Applied Industrial Flooring uses a concrete polishing system that employs precision tooling measured by a surface texture RA meter. This technology allows us to measure the floor’s Roughness Average (RA) texture during refinement. The use of RA in concrete polishing is relatively new. This standard outlines methods and sets parameters for measuring the roughness of a concrete surface. The RA measurement describes surface refinement, the average difference between profile peaks and valleys or scratches, measured in micro-inches. Achieving the desired appearance, performance, and sustainability of the finished polished floor depends on the RA measurement.
Benefits of a RA Surface Texture Meter
- Quality Control: Polished concrete is a specialized flooring technique that requires precision to achieve the desired level of smoothness and shine. An RA meter allows for accurate and objective surface roughness measurement, ensuring the polished concrete meets the required quality standards.
- Consistency: The RA meter helps ensure consistency across different sections of the polished concrete floor. By measuring and comparing roughness values at various points, contractors can identify and correct any inconsistencies or variations in the polishing process, resulting in a more uniform and visually appealing floor.
- Assessing Polishing Progress: During the concrete polishing process, the RA meter provides real-time feedback on the surface roughness, helping determine if additional grinding and polishing steps are necessary to reach the desired level of smoothness and gloss.
- Identifying Defects: The RA meter can detect surface defects and irregularities that may not be easily visible to the naked eye. By identifying these defects early on, contractors can address them promptly, preventing potential issues and improving the final appearance.
- Customer Satisfaction: Using an RA meter allows contractors to demonstrate the quality and consistency of their work to clients. It provides a tangible and measurable metric to assure customers that their polished concrete floor meets the expected standards and specifications.
- Time and Cost Savings: With the objective data the RA meter provides, contractors can optimize their polishing process. They can avoid unnecessary over-polishing or under-polishing, saving time, reducing material waste, and lowering overall project costs.
Summary
In summary, using an RA meter for polished concrete improves quality control, consistent results, defect identification, customer satisfaction, and cost savings in the concrete polishing process.