Overview
ISO 24337:2019 specifies test methods for determining the geometrical characteristics of laminate floor coverings. The standard defines how to measure dimensional variance of manufactured free‑standing elements with respect to thickness, length, width, squareness, straightness, width flatness, length flatness, openings between assembled elements, and height differences between assembled elements. These methods are also applicable to other mechanically assembled panels (for example, modular multilayer floorings). ISO 24337:2019 is the second edition and replaces ISO 24337:2006.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Test specimens and sampling
- Typically five specimens are used for most determinations; eight specimens are required for tests of openings and height differences.
- Specimens should be of declared manufactured size and free from foreign bodies.
- Conditioning
- For type approval/verification, specimens must be stabilized to constant mass at (23 ± 3) °C and (50 ± 5) % RH; measurements are made within 30 minutes after removal.
- Test apparatus
- Micrometers/callipers with defined accuracy (e.g., ±0.05 mm for thickness), squares/straight edges, steel rulers and dedicated flatness apparatus (dial gauges with specified tips and supports).
- A specific instrument is described for measuring thickness of elements with pre‑attached underlay (circular pressure foot, defined diameter and pressure).
- Measurement procedures
- Thickness: multiple points per specimen (corner and mid positions), with procedures for elements both with and without pre‑attached underlay.
- Length/width: measured along defined lines parallel to specimen axes.
- Squareness, straightness, width/length flatness: defined measurement points and apparatus setup to quantify deviations.
- Openings and height differences: assembly of multiple elements and measurement at specified points.
- Reporting
- Calculations and expression of results are specified so that outcomes are comparable and reproducible.
Applications and users
ISO 24337:2019 is intended for:
- Flooring manufacturers for production control and tolerancing of laminate planks.
- Testing laboratories performing conformity testing, type approval, and QA inspections.
- Specifiers, architects and engineers who need validated geometric performance data for product selection.
- Purchasing and quality assurance teams to verify supplier claims and acceptance criteria.
- Installers and system designers who require understanding of panel fit, gaps and height differences that affect installation quality.
Practical uses include product development, manufacturing quality control, compliance testing, and preparing technical specifications or tender documents for laminate floor coverings.
Related standards
- Developed by ISO/TC 219 (Floor coverings). For further context, consult the ISO Online Browsing Platform and other standards covering performance and safety of floor coverings.
