Specification

LOCKING PORCELAIN TILE SPECIFICATIONS
1 of 3
PORCELAIN/CERAMIC TEST RESULTS
Daltile has always been proud to support solutions that better our industry. That’s why we’re among the first to join
the Tile Council of North America in testing our products with DCOF AcuTest
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, the current industry standard used to
measure dynamic coecient of friction (DCOF). DCOF AcuTest
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assesses a product’s suitability for the commercial
environment and the specific usability needs of the application.
A Measure of Friction
Friction is the force that resists the sliding motion of one surface against another. Contaminants, such as liquids, can
alter the measurement of friction. There are two types of friction: static (SCOF) and dynamic (DCOF). SCOF is the ratio
of forces necessary to start two surfaces sliding. This is what the former American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM) C1028 static test measured. DCOF is the ratio of forces necessary to keep two surfaces sliding.
Continually Pushing the Envelope
Daltile, in partnership with the Tile Council of North America (TCNA), is proud to endorse the DCOF AcuTest
sm
because
it’s the most accurate method for determining whether or not a product is suitable for a commercial environment.
• Similar to measuring the speed of a car in both mph and kph, friction can also be measured on two scales
(DCOF and SCOF). The newer 0.42 wet (DCOF) has replaced the old reference of 0.60 SCOF wet, which has long
been the benchmark for friction in commercial applications.
• The newer, more stringent DCOF AcuTest
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uses a portable robot that, unlike ASTM C1028, gives realistic values
on very smooth surfaces.
While the industry standard has changed, the quality you can count on from us remains the same.
Water Absorption, ASTM C373
Water absorption is measured using ASTM C373. Individual tiles are weighed, saturated with water, then weighed
again. The percent dierence between the two weights is referred to as the water absorption value. Tiles are classified
according to water absorption percentages as follows:
Impervious Tiles exhibiting 0.5% or less.
Vitreous
Tiles exhibiting more than 0.5%, but not more
than 3.0%.
Semi-Vitreous
Tiles exhibiting more than 3.0%, but not more
than 7.0%.
Non-Vitreous
Tiles exhibiting between 7.0%, but not more
than 20%.
Scratch Hardness – MOHS Scale Ratings
Relative hardness is an important characteristic that should be considered when selecting a tile. The test is performed
by scratching the surface of the tile using metal picks rated for hardness according to the MOHS Mineral Scale. The
softest mineral in the scale is talc with a value rating of “1”; the hardest is a diamond with a value of “10”. Other minerals
of varying hardness provide the MOHS Scale Hardness classification ratings. A value of 5 or more are suitable for most
residential floor applications. A value of 7 or greater is normally recommended for commercial applications.
Breaking Strength Ceramic Tile, ASTM C648
Ceramic tiles used on floors and walls must be able to withstand the expected load-bearing capacity of various
installations. The tile industry uses ASTM C648 to determine the strength and durability of the tile. A force is applied