Mechanical test standard: furniture is not strong?

Many wardrobes feature weight-bearing plates that are prone to bending or collapsing. Some chairs may appear sturdy at first, but they can break after prolonged use. The truth is, the strength and durability of furniture cannot be judged just by its thickness or how it feels in your hands. Instead, it should be evaluated based on mechanical performance standards. Recently, a new version of the "Mechanical Performance Test for Furniture" standard has been introduced. This means that consumers will soon have a clearer way to determine whether their furniture is truly durable and reliable—by checking its mechanical performance data.

"The updated standard has refined and clarified previous testing methods, making them more aligned with current market needs," said Yang Junyuan, secretary-general of the Ningbo Furniture Trade Association. He explained that as consumer habits evolve, industry standards must also adapt. These updates are based on real-world complaints, customer feedback, lab results, and inspection reports. This ensures that the standards remain relevant and practical for both manufacturers and buyers.

The new standard covers key aspects like the strength, durability, and stability of various types of furniture, including tables, chairs, cabinets, and single-storey beds. For example, cabinet stability has been revised, with added requirements for center of gravity analysis and improved shelf stability tests. It also includes new criteria for evaluating stability when non-fixed cabinet parts are opened. In terms of table testing, new procedures have been introduced for irregularly shaped tabletops, such as horizontal static load and endurance tests.

In simple terms, mechanical properties refer to how furniture materials perform under different conditions—like compression, sustained pressure, bending, twisting, and impact. If a product fails to meet these standards, it could significantly affect its lifespan and safety. During the manufacturing and quality control process, furniture undergoes various tests to assess stability, stiffness, strength, and durability. For instance, chair surfaces, backrests, handrails, and other components are tested for their load-bearing capacity in different directions. All of these fall under the category of mechanical performance testing, ensuring that what you buy is not only comfortable but also safe and long-lasting.