What do we test?
https://kcma.org/media/oembed?url=https%3A//youtu.be/Gr1293rQ0ho&max_width=0&max_height=0&hash=mbbNN4MWRGqsENF2OLX4YzU2N59p4mrANEdK2UMsArg
Structural
These tests are meant to verify the structural integrity and strength of cabinets
Drawer
Drawers and drawer mechanisms to operate with loading during normal use
Door Operation
Test the ability of doors, hinges and means of attachment to withstand a daily use.
Finish
These tests create, in accelerated form, the cumulative effects of years of normal kitchen conditions of pre-finished cabinets.
Structural
Image
Shelves and bottoms
All shelves and bottoms are loaded at 15 pounds per square foot. Loading is maintained for seven days to ensure that there is no excessive deflection and no visible sing of join separation or failure of any part of the cabinets or the mounting system.
Wall Mounted Cabinets
Mounted wall cabinets and wall hung base cabinets are gradually loaded to 600 pounds without any visible sign of failure in the cabinet or the mounting system.
Base Joints
To test the strength of base-front joints, a load of 250 pounds is applied against the inside of cabinet-front stiles for cabinet with drawer rails, or 200 pounds is applied for cabinets without drawer rails, to ensure reliable front joints that will not open during stress in service or during installation.
Drop Test
To test the ability of shelves, bottoms and drawer bottoms to withstand the dropping of cans and other items, a three-pound steel ball is dropped from six inches above the surface. After the test the drawer must not be damaged and must operate as before the test with no visible sign of joint separation or failure of any part of the cabinet or mounting system.
“The KCMA Quality Seal is a benchmark for quality in the industry. And from a marketing standpoint, it really helps set your products apart from those that don’t participate or qualify for the program. There are fairly rigorous quality standards that in testing have to be passed in order to have that seal.
From a customer standpoint, when they see that seal, it gives them more comfort in their purchase, and if you are a dealer, you can sell these cabinets with confidence and pride.”
Drawer Tests
Weight Test
To test the ability of drawers and drawer mechanisms to operate with loading during normal use, drawers are loaded at 15 pounds per square foot and operated through 25,000 cycles. The drawers must then remain operable with no failure in any part of the drawer assembly or operating system, and drawer bottoms must not be deflected to interfere with drawer operation.
Structural Strength
To test the ability of the drawer-front assembly to withstand the impact of closing the drawer under normal use, a three-pound weight is dropped 8 inches against the drawer assembly. After 10 drops, there must be no evidence of looseness or structural damage to the drawer-front assembly that impairs operation.
Door Tests
Image
Stress Test
Doors are opened and closed through a full 90-degree swing for 25,000 cycles. At the test’s conclusion, the door must be operable, the door-holding device must hold the door in the closed position, hinges must show no visible signs of damage, connections between cabinet-and-hinge and door-and-hinge must show no sign of looseness.
Load Test
65 pounds of weight is applied on the door. The weighted door is slowly operated for 10 cycles from 90 degrees open to 20 degrees open and returned to the 90-degree position. The door must remain weighted for 10 minutes, after which the door and hinges must show no visible signs of damage or looseness
Finish Tests
Image
Heat Test
A cabinet door is placed in a hotbox at 120 degrees Fahrenheit and 70 percent relative humidity for 24 hours.
Cold Test
A cabinet door is placed in a hotbox at 120 degrees Fahrenheit and 70 percent relative humidity for one hour, removed and allowed to return to room temperature and humidity conditions, and then placed in a coldbox for one hour at -5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Spill Test
Exterior exposed surfaces of doors, front frames, drawer fronts and end panels are subjected to vinegar, lemon, orange and grape juices, tomato ketchup, coffee, olive oil and 100-proof alcohol for 24 hours and to mustard for one hour.
Stain Test
A cabinet door edge is subjected to exposure to a standardized detergent formula for 4-24 hours depending on door type.
