Hygienic & easy to clean
May, 2022
TRANSPRESS
Forbo Flooring Systems’ flocked floor covering are ideal for use on passenger rail vehicles as they are durable, comfortable underfoot as well as easy to clean and maintain.
Choosing floor coverings can be a complex decision for rail designers. Many factors are to be considered, such as fire and toxicity ratings, sustainability, design aesthetics, comfort, durability, sound absorption, slip resistance, cleaning and maintenance.
Flotex FR is a unique textile, flocked floor covering, which combines the cleaning and durability features of resilient flooring with the comfort, slip resistance and acoustic properties usually associated with textiles. It meets the European safety standard EN44454-2: HL2.
Unlike most textiles, Flotex FR can be easily cleaned and maintained using standard cleaning equipment and its impervious backing also makes it suitable for wet cleaning. Flotex FR is durable due to its dense surface pile and can be cleaned down to its base due to its upright nylon fibres and impermeable PVC backing. Having been awarded the prestigious Allergy UK Seal of Approval, Flotex FR is also proven to reduce allergens, improving indoor air quality for passengers.
A recent Cleaning Research International study compared the cleanability of a flocked pile floor covering with both a loop pile and a cut pile carpet. Identically sized samples of each type of floor covering were conditioned, weighed and then dirtied using 10 grams of standard soil. They were then reconditioned and reweighed before being vacuumed with an upright vacuum cleaner fit with a brush, a spray extraction nozzle
and a contra-rotating brush cleaner. At each stage, the samples were dried, reconditioned and weighed to determine how much soil had been removed. The results clearly demonstrated the superior cleanability of the flocked floor covering, showing that a 77.7 per cent mean of soil was removed after the use of a contra-rotating brush cleaner. This meant it had the least amount of soil remaining after each cycle.
Rail operators will need to vary the method and frequency of cleaning processes for Flotex FR depending on the area of use onboard the train, the volume and rate of foot traffic, and the type of soiling being brought inside. Whether it’s water-soluble stains such as coffee, ketchup, coca cola, wine, etc… or greasy stains like butter, engine oil or permanent marker, all can be removed easily from Flotex FR flocked flooring. Flotex FR can save you time and cut your cleaning costs as it is easy to clean, quick-drying and typically needs less water/chemicals than other textile floor coverings.
The amount of time it takes for a floor covering to dry is also a major concern for operators who are keen to minimise turnaround times. The study also looked specifically at this aspect and tested the drying characteristics of flocked floor coverings alongside six different carpet constructions. Each floor covering was subjected to two passes using an industrial spray extraction machine and the remaining moisture content was measured after various periods of time to establish how long each took to dry. After just two hours, the flocked pile sample was substantially drier than all the other constructions of carpet, with only 0.57 per cent of moisture remaining, and after five hours, the pile was almost completely dry. Other samples still retained significant amounts of moisture.
Flotex FR is however much more than simply a hygienic and cleanable textile flooring. Made from Nylon 6.6 it is an extremely durable and dimensionally stable product that will not only last, but will stay looking good for many years to come. Being lightweight compared to many other flooring materials at approximately 1225gram/m2, it helps reduce overall vehicle weight, thus allowing for running efficiencies. Slip-resistant and offering up to 22 dB impact noise reduction, Flotex FR is a reassuringly safe and sound flooring solution.
With its smooth, velour like surface, Flotex FR is the perfect substrate for printing complex designs and vibrant colourways in high level photographic resolution. There is the Flotex Colour FR collection of 4 semi plain designs, and the Flotex Vision FR collection with over 500 digitally printed references which is best viewed online . In addition, the bespoke design process is available to any designer wanting to create their own unique rail floor covering design or anyone who would like the support of the Flotex Design Team in developing custom designs from initial concepts or at any stage in the design process.
Flotex FR floor coverings are clearly different to any other carpets on the market in terms of cleanability and performance. Factor in the faster drying times, durability, allergy benefits, acoustic and slip resistant properties, wide design options and it is clear to see why this innovative floor covering is popular with rail designers worldwide.