Page 59 - History-of-flooringLR

Flocked flooring or Flotex as we know it, was the first adhere to it, with the density gradually increasing, until the
electrostatically flocked floor covering, manufactured in Chateau- finished surface comprises of more than 70 million fibres per m2.
Renault, France. After ironing out the initial manufacturing
This material is then passed through an oven, both curing it and
A history of covering for many years. This success can be attributed to its large rolls and then goes through testing.
issues, it has gone on to become a very reliable and durable floor
bringing it to the required thickness. This is then left to cool in
unique method of production: electrostatic flocking.
Using electrostatic flocking is a way to create a more even and
uniform finish, when compared to standard flocking. Standard
flocking consists of flock being deposited onto a surface covered
Flotex flocked by an adhesive, allowing the flock to ‘stick’ to the surface, thus
creating a solid backing with a soft touch. However, this can lead
to clumping and an uneven feeling to touch. As such, by using an
electrostatically charged process, which uses a magnetic backing
behind the surface you are adhering the flock to, you are able to
create a more even surface, avoiding clumps and creating a
unique and comfortable feeling.
flooring Forbo Flotex planks concrete converge zenith prism

Flocked flooring is also available in tile and plank formats. For
this a recycled PVC backing is laminated to the underside of the
flocked surface and cut into tiles or planks. This backing is made
from on-site waste from Flotex and other vinyl products from
Forbo’s portfolio. A printing machine will then add the desired
design to the flock, which can then be cut and packaged for
distribution.

One of the biggest benefits of flocked flooring is the unlimited
design possibilities it offers, with a wide variety of base colours, as
well as bespoke printing options. In addition to this, Flotex is
available in a sheet, tile and plank format, each offering even more
options to specifiers and architects. For example, Flotex Planks
can be installed in a range of patterns, including Herringbone and
Half drop, among others. In times gone by, Flotex was considered
an ‘old-fashioned’ option, but with these new technological
advances it is actually a very modern, contemporary option to
specify.

And it isn’t just their design benefits that makes flocked flooring,
such as Flotex, an attractive option. With a high pile density,
Flotex has similar underfoot comfort and acoustic properties of
Forbo Flotex planks marble diano
carpet tiles, but also has the durability performance of a resilient
floor covering. As well as this, it is easy to clean and maintain, and
The flock of Forbo’s Flotex floor coverings are small 2mm fibres of is the only textile floor covering to have been awarded the Allergy
nylon 6.6, called tow, which are cut into tiny strips. These strips UK Seal of Approval.
are then dyed to create the desired base colour and passed
through a chemical solution with conductive properties. A glass Flocking has a long history and with the advancement of
fibre sheet is then made, by laminating the sheet to PVC paste and technology, it’ll no doubt be around for years to come, with Flotex
adding another layer of PVC, this sheet is then flipped, and a final already installed in thousands of buildings across the world,
layer of PVC adhesive is applied to the opposite side. This layer thanks to their design and performance properties.
will act as the anchor point for the flock.
To learn more about Forbo’s flocked flooring,
In Forbo’s flocking room, a rotating brush pushes the nylon fibres visit www.forbo-flooring.co.uk/flotex.
through a metal mesh which is charged to a high voltage, causing
the fibres to become charged. The glass-fibre backing will then 01773 744 121
pass underneath and is earthed, acting as a magnet for the info.flooring.uk@forbo.com
charged flock. These fibres then accelerate at the surface and will www.forbo-flooring.co.uk

The History of Flooring 59