Chairs & All - Chair Glossary of Terms

Continuing below is an explanation of the main components which go into making the modern chair. The glossary of terms below can be referred back to so that you can fully assess what any particular chair has to offer.

To come back to this list, click on the "GLOSSARY" towards the bottom of the menus on the left

AFRDI - Australasian Furnishings Research and Development Institute with a standardized grading system which measures the durability of office chairs. This is voluntary on the manufacturers behalf and costly for each chair test.

AFRDI approval rating Level 4 - General commercial use
AFRDI approval rating Level 5 - Heavy commercial use
AFRDI approval rating Level 6 - Severe commercial use

SEAT MECHANISMS
Semi Ergonomic	Seat height adjustment Back angle adjustment or free float Back height adjustment on ratchet system
Fully Ergonomic	Seat height adjustment Seat angle adjustment or free float Back angle adjustment or free float Back height adjustment on ratchet system Available in 2 or 3 lever variations
Swivel & Tilt	Seat height adjustment Seat and Back tilt angle adjustment or free float Back angle is not adjustable independent of the seat Available in two variations, one pivoting from under the knee and the other pivoting from the centre of the chair Pre load spring to adjust to all body weights
Synchronised	Seat height adjustment Seat angle adjustment or free float Back angle adjustment or free float Seat and back move together in a ratio which is generally 2:1 Pre load spring to adjust to all body weights
Multi-Tilter	Seat height adjustment Seat angle adjustment or free float Back angle adjustment or free float Seat and back move independently or together in a rocking motion Two forward stop positions for different tasks Pre load spring to adjust to all body weights

A select range of FABRICS are available to view through Chairs & All by clicking on the menu link to the left. Links to major fabric manufacturer web sites are also listed in the fabrics page or listed in the links page which you can reach via the Chairs & All Home page

FABRIC CATEGORIES
Fabric category 1	Basic synthetic fabrics ie 100% Olefin Suitable for the most basic of chair Generally Heavy Duty fabrics in limited textures patterns and colours
Fabric category 2	100% Olefin in more colours, patterns, textures 100% Polyester and blends in good colour ranges Heavy Duty rated fabrics for commercial use Generally fire retardant tested to AS 1530.3
Fabric category 3	Heavily patterned Polyester blends 100% wool fabrics in a good range of textured weave My recommendation for your choice in most chair ranges Quality fabrics with warranties which will enhance your chairs cushion performance
Fabric category 4	Wool blends with heavier weave Heavily patterned fabrics Highest quality with long warranty periods Fire retardant fabric to AS 1530.3 Very good durability results from Abrasion tests
Fabric category 5	Black Leather High quality cowhide re patterned and coloured to create reliable, uniform finishes Other colours available on request Customers Own Material (COM) is an option

BASE OPTIONS
Standard Five Star Base	Heavy Duty Reinforced Nylon construction Black in colour Suitable for weight loads up to 100 kg
Polished Aluminium Five Star Base	Extremely Heavy Duty cast aluminium base Upper side is finished and polished to a high gloss Suitable for weight loads up to 150 kg
Designer Aluminium Five Star Base	Uniquely shaped base to further add elegance to your chair Heavy Duty cast aluminium base Upper side is finished and polished to a high gloss Suitable for weight loads up to 120 kg
Draughtsman extension Base	High reach gas lift fitted Height adjustable foot ring is also included Generally only available on Ergonomic chairs and restricted to Medium back variations Can be optioned with Polished bases if required
Hard Wheeled Castors	Fitted as standard to all chairs unless otherwise specified Suitable for carpeted surfaces, chair mats and vinyl Chair mats are always recommended to save excessive carpet wear
Soft Wheeled Friction Castors	Optionally available on most of the five star chair range Suitable for surfaces such as timber, terrazzo and other polished surfaces Can be used with chair mats with good results Friction brake stops empty chairs from rolling away on polished surfaces Friction brake does not operate when a user is seated Not reccommended to use directly on carpet Chair mats are always recommended to save excessive carpet wear

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