Evaluate them on their manufacturing method. The majority use high-temperature vulcanization. We do not. Ask about their curing process and raw materials. If they don’t mention a multi-day ambient cure and 22-mesh rubber powder, you are not getting a premium, dimensionally stable product.
In my years overseeing production, I’ve learned that the final quality of a product is locked in by the manufacturing process long before it’s ever inspected. For rolled rubber flooring, the industry standard is to heat-press and vulcanize rubber granules quickly. This is fast and cheap, but it introduces internal stresses into the material. The result? A product that can shrink, expand, and have inconsistent density. Our entire process is different. It is built around patience, precision, and chemistry—specifically, a long, ambient-temperature cure followed by a precise planing method. This guide explains our process so you can understand what true quality looks like and ask the right questions to any potential supplier.
Let’s dissect the material science and process control that separate an elite product from a standard one.
What Raw Materials Define a Premium Floor?
Three core components define the final product: the base rubber, the color flecks, and the binder. The key is using 22-mesh powder instead of granules, and EPDM flecks that are density-matched to the powder. This is the only way to achieve a perfectly uniform, smooth, and durable surface.
The "ingredients" are the foundation of quality. Using coarse granules results in a more porous, rougher surface that’s harder to clean and less comfortable underfoot. The real science, however, is in how the components interact. If the EPDM color flecks are not engineered correctly, they will separate during mixing, leading to an ugly, inconsistent finish. We’ve spent years perfecting this balance.
Komponen | Spesifikasi Teknis | Why It’s Superior |
---|---|---|
Base Rubber | 22 Mesh Superfine Powder | Creates a denser, smoother, non-porous surface. Better feel and easier to clean. |
Bintik-bintik Warna | Density-Matched EPDM Particles | Prevents clumping by suspending perfectly within the rubber powder for a uniform look. |
Pengikat | High-Performance Eco-Friendly Polyurethane | Ensures extreme durability (no cracking/shedding) and meets REACH safety standards. |
Before you even discuss the production process, ask a potential supplier to specify the mesh size of their rubber and explain how they guarantee the homogeneity of their EPDM flecks. Their answer will tell you much about their technical depth.
How Does the Manufacturing Method Reveal True Quality?
Our method replaces high-heat vulcanization with a 10-day ambient cure, followed by precision planing. This slow, deliberate process is crucial. It creates a dimensionally stable, stress-free material that won’t warp or shrink after installation. This is the single greatest indicator of quality.
Heat and speed are the enemies of stability. The common high-temperature pressing method forces the material into shape, creating internal stresses. Our method is the opposite. We form the material and then allow it to cure and settle naturally over an extended period. This patience is our most important ingredient and what makes our product fundamentally different and superior.
Precision Mixing and Cylindrical Forming
The process begins by mixing the 22-mesh rubber powder, our proprietary EPDM particles, and the eco-friendly binder in precise, computer-controlled ratios. This mixture is then compressed into a massive, dense cylindrical "log." This initial form is uniform and homogenous, which is critical for the next, most important stage.
The 10-Day Static Cure
This is our key differentiator. Instead of moving to a heat press, the massive rubber cylinder is transported to a dedicated, climate-controlled room. It sits undisturbed for approximately 10 days. During this time, the binder undergoes a complete chemical reaction—a natural, ambient-temperature cure. This allows the polymer chains to cross-link in a relaxed, tension-free state. This process eliminates the internal stresses that cause shrinkage and warping in heat-pressed floors. It is a testament to a production philosophy that prioritizes quality over output speed.
Precision Planing into Rolls
After the 10-day cure, the cylinder is perfectly stable and incredibly dense. It is then mounted on a large-scale planing machine. Controlled by a computer, a precision blade shaves off the flooring in a continuous roll, much like peeling a log into veneer. This method allows us to control the thickness with extreme accuracy, offering any thickness from 1mm to 10mm. It also creates a perfectly smooth and consistent surface that simply cannot be achieved through pressing.
Tahap Proses | Key Control Checkpoint | Consequence of Poor Control (in other methods) |
---|---|---|
Curing Method | 10-Day Ambient Temperature Cure | Heat-pressing creates internal stress, leading to post-installation shrinkage. |
Slicing Method | Precision computer-controlled planing | Pressing can create density variations and an uneven surface. |
Pemeriksaan Akhir | Clean room; check for dimensional and physical properties | Contamination; shipping a product with flaws in hardness or strength. |
When you evaluate a manufacturer, ask them to walk you through their curing and forming process. If it involves a fast, high-temperature press, you are looking at a lower-grade product.
What Verifiable Data and Certifications Are Non-Negotiable?
Do not accept vague claims of "high quality." Demand verifiable, third-party proof. The non-negotiable certifications for any flooring used in a public or commercial space are CE, REACH, and a fire safety classification of at least Cfl-s1. This is about safety and liability.
A professional manufacturer backs up their claims with data. Certifications are not marketing tools; they are proof that a product is safe, non-toxic, and compliant with legal building codes. Selling a product for use in Europe without these is irresponsible and puts the buyer at risk. We test our products rigorously to ensure they not only meet but exceed these standards.
Health and Safety (CE & REACH)
The CE mark signifies that our product meets all EU safety, health, and environmental protection requirements. REACH compliance is even more critical. It is a chemical safety regulation that guarantees our flooring is free from harmful substances like certain phthalates, PAHs, and heavy metals. For any space, especially those used by children, REACH compliance is a must.
Building Code Compliance (Fire & Slip)
Our flooring achieves a Cfl-s1 fire safety classification under EN 13501-1, meaning it is difficult to ignite and produces minimal smoke. This is a mandatory requirement for most commercial building codes. Furthermore, we test for ketahanan slip (typically achieving an R9 or R10 rating), ensuring safety even when the surface is wet with sweat.
Performance and Durability Data
Beyond safety, we test for physical performance. We can provide data on:
- Kekuatan Tarik: The force required to pull the material apart.
- Elongation at Break: How much the material can stretch before breaking.
- Kekerasan (Shore A): The material’s resistance to indentation.
- Sound Improvement: The measured reduction in impact noise, a key feature for gyms.
Certification / Test | Apa yang Dijamin | Why It Matters to You |
---|---|---|
Mencapai Kepatuhan | Free of harmful chemical substances. | Ensures the product is non-toxic and safe for skin contact. |
Keselamatan Kebakaran (EN 13501-1) | Low flammability and smoke production. | Legally required for installation in public and commercial buildings. |
ISO 9001 | Consistent, documented quality management. | Proof that the manufacturer has a reliable and repeatable process. |
Before making a final decision, demand a technical data sheet (TDS) that lists these certifications and physical properties. If a manufacturer cannot provide one, walk away.
Kesimpulan
The quality of rolled rubber flooring is defined by a patient, precise manufacturing process that prioritizes material stability over production speed. Our unique 10-day ambient cure and planing method is the secret to a product that is denser, more uniform, and will not shrink or warp.
Don’t settle for a product with hidden stresses. My team is ready to have a technical discussion about how our unique process benefits your project. Contact us for a detailed quote, a sample of our flooring, or a copy of our technical data sheets and certifications.