Catas, a well-known laboratory for testing, certification and research for the furnishing sector, has been dealing with issues related to the safety and quality of raw materials and finished products for over 40 years. In the operational centres of San Giovanni al Natisone (UD) and Lissone (MB) every day chemical analyses, physical and mechanical tests are carried out on materials, components and products used in the wood, furniture and building sectors.
Also this year the laboratory proposes and organizes Catas Academy, a rich and interesting program of seminars and workshops. The calendar provides insights on new issues that are involving the wood-furniture supply chain: in addition to the now traditional technical focus based on the performance and requirements of materials and products, this year will address some issues related to the new features of the furniture, increasingly integrated and “smart“ thanks to movement, control devices, solutions and materials for thermal and acoustic insulation.
The first meeting took place on February 27th in Lissone, on the theme “ Furniture design and approaches to meet the needs of all people. Requirements “. During the meeting the new rule UNI 11675 was analysed, the first technical document in Italy that defines requirements, dimensions and recommendations for the accessible furnishing design, intended for public and private offices, communities, schools or domestic spaces. The contents were illustrated by Andrea Giavon, director of Catas, who contributed to the drafting.
On March 6, at the Catas headquarters in San Giovanni al Natisone, the seminar “Electrified furnishing products: application of the machine directive, CE marking, electromagnetic compatibility“, in collaboration with Sicom Testing, Gorizia will take place. Roberto Passini, director of Sicom Testing Lab, will inform the producers of electrified furniture on the regulatory context, the responsibilities and the modalities for fulfilling their obligations for the marketing of the product. The conference is open to producers and / or dealers of electrified furniture.

Following the calendar of events that will animate the new Catas Academy educational year.

March 28
Wood floors: painting and gluing. Technical insights on performance and product defects (in collaboration with the University of Zagreb).
Location: Catas San Giovanni al Natisone

May 8-12
Glossy surfaces: drops and micro-scratches.
Location: Xylexpo Arena, Milan

May 24
Product safety: the Rapex tool for the analysis of defects and protection opportunities.
Location: Catas San Giovanni al Natisone

June 07
Ergomaterials: new functional materials. Examples and applications (in collaboration with Material ConneXion Italia, Milan).
Location: Catas San Giovanni al Natisone

June 21
Selling abroad: technical-legal aspects on contracts and international trade (in collaboration with Studio Legale Mansi, Udine).
Location: Catas San Giovanni al Natisone

September 20
The new European regulation on medical devices: focus on assistive products for people with disabilities.
Location: Catas Brianza

October 04
Thermoacoustic insulation: high performance materials (in collaboration with Material ConneXion Italia, Milan).
Location: Catas San Giovanni al Natisone

October 16-19
Glossy surfaces: drops and micro-scratches.
Headquarters: SICAM, Pordenone

November 08
Formaldehyde emissions: new rules for the United States.
Location: Catas San Giovanni al Natisone

November 22
Formaldehyde emissions: new rules for the United States.
Location: Catas Brianza

December 06
Ergomaterials: new functional materials. Examples and applications (in collaboration with Material ConneXion Italia, Milan).
Location: Material ConneXion Italia, Milan

For further information: formazione@catas.com