BS EN 12720 Furniture Surface Resistance to Cold Liquids Applied to Tables
The BS EN 12720 standard provides a method for determining the resistance of table surfaces to cold liquids. This is particularly important in environments where accidental spillage can occur, such as offices, schools, and public spaces. The test aims to ensure that the materials used on tables can withstand contact with cold liquids without absorbing them or degrading over time.
During testing, a defined amount of cold water (usually at 0°C) is applied to the surface of the table for a specified duration. The specimen is then inspected for any evidence of liquid absorption or damage such as discoloration, warping, or other visible defects. Acceptance criteria are based on visual inspection and may vary depending on the specific requirements set by the manufacturer or end-user.
The test procedure can be adapted to different types of tables, including dining tables, workstations, and meeting room tables. It is essential for manufacturers to ensure that their products meet regulatory standards and customer expectations regarding durability and safety. By adhering to this standard, companies can enhance the reputation of their brand and demonstrate commitment to quality.
The testing process involves several key steps:
- Selection of appropriate specimens based on the target market and intended use.
- Preparation of cold water according to specified temperature requirements.
- Application of the liquid to the surface using a standard technique.
- Observation and recording of any changes in the material properties over time.
The BS EN 12720 test is crucial for ensuring that furniture meets both consumer expectations and regulatory requirements. It helps manufacturers identify potential issues early in the design phase, allowing them to make necessary adjustments before product launch.
| Applied Standards | Description |
|---|---|
| BS EN 12720:2015 Furniture - Resistance of surfaces to cold liquids | This European standard specifies the methodology for assessing the resistance of furniture surfaces to contact with cold liquids. It covers various types of materials commonly used in table construction. |
| ISO 6948:2007 Paints and varnishes - Resistance of coatings to solvents, water and other liquids | This international standard provides additional guidance on the resistance of painted or varnished surfaces to different types of liquids. While not directly applicable to table surfaces, it can provide useful insights into related properties. |
Manufacturers who comply with these standards demonstrate their dedication to producing high-quality products that meet industry benchmarks and customer needs. By understanding the specifics of this standard, quality managers and compliance officers can better support their teams in meeting these requirements.
Applied Standards
| Applied Standards | Description |
|---|---|
| BS EN 12720:2015 Furniture - Resistance of surfaces to cold liquids | This European standard specifies the methodology for assessing the resistance of furniture surfaces to contact with cold liquids. It covers various types of materials commonly used in table construction. |
| ISO 6948:2007 Paints and varnishes - Resistance of coatings to solvents, water and other liquids | This international standard provides additional guidance on the resistance of painted or varnished surfaces to different types of liquids. While not directly applicable to table surfaces, it can provide useful insights into related properties. |
The BS EN 12720 test is crucial for ensuring that furniture meets both consumer expectations and regulatory requirements. It helps manufacturers identify potential issues early in the design phase, allowing them to make necessary adjustments before product launch.
Industry Applications
- Offices: Ensuring durability of furniture in high-traffic areas where spills are common.
- Schools: Protecting educational environments from potential hazards associated with liquid contact.
- Cafeterias: Meeting health and safety standards for public spaces.
The BS EN 12720 test is widely used in these sectors to ensure that the furniture meets stringent quality and reliability requirements. By adhering to this standard, manufacturers can enhance the reputation of their brand and demonstrate commitment to quality.
| Industry Applications | Description |
|---|---|
| Offices: Ensuring durability of furniture in high-traffic areas where spills are common. | This application is crucial for offices, particularly in environments where employees frequently interact with their workstations. The test ensures that surfaces remain intact even after repeated exposure to cold liquids. |
| Schools: Protecting educational environments from potential hazards associated with liquid contact. | In schools, the safety and well-being of students are paramount. By ensuring compliance with this standard, manufacturers contribute to a safer learning environment. |
| Cafeterias: Meeting health and safety standards for public spaces. | For cafeterias, maintaining clean and hygienic surfaces is essential. This test ensures that tables remain safe and easy to clean after liquid contact. |
The BS EN 12720 test is widely used in these sectors to ensure that the furniture meets stringent quality and reliability requirements. By adhering to this standard, manufacturers can enhance the reputation of their brand and demonstrate commitment to quality.
Quality and Reliability Assurance
- Visual inspection for any signs of absorption or damage.
- Instrumentation to measure changes in surface properties over time.
- Comparative testing with alternative materials.
To ensure the reliability of the test results, a combination of visual inspection and instrumentation is used. This approach allows manufacturers to assess both immediate and long-term effects on table surfaces. Comparative testing with alternative materials helps identify which options best meet the specified criteria.
| Quality and Reliability Assurance | Description |
|---|---|
| Visual inspection for any signs of absorption or damage. | The initial step involves a thorough visual examination to detect any changes in the material properties immediately after exposure to cold liquids. This helps identify potential issues early on. |
| Instrumentation to measure changes in surface properties over time. | Advanced instrumentation is used to monitor subtle changes that may not be apparent through simple observation alone. This provides a more comprehensive understanding of material behavior. |
| Comparative testing with alternative materials. | This approach allows manufacturers to compare different materials and their performance under the same test conditions, ensuring consistent quality across all products. |
The BS EN 12720 test is an essential tool for maintaining high-quality standards in furniture manufacturing. By incorporating this test into their production processes, manufacturers can ensure that their products meet both current and future market demands.
