Does the mat adequately respond to worker
movements?
A responsive mat should rapidly return to its original
shape as weight is shifted. If a mat has a delayed rebound,
it will likely already be partially compressed as a load is
repeatedly placed on it, reducing its' ability to provide the
most effective benefit of its elastic modulus. A surface that
is slow to respond is prone to bottoming out.
Adequate responsiveness works in concert with optimal
bottoming out depth, optimal balance of stability and
instability, and optimal compressibility. 1, 2, 3
3M Static Control Anti-Fatigue Mats 9900 Series
technology has been designed to allow the movements of the
body, providing a helpful anti-fatigue characteristic.
Does the mat balance shock attenuation
(absorb energy) and resilience (return
energy)?
The ability to attenuate or absorb shock without bottoming
out ensures that sudden movements on the mat are
cushioned adequately. Too much absorption may create
the same sensation as standing in sand, which may absorb
shock but is very uncomfortable as a working surface. When
balanced with the right amount of elasticity (resilience), a
mat can result in less discomfort. 2, 3, 8
3M Static Control Anti-Fatigue Mats 9900 Series provide
an optimum balance between shock attenuation and
resilience.
Does the mat get softer as it is
compressed?
There appears to be a popular yet faulty logic that reasons
if a hard surface is bad to stand on, then a soft surface is
good. In response to this erroneous assumption, many mat
surfaces are constructed from foam materials. Regardless of
the variations in construction, from domed foam geometries
to draped top-covers with various surface textures, there
is one challenge shared by all foam-based mats: foam gets
harder as it is compressed.
So, if the objective is to provide a softer surface, why
do it with a material that gets harder as it is walked on
or stood on? On the other hand, some mats are made of
difficult to compress materials and lack the advantage of
compressibility provided by foam. 1, 3
3M Static Control Anti-Fatigue Mats 9900 Series get
softer as they are compressed, without bottoming out.
Does the mat resist movement under use?
A clean, dry floor is one of the best deterrents to a sliding
mat, but not always a likely reality. The material from
which a mat is made can also contribute to a mat that moves
easily across the floor. Some foam formulations break down
readily, creating a slippery layer of fine ‘dust’ between
the mat and the floor. If these mats are draped with a hard
finish, the user may be unaware of the degradation of the
material, as the top surface may still look good. Also, many
mats are so lightweight that they shift easily.
3M Static Control Anti-Fatigue Mats 9900 Series are
significantly sturdier than lightweight mats and resist
movement yet are easily removed for cleaning.