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FOUNDATION™ Modular Work Platforms for Assembly Operations
SKU FPAO
Material Polypropylene/Aluminum
The use of traditional wood work platforms for assembly lines have more downside than upside. Not only do they get slippery, they’re also costly to install and replace. Wearwell recognized this and designed a better mousetrap – FOUNDATION™ modular platforms! FOUNDATION tiles have a lightly textured surface that’s ideal for walking and pivoting along assembly lines of any length. This style is easy to clean and ideal for the use of anti-fatigue matting. The modularity cuts down the time, labor, customization, and costly manpower of installation. With FOUNDATION, you can quickly replace sections not an entire platform.
Each 18” x 18” tile boasts a load rating of 400 pounds, providing all the support your assembly line workers need and more!
Choose from a range of heights, lengths and widths to form any shape and size down to 18” (.45m) sections.
Read more- Easy to clean
- Abrasion resistant
- Chemical resistant
- 400 lb. (181.5kg) load capacity per tile
Product Specifications
Construction
| Available Colors |
Black
|
|---|---|
| Standard Sizes | Available in several standard sizes for ease of installation in common sized work stations |
| Ramp | Ramps are not required |
| Cut Lengths | Customize length in 18" (45.7 cm) increments by joining platforms end to end |
| Customization | Full customization available: Any size! Any shape! For price and lead time, simply submit a drawing with dimensions to quotes@wearwell.com or contact Wearwell for assistance |
| Metal | Aluminum |
| Plastic Resin | Polypropylene |
Info
| Warranty: | 1 Year |
| Country of Origin: | Proudly manufactured in the USA |
| Prop 65 Warning: | WARNING: This product can expose you to chemicals including Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and reproductive harm. For more information, go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov. |
Applications
| Suitable Environment | Wet or Dry floors or where common inorganic acids, bases, salts, fats, oils, and many alcohols are present. Avoid aromatic hydrocarbons, concentrated acids and bases. |
|---|---|
| Applications |
|
Testing
| Flammability: | FMVSS 302: Pass SE/(B) |
| Compression Deflection: | .1" deflection at 230 lb load |
| Dielectric: | Not Rated for Switchboard Applications |
| ESD: | Not Rated for ESD Applications |
| Taber Abrasion: | ASTM D 3884 / 0 % loss @ 1000 cycles |
Price Start at $0.00
Price Start at
Regular Price
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Buy From a Distributor
Wearwell products are available through select distributors across North America, including MATSonline, MSC, Fastenal, Vallen, Motion Industries, WESCO, NEXT Industries, Uline, American Floor Mats, RS Hughes and Tenaquip in Canada. Or you can purchase Wearwell online by clicking the "Buy Now" button.
Download a Product Details Spec Sheet
| SKU | Short Description | Color | Width | Length | Height | Thickness | Stock Part | UOM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FP1x12x18x18BK | FOUNDATION Smooth Platform KIT 12" x 18" x 18" | Aluminum/Black | 18 In. (46 cm) | 18 In. (46 cm) | 12 In. (304.8 mm) | Yes | Each | |
| FP1x12x18x36BK | FOUNDATION Smooth Platform KIT 12" x 18" x 36" | Aluminum/Black | 18 In. (46 cm) | 36 In. (91 cm) | 12 In. (304.8 mm) | Yes | Each | |
| FP1x12x18x54BK | FOUNDATION Smooth Platform KIT 12" x 18" x 54" | Aluminum/Black | 18 In. (46 cm) | 54 In. (137 cm) | 12 In. (304.8 mm) | Yes | Each | |
| FP1x12x18x72BK | FOUNDATION Smooth Platform KIT 12" x 18" x 72" | Aluminum/Black | 18 In. (46 cm) | 72 In. (183 cm) | 12 In. (304.8 mm) | Yes | Each | |
| FP1x12x36x18BK | FOUNDATION Smooth Platform KIT 12" x 36" x 18" | Aluminum/Black | 36 In. (91 cm) | 18 In. (46 cm) | 12 In. (304.8 mm) | Yes | Each | |
| FP1x12x36x36BK | FOUNDATION Smooth Platform KIT 12" x 36" x 36" | Aluminum/Black | 36 In. (91 cm) | 36 In. (91 cm) | 12 In. (304.8 mm) | Yes | Each | |
| FP1x12x36x54BK | FOUNDATION Smooth Platform KIT 12" x 36" x 54" | Aluminum/Black | 36 In. (91 cm) | 54 In. (137 cm) | 12 In. (304.8 mm) | Yes | Each | |
| FP1x12x36x72BK | FOUNDATION Smooth Platform KIT 12" x 36" x 72" | Aluminum/Black | 36 In. (91 cm) | 72 In. (183 cm) | 12 In. (304.8 mm) | Yes | Each | |
| FP1x4x18x18BK | FOUNDATION Smooth Platform KIT 4" x 18" x 18" | Aluminum/Black | 18 In. (46 cm) | 18 In. (46 cm) | 4 In. (101.6 mm) | Yes | Each | |
| FP1x4x18x36BK | FOUNDATION Smooth Platform KIT 4" x 18" x 36" | Aluminum/Black | 18 In. (46 cm) | 36 In. (91 cm) | 4 In. (101.6 mm) | Yes | Each | |
| FP1x4x18x54BK | FOUNDATION Smooth Platform KIT 4" x 18" x 54" | Aluminum/Black | 18 In. (46 cm) | 54 In. (137 cm) | 4 In. (101.6 mm) | Yes | Each | |
| FP1x4x18x72BK | FOUNDATION Smooth Platform KIT 4" x 18" x 72" | Aluminum/Black | 18 In. (46 cm) | 72 In. (183 cm) | 4 In. (101.6 mm) | Yes | Each | |
| FP1x4x36x18BK | FOUNDATION Smooth Platform KIT 4" x 36" x 18" | Aluminum/Black | 36 In. (91 cm) | 18 In. (46 cm) | 4 In. (101.6 mm) | Yes | Each | |
| FP1x4x36x36BK | FOUNDATION Smooth Platform KIT 4" x 36" x 36" | Aluminum/Black | 36 In. (91 cm) | 36 In. (91 cm) | 4 In. (101.6 mm) | Yes | Each | |
| FP1x4x36x54BK | FOUNDATION Smooth Platform KIT 4" x 36" x 54" | Aluminum/Black | 36 In. (91 cm) | 54 In. (137 cm) | 4 In. (101.6 mm) | Yes | Each | |
| FP1x4x36x72BK | FOUNDATION Smooth Platform KIT 4" x 36" x 72" | Aluminum/Black | 36 In. (91 cm) | 72 In. (183 cm) | 4 In. (101.6 mm) | Yes | Each | |
| FP1x8x18x18BK | FOUNDATION Smooth Platform KIT 8" x 18" x 18" | Aluminum/Black | 18 In. (46 cm) | 18 In. (46 cm) | 8 In. (203.2 mm) | Yes | Each | |
| FP1x8x18x36BK | FOUNDATION Smooth Platform KIT 8" x 18" x 36" | Aluminum/Black | 18 In. (46 cm) | 36 In. (91 cm) | 8 In. (203.2 mm) | Yes | Each | |
| FP1x8x18x54BK | FOUNDATION Smooth Platform KIT 8" x 18" x 54" | Aluminum/Black | 18 In. (46 cm) | 54 In. (137 cm) | 8 In. (203.2 mm) | Yes | Each | |
| FP1x8x18x72BK | FOUNDATION Smooth Platform KIT 8" x 18" x 72 " | Aluminum/Black | 18 In. (46 cm) | 72 In. (183 cm) | 8 In. (203.2 mm) | Yes | Each | |
| FP1x8x36x18BK | FOUNDATION Smooth Platform KIT 8" x 36" x 18" | Aluminum/Black | 36 In. (91 cm) | 18 In. (46 cm) | 8 In. (203.2 mm) | Yes | Each | |
| FP1x8x36x36BK | FOUNDATION Smooth Platform KIT 8" x 36" x 36" | Aluminum/Black | 36 In. (91 cm) | 36 In. (91 cm) | 8 In. (203.2 mm) | Yes | Each | |
| FP1x8x36x54BK | FOUNDATION Smooth Platform KIT 8" x 36" x 54" | Aluminum/Black | 36 In. (91 cm) | 54 In. (137 cm) | 8 In. (203.2 mm) | Yes | Each | |
| FP1x8x36x72BK | FOUNDATION Smooth Platform KIT 8" x 36" x 72 " | Aluminum/Black | 36 In. (91 cm) | 72 In. (183 cm) | 8 In. (203.2 mm) | Yes | Each |
| Product Family | Thickness | Width | Length | Color | Product Number | ||||
| 415 | . | 916 | x | 3 | x | 10 | BK | = | 415.916x3x10BK |
| Chemical Group | Aluminum (Al) Resistance | Polypropylene (PP) Resistance | General Observation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strong Acids (e.g., Hydrochloric, Sulfuric, Nitric) | Poor/Severe Effect (Attacked/Corroded) | Excellent to Good (Good for non-oxidizing acids) | Aluminum is highly susceptible to attack. Not recommended |
| Strong Alkalies/Bases (e.g., Sodium Hydroxide, Ammonium Hydroxide) | Poor/Severe Effect (Rapidly attacked) | Excellent | Aluminum is highly susceptible to attack. Not recommended |
| Weak Acids (e.g., Acetic Acid (dilute), Citric Acid) | Good to Fair (Resistance decreases with concentration) | Excellent | Both materials typically offer good resistance to weak acids |
| Alcohols (e.g., Ethanol, Methanol, Isopropyl) | Excellent to Good | Excellent | Both materials are generally compatible with most common alcohols |
| Organic Solvents (e.g., Acetone, Benzene, Carbon Tetrachloride) | Excellent to Good (Aromatic and halogenated types may be problematic) | Poor to Severe Effect (Especially Aromatic & Halogenated Hydrocarbons) | Generally not recommended |
| Salts (Aqueous Solutions) | Fair to Poor (Chlorides are particularly corrosive) | Excellent | Depends on the chemicals |
| Water | Excellent (pH 5 to 8 range) | Excellent | Both are excellent for use with water |
| Oxidizing Agents (e.g., Chlorine, Hydrogen Peroxide) | Poor to Severe Effect | Poor to Severe Effect (Attacked) | Generally not recommended |
| Motor Oil (Petroleum-based) | Excellent (A) | Excellent (A) | Good |
| Synthetic Oil / Hydraulic Fluid | Excellent (A) | Excellent to Good (A/B) | Both are typically very compatible. Check specific oil components for unusual additives |
| Diesel Fuel / Fuel Oil | Excellent to Good (A/B) | Good to Fair (B/C) | Good |
| Gasoline (Unleaded) | Excellent (A) | Poor to Severe Effect (C/D) | As long as tiles are not submerged they can be used but should be inspected periodically for issues |
| Gasoline-Ethanol Blends (E10, E85 etc.) | Fair to Poor (C/D) | Poor to Severe Effect (C/D) | As long as the parts are not submerged they can be used but should be inspected periodically for issues |
| Glycol-based Antifreeze / Coolant (Ethylene/Propylene Glycol) | Excellent (A) | Excellent (A) | Good |
| Brake Fluid (Non-Petroleum Base) | Excellent (A) | Excellent to Good (A/B) | Good |
Foundation Installation 4 inch Height FAQ’s
Q: What is the difference between a modular and custom platform?
A: Modular platforms can be connected with each other to make a larger platforms. They can also be taken apart and reconfigured. Typically, fully customized platforms use plywood and other available materials to build a platform to a specific height or shape. These custom builds typically cannot be taken apart or re-used once assembled.
Q: How tall can a FOUNDATION platform go?
A: Standard heights of 4", 8" and 12". Custom heights are available up to 36". Contact us for inquiries about custom heights.
Q: How much weight can your platforms take?
A: 400 lbs. per tile capacity
Q: What's the difference between a mezzanine and a work platform?
A: A mezzanine is a permanent intermediate level within a building that is part of its physical structure; e.g., a partial story between two main stories of a building (auditorium, theater, entrance lobby, etc.).
Q: When do I need a guardrail?
A: A guardrail is not required for FOUNDATION. Guardrails are required for raised floor above 48 inches.
Q: Are stairways required for platforms?
A: Stairs are not required for FOUNDATION platforms. FOUNDATION platforms have stock heights of 4", 8", and 12", though we can make custom heights when necessary. Steps are only required for platforms over 19 inches tall
Q: Can I have stairs leading up to my FOUNDATION platform?
A: Stairs are not required to use FOUNDATION unless it is over 19 inches heigh. We can work with customers on an individual basis, but we do not carry stairs for FOUNDATION.
Q: Is FOUNDATION easy to use?
A: FOUNDATION is simple to plan, design, and fast to put together.
Q: What do I need to put it together?
A: FOUNDATION is easily put together with cut resistant gloves and a rubber mallet. A drill is required to anchor.
Q: Can I make a stand alone platform?
A: Yes, any size platform is possible down to 18"x18" increments for standard tiles and 1" increments for DIY tiles.
Q: How big can I make the platform?
A: Any size, as large or small, is possible as long as it is within an 18"x18" square increment for standard tiles and 1" increments for DIY tiles.
Q: How small can I make a platform?
A: A small platform can be assembled with one of the Platform kits. The smallest is 18"x18"
Q: Is there any training required to assemble a platform?
A: No training is required, and detailed instructions come with each kit. Videos are also available on our website or YouTube page. Gloves and a rubber mallet are recommended for installation. A drill is necessary to anchor the platform.
Q: How should I plan out my platform?
A: When planning out your platform, it can be useful to use a piece of grid paper. If you think of each square as representing 18"x18", then you can draw your design and plan it from the graph paper.
Q: How do I know which pieces I will need to plan/assemble my platform?
A: After sending us a drawing of your workspace, a Wearwell expert can help you determine which parts and pieces will be necessary for your design. The brochure is also very helpful. Contact Wearwell for any information you need and we are happy to help.
Q: What makes FOUNDATION different than other platform systems?
A: FOUNDATION is the only modular platform system that takes no expertise to design, put together, or reconfigure. FOUNDATION by Wearwell can be customized within 1" increments, and can be made as large or small as needed. FOUNDATION can create full work floors, or small stand alone platform steps. FOUNDATION also comes with three unique work surfaces to best serve your work.
Q: Can FOUNDATION get wet?
A: FOUNDATION can get wet. We recommend Open or Diamond-Plate for wet areas. Smooth is not recommended for wet areas.
Q: Will FOUNDATION become slippery to work on when wet?
A: FOUNDATION will not become slippery when the proper surface is used. Open surface has traction points and allows overspray and liquids to drain through. Diamond-Plate has protruding diamonds to grip users feet and allow them to plant firmly in wet with water areas.
Q: What are some tips for planning/ installing FOUNDATION?
A: Tips include orienting your length properly, and using a piece of graph paper to plan the drawing. It can be useful to rely on a Wearwell expert here.
Q: Do I need a safety harness on FOUNDATION?
A: FOUNDATION does not require a safety harness typically. Safety harnesses are typically necessary at 4+ feet high
Q: What should I do before moving or disassembling the platform?
A: Before moving or disassembling, be sure FOUNDATION is clear of any obstacles or dangers. Then begin to disassemble FOUNDATION the same way it was put together.
Q: What are the risks of using a platform?
A: Risks of using any platform, stairway, walkway, etc. are falling from a raised height.
Q: Can FOUNDATION be made to slope?
A: FOUNDATION cannot be made to slope.
Q: Can I add a sloped surface on top of my FOUNDATION platform?
A: This is not recommended.
Q: Can I use FOUNDATION outdoors?
A: FOUNDATION can be used outdoors, though surface tiles may need to be replaced on a quicker cycle than if used in indoor conditions.
Q: Are there any considerations when working in hot/ cold temperatures?
A: Foundation can be used in temperatures between 32-160F.
Q: Can vehicles be used atop FOUNDATION?
A: Carts and certain rolling equipment can be used on the Smooth surface, but considerations must be made as the point load from a wheel can reduce the tile's max capacity of 400 lbs. To enquire further, determine the weight of the cart, your wheel diameter and width, and reach out to a Wearwell expert
Q: Can carts be used atop FOUNDATION?
A: Carts can be used atop Smooth FOUNDATION. We recommend wheels with a soft (rubber or urethane surface), a diameter of at least 5" and a width of at least 2".
Q: Can I use FOUNDATION on top of FOUNDATION?
What if I need a platform on top?A: We do not recommend stacking platforms. FOUNDATION has the ability to create multiple heights within a single installation. For more information on this contact a Wearwell expert.
Q: Is FOUNDATION safe?
A: FOUNDATION is very safe. It is USA made, and has passed engineering certification and is as safe as any platform out there when used properly.
Q: Can FOUNDATION handle chemical spills?
A: FOUNDATION surface tiles are made of polypropylene. This is good at handling chemicals. We recommend Open Tiles to allow chemicals to drain through the surface. However, no material is resistant to all chemicals. If your application will expose Foundation to frequent exposure to chemicals contact a Wearwell expert.
Q: Does FOUNDATION require any warning signage to be posted?
A: FOUNDATION does not require any warning signage to be posted
Q: What kind of vehicle warnings do I need for FOUNDATION?
A: Vehicle warnings can be used as needed but are not required for using FOUNDATION
Q: Is FOUNDATION mobile?
A: Foundation can be moved and reconfigured, smaller sections can are light enough to be picked up and moved, but it is not mobile in the sense that it has wheels
Q: How can I be sure my FOUNDATION platform will not move?
A: Anchoring FOUNDATION and following the proper installation instructions will ensure that your FOUNDATION platform does not move.
Q: Can FOUNDATION be placed over cables, wires, or other obstructions?
A: FOUNDATION can be placed over cables/ obstructions to allow workers to move freely over obstacles.
Q: What PPE is required for FOUNDATION?
A: No PPE is required to use FOUNDATION. We recommend cut resistant gloves when putting FOUNDATION together
Q: Can FOUNDATION be raised or lowered on demand?
A: FOUNDATION cannot be raised or lowered. Contact us about custom height requirements.
Q: What accessories are available for FOUNDATION?
A: FOUNDATION is available with rubber feet to prevent sliding and scratching the floor on smaller platforms, anchors to allow for semi-permanent installations, and toe plates to prevent tools from dropping or rolling off. Another accessory is a yellow spray-paint that works specifically with FOUNDATION surface tiles and toe plates. It can be used to paint toeplates, or call out the perimeter of a surface tile. There are also three different surface tiles to choose from, each with a different purpose. Ramps can create a smoother transition from floor to platform for easy cart and foot traffic. Railing provides extra security around the platform perimeter.
Q: Can I use FOUNDATION to store materials/ pallets?
What is the maximum storage volume?A: FOUNDATION can be used to store materials as long as the load capacity does not exceed the individual tile strength of 400 lbs.
Q: What is the FOUNDATION warranty?
A: FOUNDATION warranty is 1 year
Q: Can I become an authorized seller of FOUNDATION?
A: Reach out to Wearwell to become an authorized dealer of FOUNDATION
Q: What do I do if I receive a damaged or missing part?
A: Contact Wearwell for replacement.
Q: How long does it take to install FOUNDATION?
A: FOUNDATION can be installed in a matter of minutes.
Q: Can I install FOUNDATION myself?
A: While you can install FOUNDATION on your own, it is much easier with 2+ people
Q: Can FOUNDATION be used as a step platform?
A: Stairs up to 36" tall can be made with FOUNDATION, but that is not its intended purpose as the tiles will cause the steps to be deeper than standard stairs. For more than one step, we generally recommend buying stairs.
Q: Where is FOUNDATION used?
A: FOUNATION is used in many industries, including food processing, automotive manufacturing, fulfillment, general manufacturing, etc. Platforms are found in the majority of production environments.
Q: What is FOUNDATION made from?
A: FOUNDATION is made from extruded aluminum and polypropylene surface tiles
Q: Can FOUNDATION be expanded once installed and anchored?
A: FOUNDATION can be expanded without removing anchors
Q: How do I extend FOUNDATION length wise?
A: Please see your instruction sheet (based on the height of your platform)
Q: How do I extend FOUNDATION width wise?
A: Please see your instruction sheet (based on the height of your platform)
Q: Is FOUNDATION anti-fatigue?
A: FOUNDATION is not created to be anti-fatigue. It is better than concrete, but mats can also be used atop FOUNDATION to provide fatigue relief.
Q: How much weight will it support?
Per beam?A: FOUNDATION can support 400 lbs. per tile. A fully loaded system with 72" long beams will see a load of 1100 lbs.
Q: Can you fix FOUNDATION to the floor?
A: FOUNDATION can be anchored. Follow instructions on the installation guide to anchor your platform
Q: Can they be picked up and moved without coming apart?
A: Depending on the size, we might recommend you disassemble some sections before moving the platform entirely.
Q: Are they nonconductive?
A: FOUNDATION is not non-conductive. Non-conductive products can be used atop FOUNDATION.
Q: Can you connect two if different heights?
A: In general we are selling FOUNDATION as one height per platform. However, it is possible to connect two different heights. Please work with a Wearwell specialist to determine what special connection is required.
Q: Can you make shapes out of them to fit around machines?
A: Yes, FOUNDATION can be made to any shape within 1" increments. It can fit around machines in any variation of that square increment.
Q: Can you get spare parts if any get damaged?
A: All Foundation parts can be bought separately as a replacement through the manufacturer
Q: If you have a 3 x 6 platform, can you easily change to a 6 x 6?
A: If you have a 3' x 6' platform, yes, you can easily turn it into a 6' x 6' platform. You will need one complete, 18" x 72" platform, and 4 tiles.
Q: Are they OSHA compliant?
A: Yes, FOUNDATION is OSHA compliant
Q: Are there any user instruction?
A: There are instructions that come with FOUNDATION. They can be downloaded as well.
Q: Can they be taken down once assembled?
A: FOUNADATION can come apart the same way it goes together.
Q: What sort of surface is the platform designed to stand on?
A: FOUNDATION is designed to stand upon a solid, stable surface such as concrete. Non stable surfaces are not recommended.
Q: How chemical resistant are they?
A: FOUNDATION is incredibly chemical resistant. The aluminum framework is lightweight and strong, while the post consumer recycled polypropylene tiles can resist heavy oils and chemicals.
Q: Are they food grade?
A: No
Q: What height do you need a step up?
A: OSHA requires a step for any platform of 19" or higher.
Q: Is this system compatible with ErgoDeck tiles?
A: ErgoDeck tiles cannot be used instead of FOUNDATION tiles. However, ErgoDeck can be used atop FOUNDATION as an anti-fatigue floor. We recommend using ErgoDeck atop FOUNDATION Smooth tiles
Q: Can you add an anti-fatigue mat on top?
If so, which one do you recommend?A: Anti fatigue mats can be used atop FOUNDATION. We recommend using either WOW! mats, or ErgoDeck atop FOUNDATION Smooth.
Q: Is FOUNDATION Green?
A: FOUNDATION is very green, and each tile is even made from post consumer recycled materials.
Q: Is there a standard height?
A: 4in, 8in, 12in
Q: Can a FOUNDATION platform tip over?
A: FOUNDATION platforms are designed to be sturdy and not tip under normal use when used on a hard, flat surface. Rubber feet or anchoring can be used on most all size platforms.
Q: Can ESD and static control be used on top of the tiles?
A: Yes, ESD mats can be used atop FOUNDATION
Q: What recycled products are used to make FOUNDATION tiles?
A: Used food containers are the most common feedstock
Q: What are the lead times on FOUNDATION?
A: Typically same as ErgoDeck, 2-5 days
Q: Is there a brochure/ assembly instructions?
A: Yes
Q: Are there samples?
A: Due to the cost these will be on a case by case basis.
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