Abstract: A process for forming laminated floor covering product having a relatively thick wear layer. In one embodiment, the process includes heating a base layer sheet which may comprise a plastic material to a first temperature, preheating a wear layer film to a second temperature, and laminating the wear layer film onto the base layer sheet at a first laminating station to form a flooring laminate. The wear layer may be rigid vinyl film (RVF). The foregoing process may be use for producing luxury vinyl tile (LVT). In some embodiments, the process includes embossing the flooring laminate at a second laminating station after the laminating step. In laminate constructions using a RVF wear layer, the process may include heating the flooring laminate to a third temperature between the first and second laminating stations prior to embossing to improve embossing depth.

Abstract: A method for providing a product which has a simulated embossed effect wherein a first wear layer is applied in a pattern and a second wear layer is deposited over the total surface that receives the first wear layer so that some areas of the surface have two wear layers and other areas of the surface have one wear layer to produce an embossed impression.