Tiles Testing Method

Thickness Measurement

Standard Reference: ISO 10545-2 / EN 10545-2 / IS 15622

Purpose:

To ensure the tile's body thickness is consistent across the batch and within declared tolerances. Consistent thickness is essential for level flooring and proper adhesive application during installation.

Testing Method Overview:

Testing Equipment Used:

• Digital Vernier Caliper - for precise mm-level measurement
• Micrometer - for higher-accuracy slabs or pavers
• Reference Thickness Tile - used for comparison during factory production

Rectangularity / Diagonal Check

Standard Reference: ISO 10545-2 / EN 10545-2 / IS 15622

Purpose:

To verify that all corners of the tile form 90° angles and the shape is truly rectangular or square. Poor rectangularity leads to visible joint misalignment during installation, especially in grid or offset layouts.

Testing Method Overview:

Testing Equipment Used:

• Digital Caliper (for small and medium tiles)
• Measuring Tape or Steel Scale (for larger tiles)
• L-Square Tool / Right-Angle Ruler – to visually confirm 90° angle

Breaking Strength

Standard Reference: ISO 10545-4 / ASTM C648 / IS 15622

Purpose:

To measure how much load a tile can bear before it breaks. This test ensures tiles won’t crack under foot traffic, furniture, or point loads — especially important for floor tiles, step tiles, and pavers.

Test Method (General Overview):

• A tile is placed on two support rollers spaced at a fixed distance.
• A mechanical press applies load from the top at the center.
• The pressure is increased until the tile breaks.
• The load (in Newtons) at which the tile fractures is recorded as the breaking strength.

Equipment Used:

• Breaking Strength Machine / Tile Flexural Test Bench
• Load Sensor with Digital Display
• Support Rollers (as per tile size)

Typical Standards:

• Porcelain Tiles (BIa): ≥1300 N
• Wall Tiles (BIII): ≥600 N
• 20mm Pavers: ≥10,000 N

Modulus of Rupture (MOR)

Standard Reference: ISO 10545-4 / ASTM C674 / IS 15622

Purpose:

To evaluate the flexural strength of a tile — how much force it can withstand before cracking or snapping under bending pressure. This test reflects the tile's structural durability and resistance to load over time.

Test Method (Overview):

• A tile is supported on two rollers underneath.
• A controlled load is applied at the center top (three-point bending test).
• The force is increased until the tile fails or cracks.
• The result is expressed in N/mm² (Newton per square millimeter) as the modulus of rupture.

Equipment Used:

• Flexural Testing Machine (3-point bending rig)
• Digital Force Gauge
• Tile Support Rollers (spacing adjusted by tile length)

Typical Standards:

• Porcelain Tiles (BIa): ≥35 N/mm²
• Ceramic Floor Tiles (BIIa): ≥25 N/mm²
• Wall Tiles (BIII): ≥15 N/mm²

Deep Abrasion Resistance

Standard Reference: ISO 10545-6 / EN 10545-6 / IS 15622

Purpose:

To determine how much material wears away from the tile surface when subjected to repeated abrasion. This test is essential for unglazed porcelain and full body tiles used in high-traffic commercial or industrial areas.

Test Method (Overview):

• A circular area of the tile is continuously abraded using a steel disc and abrasive material (aluminum oxide grains).
• After a set number of revolutions, the volume of material removed from the tile surface is measured.
• The result is given in mm³ (cubic millimeters) of wear volume.

Equipment Used:

• Abrasive Wear Testing Machine (ISO 10545-6 compliant)
• Steel grinding disc
• Abrasive powder (Al₂O₃ grains)
• Profilometer / Measuring Device for volume loss

Acceptable Values:

• Unglazed / Full Body Porcelain:
  • Maximum wear volume: ≤175 mm³ (for Group BIa)
• Lower values mean higher resistance to wear

Surface Abrasion Resistance (PEI Rating)

Standard Reference: ISO 10545-7 / ASTM C1027 / EN 154

Purpose:

To determine how well a glazed tile surface resists visible wear and scratching from repeated foot traffic. This test helps classify tiles into PEI Classes based on usage suitability

Test Method (Overview):

• A set of tiles is subjected to rotating steel balls, abrasive powder, and water in a special chamber.
• After a defined number of revolutions, the tile is cleaned and visually inspected for wear marks.
• The process continues in cycles until visible damage occurs.

Equipment Used:

• Abrasion Testing Machine (rotary abrasion tester)
• Steel Ball Abrasive Media
• Abrasive Powder + Water Mixture
• Light Box / Visual Evaluation Board

PEI Rating Classification:

Scratch Resistance (Mohs Hardness Test)

Standard Reference: ASTM C1895 / EN 101 / ISO 15184 (adapted for tiles)

Purpose:

To evaluate the tile surface’s resistance to scratches caused by objects of varying hardness. This is important in areas exposed to shoes, furniture, sand, or metal movement

Test Method (Overview):

• A tile surface is scratched manually or using a tool kit containing 10 minerals or pencils, ranked from Mohs 1 (talc) to Mohs 10 (diamond).
• Each hardness point is applied to the tile surface
• The hardness level at which visible scratches appear is recorded as the tile’s Mohs hardness rating.

Equipment Used:

• Mohs Hardness Pick Set or Mineral Kit
• Inspection Lens / Microscope
• Tile Sample (dry, clean, flat surface)

General Hardness Scale (for Tiles)

Water Absorption

Standard Reference: ISO 10545-3 / ASTM C373 / EN 10545-3 / IS 13630

Purpose:

To measure how much water a tile absorbs by weight, which determines its density, porosity, and classification (e.g., porcelain vs ceramic). Lower absorption means higher durability, frost resistance, and suitability for wet/outdoor areas

Test Method (Overview):

• 1. Tile Drying : The tile sample is first dried in an oven at 110°C for 24 hours and weighed. This is the dry weight (Wd).
• 2. Boiling in Water :The tile is then boiled in distilled water for 2 hours, and soaked for an additional 24 hours at room temperature.
• 3. Tile Weighing (Wet) :The tile is removed, surface water is wiped off, and the tile is weighed again. This is the wet weight (Ww).
• 4. 4. Calculation :\text{Water Absorption %} = \left( \frac{Ww - Wd}{Wd} \right) \times 100 .

Equipment Used:

• Drying Oven (110°C ±5°C)
• Boiling Vessel (with timer)
• Analytical Balance (accuracy up to 0.01 g)
• Desiccator (for controlled cooling)

Classification by Water Absorption

Thermal Shock Resistance

Standard Reference: ISO 10545-9 / EN 10545-9 / IS 13630-9

Purpose:

To check whether a tile can withstand rapid temperature changes without developing surface cracks, glaze damage, or structural failure. This is important for tiles used in kitchens, exteriors, or near heat sources.

Test Method (Overview):

• 1. Sample Preparation : Several tiles are selected and visually examined before the test to ensure they’re defect-free.
• 2. Thermal Cycling:Each tile is repeatedly heated to 145°C ±5°C and then immersed in cold water at 15–20°C.
  • Usually 10 cycles are performed (1 cycle = heat + cool).
• 3. Post-Test Evaluation : After cooling, tiles are dried and visually inspected under strong light for signs of:
  • Surface cracks
  • Glaze peeling
  • Delamination or crazing

Equipment Used:

• High-temperature Oven (145°C ±5°C)
• Water Tank for Immersion
• Tongs / Rack for safe handling
• Inspection Light (white background preferred)

Passing Criteria :

• No visible defects such as cracks, glaze damage, or changes in surface appearance after testing.
• Commonly applied to :
  • Glazed Porcelain Tiles (BIa)
  • Large Format Slabs
  • Facade & Kitchen Tiles

Frost Resistance

Standard Reference: ISO 10545-12 / ASTM C1026 / EN 10545-12 / IS 13630-12

Purpose:

To verify that a tile can withstand freeze-thaw cycles without cracking, delaminating, or losing strength. This is critical for tiles used in cold or exterior environments, such as balconies, parking, and facades.

Test Method (Overview):

• 1. Water Saturation: : Tiles are completely soaked in water for 24 hours to simulate full moisture absorption.
• 2. Freeze-Thaw Cycling :The soaked tiles are then subjected to repeated cycles of:
  • Freezing at –5°C to –15°C
  • Thawing in water at +15°C to +20°C
  • Typically 50 cycles are performed
• 3. Visual & Structural Check : After the final cycle, tiles are inspected for :
  • Surface cracks
  • Edge or corner damage
  • Glaze defects
  • Strength loss (optional MOR recheck)

Equipment Used:

• Controlled Freeze-Thaw Chamber
• Water Bath / Immersion Tank
• Inspection Light & Magnifier
• Optional: Modulus of Rupture Machine (for post-test strength)

Passing Criteria :

• No visible cracks or disintegration
• No flaking of glaze or surface finish
• No loss in mechanical properties (if retested)

Recommended For :

• Porcelain Tiles (BIa)
• Porcelain Pavers (20mm)
• Slabs used on facades or outdoor installations

Stain Resistance

Standard Reference: ISO 10545-14 / ASTM C1378 / IS 13630-14

Purpose:

To evaluate how easily common stains (like ink, oil, coffee, or pencil) can be removed from the tile surface. It is critical for areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, commercial floors, and walls where cleanability is essential.

Test Method (Overview):

• 1. Staining Agents Applied : Test liquids (e.g., iodine, marker ink, oil, coffee) are applied to the tile surface and left for 24 hours.
• 2. Cleaning Procedure :The stains are removed step-by-step using :
  • Warm water
  • Mild detergent
  • Solvent (acetone or ethanol)
  • Scouring pad (if needed)
• 3. Visual Rating : After each cleaning step, the tile is visually inspected. A stain that disappears in early steps is considered higher resistance.

Equipment Used:

• Staining Substances (as per standard)
• Stopwatch / Timer
• Cleaning agents (soap, solvents)
• White cloth / cotton pads
• Light box or clean background for final inspection

Stain Resistance Classification

Class	Cleaning Step Required	Performance
Class 5	Removed with hot water only	Excellent stain resistance
Class 4	Removed with detergent	Very good
Class 3	Requires solvent	Acceptable for residential
Class 2	Requires abrasive cleaning	Poor performance
Class 1	Stain remains	Unacceptable

• Class 4 or 5 is preferred for kitchen, dining, hotel, and public use tiles.

Chemical Resistance

Standard Reference: ISO 10545-13 / ASTM C650 / IS 13630-13

Purpose:

To assess how well a tile surface can resist damage, discoloration, or degradation when exposed to household or industrial chemicals. This is important in settings where cleaning agents, acids, or alkalis are frequently used.

Test Method (Overview):

• 1. Sample Preparation : Clean tiles are selected and marked into different test zones.
• 2. Chemical Application :Common test agents are applied to the tile surface, including :
  • Hydrochloric acid (3%)
  • Citric acid (100 g/L)
  • Sodium hypochlorite (3%)
  • Ammonium chloride (100 g/L)
  • Household cleaning agents (detergents, bleach)
• 3. Exposure Time : Chemicals are left on the tile surface for 24 hours under controlled temperature (20–25°C)
• 4. Cleaning & Inspection : After exposure, the tile is cleaned and visually inspected for :
  • Color change
  • Gloss reduction
  • Surface dulling
  • Etching or reaction marks

Equipment Used:

• Standard chemical solutions
• Glass pipettes or droppers
• Timer / stopwatch
• Soft cleaning cloths
• Inspection light box

Performance Classification

Class	Result After Cleaning	Suitability
Class A	No change (gloss, color, texture intact)	Excellent chemical resistance
Class B	Slight visual change, no structural damage	Acceptable for domestic use
Class C	Noticeable damage or reaction	Not recommended

• Class A is required for glazed porcelain, kitchens, laboratories, and hospital-grade tiles.

Crazing Resistance

Standard Reference: ISO 10545-11 / ASTM C424 / IS 13630-11

Purpose:

To determine whether a tile’s glazed surface is prone to microcracks (crazing) under thermal or moisture stress. Crazing appears as fine surface cracks in the glaze and affects both aesthetics and hygiene.

Test Method (Overview):

• 1. Sample Preparation : Glazed tiles are selected, cleaned, and dried before testing.
• 2. Autoclave Exposure :Tiles are placed in an autoclave chamber, where they undergo steam pressure of 1.4 to 3.0 bar at 120–130°C for a set period (usually 1.5 to 5 hours).
• 3. Visual Inspection : After cooling, tiles are examined under strong light or ink penetration to check for :
  • Hairline cracks
  • Glaze disruptions
  • Spread of invisible crazing

Equipment Used:

• Autoclave (Steam Pressure Chamber)
• Magnifying Lens or Staining Ink
• Inspection Light / White Background Board
• Cleaning solvents (optional)

Result Classification

Result	Interpretation
Pass	No visible or ink-penetrated cracks
Fail	Crazing or visible hairline cracks present

• Crazing is mostly a glaze issue, not a body defect. It may develop over time if tiles are not tested or fired correctly.

Applicable To :

• Glossy ceramic wall tiles (BIII)
• White body tiles
• Decorative tiles (3D, metallic, embossed)

Slip Resistance (R-rating & DCOF)

Standard Reference:

• DIN 51130 / DIN 51097 (R Rating – Germany/Europe)
• ANSI A326.3 (DCOF – USA)
• EN 14231 / ISO 10545-17 (Surface Roughness)

Purpose:

To measure a tile's grip or anti-slip performance when walked upon in dry or wet conditions. This is essential for safety in areas like bathrooms, pool decks, commercial kitchens, exteriors, and ramps.

Test Method 1: R-Rating (Ramp Test – DIN 51130) :

• A test subject walks on a ramp coated with oil and test tiles, wearing standard footwear
• The ramp is slowly inclined until the subject slips
• The angle at which slipping occurs determines the R-value.

R Rating	Inclination Angle	Slip Resistance	Typical Use
R9	6–10°	Low	Dry indoor floors
R10	10–19°	Moderate	Kitchens, living areas
R11	19–27°	Good	Bathrooms, balconies, light outdoor
R12–R13	27–35°+	High / Very High	Ramps, public stairs, parking, industry

Test Method 2: DCOF (Dynamic Coefficient of Friction – ANSI A326.3) :

• A BOT-3000E machine moves across the tile surface with a rubber slider and water.
• It calculates the coefficient of friction as the tile slides.
• This test simulates real-world walking on wet surfaces.

DCOF Value	Interpretation
≥ 0.42	Suitable for wet interior floors
< 0.42	Only for dry floors or wall use

Equipment Used:

• For R-rating
  • Ramp with oil application
  • Standard test boots
  • Operator subject
• For DCOF
  • BOT-3000E machine
  • Rubber slider
  • Water or standard detergent solution

Recommended Applications

• R11 / DCOF ≥ 0.42 : Bathrooms, balconies, hotel lobbies.
• R12 / R13 : Ramps, pool decks, commercial kitchens.
• R9–R10 : Dry interiors, showrooms, bedrooms.

• Slip resistance is critical for safety compliance in both residential and commercial spaces. It should be verified during pre-shipment inspections for floor-use tiles.

Applicable To :

• Glossy ceramic wall tiles (BIII)
• White body tiles
• Decorative tiles (3D, metallic, embossed)

Gloss Value

Standard Reference:ISO 2813 / ASTM D523 (adapted for tiles)

Purpose:

To measure the shininess or reflectivity of a tile’s surface using Gloss Units (GU). This test helps ensure consistent polish quality and aesthetic appearance — especially important in premium floor tiles and slabs.

Test Method (Overview) :

• 1. Sample Preparation : The polished tile is cleaned and dried before testing. No dust or fingerprints should be present.
• 2. Measurement : A Gloss Meter is placed on the surface at a fixed angle (usually 60°). It projects light and measures the amount of reflected light from the surface.
• 3. Result Interpretation : The reading is expressed in Gloss Units (GU). Multiple points across the tile are tested to ensure uniformity.

Equipment Used:

• Gloss Meter (60° angle) – Portable device with digital display
• Calibration Tile (high-gloss black tile)
• Soft cloth for cleaning before test

Gloss Value Ranges

Finish Type	Typical Gloss Value (GU)	Remarks
PGVT / Polished Porcelain	≥ 90 GU	High-gloss premium finish
Semi-Polished / Lapatto	60–85 GU	Satin / subtle shine
Matte Finish	< 20 GU	Non-reflective, for anti-slip zones

• Uniform gloss value ensures visual harmony across multiple tiles during laying. Inconsistent gloss levels may indicate polishing defects.

Color Fastness to Light

Standard Reference:ISO 105-B02 / ASTM F1515 / EN 20105-B02

Purpose:

To evaluate how well a tile resists fading or discoloration when exposed to light — especially UV radiation. This test is crucial for facades, balconies, terraces, and interiors with high daylight exposure.

Test Method (Overview) :

• 1. Sample Preparation : A tile sample is half-covered with an opaque mask, while the other half remains exposed.
• 2. Light Exposure : The sample is placed in a xenon arc light chamber or under a UV lamp for a set duration (e.g., 24 to 72 hours) to simulate prolonged sun exposure.
• 3. Result Evaluation : After exposure, the covered and exposed parts are compared for :
  • Color change
  • Fading
  • Gloss variation

  Evaluation is done using the Blue Wool Scale or Gray Scale for Color Change.

  Equipment Used:

  • Xenon Arc Weathering Tester or UV Lamp
  • Light Fastness Blue Scale (Grades 1–8)
  • Color Comparator / Lightbox
  • Masking Materials for half-coverage

  Color Fastness Ratings

  Grade	Interpretation	Application Suitability
  Grade 8	Excellent – No color change	Outdoor facades, sunny interiors
  Grade 6–7	Very good – minimal fade	High-exposure areas (terraces, balconies)
  Grade 4–5	Moderate resistance	Standard indoor use
  Below 3	Not suitable	Avoid in exposed areas

  • Higher ratings = better fade resistance. Glazed and digitally printed tiles are most affected if not properly UV-treated

Surface Quality Inspection (Visual Defect Check)

Standard Reference: ISO 10545-2 (Section: Surface Quality) / EN 14411 Annex G / IS 15622

Purpose:

To ensure that at least 95% of the tiles in a batch are visually free from manufacturing defects. This includes issues like pinholes, glaze marks, edge chips, printing misalignment, and color inconsistencies.

Inspection Method (Overview):

• 1. Sample Layout: Tiles from different boxes are laid flat under uniform daylight or white inspection lights.
• 2. Observation: Each tile is carefully checked from different angles (top view and side) for:
  • Surface finish flaws (pinholes, bubbles, fish scales)
  • Design or digital print errors
  • Color or shade inconsistencies
  • Glaze variation, cloudy patches, or overglaze
  • Edge chipping or corner cracks
  • Improper cutting or bevels
• 3. Counting Defects: The number of defective tiles is recorded and compared with the total ISO acceptance limit (usually ≤5%).

Tools Used for Visual QC:

• White LED inspection lights (5500–6000 K)
• Soft gloves for handling tiles
• Chalk marker (for marking minor defects)
• Inspection table or flat surface
• Digital camera (for documentation)

Typical Surface Defects Found:

Defect Type	Description
Pinholes	Tiny holes or bubbles in glaze
Design Shift	Misalignment of print or pattern
Shade Variation	Color inconsistency across tiles
Glaze Marks	Streaks, drip lines, cloudy finish
Edge Chipping	Visible chip along any of the 4 tile edges
Hairline Cracks	Micro cracks on glaze or body (especially near corners)
Uneven Surface	Wavy or sunken tile face (especially in large sizes)

• Tiles that fail this test are either classified as Grade B or rejected outright.

Box Label & Packaging Checks

Standard Reference: Industry Best Practices / AQL Packaging Guidelines

Purpose:

To verify that each tile box and pallet is accurately labeled, properly sealed, and safely packed. This ensures the product can be identified, traced, handled, and transported without damage or confusion.

Inspection Method (Overview):

1. Box Label Verification

Each box label must be checked to confirm it matches the purchase order and customer requirement. Key label elements include:

Label Detail	What It Should Include
Design / Collection Name	Matches sample or PO
Size & Quantity	Clearly stated (e.g., 600×600mm, 4 pcs/box)
Batch / Shade No.	Used to group tiles with consistent appearance
Date / Shift / Factory Code	Traceability to production lot
Brand Logo / OEM Name	For private label or export clients
Box Numbering (optional)	For sequence loading / project mapping

2. Box Sealing & Quality Check

• Carton should be properly sealed with strong tape
• No open flaps, crushing, or torn corners
• Check for uniform carton quality (thickness, printing, moisture resistance)
• For slabs or heavy tiles: verify wooden crate quality and strapping

3. Pallet / Crate Loading Verification

Packing Criteria	Inspection Focus
Pallet wrapping	Fully wrapped with plastic or film wrap
Corner protection	Foam, cardboard, or plastic protectors
Box alignment	Proper stacking, no tilting
Pallet labeling	Label on all visible sides (same as box)
Loading pattern (container)	Heavy tiles at bottom, balanced stacking

Tools Used for Packaging QC:

• Visual checklist / PO copy
• Barcode or label scanner (if used)
• Tape strength & seal inspection
• Camera (for packaging documentation)

• Proper labeling and packing reduce errors in delivery, customs delays, and client complaints due to mismatch or breakage.