different types of industrial flooring available in the market

1. INDUSTRIAL FLOORING
General term for floors with a wide variety of industrial uses, e.g. in-plant transportation routes,
storage areas, floors in workshops, industrial premises, laboratories and the like. In the broadest
sense industrial floors include all floors which are not used for living purposes or as outdoor
roads.
Requirement of Industrial Flooring
 Customizable slip resistance
 Quick cure / fast turnaround
 Special aesthetics
 Surface repair and floor resurfacing
 Extreme chemical resistance
 Puncture resistance
 Low odour application
 Cold temperature installation
 Thermal shock and steam cleaning resistance
 Waterproofing underlayments
 Moisture vapour control
 Static control
 LEED point contribution
Properties of ideal Industrial Flooring
Chemical exposure- Severity of exposure and types of chemicals are both very important.
Materials differ widely in chemical resistance, making identifying the exposure very important.
Common splash and spills also are far less critical than constant immersion
Abrasion- The amount of wear or traffic a surface will take is an important criterion. Whether
there will be steel-wheeled traffic or rubber-wheeled traffic is critical. Any surface exposed to
steel-wheeled traffic requires special treatment for long-term wear.

2. Impact-Heavy loads and direct impact require a heavier build or thicker floor system.
Thermal Shock- Temperature fluctuation or thermal shock is an important condition that must
be considered. Thermal shock, such as steam cleaning of the floor surface, will cause a loss of
bond from thermal expansion if the floor system is not chosen properly. The coefficient of
expansion of most coating systems is much higher than for concrete and must be carefully
considered when selecting a material.
Types of Industrial Flooring
There are four different kinds of flooring that are often used in industrial settings-
1. Epoxy –Epoxy is a term used to denote both the basic components and the cured end
products of epoxy resins. Epoxy resins, also known as polyepoxides, are a class of reactive
prepolymers and polymers which contain epoxide groups. co-reactants are often referred to
as hardeners or curatives, and the cross-linking reaction is commonly referred to as curing.
Reaction of polyepoxides with themselves or with polyfunctional hardeners forms a
thermosetting polymer, often with high mechanical properties, temperature and chemical
resistance. This is probably one of the most popular choices for industrial spaces because of
its durability. It’s made by combining liquid resin with a hardener so that it solidifies.
Advantages
 Most durable types of flooring available.
 Many industrial spaces have epoxy floors because they can handle large amounts
of traffic and a lot of very heavy weights like machinery.
 In addition, it’s not very slippery and offers a smooth surface without grout lines,
so it’s exceptionally easy to keep clean.
Applications

3. including metal coatings, use in electronics / electrical components, high tension
electrical insulators, fiber reinforced plastic materials and structural adhesive
2. Polished concrete –This type of flooring is perfect for creating a design like adding your
company logo to the floor
Advantages
 It’s also environmentally friendly and extremely durable.
 It resists dust mites, bacteria, stains, spills, and moisture and tends to last longer
than epoxy flooring.
Disadvantages
 The only downside to this type of flooring is how hard it can be on your
employees. You might want some mats in a few places to provide a soft surface so
that your employees don’t become fatigued if they stand for most of the day.
3. Vinyl –A resilient floor covering in sheet or tile form composed of a vinyl plastic binder,
mineral fillers, and pigment.

4. Advantages
 it does resist moisture and comes in a wide variety of colors and patterns.
 It’s also very easy to install and less expensive than other types of industrial
flooring.
Disadvantages
 It also is rather high maintenance compared to other types of flooring,and it can
easily be damaged.
4. Rubber –Rubber flooring is flooring which is made from rubber. There are a number of
different formats for this type of flooring, ranging from rubber tiles which are designed to be
installed as a permanent flooring solution to rubber pads which can be overlaid onto existing
flooring.
Advantages
 This type of industrial flooring is great for areas that receive a lot of foot traffic.
 It’s anti-slip, resists water and fire, and provides a soft, cushioned surface to walk on.
 It’s also very sound and shock absorbent and workers wonderfully as an insulator,
which means that it prevents the loss of heating or cooling, and it’s hypoallergenic.
Disadvantages

5.  Rubber tends to have fewer ideal applications than other types of industrial flooring
and it is easily scratched, requires lot of cleaning
 Expensive: The biggest drawback to rubber flooring is that it can be quite expensive.
 Slippage: Smooth untextured rubber tiles can become rather slippery when water is
present. This effect is even worse if the material has been polished.
 Staining: While rubber flooring is resistant to most staining agents, there are a few
that can discolor its surface.
PLAIN CEMENT CONCRETE
Cement Concrete Flooring
Cement Concrete Flooring is commonly used both in residential as well as public buildings.
The method of laying cement concrete flooring on ground floor of a building can be broadly
divided in the following steps.
(i) Preparation of sub-base:
The earth filling in plinth is consolidated thoroughly so as to ensure that no loose pockets are left
in the whole area. A 10 to 15 cm. thick layer of clean coarse sand is then spread over the whole
area. The sand layer a consolidated and dressed to the required level and slope.
(ii) Laying of base concrete:
The base concrete used under floors may be cement concrete or lime concrete laid to a thickness
varying from 75 to 10 cm. In case of cement concrete, the mix commonly used is 1:5:10 (1
cement: 5 sand : 10 stone or over burnt brick aggregates 40 mm. nominal size). Lime concrete, if
used, should be made up out of 40 mm. nominal size stone/over burnt brick aggregate and 40%
mortar comprising of 1 lime : 2 sand/surkhi or 1 lime : 1 surkhi/ash : 1 sand. The base concrete
layer is deposited over the whole area, thoroughly lamped and levelled to a rough surface.
Cement Concrete Flooring
(iii) Laying the topping:

6. When the base concrete layer has fully set and hardened, its surface is thoroughly cleaned and
the entire area is divided into rectangular or square panels The surface of base concrete should be
made damp and applied with a coat of neat cement slurry prior to laying the topping., The
cement concrete topping, normally consisting of 1:2:4 (1 cement :2 sand : 4 stone aggregate) is
then laid in required thickness in one operation in the panels. The concrete is spread evenly by
using a straight edge and the surface is thoroughly tamped and floated with wooden floates till
the cream of the mortar comes at top. The surface is then smoothened and finally finished by
means of steel trowels. In case glass or plain asbestos strips are not required, the panels are
formed by use of wooden or angle iron battens. Concrete for the topping is then laid in alternate
panels and finished as described above. The battens used for forming panels are removed next
day and the topping concrete laid in the alternate panels.
In case the cement concrete flooring is to be laid over R.C.C. slab, it is usual to allow the slab
concrete to harden and then lay the flooring. Prior to laying, the slab top is cleaned of all dirt,
dust, loose particles, mortar droppings and debris etc. and the flooring laid as described under the
sub-head ‘laying of topping’above.
In order to prevent the tendency of separation of the. cement concrete flooring from the R.C.C.
slab, a 20 mm. thick cushioning layer of lime mortar (1 lime : 2 sand/surkhi or/lime : 1
surkhi/sand) or 50 to 75 mm. thick lime concrete is sometimes provided between the R.C.C. slab
and the cement concrete flooring.
The flooring should be cured for 10 days before use.
Merits of cement concrete flooring:
* It is non-absorbent and thus it is very useful for water stores.
* It is durable and hence it is commonly used in kitchens, bathrooms, schools, hospitals,
drawing rooms etc.
* Cement concrete flooring smooth and pleasing in appearance.
* It is economical and has the advantages of costlier types of floors.
* It possesses good wearing properties and can be easily maintained clean.
Demerits of cement concrete flooring:
* Detects in carelessly made floor cannot be rectified, and as such, it requires proper
attention while lying.
* Cement concrete flooring cannot be satisfactorily repaired by patch work.
GRANOLITHIC FLOORING
Granolithic flooring is nothing but a final coat that are used over a cement concrete floor for
finishing purposes, thus making the surface resistant to wear and tear caused due to abrasion
action. Granolithic concrete is made of cement, sand and specially selected aggregates like basalt

7. or limestone or quartzite.
In granolithic flooring, the grading of aggregates plays an important role. The coarse
aggregates are well graded from 13 mm. It mix is generally in the proportion of 1:1:2 or 1:1:3.
The granolithic concrete should be laid before the base concrete has set. The minimum thickness
of finishing should be 1/2″. After laying the surface is tamped and floated with wooden floats
and finally smoothened by means of steel trowel.
Description
* Granolithic flooring differs from ordinary concrete flooring in that it uses an aggregate,
or mix of materials, instead of single uniform cement. This style of flooring mixes marble
chips directly into the cement. The marble chips give the finished floor a distinctive
“mosaic” look. Grinding the finished floor brings out this effect to varying degrees -- as
the top layer of concrete gives way to a smooth surface of aggregate in either a dull or
glossy finish.
Construction
* The two main installation methods for granolithic flooring are “monolithic” and
“precast.” In monolithic installation, workers pour the aggregate mix into a slab defining
the desired floor area, using a measure of one part marble chips to three parts cement.
This mix must stand for 48 hours before polishing. The workers later add a layer of
protective sealant, treating the surface with an acid solution beforehand to make sure the
sealant adheres properly. These sealants may come in a variety of colors and finishes. In
precast installation, workers simply use tiles of granolithic material formed in advance at
a manufacturing facility, using a hydraulic press to fit them securely into the floor.
Merits
* Concrete-based flooring, such as granolithic flooring, can withstand heavy loads, making
it a good choice for warehouses, factories and other workplaces that store, make or use
heavy objects. The relatively inexpensive materials and labor required appeal to the
budget.
Demerits
 Unfortunately, these kinds of floors can cause some problems even as they solve others.
The tendency for sounds to bounce off the hard concrete surface, for instance, leads to
noise problems. The floors can also prove hard to clean and feel constantly cold.
Modern Amenities
* Certain modern innovations can now lend a degree of high-tech comfort to granolithic or
other concrete flooring. Radiant concrete floors, for instance, solve the problem of the
floors feeling cold all the time by installing heating elements just underneath the slab.

8. This touch can add warmth to a room or even serve as the main heating system for a large
commercial facility that uses granolithic flooring throughout the installation.
PRECAST TILES
CONCRETE TILE

9. MERITS
 Budget friendly, versatile, and long-lasting alternative is precast concrete tile
 Concrete tile can be used anywhere, indoors or out, including floors, walls, fireplace
surrounds pools and patios, shower enclosures, countertops, backsplashes, and building
façades.
 Concrete tile sizes, finishes, and colours can be customized.
 Concrete Tile Is More Versatile
 Concrete Tile Is Environmentally Friendly
 the most durable and long-lasting surfaces
demerit
 Concrete tile is a bit heavier than ceramic tile.
 Concrete tile should be handled with care prior to and during installation.
 Due to the weight of concrete, when installing on walls you will need to support each tile
to avoid slipping.
The applications for precast concrete tiles are virtually endless. They can be used indoors or
out for flooring, countertops, patios, wall and fireplace claddings, and more.

10. Advantages of Precast Concrete
Following are the advantages of precast concrete:
1. The concrete of superior quality is produced as it is possible to have better
technical control on the production of concrete in factory.
2. It is not necessary to provide joints in the precast construction.
3. The labour required in the manufacturing process of the precast units can
easily be trained.
4. The moulds employed for preparing the precast units are of steel with exact
dimension in all directions. These moulds are more durable and they can be
used several times.
5. The precast articles may be given the desired shape and finish with accuracy.
6. The precast structures can be dismantled, when required and they can then
be suitably used elsewhere.
7. The transport and storage of various components of concrete for cast in situ
work are eliminated when precast members are adopted.
8. The work can be completed in a short time, when precast units are adopted.
9. When precast structures are to be installed, it is evident that the amount of
scaffolding and formwork is considerably reduced.

11. Disadvantages of Precast Concrete
Following are the disadvantages of precast concrete:
1. If not properly handled, the precast units may be damaged during transport.
2. It becomes difficult to produce satisfactory connections between the precast
members.
3. It is necessary to arrange for special equipment for lifting and moving of the
precast units.
4. The economy achieved in precast construction is partially balanced by the
amount to be spent in transport and handling of precast members. It becomes
therefore necessary to locate the precast factory at such a place that transport
and handling charges are brought down to the minimum possible extent.
STONE FLOORING
Stone flooring is a type of floor covering carved out from natural solid rock. Stone is a rock that
has been quarried and cut. These blocks of rocks are cut into slabs which are sent to a processing
plant to be re-cut, shaped and polished. Unlike other types of floors, stone flooring improves
with age.

12. Types of Stone Flooring
Limestone
Limestone is carved out from sedimentary rocks which are formed by the accumulation of
organic materials, such as shells and coral, sand, or precipitates. Limestone is used as a flooring
material for its rugged and timeless good looks. It compliments a lounge or a study having a
rustic interior. Limestone is a softer stone and therefore not suitable in high traffic areas. A
limestone sealant needs to be applied every few years to keep the stone looking good as new and
to keep its porous nature from absorbing moisture from its surroundings which may cause
staining.
Granite
Granite is quarried from igneous rocks which are formed when molten magma from the center of
the earth cools and hardens. Granite is the hardest stone among the other stone flooring
materials. It has a very dense grain making it almost impervious. It is the most durable and stain-
resistant stone flooring. It is also the most expensive. It is ideal for use in kitchens, bathrooms
and entryways. Besides being used as a flooring, granite is also used as countertops and
backsplashes. Although not as porous as the other stone floors, granite still needs to be applied
with a sealant every few years to maintain its good looks.
Marble
Marble is produced from metamorphic rocks which are formed under heat and pressure at the
earth's crust. Marble is more porous than granite and therefore more susceptible to staining. It is
important to note that marble requires a sealant to be applied every 9-12 months to keep it from
staining and keep it looking like new. Marble is less expensive than granite and also ideal for use
in kitchens and other areas exposed to moisture provided that it is properly sealed. It is also used
as countertops and backsplashes.
Slate
Similar to marble, slate is produced from metamorphic rocks which are processed and usually
cut into tiles. Slate is naturally created in many different colors and tones such as green, grey,

13. sienna, and black.
ADVANTAGES
 Stone is easy to maintain, it won’t date but will improve with age, it is very traditional
and will work with any design scheme as your interior fashions change over the years.
Getting the basics right will make your life easier in the long term. The colours tend to be
neutral and each stone is unique and can create different looks, for example;
 Marble – gives a more formal look
 Limestone – a popular choice, light in colour, durable and highly versatile, coming in
many different styles to suit any room.
 Travertine – can add flair to any room on both walls and floors in creamy colours, it is
hard-wearing and versatile
 Slate & Quartzite – Floors and walls, can choose from several shades of grey (hints of
green, russet, hazel and plum)
 Some stone can be used outside and indoors – e.g. Slate/ Limestone Stone is a work of art
by nature, It creates floors of intriguing texture and character Stone reduces symptoms of
asthma or allergy sufferers
DISADVANTAGES
 The perception is that a stone floor can be cold; however this of course is a benefit when
the weather is hot but for when it is colder this can be overcome with under floor heating,
and of course once warmed it retains the heat really well.
APPLICATION
 Stone is suitable for use throughout the home ideally in heavy traffic areas, most
typically: halls, kitchens, sitting rooms (where they look great adorned with colourful
rugs), bathrooms and conservatories.
 You can use the same stone throughout to extend your living space and create a natural
flow into your garden ‘bringing the indoors, outdoors and the outdoors, indoors’.
 Bathrooms – Choose Marble and Travertine for their sleek, clean lines and Mosaics are
perfect for use as insets or on their own and lend themselves particularly to areas where
dampness and humidity will require a slip resistant surface.
 Kitchens – Choice is varied, Limestone is not only beautiful to look at but it is also
durable, practical and highly versatile. Stone is perfect for kitchens especially with people
and animals tracking the great outdoors through the house and although a very traditional
form of flooring it is now extremely fashionable and features in most large kitchens
which are also used as a main living area.

14. Magnesium Oxychloride Flooring
This is ideal for heavy duty machinery movements. It has excellent Load Bearing
Capacity. This can be laid on any sound surface like Concrete, Metal and Wooden
floor. It is long lasting and helps to overcome many problems day to day faced in
the industry.
It is usually a reddish pink colour although some floors were coloured using
pigments. It was commonly applied on top of concrete ground floor slabs.
Magnesite flooring was made from a mixture of calcined magnesite and
magnesium chloride solution with various fillers (e.g. wood flour, sawdust,
asbestos). It was typically laid between 10 and 25mm thick, but two coat
applications could be up to 50mm thick.
Advantages
 Light weight and high strength
 Weakly alkaline and low corrosive

15.  Good abrasion resistance
 Good adhesion
 Flame retardant .
 Good thermal insulation
 Withstanding heavy traffic movements
 Excellent load bearing property
 Does not generate dust or cracks as cement based floors
 Ready to for use after 24 hours for manual traffic.
Disadvantages
 Poor water resistance
 Moisture absorption
 This product is Easy to buckling deformation
 Corrosion of reinforcement
LINOLEUM FLOORING
Linoleum, also called Lino, is a floor covering made from materials such as solidified linseed
oil(linoxyn), pine rosin, ground cork dust, wood flour, and mineral fillers such as calcium
carbonate, most commonly on a burlap or canvas backing; pigments are often added to the
materials.
The finest linoleum floors, known as 'inlaid', are extremely durable; they were made by joining
and inlaying solid pieces of linoleum. Cheaper patterned linoleum came in different grades or
gauges, and were printed with thinner layers which were more prone to wear and tear. High
quality linoleum is flexible and thus can be used in buildings where a more rigid material (such
as ceramic tile) would crack.
Advantages
 one of the biggest advantages is of course durability.
If it’s cleaned properly and maintained, it should last for years. It’s quite good for
high traffic areas.

16.  Linoleum has the same color throughout it’s layers. This means that it it gets
damaged, it’s enough to use some sealant for the damaged area and it will still
have the same color. Minor cuts won’t even be noticeable.
 linoleum is a little softer than other types of flooring. It is also perfect if you want a
quiet floor.
 Because it’s almost entirely made out or renewable resources, linoleum is
environmental friendly. The materials used for making linoleum are: oil, wood
flour, jute, cork dust, limestone.
 It’s great for kitchen and bathrooms as it’s water proof. Spill can be easily
cleaned.
Disadvantages
 One of the biggest problems with linoleum is that it traps sub-floor moisture. If
you have a concrete sub-floor, then it’s not such a good idea to install linoleum.
Moisture can damage not just the concrete but also the linoleum.
 It’s not the most expensive floor on the market, but it’s more expensive than vinyl.
Vinyl flooring is getting more and more popular because of the lower cost and
because it has many of the features that linoleum has.
 linoleum tens to expand and contract. To prevent any installation problems, let it
acclimate for a few days.

17. PU FLOORING
Polyurethane products have many uses. Over three quarters of the global consumption of
polyurethane products is in the form of foams, with flexible and rigid types being roughly equal
in market size. In both cases, the foam is usually behind other materials: flexible foams are
behind upholstery fabrics in commercial and domestic furniture; rigid foams are inside the metal
and plastic walls of most refrigerators and freezers, or behind paper, metals and other surface
materials in the case of thermal insulation panels in the construction sector. Its use in garments is
growing: for example, in lining the cups of brassieres. Polyurethane is also used for moldings
which include door frames, columns, balusters, window headers, pediments, medallions and
rosettes.
Polyurethane formulations cover an extremely wide range of stiffness, hardness, and densities.
These materials include:
* Low-density flexible foam used in upholstery, bedding, automotive and truck seating, and
novel inorganic plant substrates for roof or wall gardens
* Low-density rigid foam used for thermal insulation and RTM cores
* Soft solid elastomers used for gel pads and print rollers
* Low density elastomers used in footwear
* Hard solid plastics used as electronic instrument bezels and structural parts
* Flexible plastics used as straps and bands
Polyurethane foam is widely used in high resiliency flexible foam seating, rigid foam insulation
panels, microcellular foam seals and gaskets, durable elastomeric wheels and tires, automotive
suspension bushings, electrical potting compounds, seals, gaskets, carpet underlay, and hard
plastic parts (such as for electronic instruments).

18. Abrasion resistance- Thermoset polyurethanes are also used as a protective coating against
abrasion. Cast polyurethane over materials such as steel will absorb particle impact more
efficiently. Polyurethanes have been proven to last in excess of 25 years in abrasive
environments where non-coated steel would erode in less than 8 years. Polyurethanes are used in
industries such as:
* Mining and mineral processing
* Aggregate
* Transportation
* Concrete
* Paper processing
* Power

19. * Inflatable boat manufacture
Polyurethane is also used in the concrete construction industry to create formliners. Polyurethane
formliners serves as a mold for concrete, creating a variety of textures and art.
Solid Fuel Rockets[edit]
Polyurethane was used together with Ammonium perchlorate as solid fuel in the submarine
launched Polaris missiles.[7]
Polyurethane Floor Coating Benefits
 Like epoxy, polyurethane is a thermosetting polymer as well and is considered a high
performance coating. It is commonly known as urethane for short, though that it is
technically incorrect and there is actually a big difference between polyurethane and
urethane. If someone is advertising a urethane coating, it is actually polyurethane.
 Of the different formulations available, aliphatic polyurethane is the desired choice for
garage floors. Though they are approximately 60% to 70% solids depending on the
manufacturer, a polyurethane coating is only about 2 to 3 mils in thickness and can’t be
adjusted as with epoxy.
 Aliphatic polyurethane has more flexibility than epoxy and it is this flexibility that aids in
absorbing impacts better. It is also much more abrasion resistant. In fact, some
manufacturer’s claim that the wear resistance of polyurethane over epoxy is almost 3 to 1.
The resistance to chemicals is better than epoxy as well and this includes resistance to
solvents such as methylene chloride which is the primary ingredient in paint stripper.
 Another advantage of polyurethane over epoxy is that it is U.V. stable. This means that it
won’t yellow like epoxy does when exposed to small amounts of sunlight over a period
of time. The surface of polyurethane is not as hard as epoxy but it is much more scratch
resistant, can tolerate larger temperature swings, and handles humidity much better. It is
also available in different finishes from satin to very glossy.
 Though polyurethane has many advantages over epoxy, it does not bond well to concrete
and its thin dry film thickness will not work well as a self-leveling coating to fill in small
cracks and divots in the surface.
 Another consideration is that most polyurethanes are solvent based, meaning they can
have high VOC’s, and may require a respirator to apply.
TRIMIX FLOOING
Tremix flooring is a special type of flooring mostly being done in the industrial
sector. It provides better wearing and tearing properties. It is generally used for
industrial purpose, where rigid surface necessary for machine foundation, light

20. load carrier vehicle and light weight cranes.
Generally the mix of concrete used for Tremix is 1:1:5:3 (1 cement: 1.5 sand and: 3
stone aggregates), mostly rich mix of 1:1:2 preferred for better wear and tear. In
this flooring necessary reinforcement provides depending upon the thickness of the
flooring, whereas the thickness of concrete is decided from 100 to 200 mm over
PCC (1:4:8) and well prepared stone soling base ranging from 230 to 300 mm. In
industrial flooring PCC base should be kept up to 100 mm and same as floor
concrete 150 mm, may be satisfactory for heavy duty areas such as warehouses,
garage and machine shops.
Tools and materials required
All Mason tools and tackles required to available at site. However some special
tools required as follows;
1. Vacuum de-watering Pump
2. Floater machine
3. Tremix skin4. Double beam screed vibrator
Vacuum Dewatered Floors - Trimix FlooringAs a major civil contractor we
also engage in the task of trimix flooring, alsoknown as vacuum dewatered floors.
Our trimix flooring has enormousadvantage over the traditional concrete floors and
has gained worldwidefame in a very short span of time. Counting the major
benefits of trimixflooring, it increases the compressive strength and the tensile
strength ofthe floor by at least 60%. The abrasion resistance of the floor too
increaseswhich minimizes the wear and the tear process. With trimix flooring,
wehave cut down the cement consumption rate of many of the industries. Allthese
facilities are brought to your doorstep by us because of the use ofadvanced
technology. These are the reasons that we are considered to beone among the most
reliable civil contractors in the country.
Advantages
 Cement consumption is reduced to the extent of 40%, as no cement is
required separately for finishing the surface.
 Abrasion resistance of the floor increases by @ 60% resulting in less
wear & tear of the floor surface
 Permeability is reduced as a result of which liquids falling on the floor
have less detrimental effect on the concrete.
 Impact strength is increased.

21.  Numbers of joints are reduced as this method allows long strip floor
as against conventional checkered method.
 Permeability is reduced as a result of which liquids falling on the floor
have less detrimental effect on the concrete.
 Water/cement ratio is reduced by @ 18%.
 Very high splitting strength
 Controlled and uniform surface finish
 Monolithic and shrinkage free pavements
Cast-Iron Combo Flooring
o Quality
 The sow section is constructed of high quality ductile iron. The steel is made in Australia and cast in China. The
durability of iron assures a reliable and strong section for the sow. The creep section is constructed of special Tri-Bar
steel to Nooyen specifications. The floors are hot dip galvanized on site, in our newly constructed state of the art
facility.
o Disease Free
 Tri-Bar steel is non-porous. Bacteria cannot live in galvanized steel which means Tri-Bar does not hold disease.
o Size
 Cast iron is available in 42" and 48" sections, allowing for 7', 7.5', 8' long crates.
o Traction
 The top surface of cast iron has alternating high/low bars that provide traction and stability to the sow, preventing
slipping and injuries.
o Self-Supporting
 A frame is not required thanks to the Tri-Bar creep sections supporting the cast iron. Installation calls for laying the Tri-
Bar cast combo over the pit, placing 1 ½" of flooring on the pit ledges.
o Easy to Clean
 The Tri-Bar Cast Iron combo is easy to clean. Power wash from the top, in both directions, thus, cleaning the top and
bottom of floor.
o Soft-Grip (optional)
 Soft-Grip are indentations in the steel bars that give additional grip for baby pigs.
o Loop Ends (optional)
 Floors can be raised from 2.25" to 4.25" to allow access to the pit. A ½" nut is welded to the loop to secure floor to
concrete.

22. Polyethylene Foam
Polyethylene foam is a durable, lightweight, resilient, closed-cell
material. It is often used for packaging fragile goods due to its excellent
vibration dampening and insulation properties. It also offers high
resistance to chemicals and moisture.
Polyethylene foam is easy to process and fabricate. It has high load
bearing characteristics that help manufacturers reduce packaging costs
as they can use thinner and smaller amounts of foam yet still protect
their products.
UFP Technologies can recommend the proper polyethylene foam material for your
unique packaging, component, or product. Our engineering team will work with
you to design your solution and manufacture the final parts. Polyethylene Foam
Material Characteristics:
 Closed-Cell
 Very lightweight
 Non-abrasive
 Easy to fabricate
 Non-Dusting
 Superb strength and tear resistance
 Excellent shock absorption & vibration dampening properties
 Flexibility
 Impervious to mildew, mold, rot, and bacteria
 Resistant to water, chemicals, solvents & grease
 CFC free
 Odorless
 Excellent buoyancy
 Very cost-effective
 Excellent thermal insulation properties

23. Polyethylene Foam: Its Uses, Characteristics, and Varieties
While polystyrene is known for its use in cups and insulation and the soft, and
squishy feel of polyurethane foam is something everyone is familiar with,
polyethylene is often a forgotten material. But from packaging and flotation
devices, to masonry supplies and shock absorbers, it’s hard at work around us
every day.
Polyethylene is closed-cell foam, meaning its structure is made of millions of tiny
bubbles, sealed off from each other.
 This provides a resistance to water, in addition to a strength and rigidity not
present in open-cell foams. It is also resistant to solvents, petroleum
products, and is antimicrobial as well, inhibiting the growth of mold,
mildew, and bacteria.
 Formed from the heating of polymer compounds, polyethylene foam is able
to receive additives to its formula to alter its properties before it is heated
and extruded into its solid-state form. This means in addition to the standard
polyethylene sheet foam, there are also anti-static and fire retardant varieties
of the product.
 Anti-static properties assist in the packaging, handling, and transportation of
delicate electronics, by dissipating electro-static charges that can build and

24. damage components. There are different values and grades of fire retardancy
in foam, but in general terms, fire retardant foam resists heat and flames up
to a point, and may have the potential to self-extinguish once ignited, as
opposed to untreated materials.
 In addition to the performance characteristics polyethylene can possess, the
material is also available in multiple shapes and sizes. Most commonly seen
in sheet or plank form, polyethylene has a rigidity that holds its shape when
cut into thick sections.
 These are most often used as insulating materials or in casing and custom
packaging, because, while strong and shock absorbing, polyethylene can
also be easily cut to create form-fit inserts for securely moving or
transporting items.
 Closed-cell foam insulation is excellent at resisting moisture and
polyethylene in particular is often used as thermal insulation materials.
Polyethylene sheeting is also easily laminated together to create thicker
sections that can then be cut for furniture inserts, personal flotation device
inserts, or specialized packaging. Also, backer rod polyethylene tube is made
in an assortment of diameters for varied use.
Polyethylene Cylinders
 Similar to how the performance additives for anti-static and fire retardancy
characteristics are added, so too are dyes which give color to polyethylene
used in visual applications or for personal customization of a project.