EN 16611:2023

Furniture - Assessment of the surface resistance to microscratching

This document specifies a method for the assessment of the surface resistance to microscratching and relates to rigid surfaces of all finished products, considering the following exceptions:
- Method A is suitable for all types of surface coatings and coverings except for lacquers with pearly or metallic effects.
- Method B is suitable for all types of surface.
- No method applies to finishes on leather and fabrics.
This document is applicable to the test intended to be carried out on a part of finished furniture, but it can be carried out on test panels of the same material, finished in an identical manner to the finished product, and of a size sufficient to meet the requirements of the test.
It is essential that the test be carried out on unused surfaces.

Möbel - Bestimmung der Mikrokratzbeständigkeit von Möbeloberflächen

Dieses Dokument legt ein Verfahren für die Bestimmung der Mikrokratzbeständigkeit von Möbeloberflächen fest und gilt für ebene Oberflächen aller fertigen Produkte, wobei folgende Ausnahmen gelten:
- Verfahren A ist für alle Arten von Oberflächenbeschichtungen und  belägen geeignet, außer für Lacke mit Perlmutt  oder Metallic Effekten.
- Verfahren B ist für alle Oberflächenarten geeignet.
- Kein Verfahren gilt für Oberflächenbehandlungen auf Leder und Textilien.
Dieses Dokument ist für die Prüfung anzuwenden, die für die Durchführung an einem Teil des gebrauchsfertigen Möbels vorgesehen ist, aber auch an Prüflingen erfolgen kann, die aus demselben Material mit identischer Oberflächenbehandlung wie das fertige Produkt hergestellt wurden und groß genug sind, um den Prüfanforderungen zu entsprechen.
Es ist von grundlegender Bedeutung, dass die Prüfung auf unbenutzten Oberflächen durchgeführt wird.

Ameublement - Évaluation de la résistance des surfaces aux micro-rayures

Le présent document spécifie une méthode d’évaluation de la résistance des surfaces aux micro-rayures et il concerne les surfaces rigides de tous les produits finis, aux exceptions suivantes près :
-   La méthode A convient pour tous les types de revêtements de surface et de revêtements, à l’exception des laques à effet nacré ou métallique.
-   La méthode B convient pour tous les types de surfaces.
-   Aucune méthode ne s’applique aux finitions des cuirs et des tissus.
Le présent document est applicable à l’essai destiné à être réalisé sur une partie d’un meuble fini, mais il peut être mené sur des panneaux d’essai dont le matériau et la finition sont identiques à ceux du produit fini et d’une taille suffisante pour satisfaire aux exigences de l’essai.
Il est essentiel que l’essai soit réalisé sur des surfaces neuves.

Pohištvo - Ocenjevanje odpornosti površine proti mikrorazenju

Ta dokument določa metodo za ocenjevanje odpornosti površine proti mikrorazenju in se navezuje na trdne površine vseh končanih izdelkov ne glede na material, ob upoštevanju naslednjih izjem:
Metoda A je primerna za vse vrste površinskih premazov in oblog, razen za lake z bisernim ali kovinskim učinkom.
Metoda B je primerna za vse vrste površin.
Nobena metoda se ne uporablja za zaključke iz usnja in blaga.
Preskus naj bi se izvedel na delu končanega kosa pohištva, izvesti pa ga je mogoče tudi na preskusnih ploščah iz istega materiala, ki so obdelane na identičen način kot končan izdelek in dovolj velike, da ustrezajo zahtevam preskusa.
Pomembno je, da se preskus izvede na še nerabljenih površinah.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 25-Apr-2023
• ICS: 97.140 - Furniture
• Technical Committee: CEN/TC 207 - Furniture
• Drafting Committee: CEN/TC 207/WG 7 - Surfaces and surface finishes of furniture
• Current Stage: 6060 - Definitive text made available (DAV) - Publishing
• Start Date: 26-Apr-2023
• Due Date: 21-Apr-2023
• Completion Date: 26-Apr-2023
• Ref Project: SIST EN 16611:2023 - Furniture - Assessment of the surface resistance to microscratching

Relations

• Replaces: CEN/TS 16611:2016 - Furniture - Assessment of the surface resistance to microscratching
• Effective Date: 07-Aug-2019

Overview

EN 16611:2023 is a comprehensive European standard developed by CEN that specifies the method for assessing surface resistance to microscratching on furniture. This standard applies to rigid surfaces of finished furniture products or test panels made from identical materials and finishes. It excludes finishes on leather and fabrics and differentiates between two testing methods (Procedure A and B), each suited for specific surface types and coatings.

The test focuses on evaluating microscratch damage using a controlled abrasion process on unused surfaces, ensuring consistent assessment of durability and quality. EN 16611:2023 supersedes the previous version from 2016, incorporating updated testing parameters and refined calibration procedures.

Key Topics

• Scope and Application

  • Applicable to all rigid furniture surface coatings except lacquers with pearly or metallic effects (Method A).
  • Method B suitable for all surface types except leather and fabric.
  • Testing can be conducted on finished furniture parts or representative test panels.

• Test Principles

  • Utilizes a Martindale tester to simulate microscratching via a defined scrub material.
  • Test material is moved in a Lissajous figure pattern under controlled load and speed.
  • Surface changes evaluated by gloss measurement or visual assessment after abrasion cycles.

• Equipment and Materials

  • Martindale tester adapted for the specific abrasion movement.
  • Scrub materials: polyamide 6.6 fleece embedded with alumina abrasive (very fine and ultra fine grades).
  • Glossmeter with 60° measurement geometry to quantify gloss loss.
  • Diffuse light source for visual assessment.
  • Reference black high gloss High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) as control material for calibration.

• Testing Procedures

  • Procedure A: Uses ultra fine scrub material; suited for coatings excluding pearly/metallic lacquers. Results expressed as percent gloss change.
  • Procedure B: Uses very fine scrub material; suitable for all surface types. Microscratch assessment based on image classification.
  • Each test involves 80 rubs (5 Lissajous movements) under a 6 Newton load at 48 revolutions per minute.

• Conditioning Requirements

  • Test surfaces must be conditioned for at least one week at 23 ± 2 °C and 50 ± 5% relative humidity to ensure stable and reproducible results.

Applications

EN 16611:2023 serves as a vital quality assessment tool for:

• Furniture Manufacturers: To ensure surface finishes resist everyday microscratching and maintain aesthetic integrity.
• Material Suppliers: For coating and covering suppliers to verify the durability of surface treatments.
• Quality Control Laboratories: Performing standardized testing to certify furniture products in compliance with European market regulations.
• Product Development: Assisting in the formulation of more scratch-resistant coatings and finishing methods.
• Compliance Verification: Supporting conformity to European furniture standards, helping manufacturers avoid defects and improve product longevity.

This standard is crucial for enhancing consumer satisfaction by guaranteeing surface durability and optimizing coating formulations suitable for commercial distribution.

Related Standards

EN 16611:2023 references and complements various international standards relevant to furniture surface testing, including:

• EN ISO 2813: Paints and varnishes – Determination of gloss values at 20°, 60°, and 85° angles, used to measure surface gloss before and after abrasion.
• EN ISO 12945-2: Textiles – Modified Martindale method for fabric pilling and surface resistance, providing a basis for the abrasion mechanisms.
• EN ISO 12947-1: Textiles – Martindale abrasion testing apparatus, describing the apparatus adapted for microscratching tests in furniture applications.

These interconnected standards provide a robust framework for the evaluation of surface wear and ensure harmonized testing procedures across various materials and industries.

---

By adhering to EN 16611:2023, furniture industry stakeholders can adopt a scientifically validated, repeatable methodology for assessing surface microscratching resistance-improving product quality, customer trust, and competitive advantage in the market.

Standards Content (Sample)

SLOVENSKI STANDARD
01-julij-2023
Nadomešča:
SIST-TS CEN/TS 16611:2016
Pohištvo - Ocenjevanje odpornosti površine proti mikrorazenju
Furniture - Assessment of the surface resistance to microscratching
Möbel - Bestimmung der Mikrokratzbeständigkeit von Möbeloberflächen
Ameublement - Évaluation de la résistance des surfaces aux micro-rayures
Ta slovenski standard je istoveten z: EN 16611:2023
ICS:
97.140 Pohištvo Furniture
2003-01.Slovenski inštitut za standardizacijo. Razmnoževanje celote ali delov tega standarda ni dovoljeno.

EN 16611
EUROPEAN STANDARD
NORME EUROPÉENNE
April 2023
EUROPÄISCHE NORM
ICS 97.140 Supersedes CEN/TS 16611:2016
English Version
Furniture - Assessment of the surface resistance to
microscratching
Ameublement - Évaluation de la résistance des Möbel - Bestimmung der Mikrokratzbeständigkeit von
surfaces aux micro-rayures Möbeloberflächen
This European Standard was approved by CEN on 17 March 2023.

CEN members are bound to comply with the CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations which stipulate the conditions for giving this
European Standard the status of a national standard without any alteration. Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references
concerning such national standards may be obtained on application to the CEN-CENELEC Management Centre or to any CEN
member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French, German). A version in any other language made by
translation under the responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to the CEN-CENELEC Management
Centre has the same status as the official versions.

CEN members are the national standards bodies of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia,
Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Poland, Portugal, Republic of North Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and
United Kingdom.
EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION
COMITÉ EUROPÉEN DE NORMALISATION

EUROPÄISCHES KOMITEE FÜR NORMUNG

CEN-CENELEC Management Centre: Rue de la Science 23, B-1040 Brussels
© 2023 CEN All rights of exploitation in any form and by any means reserved Ref. No. EN 16611:2023 E
worldwide for CEN national Members.

Contents Page
European foreword . 3
1 Scope . 4
2 Normative references . 4
3 Terms and definitions . 4
4 Principle . 5
5 Apparatus and materials . 5
5.1 Martindale tester . 5
5.2 Holder for scrub material . 5
5.3 Diffuse light source. 5
5.4 Glossmeter. 6
5.5 Positioning device . 6
5.6 Scrub materials . 6
5.7 Double-sided tape . 7
5.8 Cleaning cloth . 7
5.9 Reference black high gloss HPL . 7
6 Assembly and maintenance of the Martindale tester . 7
7 Preparation and conditioning . 7
7.1 Conditioning . 7
7.2 Test surface . 7
8 Test procedure . 7
8.1 General. 7
8.2 Testing . 8
8.2.1 Procedure A . 8
8.2.2 Procedure B . 9
9 Test report . 9
Annex A (normative) Method for checking the Lissajous figure . 10
Annex B (normative) Classification of the image after scratching according to procedure B
................................................................................................................................................................... 11
European foreword
This document (EN 16611:2023) has been prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 207 “Furniture”,
the secretariat of which is held by UNI.
This European Standard shall be given the status of a national standard, either by publication of an
identical text or by endorsement, at the latest by October 2023, and conflicting national standards shall
be withdrawn at the latest by October 2023.
Attention is drawn to the possibility that some of the elements of this document may be the subject of
patent rights. CEN shall not be held responsible for identifying any or all such patent rights.
This document supersedes CEN/TS 16611:2016.
The main changes compared to the previous edition are listed below:
— revised Clause 5 regarding 5.1 “Martindale tester”, 5.3 “Diffuse light source”, 5.6 “Scrub materials”,
5.9 “Reference black high gloss HPL”;
— additional test parameter “load” added to Table 1;
— revised 8.2.1 “Procedure A” regarding calibration of ultra fine scrub material and microscratching of
test area;
— revised 8.2.2 “Procedure B” regarding microscratching of test area;
— revised explanation in Table B.1;
— document editorially revised in its entirety.
Any feedback and questions on this document should be directed to the users’ national standards body.
A complete listing of these bodies can be found on the CEN website.
According to the CEN-CENELEC Internal Regulations, the national standards organisations of the
following countries are bound to implement this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia,
Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland,
Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of North
Macedonia, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Türkiye and the United
Kingdom.
1 Scope
This document specifies a method for the assessment of the surface resistance to microscratching and
relates to rigid surfaces of all finished products, considering the following exceptions:
— Method A is suitable for all types of surface coatings and coverings except for lacquers with pearly or
metallic effects.
— Method B is suitable for all types of surface.
— No method applies to finishes on leather and fabrics.
This document is applicable to the test intended to be carried out on a part of finished furniture, but it
can be carried out on test panels of the same material, finished in an identical manner to the finished
product, and of a size sufficient to meet the requirements of the test.
It is essential that the test be carried out on unused surfaces.
2 Normative references
The following documents are referred to in the text in such a way that some or all of their content
constitutes requirements of this document. For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For
undated references, the latest edition of the referenced document (including any amendments) applies.
EN ISO 2813, Paints and varnishes - Determination of gloss value at 20°, 60° and 85° (ISO 2813)
EN ISO 12945-2, Textiles - Determination of fabric propensity to surface pilling, fuzzing or matting - Part 2:
Modified Martindale method (ISO 12945-2)
EN ISO 12947-1, Textiles - Determination of the abrasion resistance of fabrics by the Martindale method -
Part 1: Martindale abrasion testing apparatus (ISO 12947-1)
3 Terms and definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply.
ISO and IEC maintain terminology databases for use in standardization at the following addresses:
— IEC Electropedia: available at https://www.electropedia.org/
— ISO Online browsing platform: available at https://www.iso.org/obp
3.1
test surface
part of the test panel
3.2
test panel
panel including the test surface
Note 1 to entry: It can be cut from a finished item of furniture or it can be a separate panel produced in the same
manner as the finished item of furniture.
3.3
test area
part of the test surface affected by the scrub material (5.6)
3.4
rub
one revolution of the two outer drives of the Martindale tester
3.5
cycle
completion of all the translational movements tracing a Lissajous figure comprising 16 rubs
Note 1 to entry: This comprises 16 revolutions of the two outer drives and 15 revolutions of the inner drive of the
Martindale tester.
3.6
Lissajous figure
figure created by movement which ranges changes from a circle gradually narrowing ellipses, until it
becomes a straight line, from which progressively widening ellipses develop, in a diagonally opposite
direction before the pattern is repeated
4 Principle
The test surface shall be fixed
...