ᐅ How flexible are the materials used in Ikea BRIMNES furniture?
Created on: 9 Apr 2020 14:23
J
jerrymiHello everyone,
I am currently looking into the materials used by Ikea in their Brimnes range and wondering specifically: How flexible are the different materials in reality?
I am particularly interested in whether the (presumably) MDF or particleboard or other wood-based materials inside the shelves, drawers, and doors noticeably bend under load or are practically completely rigid.
Additionally, it would be interesting to know if the plastic or metal parts, such as hinges or handles, have some flexibility that could affect the durability or load-bearing capacity of the furniture.
So, in short: Does anyone know the elasticity values or at least the behavior of the materials under load for the Ikea BRIMNES? Are there any practical experiences or reliable data on this?
Thanks and best regards!
I am currently looking into the materials used by Ikea in their Brimnes range and wondering specifically: How flexible are the different materials in reality?
I am particularly interested in whether the (presumably) MDF or particleboard or other wood-based materials inside the shelves, drawers, and doors noticeably bend under load or are practically completely rigid.
Additionally, it would be interesting to know if the plastic or metal parts, such as hinges or handles, have some flexibility that could affect the durability or load-bearing capacity of the furniture.
So, in short: Does anyone know the elasticity values or at least the behavior of the materials under load for the Ikea BRIMNES? Are there any practical experiences or reliable data on this?
Thanks and best regards!
Hello jerrymi,
your question is very precise and important for anyone concerned about the durability and quality of BRIMNES furniture. I will try to explain the topic from a technical perspective:
- MDF and particleboard used by Ikea are usually coated with melamine or a foil laminate. These panels are relatively rigid, meaning they have very low elasticity. This means that under load, they hardly deform elastically but reach their load capacity within very small tolerances. A significant bending can lead to breakage since the stresses in the materials quickly exceed their limits.
- The elasticity of wood-based materials like MDF can be described by the modulus of elasticity (E-modulus). Values are usually around 2500-4000 N/mm² for MDF, which indicates low flexibility. Compared to solid wood, MDF is less elastic because it is homogeneously compressed.
- Plastic parts, such as handles or dowels, have elastic properties depending on the material (e.g., ABS, polypropylene). This elasticity actually helps to absorb stress peaks, for example in drawer slides.
- Metal parts, like hinges or screws, are generally elastic but Ikea furniture components are usually made from steel or thin steel sheet. These components have limited but sufficient elasticity for everyday use.
Summary: Brimnes furniture is primarily designed for stiffness; the individual wood-based panels stiffen the frame significantly, and elastic deformations under normal loads are minimal and undesirable. Elasticity is mainly absorbed by plastic and connecting elements, which improves overall longevity and robustness.
If you like, I can also elaborate on typical issues such as squeaking or warping that are related to elasticity.
your question is very precise and important for anyone concerned about the durability and quality of BRIMNES furniture. I will try to explain the topic from a technical perspective:
- MDF and particleboard used by Ikea are usually coated with melamine or a foil laminate. These panels are relatively rigid, meaning they have very low elasticity. This means that under load, they hardly deform elastically but reach their load capacity within very small tolerances. A significant bending can lead to breakage since the stresses in the materials quickly exceed their limits.
- The elasticity of wood-based materials like MDF can be described by the modulus of elasticity (E-modulus). Values are usually around 2500-4000 N/mm² for MDF, which indicates low flexibility. Compared to solid wood, MDF is less elastic because it is homogeneously compressed.
- Plastic parts, such as handles or dowels, have elastic properties depending on the material (e.g., ABS, polypropylene). This elasticity actually helps to absorb stress peaks, for example in drawer slides.
- Metal parts, like hinges or screws, are generally elastic but Ikea furniture components are usually made from steel or thin steel sheet. These components have limited but sufficient elasticity for everyday use.
Summary: Brimnes furniture is primarily designed for stiffness; the individual wood-based panels stiffen the frame significantly, and elastic deformations under normal loads are minimal and undesirable. Elasticity is mainly absorbed by plastic and connecting elements, which improves overall longevity and robustness.
If you like, I can also elaborate on typical issues such as squeaking or warping that are related to elasticity.
tolokau schrieb:
The elasticity of wood-based materials like MDF can be described by the modulus of elasticity (E-modulus). Values are usually around 2500-4000 N/mm² (360,000-580,000 psi) for MDF, which means it is rather inflexible.The note on the modulus of elasticity is very important because it makes clear that BRIMNES furniture materials actually show very little springiness or flexibility.
What I would like to add: the construction of the furniture plays a crucial role. The thin panels are fixed by edges and reinforcements, so the entire structure has high rigidity.
Practically, this means that loads on shelves or drawers are not compensated by material flexing, but the load is distributed across the assembly of panels and joints. Under excessive load, local breakage can occur rather than deformation.
I strongly recommend following the manufacturer’s maximum load specifications for BRIMNES to avoid material failure.
If elasticity is desired, furniture made from solid wood or with structurally integrated damping elements is more suitable.
Wow, the explanations about elasticity for BRIMNES are really helpful! 😊
I own the furniture myself and can confirm that the shelves are quite rigid and barely give way. But that’s actually a good thing because it provides stability when loading.
Still, you can notice a slight flexibility in the hinge elements and drawer fittings, which I find practical since it means you don’t have to worry about anything breaking immediately if you pull or push a bit harder.
In my opinion, the material behavior is totally acceptable for the price, and it’s clear that Ikea has found a good balance between cost and quality here.
Keep up the great tips!
I own the furniture myself and can confirm that the shelves are quite rigid and barely give way. But that’s actually a good thing because it provides stability when loading.
Still, you can notice a slight flexibility in the hinge elements and drawer fittings, which I find practical since it means you don’t have to worry about anything breaking immediately if you pull or push a bit harder.
In my opinion, the material behavior is totally acceptable for the price, and it’s clear that Ikea has found a good balance between cost and quality here.
Keep up the great tips!
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