HEWEI SEATING Develops PU Self-Skinning Seat Structure With Integrated Spring Support
New seating structure combines polyurethane self-skinning technology, internal spring support and PUR surface protection for office and public-space applications
HEWEI SEATING, a China-based developer and manufacturer of polyurethane (PU) seating products, has developed a new PU self-skinning seat structure that combines an internal spring-support system with a transparent polyurethane reactive (PUR) surface coating process.
The development follows more than seven years of the company's research into PU materials and their applications in seating. The new structure is intended to address several aspects of seating design, including structural support, resilience, surface protection and routine maintenance.
Development of a New PU Seating Structure
According to HEWEI SEATING, the new approach combines a redesigned internal support structure with PU self-skinning technology to provide a seating construction suitable for office, public-facility and other commercial applications.
As a public waiting chairs manufacturer, our company develops PU seating products as well as PU formulations, molds and related manufacturing processes. Its product portfolio includes office and civilian PU chairs, waiting seating and public seating intended for environments such as railway stations, airports and other high-use facilities.
The latest development is part of the company's continuing research into how PU materials and structural components can be combined to address the requirements of different seating applications.
Application of Reaction Injection Molding
HEWEI SEATING uses reaction injection molding (RIM), a polyurethane manufacturing process in which liquid components are metered, mixed and reacted before being introduced into a mold.
The company said its development process integrates material formulation, product structure and mold design. This approach allows the characteristics of the polyurethane material and the physical configuration of the seating structure to be considered together during product development.
A central feature of the latest design is the PU self-skinning structure. According to the company, specially formulated polyurethane is molded around an internal support frame using heated-mold foaming technology. The process is intended to create an integrated PU surface layer, with the resulting skin reported by the company to be approximately 1 to 2.5 millimeters thick, depending on the product configuration and manufacturing conditions.
Redesigned Internal Support System
The internal support system has also been modified as part of the development.
Rather than relying exclusively on a conventional rigid support frame, HEWEI SEATING has incorporated spring hooks and spring plates into areas of the seating structure that respond to sitting loads.
According to the company, the arrangement is designed to distribute support across the seating structure while allowing selected areas to provide additional elasticity. The objective is to combine localized flexibility with overall structural support and rebound characteristics.
A spring plate positioned beneath the spring hooks is designed to support compression resistance and cushioning characteristics. The company is also evaluating the structural configuration through fatigue and durability testing as part of its product-development process.
Performance results may vary according to the final product design, materials, load conditions, testing procedures, and intended application.
Consideration of Applicable BIFMA Requirements
The seating structure has been developed with applicable furniture safety, durability, and performance requirements considered during the design process.
HEWEI SEATING said its development work takes relevant industry testing requirements into account when evaluating seating structures. The specific standard applicable to a product can depend on factors such as the type of seating, intended environment, and product configuration.
Any statement of conformance to a specific BIFMA standard would depend on the applicable product, completed testing, and supporting documentation.
PUR Coating for Surface Protection
A second part of the development focuses on protecting the PU seating surface.
According to HEWEI SEATING's research and development work, molded PU surfaces can contain microscopic pores that may affect resistance to water penetration, staining, and surface contamination if the surface is not adequately protected.
To address these considerations, the company has developed a transparent PUR surface-coating process. The coating is intended to provide an additional protective layer over the PU surface and is being evaluated for characteristics including resistance to penetration, wear and staining, as well as compatibility with routine cleaning and maintenance.
The company said the coating is being developed for seating applications where surface durability and ease of maintenance are relevant considerations.
Testing and Performance Evaluation
HEWEI SEATING said its development testing has included evaluation of the PUR coating under specified conditions.
According to company testing information, treated surfaces have been evaluated for resistance to surface temperatures of up to 100°C under specified test conditions. The company has also conducted testing related to resistance to mold and bacterial growth.
The reported results apply to the tested materials and conditions and should not be interpreted as a guarantee of performance across all products, environments, or operating conditions.
HEWEI SEATING is continuing to evaluate the technology for characteristics including wear resistance, stain resistance, surface protection, color retention and resistance to penetration.
Actual product performance may vary depending on product construction, material formulation, frequency of use, environmental exposure, cleaning methods, maintenance practices and other operating conditions.
Continued Research and Product Development
HEWEI SEATING said the surface technology has received technical support from higher-education institutions specializing in engineering and technology.
The company's research and development activities cover PU formulation, seating structures, mold design and manufacturing processes. Its current work focuses on applying these capabilities to office, public and commercial seating applications.
The latest development forms part of the company's continuing research into the use of PU materials in seating while balancing structural performance, resilience, surface characteristics and maintenance requirements.
HEWEI SEATING plans to continue evaluating the technology and related product configurations for applications in environments where seating may experience frequent use and repeated cleaning.
About HEWEI SEATING
HEWEI SEATING is a China-based manufacturer specializing in polyurethane seating products, PU formulation research and development, chair development, mold design and manufacturing.
The company develops PU seating for office, civilian, and public-space applications and works across material formulation, product structure and manufacturing processes.
