Mat Testing & Standards

Author: Hou

Oct. 28, 2024

Mat Testing & Standards

Mat Testing & Standards

Various tests are used to assess the safety and comfort of mats.  Below are brief descriptions of several of the more common tests.  If you have specific questions about testing criteria or results, we encourage you to reach out to your M+A representative.

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Flammability Testing

The surface flammability of carpet can be tested in several ways.  The most common testing methods for small carpets/rugs are DOC FF1-70, commonly called the "pill test," and DOC FF2-70. With DOC FF1-70, eight 9" x 9" specimens are tested.  A hole is cut in each one and a tablet (often referred to as a pill) is placed on the mat and ignited.  If the charred area does not extend to within one inch of the edge of the hole on at least seven of the eight samples, the mat meets the criterion.  

Other flammability testing standards include BS , ISO -2, and ISO -1.

Slip Resistance Testing

There are many test methods used to determine slip resistance including the British Pendulum test (ASTM E303), NFSI 101-C, dynamic coefficient of friction (ES ), and static coefficient of friction testing (ASTM C). 

For ASTM E303, the British Pendulum test, a dynamic pendulam impact tester is used to measure the "skid resistance" or frictional properties of a test surface.  The test measures the energy loss when a rubber edge slider is propelled over the surface.  The sample is tested in four directions with the average British Pendulum Number (BPN) reported.  A lower BPN indicates a more slippery surface.  BPNs are generally equated to the following: 0-24 equates to high slip potential, 24-26 equates to moderate slip potential, 36+ equates to low slip potential.

For ES , the dynamic coefficient of friction (DCOF) is measured using a specified heel assembly.  The assembly with a 10-kilogram load is pulled horizontally with a tensile tester to measure the force required to cause the assembly to slip.  After the sample is tested for five pulls in the traverse and cross directions, measurements are calculated and reported as dynamic coefficient of friction.

For ASTM C, the static coefficient of friction (SCOF) is measured using a neolite heel assembly.  The assembly with a 50-pound load is pulled horizontally across the mat with a dynamometer.  The dynamometer measures the force required to cause the assembly to slip.  The higher the number, the more slip resistant the surface.  For reference, a rubber tire on dry pavement has a SCOF of 0.90.  For surfaces to be considered slip resistant by ASTM C, the SCOF must be 0.60 or above.

Hardness - Durometer (ASTM D-05)

The hardness of a surface is measured by means of a Type A Shore Durometer.  The durometer measures the penetration of a specified indentor forced into the mat under specified conditions.  The lower the reading, the softer the material.  

Comfort - Compression Deflection

Compression deflection is a measurement designed to assess and compare performance characteristics of anti-fatigue mats.  Two specific loads, typically 20 psi and 40 psi, are applied to the mat and the deflection is measured.  20 psi is equivalent to a 150-pound person; 40 psi is equivalent to a 600-pound person.  Test results are reported as a percentage.

Studies suggests that surfaces with a compression deflection of less than 20% are perceived as too hard, and surfaces greater than 60% are perceived as too soft.  Mats with a compression deflection between 20% and 60% tend to provide the most anti-fatigue benefits.  

ESD Rating - Electrostatic Discharge (ANSI/ESD S7.1)

Electrical resistance is measured to determine a mat's electrostatic discharge (ESD) rating.  In the ANSI/ED S7.1 testing method, measurements are made from the mat's surface to groundable points (surface to ground), and from the mat's surface to other areas of the mat's surface (surface to surface).  Since humidity (moisture content in the air) effects static electricity, both tests are performed at varying humidity, typically 50% and 12%.  The results are measured in ohms.  The lower the resistance, the more quickly static electricity is accepted by the mat.

  • A reading of 101 to 105 ohms means the mat accepts static very quickly and earns a rating of electrically conductive.
  • Mats with a reading of 106 to 109 ohms are in the mid-range and earn a rating of static dissipative.
  • A reading of to ohms means the mat is more resistant to static and earns a rating of anti-static.

For more information on electrical resistance and how M+A mats are rated, check out this article.

OEM Carpet Car Mats Vs Aftermarket

Buying a new set of carpet car mats for your vehicle can be a tricky journey to navigate. There&#;s a bunch of options on the market and of course everyone uses stupid car jargon that is A. hard to understand (what&#;s OEM again?), and B. makes it hard to buy with any real confidence &#;

So this article aims to break all that down by looking at 17 key points of comparison between a set of OEM (don&#;t worry, we&#;ll explain ?) and aftermarket car mats. Already got your head around the lingo and want to skip to the comparison results? Click skip to results

Breaking down the lingo

What do the terms OEM, Genuine, and Factory mean?

Ok so the first thing you need to know is OEM is an acronym for Original Equipment Manufacturer.

The second thing you need to know is &#;OEM&#;, &#;genuine&#;, and &#;factory&#; all mean the same thing. They&#;re interchangeable terms.

And finally, according to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) OEM, genuine and factory parts can be defined as &#;parts made by the vehicle&#;s manufacturer that are rigorously tested as an integral component of the vehicle to meet high quality, safety and performance standards.&#;

In a nutshell, it&#;s the original copy of the part you need and it is made by the vehicle manufacturer.

What does aftermarket mean?

It&#;s anything not made by the original vehicle manufacturer. According to the Speciality Equipment Market Association (SEMA), aftermarket parts are also made to a high standard to ensure performance and safety standards are met. They are extremely common in the Australian and U.S automotive scenes and chances are you&#;ve driven a car with aftermarket parts in them before.

The Results

OEM Vs Aftermarket (FitMyCar) Car Mat Comparison Report

Mat Feature OEM Aftermarket by FitMyCar Availability

&#;

In most cases limited to the most current model

&#;

Includes early to current models

Colour Options

&#;

In most cases limited to black and grey

&#;

7 colour options available. Also mix and match bind and stitch colours.

Carpet Quality

Pass

Grade carpet usually matches the quality of vehicle. Inexpensive car = low quality mats. Opposite also applies

&#;

Choose the grade of carpet YOU want or need. Note: the high-end option is of the same quality used in some high German vehicles on the road today

Fit / Cut

&#;

Exact fit to shape and contour or floor

&#;

Exact fit to shape and contour or floor (guaranteed). Check out how we make the mats, here.

Retention System

Confused? It&#;s that thing on the mat that hooks, clips, twists onto the anchor point on the vehicle floor. Basically, it&#;s the system that holds the mat in place.

&#;

Includes retention system

&#;

Will fit over existing fitting points. If no fitting point present, an easy to use installation kit is provided at no additional cost

Manufacturer / Model Logo

&#;

Always appear as specified by carmaker

Pass

None. Not even our own; allows for a clean factory look

Carpet Protection

&#;

Maximum floor coverage

&#;

Maximum floor coverage

Matches Carpet

&#;

Contact us to discuss your requirements of Anti-slip Car Mats Supplier. Our experienced sales team can help you identify the options that best suit your needs.

Exactly

Pass

Extremely close, but not guaranteed

Stain Resistance

&#;

High. Synthetic fibres used

&#;

High. Synthetic fibres used

Cleaning

&#;

Easy. Straight fibres used. Clean as required.

&#;

Easy. Straight fibres used.

Shopping Experience

&#;

At the dealership

&#;

Online, free delivery

After Sales Experience

&#;

Through the dealership

&#;

Local customer support from fitment specialists

Manufacture Location

Pass

Overseas

&#;

Australia

Standard Warranty

&#;

Product must be fit for purpose. Mandated by law

&#;

Product must be fit for purpose. Mandated by law

Wear-Through Warranty

&#;

No

&#;

Up to three years

Price

&#;

High

&#;

Can range from low to moderate.

 

So how do they compare?

 

Total Score

OEM 59%

(Aftermarket)


FitMyCar 94%

Scoring was calculated as &#; = a score of 0, Pass = 1, and a &#; = 2. The total possible score is 32. OEM achieved a score of 18 (59%) and Aftermarket by FitMyCar 30 (94%).

 

Pricing Comparison

Common Models OEM Aftermarket by FitMyCar Mazda CX5 $155 From $99
(save up to 36%) VW Golf $177.55 From $99
(save up to 44%) Mercedes C Class $206 From $99
(save up to 52%) So how do they compare? Final Say Yep. They&#;re expensive Save at least 36%

 

Find your fit

How do aftermarket mats look?

One of the big benefits of aftermarket car mats is their ability to be customised just the way you like them. You&#;re not locked in to a certain colour or combination of colours like you are with mats from the dealership. It&#;s all up to you. You can choose from 8 different colours.

How well do aftermarket mats fit?

Perfectly. The floor mats are cut using high tech machines to ensure a precise cut for your make and model. We guarantee a 100% fit for each set of floor mats sold.

Don&#;t aftermarket mats slip around?

No. The mat will fit the manufacturer retention system to keep it in place. If no existing retention system is available, don&#;t stress, we send out an easy to install fitting system with every car mat set sold. The last thing you want is for your car mat to move around or get stuck in behind the pedals.

What is a retention system?

It&#;s that thing on the mat that hooks, clips, twists onto the anchor point on the vehicle floor. Basically, it&#;s the system that holds the mat in place. Typically there will be anchor points pre-installed on the vehicle floor. The Original Equipment Manufacturer fits these in place prior to the car rolling off the factory floor. In cases where this isn&#;t the case, we&#;ll supply an easy to fit retention system to keep things safe and tidy.

Want more information on Anti-slip Car Mats Manufacturer? Feel free to contact us.

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