10 Raised Floor Manufacturers in 2022
This section provides overview, applications, and principles of raised floors. Also, please take a look at the list of 10 raised floor manufacturers and their company rankings.
Table of Contents
What Is an OA Floor?
OA floors (also knows as raised floors) is a double-layered floor with a certain height of open space underneath. The purpose is to pass network wiring, etc., which tend to become cluttered, through the space under the floor. It is also called a free-access floor or a double-layered floor.
OA means office automation, and refers to the use of computers and various other automation equipment used in offices, commercial facilities, factories, schools, etc.
OA floors do not affect the placement of desks and cabinets, making it easy to change wiring later. It also prevents damage to wiring and other hazards caused by human traffic and moving chairs. In addition, OA floors have many advantages, such as improved aesthetics and ease of cleaning.
Uses of OA Floors
OA floors are installed in offices, factories, commercial facilities, schools, and other locations where many computers, servers, printers, network equipment, telephones, video equipment, and other electronic devices are used.
In the past, OA floors were used in computer rooms where large computers were installed in large organizations such as large corporations. Recently however, due to the increase in the number of PCs and other OA equipment, and the spread of network environments such as LAN and Ethernet, OA floors are commonly used regardless of the size of the office.
When installing, it is important to estimate in advance the number of wires and load required. After installation, the wiring paths cannot be followed visually without opening the floor, so it is necessary to attach tags or other devices with numbers or destinations to the wiring ends and record them in the drawing or management book.
Principle of OA Floors
OA floors can be broadly classified into two types according to structure, the "floor-standing type" and the "pillar separation type. In addition, the wiring system can be roughly classified into two types, the "under-panel wiring system" and the "groove wiring system".
1. Laying-In-Place Type
In the "laying-in-place" type, the pillar and panel are laid out as a single block. Most of them are made of resin, which makes on-site processing relatively easy, and the materials themselves are inexpensive, making them cost-effective. In this type, the floor height is fixed and cannot be changed later.
Because the degree of freedom in height adjustment is limited, this type is inherently unsuitable for installation in locations where the floor slab of a building has a difference in height and is not flat. However, there are products that can adjust the height using spacers. Due to the load-bearing capacity of the material used, these products are not suitable for installation of heavy objects.
2. Separate Support Pillar Type
In the separate-pillar type, a pillar is erected on the floor and a board-like panel is placed on top of it. The height can be adjusted freely and the load capacity is excellent. The panel that makes up the floor and the support columns that determine the height are each independent components, and the height of the columns can be adjusted, so the floor height can be adjusted freely.
Therefore, the panel is suitable for use where there are steps or height differences in the floor of a building. And since metal products are the main material used for the panels, they are suitable for installation of heavy objects. In addition, there are products in which the panels are filled with mortar, which improves heat and sound insulation.
3. Under-Panel Wiring System
The under-panel wiring method is a method of storing wiring in the cavity between the posts and legs, and has the advantages of large wiring storage capacity and a high degree of wiring flexibility. In the case of the separate-pillar type, the storage capacity can be further increased by increasing the height of the pillars. The disadvantage is that there is a possibility of interference.
4. Groove Wiring Method
In the groove wiring method, wiring is done along the groove of the panel, and a cover is placed over the top to protect the wiring. This method has the advantage of facilitating wiring changes and additions. Although the wiring storage capacity is small, wiring is done in an orderly fashion along the grooves, preventing interference. The groove wiring method is suitable when the number of wires is small or when there are plans to change the layout or increase the floor space.
Other Information on OA Floors
Merits and Demerits of OA Floors
Merits
- It has a cleaner appearance and improves work efficiency.
- Wiring outlets can be changed, allowing free layout changes of desks and PCs.
- Reduces problems such as falling over due to feet getting caught in wiring or data errors due to wiring disconnections, etc.
- Floor cleaning becomes easier.
Demerits
- Placement-type OA floors have a limited load-bearing capacity, and there are restrictions on heavy equipment.
- Since the height cannot be adjusted, it is not suitable for floors with slopes.
- Separate-pillar OA floors have heavy metal parts, which may cause problems in workability and load-bearing capacity of the building.
Depending on the equipment used, durability and walking conditions may cause defect. It is important to confirm this through testing.
List of 10 Raised Floor Manufacturers
*Including some distributors, etc.
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- Year Founded: oldest first
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CleanAir Solutions, Inc.
Raised Access Floor Panels
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Raised Floor Manufacturer Ranking
*Including some distributors, etc.Number of Employees
- CiangLi Anti-static Decorative Material Co., Ltd.: 280
Newly Established Company
- Access Floor Store: 2005 (18 years ago)
- DIRTT: 2004 (19 years ago)
- AirFixture, L.L.C.: 2001 (22 years ago)
Company with a History
- Lindner Group: 1990 (33 years ago)
- Access Floor Systems.com, Inc.: 1994 (29 years ago)
- CiangLi Anti-static Decorative Material Co., Ltd.: 1996 (27 years ago)
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