Reduce risk and maintain compliance with our specialist risk management services.
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Sector
Manufacturing
Location
West Midlands
Services
Failure Investigation
Product Testing
From Customer Complaint to Quality Assurance
Project Overview
For expectant parents, selecting the right pushchair is an important decision that involves considerable investment. With the wide array of models, styles and features on the market, it’s vital to choose a pushchair that has not only undergone strict testing at the design and development stage, but also meets the highest standards of safety to guarantee that it will last for years to come.
We have worked with a British manufacturer and supplier of award-winning baby products – ranging from pushchair and furniture to clothing, accessories and toys – to carry out a thorough failure investigation on a pushchair purchased by a customer.
The Challenge
The collaboration began after a customer complaint following a significant failure; an alloy handle on the pushchair had broken during use. This incident prompted an immediate investigation to understand the nature and cause of the failure.
The Solution
We carried out a comprehensive series of mechanical, metallurgical and chemical analysis tests on the handle assembly that had been submitted to our laboratory. These tests included:
- Visual inspection
- Metallurgical examinations
- SEM/ EDX analysis
- Fracture analysis
- Tensile and hardness testing
- Chemical analysis
The Results
The handle assembly had fractured into two sections, and another fracture was visible at the section where the handles connect to the main pushchair frame.
- Results indicated that during consumer use, extreme loads had been applied to the pushchair’s handle, causing it to flex and bend, which initiated fatigue fractures.
- Over time and continued misuse, the fractures continued through the entire cross-section, causing the material to break.
- Likely causes could include continued misuse of the handles, such as carrying heavy bags on the handles.
We also performed tensile and hardness tests to identify the maximum load that the pushchair handle can withstand before failure, as well as chemical analysis to ensure the alloy material used in production complies with quality standards (EN AW-6463).
This shows the importance of regular testing and quality control processes in the production of baby products to ensure safety and durability, guiding both manufacturers and consumers towards safer usage and handling practices.
“We would like to thank BES Group (formerly Rotech Laboratories) for their service. We have been satisfied with our experience and cost-effective service.“
– Colin
Key outcomes
Identified cause of failure
as extreme loads applied to the handles over prolonged periods of time, resulting in fractures
Confirmed product quality
met the required safety and material standards for manufacturing
Recommendations
for safe consumer use were implemented, providing clear information to pushchair users on the maximum weight limits for the handles
Related services
Failure Investigations
SEM & EDX Analysis
Fracture Analysis
Product Testing
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