Soil-repellent entry mats: design, materials and manufacturing processes

Design, finish and materials of dirt-repellent entrance mats

As the name suggests, an antifouling mat is a cleanliness mat designed for professionals and especially for ERP. Aware of the impact that an unkempt entrance can have on your image, flooring specialists have designed a range of mats specifically for entrances. Conceived and manufactured with very specific materials, antifouling mats feature a particular design that has been thought out and developed to meet the problems encountered by many businesses.

Anti-fouling mats: what kind of problem do they solve?

In establishments open to the public, professionals and retailers are faced with a major problem: the cleanliness of floors, and more particularly entrances. After all, a large number of visitors (depending on the size of the establishment) means a greater chance of soiling the floors. As well as creating a bad image, accumulated dirt can lead to accidents. In rainy or snowy weather, passers-by are more likely to carry mud and water under their soles, which can lead to slips and falls. Studies have shown that 80% of soiling is caused by passers-by.

This iswhy the installation of an anti-dirt entrance mat is essential for companies. This floor covering keeps the entrance clean and presentable, while preventing passers-by from falling. Also, an antifouling mat is made of specific materials and features a special design that prevents dirt and debris from entering your building.

This mat will act as a real barrier between the inside and outside of your establishment. Dust, mud, water or other dirt, this entrance mat is the solution for a clean, tidy, accessible and secure entrance for any type of business .

The design of an antifouling mat, an ally for a neat and secure entrance

When it comes to investing in an antifouling mat, there are a number of criteria to consider. The most important factors influencing your choice are location, size, thickness, budget and mat materials. Professional floor mats are much more than just mats. Choosing the right mat is an important step in ensuring that it perfectly meets your needs.

Every establishment open to the public must equip its floors with an antifouling mat, but not just any mat. Thanks to technological developments and research, manufacturers of floor coverings for businesses have designed different ranges of mats that vary according to the materials used and the different manufacturing processes. Needle-punched and tufted, polypropylene fiber, polyamide, how do I know which mat is best suited to my activity? NeoSol gives you more details on materials and manufacturing processes, so you can make the right choice.

Materials for dirt-repellent entrance mats

Absorbent matting, scratch matting and anti-slip matting are the 3 ranges of antifouling matting. Each is designed to meet specific needs and areas. Knowing the materials they're made of will help you decide which is best suited to your situation. Whether for indoor or outdoor use, antifouling mats can be made of :

- Polyamide (PA):

Also known as nylon, polyamide is a synthetic fiber renowned for its high resistance to wear and absorption of dirt and moisture. PA retains its original appearance for many years, even under heavy traffic.

- Polypropylene:

A light, efficient fiber, polypropylene effectively absorbs dirt and is highly resistant to wear. Antistatic, this fiber won't accumulate static electricity from passing traffic.

- Natural rubber:

Safe and comfortable, natural rubber is used for general purposes. Provides maximum comfort when passing.

- SBR: Styrene Butadiene Rubber is a synthetic rubber designed to resist abrasion and wear. Molded, SBR is fitted with non-slip spikes. This material is mainly used to make the soles of mats, enabling them to adhere more easily to floors.

- Nitrile rubber (NBR):

Also known as Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene, NBR is recognized for its high resistance to chemicals, oils and liquids, and high heat.

- Vinyl:

Made from plastic, Vinyl is known as "PVC". Vinyl is a flexible, durable and moisture-resistant material. It is mainly used as mat backing. Vinyl mats are ideal for long hallways.

The manufacturing process

Every floor covering has its own manufacturing process. This consists of a series of techniques governed by standards and protocols designed to produce a durable, top-quality mat. The antifouling range has 2 manufacturing processes: needlepunched and tufted.

- Needled:

Mats produced by the needlepunch process offer good resistance to crushing. In fact, this manufacturing technique enables several materials to be blended together, such as polypropylene fiber, fine fiber and thick fiber, etc.

- Tufted,

Tufted mats are made from a variety of fibers that provide a high level of moisture and dirt absorption. These fibers are sewn onto a highly resistant backing that preserves the quality of the mat.

Tufted mats come in 4 different finishes:

1. Uniform loop pile: with very good crush resistance, this loop pile fiber finish is ideal for high-traffic areas .

2. Structured loop pile: its special feature is the alternation of high and low loops, allowing the design of reliefs or patterns on the mat.

3. Cut velvet: An individualized, parallel fiber, cut velvet features cut strands that give the rug a luxurious appearance.

4. Velours coupé frisé: As its name suggests, this last finish is made up of curled strands that give the rug a strong resistance .

Floor coverings are very specific pieces of professional equipment. Choosing one requires a minimum of knowledge. Here, we've seen that dirt-repellent entrance mats have different technical characteristics that you need to consider before making your choice. Each ERP has its own particularities, so it 's essential to find out about their construction, usefulness, standards andfire ratings. To help you find the floor covering you need, NeoSol, your specialist and expert in floor mats for professionals in France, Belgium, Switzerland and Luxembourg, can advise, guide and support you in your floor covering purchase. If you have any questions or special requests, please do not hesitate tocontact us.

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