By Alvin F. Vardeleon and Maria Greatchin S. Brucal, DOST-FPRDI
The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) acquired a new corrosion testing machine to ensure the durability, safety, and quality of metal furniture components to help boost local furniture manufacturers.
Corrosion testing guarantees that all metal parts of furniture, such as screws, bolts, nuts, frames, hinges, and fittings, meet the minimum requirement of international standards including ASTM B117, ISO 9227, and JIS Z 2371. This process ensures that furniture metal components are corrosion-resistant, long-lasting, and compliant with global quality benchmarks.
“This development continues to show DOST’s dedication to meet international standards and ensure product excellence. DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute’s (FPRDI) enhanced furniture testing center will enable furniture manufacturers to confidently market their products abroad, strengthening our country's export capabilities,” said DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr.
Before the acquisition of the corrosion testing machine, DOST-FPRDI clients had to send their furniture samples to facilities in Hong Kong or Cebu for corrosion testing, which incurs higher costs due to shipping and handling. With this new in-house equipment, the Institute strengthens its service capability, helping furniture manufacturers reduce expenses, improve product quality, and minimize returns and customer complaints.
The newly acquired Salt Fog Test Chamber (SFTC) XHS-18B-60 simulates aggressive environmental conditions to evaluate the corrosion resistance of furniture materials and coatings. It precisely controls temperature, humidity, and salt concentration to ensure consistent and repeatable test conditions. The chamber exposes samples to a fine salt mist solution, typically sodium chloride (NaCl), although other types of salt solutions may be used to mimic the effects of prolonged exposure to corrosive environments.
This accelerated testing method, commonly used in the automotive, aerospace, electronics, and construction industries, assesses the performance of protective finishes such as rust-proof paint, electroplating, anodizing, and greasing. It also helps identify weak points in coatings and ensures that hardware components do not corrode easily to avoid collapse or breakage.
“With this upgrade, DOST-FPRDI reaffirms its commitment to supporting the Philippine Furniture industry with cutting-edge, accessible, and reliable testing services,” said Institute Director Rico J. Cabangon.
The machine was procured under the DOST project “Smarter OneLab for Industry 4.0 through Testing and Calibration, Education, and Discovery (OneLab for TED).”
The DOST-FPRDI’s testing services is an initiative by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) aimed at providing science-based, innovative, and inclusive solutions across four strategic pillars: human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability. These pillars embody the mantra OneDOST4U: Solutions, Opportunities for All. For more information, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or visit www.fprdi.dost.gov.ph.
(Left) A staff demonstrates use of the XHS-18B-60 salt spray chamber. (Right) The newly acquired machine at the Institute’s Furniture Testing Center.
