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Rubber Matting Glossary of Terms

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Welcome to the First Mats glossary on Rubber Matting, your comprehensive guide to understanding the various terms and concepts related to rubber matting. As a leading provider of high-quality rubber matting in the UK, First Mats is dedicated to helping businesses and individuals choose the best rubber matting for their specific needs.

Rubber matting is used across a wide range of industries, providing safety, comfort, and protection in various environments. This glossary is designed to provide clear definitions of key terms, helping you to navigate the different options available and make informed decisions.

Whether you're looking for general-purpose rubber mats or specialised solutions for industrial applications, this glossary covers everything from materials and manufacturing processes to specific features and industry standards. Our aim is to equip you with the knowledge you need to select the right rubber matting for your workplace.

Explore the terms below to learn more about rubber matting, and feel free to contact our team at First Mats for further assistance or enquiries.

Often made from rubber, these mats designed to reduce fatigue caused by standing for long periods, providing cushioning and support.

Rubber mats with a textured surface to enhance grip and reduce the risk of slipping, especially in wet or oily environments.

Bordered Edge

The edge of a rubber mat that is often slightly raised or beveled to prevent trips and ensure a smooth transition from the floor to the mat.

Bubble Top Matting

Rubber matting with a surface covered in raised bubbles, providing comfort and slip resistance, often used in anti-fatigue applications.

Carbide Silicone Coating

A durable coating applied to rubber mats to enhance their resistance to wear and tear, particularly in abrasive environments.

Compression Moulding

A manufacturing process used to create rubber mats by compressing rubber into a mould under high pressure and heat.

Cow Mats

Thick rubber mats designed for use in cow sheds, providing comfort and insulation for livestock.

Deckplate Matting

Rubber matting with a surface that resembles metal deck plating, providing a durable, slip-resistant surface.

Die-Cutting

A process used to cut rubber mats into specific shapes or sizes using a steel die.

DIN 51130

A German standard for slip resistance testing of flooring surfaces, including rubber matting.

Drainage Matting

Rubber mats with perforations or channels that allow water and other liquids to drain through, keeping the surface dry and safe.

Electrical Insulation Mats

Rubber mats designed to provide electrical insulation, protecting workers from electric shocks in high-voltage environments.

Elongation at Break

A measure of how much a rubber mat can be stretched before it breaks, indicating its flexibility and durability.

Environmental Resistance

The ability of rubber matting to withstand exposure to environmental factors such as UV light, ozone, and temperature extremes without degrading.

EPDM Rubber

A type of synthetic rubber known for its excellent resistance to weathering, ozone, and UV radiation, commonly used in outdoor applications.

Fire Retardant

Rubber mats that have been treated or manufactured to resist ignition and slow the spread of fire.

Rubber matting with closely spaced ribs that provide traction and slip resistance, often used in industrial and commercial settings.

Flame Resistance

The ability of rubber matting to resist catching fire and to self-extinguish once the flame source is removed.

Rubber mats used in gyms and fitness facilities to provide cushioning, slip resistance, and noise reduction.

Honeycomb Matting

Rubber matting with a honeycomb pattern that offers excellent drainage and slip resistance, often used in wet or oily environments.

Impact Absorption

The ability of rubber mats to absorb shock and reduce the impact from falls or heavy loads.

Insulation Properties

The ability of rubber matting to provide thermal or electrical insulation, protecting users from extreme temperatures or electrical hazards.

Interlocking Rubber Mats

Rubber mats designed with interlocking edges, allowing them to be easily connected to cover large areas without gaps.

Natural Rubber (SBR)

A type of rubber made from natural latex, known for its flexibility, resilience, and durability, commonly used in general-purpose rubber matting.

Neoprene Rubber

A synthetic rubber known for its oil, chemical, and weather resistance, often used in industrial applications.

Nitrile Rubber

A type of synthetic rubber with excellent resistance to oils, chemicals, and heat, making it ideal for use in industrial and automotive settings.

Oil Resistance

The ability of rubber matting to resist degradation when exposed to oils, making it suitable for use in environments where oil spills are common.

Perforated Matting

Rubber mats with holes or perforations that allow for drainage and ventilation, often used in wet or damp environments.

Recycled Rubber

Rubber matting made from recycled rubber materials, offering an eco-friendly option for flooring and matting.

Ringmat Matting

Rubber matting with a ring or circular pattern, providing excellent drainage and slip resistance, commonly used in industrial and agricultural settings.

Rubber Backing

The underside of a mat made from rubber, providing grip and preventing the mat from sliding on the floor.

Rubber Extrusion

A process used to shape rubber into continuous lengths of a specific profile, often used in the manufacture of edging or borders for mats.

Large rolls of rubber flooring that can be cut to size and installed to cover large areas, often used in gyms, workshops, and commercial spaces.

Rubber Mat Tiles

Individual tiles made from rubber that can be interlocked or laid out to cover a floor area, offering flexibility in installation and design.

Scraper Matting

Rubber mats with a rough or textured surface designed to scrape dirt and debris off shoes, often used at entrances.

Shock Absorption

The ability of rubber mats to cushion and reduce impact, protecting floors and providing comfort underfoot.

A measure of the hardness of rubber and elastomers, indicating how resistant the material is to indentation. It is commonly used to assess the flexibility and durability of rubber matting.

Solid Rubber Mats

Mats made from solid rubber, providing durability and resistance to wear, often used in high-traffic areas.

Thick rubber mats used in stables to provide comfort, insulation, and protection for horses.

Rubber matting with a raised circular pattern, providing slip resistance and an attractive appearance.

Rubber mats designed to catch metal shavings and debris in workshops and manufacturing environments, keeping workspaces clean and safe.

Tensile Strength

A measure of the force required to break a rubber mat, indicating its strength and durability.

Traction

The grip or hold provided by a rubber mat on shoes or equipment, preventing slips and ensuring stability.

UV Resistance

The ability of rubber matting to resist degradation from exposure to ultraviolet light, important for outdoor applications.

Vibration Dampening

The ability of rubber mats to absorb and reduce vibrations, protecting equipment and reducing noise in industrial environments.

Wear Resistance

The durability of rubber matting in resisting wear and tear, especially in high-traffic or heavy-duty environments.

Wet Area Matting

Rubber mats designed specifically for use in wet environments, providing slip resistance and drainage to keep the surface safe and dry.

Author

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Richard O'Connor is a Director at First Mats. He has deep knowledge in areas like Manufacturing, Warehousing, Marine, and Health & Safety. Richard's insights have been featured in well-known publications such as Bloomberg Business, The Sun, and Reader's Digest. His blend of industry expertise and passion for sharing makes him a sought-after voice in his fields.

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