FED-STD-834A; a new test offering for the furniture industry at Micom

Micom Laboratories is happy to inform you that we now offer test services to FED-STD-834A – Performance Test Method for Intensive Use Chairs. This test method, albeit somewhat similar to BIFMA X5.1, is effectively quite different for the following aspects:

BIFMA X5.1	FED-STD-834A
Single 8 hours shift use, 5 days/week	24 hours use, 7 days/week
Based on a 253 lb individual	No direct weight basis; weight is increased
No fabric wear test	Fabric wear test
No spindle attachment test	Spindle attachment test
	Increased number of cycles vs BIFMA X 5.1
	Additional tests vs BIFMA X 5.1

The table below gives a brief outline of what the test method is all about:

Test	Load /force for last increment (lbs/lbf)	Total number of cycles
Cyclic Back and Back Tilt Mechanism Fatigue Test	50	500 000
Cyclic Increasing Back Load Test	175	100 000
Cyclic Pneumatic Back Tilt or Seat Inclination Adjustment Mechanism Test	50/50	332 000
Cyclic Vertical Load Test on One Arm	250	100 000
Cyclic Side Thrust Load Test on Arms	200	175 000
Cyclic Vertical Load Test on Seats, Bases and Casters	1300	275 000
Cyclic Fatigue Test of Swivel Bearings	300	125 000
Cyclic Pneumatic Height Adjustment Durability Test	250	125 000
Front Stability Test	NA	NA
Back Stability Test	NA	NA
Caster and Base Durability Test	300	36 000
Fabric Durability Test	NA	NA
Spindle Attachment Tests	NA	NA

For more information visit our FED-STD-834 webpage or contact us.

Micom is a third party industrial laboratory accredited by the Standards Council of Canada, CGSB and ISTA.

Disclaimer

All of the information and opinions contained in this blog are made with the information, and the understanding that we have reviewed at the time of publishing. However, despite our efforts, we do not offer any guarantee of their accuracy, thoroughness of our investigation or validity. The author of this blog is not liable for any inaccuracies or any losses or damages that may result from the use of the information or data contained herein. This blog has not been reviewed or verified for its accuracy by any peer group associates prior to publication.

Michel Comtois

Michel Comtois is an accomplished founder and CEO of Micom Laboratories Inc., an ISO/IEC 17025 (2017) A2LA-accredited independent laboratory specializing in product and material testing services. Before establishing Micom Laboratories in 1999, Michel, who also holds a Master’s degree in Physical Chemistry, gained extensive experience over a 14-year tenure managing departments spanning physical chemistry, physics, mechanical and material testing in research and contract laboratories. This exposure granted him a profound understanding of the intricacies of development and material testing processes.

In addition to his practical experience, Michel has played influential roles on various voluntary technical committees. He notably, served as the chairperson for CAN/CGSB 44.227 and the Head of the Canadian Delegation for ISO TC 136. He also contributed to the following technical committees: CAN/CGSB 44.229, CAN/CGSB 44.232, ANSI/BIFMA X5.1, ANSI/BIFMA X5.5, ANSI/BIFMA X5.6, ANSI/BIFMA X 5.9 ANSI/BIFMA X5.11, ISTA Certification Council.

Leveraging his unique expertise, he has led Micom Laboratories to become a renowned name in its niche, now operating out of a 16,000-square-foot test facility in Montreal, Canada, and serving a diverse customer base with an array of material and product testing services. Follow Michel on LinkedIn

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Michel Comtois