Sphera SD | EC complements Colorex

There are things that no longer need to be improved. However, this does not mean that they cannot be further improved: For more than three decades, Colorex by Forbo has set standards for extremely durable, resistant, and conductive flooring for industry, laboratories, and ESD areas. Now, Forbo Flooring has expanded its portfolio of conductive vinyl sheet flooring. With Sphera SD and EC, there is now also sheet material available that is particularly suitable for flooring in medical areas due to its conductive surface treatment. "Colorex remains the ultimate for industry," says Markus Baum, Technical Product Manager at Forbo Flooring. Everywhere where the demands are less extreme but other values matter, Sphera SD and EC are now the first choice. "For example, in an operating room, there should be as few seams as possible. Sheet flooring is ideal for this," explains Baum.

The two homogeneous vinyl coverings are available in a conductive (EC) and a dissipative (SD) variant. They are used wherever static discharges can cause significant damage. In both versions, Sphera EC | SD offer permanent electrostatic properties, independent of humidity and temperature. Especially in the case of Sphera, this is a special feature. "Light conductive flooring often requires humidity to function. This is different with Sphera: despite its light color, the material remains permanently conductive," explains Forbo Product Manager Baum. Because in the new variant, the well-established Sphera flooring has been equipped with conductive chips instead of a classic decorative color. Unlike the use of volatile antistatic agents, this variant guarantees permanent conductivity. In Sphera SD, light-colored chips ensure dissipative properties, while dark chips are embedded in Sphera EC. This creates a selection of twice 13 colors. This color variety in conductive products is rare and allows for entirely new color accents in healthcare, laboratories, and ESD areas.

Furthermore, Sphera is extremely durable and resistant to scratches, chemicals, and dirt. Both Colorex and Sphera are completely phthalate-free, suitable for use in cleanrooms, and easy to keep clean. The sheet flooring offers a particular advantage here: by reducing seams, cleaning becomes even simpler in hygienically sensitive areas. To ensure that Sphera SD and EC retain their electrostatic properties at all times, a conductive backing stripe is applied to the back of the material in addition to the chips on the surface. "This ensures optimal contact with the dissipation system at every point of the floor," says Baum.

In addition to the new development, the classic also receives an update: Colorex and Colorex Plus will now be available in new colors. Among them is a fluorescent conductive variant that can, for example, mark the paths to the exit in case of a power outage, thus increasing safety. For Colorex Plus, which is loose-laid and therefore can be installed temporarily, the slip-resistant version has also been revised and visually adapted to the classic product. The rest remains the same: lifelong conductivity, the extreme durability of the pore-free flooring, and the possibility of easy repair in case of damage or heavy soiling. There are simply things that no longer need to be improved.