Testing device for Caster/Chair Base Durability Test acc. to BIFMA X5.1

This specialised test bench enables carrying out standardised durability testing of chair castors and chair bases (Chair Base Durability Testing) in accordance with BIFMA X5.1, Section 16 and ES 1058. This test procedure is essential for evaluating the service life of office chairs under realistic conditions. It simulates the repeated rolling of the chair under load over a defined distance and number of cycles – a crucial test for the early detection of material fatigue, structural weaknesses or rolling failure.

Test procedure according to BIFMA X5.1 Section 16 – Caster/Chair Base Durability Test

The Caster/Chair Base Durability Test in accordance with BIFMA X5.1 Section 16 is used to test the long-term load-bearing capacity of chair castors and the chair base. The aim is to ensure that the castor system remains functional even after intensive use and that no structural damage occurs.

The test procedure involves the following steps:

• The fully assembled chair is loaded with a defined test load – depending on the intended weight class (e.g. Type I or II according to BIFMA).
• Alternatively, the chair base can be tested separately.
• The chair or chair base is repeatedly moved back and forth on a test track (e.g. over 762 mm ± 51 mm per cycle).
• The number of cycles is 98,000 (for typical applications) to 122,000 for extended requirements.
• The movement takes place at a speed of approximately 0.64 km/h (0.4 mph) on a standardised test surface, e.g. hard floor or carpet.
• The test load is maintained at a constant level throughout the test.
• After completion of the test, there must be no cracks, breaks or functional impairments on the castors, frame or connection points.

The test bench simulates this movement precisely and automatically. This ensures that both castors and bases meet the requirements for durability and safety – a crucial aspect in product certification, quality assurance and standard compliance in the office furniture sector.

The test rig for caster testing acc. to BIFMA X5.1. consists of:

• Fixed base plate 1200 mm x 900 mm with substructure, surface: plywood covered with stainless steel
• Linear units driven synchronously on both sides, which are connected to a height-
  adjustable cross profile
• 3 removable thresholds
• Control cabinet with PLC control, mounted on a column
• Connection accessories for connection to test specimens
• On request: Set of fastening elements for anchoring to the laboratory floor

Optional accessories:

• Towing arm for four feeter and free swinging chairs (maximum external dimensions of the feet: 600 mm x 600 mm when driving from the inside) (40-933-195-BG20)

Various floor coverings can be attached to the base plate to optimally simulate the load in real-life use. On both sides of the base plate there are synchronously electrically driven linear units with a stroke of up to 762 mm, which allows caster tests according to ES1058 and BIFMA X5.1 (section 16). This design enables precise guidance of the chair fixed to a cross profile and the load can be transferred very rigidly without twisting. This prevents the test specimen from swinging during load or direction changes and prevents excessive stress on the guide in the event of test specimen failure. Fifteen cycles per minute can be performed at a fixed speed, taking into account the ±200 mm vibration test. We recommend anchoring the test device for friction and shake tests.

Control and operation of the test bench for caster tests according to BIFMA X5.1

The control is based on a PLC with analog value processing, which is mounted directly on the test bench. Parameterization is carried out via a touch display, which informs the user about the current status of the system and is used to enter the target values and select the test sequences.

The functionality is based on the standards relevant for the test bench, but allows the user of the system to vary details such as cycle times and load levels and to define individual test sequences.

At the end of the test, the control system saves all data required for documenting the test, such as the target number of cycles, the actual number of cycles achieved, error messages, and proof of compliance with the maximum load values. The data can then be downloaded to a PC and used to create the test report.