Stainless Steel Tactile Tiles (300 × 300 mm Integrated TGSI Plates)

Overview

Integrated tactile tiles solve the two problems that slow down large TGSI installations: setting out hundreds of individual holes, and keeping every stud perfectly aligned. Each MetalX tile is pressed from a single stainless steel sheet so the 36 domes or 4 bars are already in exactly the right position. The installer fixes four corner screws, and the tile is complete.

The tiles are made in Mumbai from SS 304 or SS 316 sheet, 1.8 mm thick as standard. The stud type reproduces the same Ø35 mm, 4.5 mm dome used on our loose studs; the bar type reproduces our 280 × 35 mm directional bar. Because the geometry is identical, tiles and loose studs can be mixed on the same project, for example tiles on straight platform edges and loose studs around columns and curves.

Stud tile variants

• Concentric ring studs: standard pressed domes with ring pattern for slip resistance.
• Truncated studs: flat-topped cones that match ADA and ISO truncated dome profiles.
• Poly insert studs: coloured polyurethane caps for high luminance contrast.
• Carborundum insert studs: abrasive centres for the wettest, busiest locations.
• Extended studs: solid machined studs welded to the plate for maximum durability under trolleys and cleaning machines.

Where tiles beat loose studs

Choose tiles when the warning field is large and rectangular (platform edges, top of escalators, kerb ramps), when installation time is critical (overnight possessions in operating stations), or when a uniform architectural look is required. Choose loose studs for curves, irregular layouts, heritage stone and small retrofits. Our article on when to use tactile tiles instead of studs covers the decision in detail.

How the tile is made

Each tile starts as a 300 × 300 mm blank of 1.8 mm stainless steel sheet. On the stud tile, 36 domes are pressed up from the sheet in a single press stroke so they are exactly on a 50 mm grid, then the concentric ring pattern is embossed. For the extended type, solid machined studs are welded to the plate instead, which suits floors with trolley traffic and cleaning machines. The bar tile has four 280 mm ribs pressed along the plate at 75 mm centres. Four corner holes are punched and countersunk, the edges are deburred, and the tile is given a satin finish. Every tile from a batch is interchangeable, which is what makes the installed field look like one continuous surface.

SS 304 or SS 316 tiles

Choosing the stud type on the tile

• Pressed concentric ring studs: the standard tile. Economical, good grip, self-cleaning.
• Truncated (flat-top) studs: the profile called for by ADA §705 and ISO 23599 drawings; specify when a US or ISO-based specification is quoted.
• Poly insert studs: yellow, red, blue or black polyurethane caps for luminance contrast on grey concrete.
• Carborundum insert studs: abrasive centres for the wettest, busiest platforms.
• Extended welded studs: solid machined studs welded to the plate; the heaviest-duty option for trolley routes and industrial walkways.

How many tiles do you need?

A 600 mm-deep warning field is two rows of tiles, so 6.7 tiles per running metre. A 140 m platform needs about 935 tiles per edge. Escalator and stair landings 2 m wide need 14 tiles each at the top and the bottom. For a 300 mm guiding path, bar tiles run at 3.3 per metre. Order 2% extra for cutting around columns and openings, and tell us if any tiles need to be cut to a module: we can supply 300 × 150 mm half tiles.

What affects the price

1. Grade: SS 316 sheet costs more than SS 304.
2. Stud type: pressed studs are the base; inserts and welded extended studs add operations.
3. Plate thickness: 2 mm plate for heavy duty costs more than 1.8 mm.
4. Finish: satin is standard; PVD colour adds a process.
5. Quantity and freight: tiles are heavier than studs per square metre, so sea freight is usual for large export orders; air for urgent.

Mistakes we see with tactile tiles

• Tiles laid on an uneven bed. A rigid plate rocks on a high spot. Grind or fill the bed first, then bond with adhesive as well as screws.
• Gaps between tiles. Butt tiles tightly so the 50 mm grid continues across the joint; a 20 mm gap is felt as a break in the field.
• Cut pieces with a single row of studs. Keep at least two rows on any cut piece, or use loose studs at the edge.
• Screws left proud. Countersink fully; a proud screw head is a trip point and a cane snag.
• Wrong stud profile for the specification. Confirm whether the drawing calls for domes with rings or truncated flat-top studs before ordering.

Typical specification clause

“Integrated tactile warning tiles: stainless steel AISI 316 [or 304] plate 300 × 300 × 1.8 mm with 36 pressed [or truncated / welded] studs Ø35 mm, 4.5 mm high, at 50 mm centres, satin finish, fixed with four countersunk screws and construction adhesive, laid in two rows to form a 600 mm-deep field across the full hazard width, starting 300 mm from the platform edge or nosing. Manufacturer: MetalX Engineering Inc., Mumbai, or approved equal.”

Where they are in service

Metro platforms in India and Saudi Arabia, airport terminals in the Gulf, bus rapid transit stations and municipal footpaths across Indian cities, and university and hospital campuses in Europe and North America.