Product Testing and Evaluation Laboratory

Dr. Harvey A. West joined the FMM Center at North Carolina State University as a furniture extension specialist in Fall of 1997 to direct the testing and evaluation of furniture materials, components, and products (See 1997 Furniture/Today article).
 

Bifma Chair Back Pull Test Bifma Chair Testing Machine Bifma Chair Seat Impact Test

The FMM Center is equipped with computer-controlled flexible machines for performing chair tests per BIFMA 5.1, including

Back Strength Back Durability
Front Stability Rear Stability
Seating Impact Arm Strength
Leg Strength Tilt Mechanism Durability
These machines can also perform the chair racking test which was developed at NC State University and is currently prescribed by the State of North Carolina for suppliers of classroom chairs.

In addition, various furniture items can be tested to determine the relative strengths of joint designs or frame construction methods and the effects of temperature and humidity cycling.

The FMM Center has performed a variety of investigations for furniture and related industries including a determination of the forces necessary for staple withdrawl, a comparison of the strength and stiffness of plywood versus hardwood sofa frames, and an examination of wood surfaces via scanning electron microscopy to correlate with finishing differences.  If you have any immediate or long-term testing needs, please contact the FMM Center or Harvey West directly.

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