track of the loaded
wheels. As the specimen rotates the rub/wear action of the wheels and abrasive grit causes abrasion on
the test piece. After passing under both wheels, the loose abrasive is removed by a vacuum.

7.2 Maintenance of the abrading wheels

The abrading wheels can be used as long as the specifications described in 4.2.4 are complied with.
When they are not, the wheels shall be removed, and replacement shall be carried out.

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 ISO 24338:2022


7.3 Operation of the abrader

7.3.1 To start the wear test:

— fix the test piece on the specimen holder;

— position the vacuum cleaning nozzle, start the vacuum described in 4.2.2;
— position the bottom opening of the grit feeder described in 4.2;
— set the revolution counter to zero;
— lower the abrading wheels to the surface of the test piece;
— open the grit feeder, with the rate of grit flow calibrated as per 7.4.1;
— start rotation of the test piece.

7.3.2 To halt the wear test:

— stop rotation of the test piece;

— close the grit feeder;
— stop the vacuum;
— raise the abrading wheels;
— record the number of revolutions.

7.4 Calibration

7.4.1 Rate of grit flow

Before each test, calibrate the grit flow from the grit feeder by means of:
— the container specified in 4.2.6,
— a stopwatch as specified in 4.2.5,
— weighing equipment as specified in 4.3.1.
The grit flow shall last for (60 ± 1) s.
Collect and weigh the quantity of grit that flowed from the grit feeder. Be certain to subtract the mass of
the container from this measurement.
The grit feeder is properly calibrated if the measured mass is (21 ± 3) g.
This calibration shall be repeated after each test specimen or 5 000 revolutions or each break that lasts
longer than 30 min.

7.4.2 Abrading capacity

For every new package of abrading material, the abrading capacity shall be checked. Start a wear test
in accordance with the procedure defined in 7.3, the test piece being replaced by the calibration plate
specified in 4.2.7.
Wipe clean the calibration plate with a soft cloth that has been dampened with an antistatic spray.
Measure the initial mass of the calibration plate, and then secure the calibration plate to the
specimen holder.

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ISO 24338:2022


Operate the abrader for 2 000 revolutions. Replenish the abrading material as necessary.
Determine the difference between the initial mass of the calibration plate and the mass after 2 000
revolutions.
Repeat the test two additional times with an untested side of a calibration plate (each side of the plate
can be used only one time).
Calculate the average of the three mass loss measurements in mg.
The result is acceptable if:
— the average loss of mass is (145 ± 20) mg;
— no individual measurement is beyond the range (145 ± 25) mg.
Calculate the calibration factor. The calibration factor is equal to the average of mass loss (in g)
divided by 0,145 g.

7.5 Abrasion of test specimen

Prior to the wear test, condition the three test specimens as specified in 6.2.
Run the abrader as specified in 7.3 until wear-through has occurred. Using the transparent template
(4.2.8), wear through occurs when the test specimen shows:
— wear in 12 sectors of 16 and
— wear at least in 1 sector per quadrant (see Figure 8).
Inspect the test piece after every 200 revolutions. When the test nears its end, inspect after every 100
revolutions.
At specimens with a joint, wear-through within 10 mm of the centre joint shall be disregarded.

a)   Insufficient wear b)   Ideal wear c)   Excessive wear

Figure 8 — Assessment of initial point

7.6 Expression of results

For each specimen tested, multiply the number of total revolutions with the calibration factor
determined in 7.4.2 to obtain corrected single test values.
Calculate the average of corrected single test values for the three test specimens. Round the number of
revolutions to the nearest hundred and report the result as abrasion resistance.

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7.7 Test report

The test report shall include the following information:
a) a reference to this document (ISO 24338) and the used method (i.e. method B);
b) the name and type of product;
c) the result of abrasion resistance, corrected single values and calibration factor;
d) any deviation from the specified procedure; and
e) the date of the test.

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ISO 24338:2022


Annex A
(normative)

Calibration and maintenance of abrasion equipment

A.1 General
This annex gives an example of a procedure for calibration and maintenance of equipment used for
abrasion resistance testing. This information has been developed for specific equipment. Other
manufacturers of similar equipment may have other calibration procedures and methods.
The procedures outlined below do not necessarily address all potential sources of variance. The
schedule for use of described procedures has not been established. Good laboratory practice and
experience will indicate required intervals in each laboratory.
Improper alignment of the abrasive wheels can lead to each wheel abrading a different path from its
complementary wheel across the sample as well as the wheels on other machines. Path surface area can
differ by as much as 20 % and the area abraded by both wheels on a sample could be less than 50 % of
the total abraded area for that sample, hence the source of potential error.
Three parts have been identified as potential sources of error. Each is addressed separately; however,
each is dependent upon the other. The first is bearing wear (looseness), the second is shaft wear and the
third is alignment of the arms. They are addressed without any order of priority below.

A.2 Apparatus
A.2.1 Calibration block
A block preferably of steel measuring (77,9 mm x 77,9 mm x 25 mm) with a hole drilled and threaded
with Unified National Fine (UNF) ¼ inch in the centre (38,95 mm ± 0,02 mm) of the (77,9 mm x 77,9 mm)
face such that the block can be threaded onto the holder disc of the abrader. All edges shall be made
with a radius of 1 mm.

A.2.2 Feeler gauges

Feeler gauges of various thickness.

A.2.3 Shim washers

Shim washers of various thickness ranging from 0,05 mm and up shall be used. The inside diameter
shall be 8 mm and the outside diameter shall be 13 mm.

A.3 Procedure
A.3.1 Bearing wear
Examine each arm of the abrader visually and by hand for any bearing wear. Specific areas to examine
are the pivot areas of the abrader arm and the shaft on which the wheel revolve. This includes but is not
limited to any sideways, twisting, or other motion outside the specific rotation of the arm or the shaft.
Any movement noted other than the pivoting of the arm or shaft requires that further examination be
made to determine the cause of the excess movement.
Specific repairs shall be completed before attempting subsequent steps of the procedure.

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A.3.2 Shaft wear

In certain instances, the shaft for the abrader wheel may slide end to end. This movement shall be
eliminated by placing shim washers of appropriate thickness between the bearing face and the shaft
keeper ring on the end of the shaft opposite the abrader wheel mounting. This can be measured using
the feeler gauges to measure the gap prior to disassembly and the appropriate thickness of shim
washers placed on the shaft.

A.3.3 Alignment

A.3.3.1 The following procedure shall be used:

a) Remove the rubber wheels from their respective shaft mounting and set aside. Remove the rubber
mat on the sample table (if used).
b) Attach the calibration block (Figure A.2) to the table by the threaded mount.
c) Gently lower the arms with the exposed shaft ends onto the block. Rotate the block to square the
block with the shaft face of each arm. The face of each shaft shall squarely meet the adjacent face of
the calibration block without force and without any gap. If the arm does not seat squarely onto the
block or leaves a gap between the face and block then that arm shall be aligned.
d) If the alignment does not allow the wheel shaft to rest against the shaft hub and face, the arm shall
be moved away from the block by loosening the two set screws on the top of the machine toward
the back that holds the shaft on which the arm pivots and moving the entire arm assembly away
from the block enough so that the shaft face and hub rest squarely against the calibration block (5).
Retighten the set screws and recheck.
e) If the alignment leaves a gap between the shaft hub/face and the calibration block (5), the arm shall
be moved toward the block by loosening the two set screws on the top of the machine toward the
back that holds the shaft on which the arm pivots and moving the entire arm assembly towards
the block enough so that the shaft face and hub rest squarely against the calibration block (5).
Retighten the set screws and recheck.

A.3.3.2 In the case of a dual head abrader, the alignment is more complex due to the common mount
utilized by the shaft holding the interior arms for each side of the abrader. In the case of a dual head
abrader, the following order of alignment adjustments is made (see Figure A.1).

a) Remove rubber wheels and table mats from both heads and attach the calibration block (5) to the
left head (6).
b) Check Arm 1 for correct alignment. If adjustment is required loosen SS1 and SS2 and move the arm
assembly in or out to squarely align the shaft face/hub to the calibration block (5). Retighten the
set screws and recheck.
c) Check Arm 2 for correct alignment. If adjustment is required loosen SS3, SS4 and SS5 and move the
arm assembly in or out to squarely align the shaft face/hub to the calibration block (5). Retighten
the set screws SS3 and SS4 and recheck.
d) Remove the calibration block (5) from the left head (6) and attach to the right head (7).
e) Check Arm 3 for correct alignment. SS5 is loose. Seat the shaft beneath SS5 fully to the left and
check the Arm 3 alignment. If the shaft face/hub is too tight to the calibration block 5), shims shall
be removed from Arm 3 assembly at the point the shaft seats into the arm at point X. Part the
assembly by moving the Arm 3 and shaft under SS5 fully to the right and remove the shims as
needed to squarely place the shaft face/hub against the calibration block (5). Retighten the set
screw SS5 and recheck. If the shaft face/hub is loose against the calibration block (5), shims shall
be added to the Arm 3 at the point the shaft seats into the arm at point X. Measure the gap between
the block and the shaft face/hub with the feeler gauge to determine the thickness of shim washers
to add. Part the assembly by moving the Arm 3 and shaft under SS5 fully to the right and add the

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ISO 24338:2022


shims as needed to squarely place the shaft face/hub against the calibration block (5). Retighten
the set screw SS5 and recheck.
f) Check Arm 4 for correct alignment. If adjustment is required loosen SS6 and SS7 and move the arm
assembly in or out to squarely align the shaft face/hub to the calibration block (5). Retighten the
set screws and recheck.

Key
SS1 to SS7 set of screws
X point ‘X’
1 arm 1
2 arm 2
3 arm 3
4 arm 4
5 calibration block
6 left head
7 right head

Figure A.1 — Dual head abrader with calibration block and identification points

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Figure A.2 — Calibration block with arms correctly aligned

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ISO 24338:2022


Annex B
(normative)

Measurement of shore A hardness

For Shore A test measurements, the apparatus used shall be a Shore type A durometer instrument 7)
with a 12,7 mm presser foot diameter, an operating stand with a mechanically controlled rate of
descent, and a 1 kg mass centered on the axis of the indenter.
The wheel to be tested shall be firmly located with its major axis horizontal and with the area in which
the hardness is to be measured uppermost and positioned directly under the durometer indenter by
means of a fixture or V-block (Figure B.1).
The hardness measurements shall be taken vertically on the apex of the wheel with the indenter normal
to the wheel tread surface and in the middle of the wheel tread. The presser foot shall be applied to the
wheel tread at a controlled rate of descent, without shock until the full force of the 1 kg mass is applied
to the wheel tread surface. The reading shall be taken 5 s after the presser foot is in firm contact with
the wheel surface.
Four points shall be measured at equally spaced intervals around the diameter of the wheel and the
average of these measurements shall be calculated for wheel hardness.

a)   Sideways b)   Front side

Figure B.1 — Example for a suitable measurement setup

7) OS-operating stand is the trade name of a product supplied by Rex Gauge Company. This information is given
for the convenience of users of this document and does not constitute an endorsement by ISO of the product named.
Equivalent products may be used if they can be shown to lead to the same results.

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Bibliography

[1] ISO 4545‑4, Metallic materials — Knoop hardness test — Part 4: Table of hardness values
[2] EN 15354, Wood-based panels — Wood veneer floor coverings
[3] ASTM F 510, Standard test method for resistance to abrasion of resilient floor covering using an
abrader with a grit feed method
[4] NALFA LF-01. Laminate flooring specifications and test methods, section 3.7 Wear resistance

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