FPRDI opens satellite furniture testing center in Cebu
In a bid to extend its services to furniture-makers in the Visayas and Mindanao, the Department of Science and Technology- Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) opened in Lahug, Cebu City a satellite furniture testing center that became operational April this year. The project is funded by the DOST Grants-in-Aid (DOST-GIA) and supervised by DOST-Region 7.
“After consulting with local industry players thru DOST-7, we were able to identify Cebu as a strategic area to host a furniture testing facility,” said Mr. Victor Revilleza, Technical Manager of the FPRDI National Furniture Testing Center (NFTC). Revilleza cited Cebu’s proximity to NFTC clients in the Visayas and Mindanao provinces. He also recognized Cebu’s booming furniture industry, with some of its local craftsmen being internationally recognized for their innovative furniture pieces.
“We helped DOST-7 choose the testing machines and design the laboratory in compliance with international standards,” added Revilleza. “We also had several visits to Cebu to train staff of DOST-7 on the use of the various testing equipment and the actual testing procedure. Until now, the NFTC still assists in the testing of furniture pieces being brought to the satellite center.”
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| The satellite furniture testing center in Cebu City. |
Established in 2002, the NFTC is a one-stop-shop facility based in Los Banos, Laguna that evaluates the quality and design of furniture in conformance to local and international test standards such as PNS, ISO, BS, EN, ASTM, ANSI/BIFMA, CINMAR, PIER 1, Crate & Barrel and other test protocols.
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| NFTC staff train DOST-7 on the use of the various furniture testing equipment. |
Using modern facilities, the NFTC subjects chairs, tables, desks, beds, and storage cabinets to different kinds of performance tests which include: static test that determines the maximum load a furniture can support; fatigue test that evaluates how long a furniture will last under normal use; impact test that appraises the furniture’s ability to withstand sudden impact; and stability test that assesses the furniture’s balance when applied with load in different directions.
It also conducts transit testing to evaluate the performance of packaging materials used for transporting furniture products, among others; finishing and environmental test to ensure that furniture products went thru safe and environment-friendly processes; and flammability test to evaluate the fire-resistance of furniture, cover fabrics and filling materials. ### (Carl Ryan V. Yorong & Apple Jean C. Martin, 15 May 2014)
