2. Why is there a color variance between some Pigmented Tiles?
Date Last Revised: April 16/98

Description
The color tone occasionally varies between the same pigmented (PLUS) tiles.

Summary Reasons for Occurrence
Variation in rubber granule/buffing sizes results in variation of PU saturation which results in variation of color.

Detailed Reasons For Occurrence
All of our resilient and safety surface products are made from recycled rubber tires. Like any product that has been recycled, there is an element of variance in the specification of the raw materials supplied. As the recycling industry matures, we expect that through the development of standards, specifications, equipment and knowledge this variance will diminish.

The primary reason for variance in color tones is due to variance in the sieve analysis of our raw rubber from batch to batch and supplier to supplier. Some batches contain more rubber granules/buffings at the smaller side of our specification (but still within our accepted tolerance) while other batches contain more rubber granules/buffings at the larger side of our specification. The finer granules/buffings have more surface area and thus absorb more of the pigmented polyurethane making a darker appearance. Conversely, the larger granules do not absorb as much urethane and thus are brighter in appearance.

So why not make sure all of the raw rubber is the exact same specified size? Well, the granulation and screening process of rubber tires and buffings is not an "exact" science. For instance, SofSURFACES Inc. specifies our raw rubber granules and/or buffings with a max and minimum "mesh" size. This means that the raw rubber granules/buffings are dumped onto the top of vibrating screens. The vibration causes the smaller granules/buffings to drop through the screens. The larger granules/buffings that cannot pass through the screen, remain on top and are not accepted within our specified tolerance. This same process also occurs at a lower screen. The very smallest granules/buffings (that lie outside the smallest side of our specification) fall below the bottom screen. The material retained between the 2 screens is the material within our specification. If the "cutting knives" on the granulator are just newly sharpened the majority of the granules will be of even size with "crisp, clean" edges. As the knives become duller the average size of the granules decreases and the edges are more "abraded" in appearance. However, the materials from both ends of a run are still within specification.

To conclude, the variance in tile color is due to the current variance that is inherent in our recycled rubber supply chain and is difficult to control.

Potential Options to Reduce Occurrence at Manufacture
SofSURFACES Inc., is reviewing the following options in order to reduce and/or eliminate this variance...
a. Reduce the spread between top and bottom mesh sizes. (Significant increase in cost)
b. Do not produce pigmented tiles. Produce black and coat. (Reduces porosity, reduced slip resistance and significant increase in cost).
c. Install an in plant, "re-screening and blending" operation to reduce variance.

Potential Options to Minimize Impact at Installations
SofSURFACES Inc., recommends the following steps in order to reduce and/or eliminate the impact and visibility of this color variance...
a. Complete installations in color patterns with either complimenting or contrasting colors to break up the solid appearance of one color.
b. Ensure that all of the tiles for the installation are laid out for installation and worked with on the same day. On occasion changes in color between tiles are a result of one tile being exposed to UV more directly than another tile. All tiles should be laid out for installation on the same day.
c. Tiles with significant variation in color tone should be placed in areas without high visibility (ie. underneath platforms).
d. Tiles with similar color tones could be installed in only one area of the installation.
e. Tiles are subject to color fading when exposed to UV. This natural fading process will, with time, reduce the color variation.

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