Joint Industry Foam Standards and Guidelines

IDENTIFICATION AND MARKING OF FABRICATED COMPONENTS STANDARDS AND GUIDELINES

3.1 Explanation of Need

The seemingly trivial details of marking cushions for identification can cause major quality problems for the furniture manufacturer. Details such as type of ink used, color of ink used, and location of marks determine whether or not the upholsterer will be able to mask over the identification marks with the cover fabric, particularly if the cover fabric is of a lightweight construction or a light color. Also, the servicability of the construction in the field is affected relative to the cleanability of the cushion without causing bleeding of the marking ink onto the cover fabric. In an effort to diminish the frequency of these problems, the subsequent guidelines have been established by the Joint Industry Polyurethane Foam Standards and Guidelines Committee.

3.2 Solvent Fastness of Inks

All identifying markings on foams should be made using indelible ink which will resist bleeding when the cushions are sprayed with retail applied fabric treatments or wet with cleaning solutions.

3.3 Location of Identifying Markings

All identifying markings on foam should be made on the edge defined as the back of the pillow or cushion, when possible. Avoid front edge markings, which can telegraph through light color cover fabrics.

3.4 Color of Identifying

Marks should be made in colors agreed upon by the foam supplier and the upholstery manufacturer.

3.5 Types of Markings to Be Used

Information such as foam type, manufacturing dates, lot numbers, product numbers, etc. to be marked on cushion edges should be agreed upon by the foam supplier and the upholstery manufacturer.

3.6 Wrapping Materials

Wrapping materials for the transportation and handling of fabricated foam components should be agreed upon by the foam supplier and the furniture manufacturer.