Monthly Archives: February 2012

Electrostatic Painting

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Office Furniture Outlet offers electrostatic painting at our warehouse or on site.  Electrostatic Painting is one of the ways that Office Furniture Outlet Recycles used office furniture back into the market place.  Office Furniture Outlet often will take a used metal file cabinet and paint it using the electrostatic process to make it look “like new” again. We can also take several mismatched file cabinets and paint them all to match an existing interior office design. This saves the cabinet from the dump and allows the cabinet to fit in perfectly with its new surroundings.

Give Office Furniture Outlet a call if you’re in need of Electrostatic Painting Services or a Used Filing Cabinet (757) 855-2800.

Below is a great article that describes the electrostatic painting process.

ELECTROSTATIC PAINTING

Electrostatic painting employs the basic principle of electrostatic opposites attract to achieve durable and strong finish onmetals and other materials. The most notable advantage of electrostatic painting over conventional liquid paints is that it leaves no runs, drips, bubbles or sags. The operating principle of this painting method involves dry powder, made of resins and pigments, being pneumatically supplied from a reservoir directed to a spray gun. The surface to be painted isgrounded while the paint powder is charged with a high voltage at low amperage at exiting the spraying gun. On reaching the surface to be painted the powder particles are attracted to the grounded surface and firmly held there. The material is then taken into a curing oven where the powder is melted and fused to give a smooth coat.Electrostatic painting machines are classified into three categories namely; airless type; air atomized types and rotating discs and bells type. The discs typeemploys high speed discs to atomize the coating resulting in a more fine coating and the paint particles are well directed to the grounded surface. This type is the most suitable for applying paints that are difficult to disperse and paints with high solids. Electrostatic painting is disadvantaged by the faraday cage effect. This effect involves the tendency of the charged particles to get deposited around cavities entrances.

Electrostatic Painting of Railings

HOW IT WORKS…The principle of electrostatics is analogous to magnetism. An electrically charged object produces an electrostatic field and two objects with opposite charges will attract each other. An object with more electrons than the surrounding is taken to be negatively charged while the one with fewer electrons than its surrounding is positively charged. This forms the scientific basis on which electrostatic painting operates.An atomizing electrode is located at the spraying tip. It is here the paint particles receive extra electrons and become negatively charged. During spraying the charges are dissipated through the ground and return to the power supply completing the electric circuit. The path of the paint particles is influenced by the electrostatic field. Over spray is drastically reduced since the charged paint particles are directly directed to the grounded surface of the item being painted. A phenomenon known as wrap allows the sprayed particles to be deposited to the back of the item.PAINTINGAfter setting up is done, the object is grounded and the paint formulation is positively charged, the painting starts. The positively charged powder paint formulation is sprayed on the grounded item. The item being oppositely charged draws the paint towards it surface and the attraction if so strong that the paint is pulled across to coat the whole surface. The process is safe and no protection gear is required. However, some unpleasant odors may be produced during painting process and it is thus recommended that it should be carried out on the outdoors.This method of painting uses no solvent and makes it environmentally friendly. Electrostatic painting is durable and there is a range of formulations such as urethane, polyester, epoxy or a hybrid of two of these. The choice of the best formulation is dictated by the intended use of the item to be painted. Epoxy formulation is the best choice for chemical and corrosion protection and for resistance to solvents. Polyester and urethane are chosen where a superior exterior durability is called for.Polarizable solvents are used to formulate all paints, primers and coatings sprayed by electrostatic painting. Materials such as plastic, ceramics, glass and rubber cannot be painted electrostatically since it is not possible to ground them electrically. There is a whole spectrum of color glosses, antiques and metallic effects available for electrostatic painting. The mixing of the powder paint formulation and the catalyst compounds should be carried out by the manufacturer. Computerized matching techniques allow the manufacturer to come up with a specific mix depending on your taste. This may take time and may cost your extra.BENEFITS OF ELECTROSTATIC PAINTINGThere is a high transfer efficiency achieved by electrostatic painting. This high transfer efficiency reduces the volume of paint used. Further benefits of electrostatic painting include reduced emissions of volatile organic compounds used as solvents in conventional paints, reduced hazardous air pollutants emissions, reduced waste generation and reduced exposure during application. Less maintenance is called for the pain reservoir for pollution control. electrostatic painting requires high capital cost and regular maintenance of the spraying equipment is needed.

via Electrostatic Painting.

Herman Miller – Aeron – Learn About

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Herman Miller – Aeron – Learn About

At Office Furniture Outlet we are fortunate to stock and sell used Herman Miller Aeron chairs. The chairs are an investment however, the pays off is returned in comfort and productivity. Customers frequently ask what is so special about the Herman Miller Aeron chair. The Aeron chairs has many fine qualities like the fact that it is in the Museum of Modern Art’s permanent collection. The Aeron chair is 94% recyclable so it is a green choice. Then there is the comfort factor — the chair is highly adjustable to fit every persons work needs. The Herman Miller site describes it best:

The high, wide, contoured back takes the pressure off your lower spine. Armrests slope slightly down in the back for the most natural and comfortable support. The “waterfall” front edge of the seat takes the pressure off your thighs, so your blood keeps circulating and you stay alert and focused. The patented Kinemat tilt mechanism lets your neck, shoulders, hips, knees, and ankles pivot naturally. The Aeron chair moves effortlessly with your whole body, as if your body were telling the chair what to do.

We found a video that sheds light on all the Aeron chair’s features.

Give Office Furniture Outlet a call if you are in the market for a Used Herman Miller Aeron Chair (757) 855-2800.

via Herman Miller – Aeron – learn about – ergonomic.office.hu – YouTube.

Office Ergonomics: 5 Tips on a Better Relationship with your Desk

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Ergonomic Chair by Steelcase

Looking for office ergonomic tips?  In the article”Married to your desk? 5 tips for a better relationship” you will find answers.  The article suggests getting rid of your chair to make you more productive.  At Office Furniture Outlet we actually liquidated office desk that have an adjustable height.  This type of desk allows for both sitting and standing.  If you are more traditional and opt for a good ergonomic chair we also liquidate high volumes of ergonomic task chairs on a weekly basis.  Give us a call to help you maximize your office ergonomics.  (757) 855-2800

Married to your desk? 5 tips for a better relationship

JR Raphael (Computerworld (US))03 February, 2012 02:39Comments

Here’s a sobering statistic: With a 40- to 45-hour work week, many Americans spend about 25% of the year on the job. For those of us who stare at computer screens all day, that amounts to more than 2,000 hours with our keisters glued to chairs. In less technical terms, we’re practically married to our desks.

For as many hours as we whittle away at our workstations, though, most of us put surprisingly little thought into optimizing our offices. Quick: When’s the last time you actually stopped to think about how efficient your physical workspace is? If you’re anything like me, the answer is probably “never.”

Workstation optimization can make a significant difference in your ability to get things done. Believe me: I’ve slowly but surely been making changes to my own humble office, and with each adjustment, I’ve noticed more productivity and less time wasted (unintentionally, at least — my midday YouTube-browsing habit shows no signs of subsiding).

[ Get advice from those who are making decisions and discover innovative products or strategies in CIO's Leadership and Innovation newsletter ]

The best part: It doesn’t take much to do a workstation tune-up. Here are five simple tips to get you started.

1. Take a comfortable seat — then get out of it.

The hot trend du jour is ditching your chair and turning your workstation into a standing-room-only experience. But while standing all day might burn more calories, it’s not going to help you get more done, according to Dr. Alan Hedge, director of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Laboratory at Cornell University.

Sitting is more conducive to productivity, Hedge says — it uses 20% less energy and allows you to type and mouse more effectively — but that doesn’t mean you should park your busy buns all day. Just ask the folks from NASA……Read more.

via Married to your desk? 5 tips for a better relationship – it management – CIO.

Tips On Putting Together A Home Office

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Interesting article on putting together a functioning home office.  Office Furniture Outlet sales people are experienced in helping clients fit an office into a particular space.  If you are in need of a home office and don’t know where to start, give us a call – (757) 855-2800.

Home is where the office is…

Feb 10, 2012

Ventilation and natural light are the two most important aspects when it comes to creating an ideal work environment. The office space should be demarcated from the home environment, writes Bindu Gopal Rao.

With advances in technology, whether wireless Internet or state-of-the-art communication systems, accessibility and affordability have meant that working from home is a reality. A home office is considered an important part of a home.

So, how does one go about creating one? Shweta Gupta, Partner, Soulscape Furniture & More advises, “First you need to write down what you will be doing from your home office. Your office space at home could be used for a conference with your team or it could serve as your private corner for very serious work.

Mostly the home office needs a computer linked to the web, printer, scanner and telephone. Some more elaborate ones also need tablets, speakers, mic, camera and gaming consoles. In all, this could mean a lot of cables which must be concealed.” The interiors should neither be overly professional and understated nor too loud and informal. “

The office space should be effectively distinct from the home environment. Personal preferences of colour, choice of design and layout, whether contemporary, modern or traditional should be kept in mind. Don’t use dark colours; use shades of white, pastel shades of blues and green which will lighten your mood,” says Harshawardhan Jayant Honmode, Division Manager for Architectural Markets, 3M India.

It is preferable to have your home office in a designated space where you can work in isolation, away from distractions. Ventilation and natural lighting are the two most important aspects for creating an ideal work environment. “Make sure that the room has ample doors and windows to let in enough fresh air and sunlight.

A bright and airy room makes for an ideal workspace. In case this is not available, then consider investing in full-spectrum lights and using a couple of air-purifying plants. Also consider the use of an AC to maintain air quality and temperature where natural ventilation is not possible. Use carpeting and create barriers to block noise. If you can afford it, consider wiring the walls with the new hybrid telephone cable that mixes traditional copper lines, coaxial cable and fibre-optic technology,” says Kochutommen Mathew, Kochuthommen Associates.

Furniture and furnishings

It goes without saying that the furniture in the home office needs to be both comfortable and ergonomic. The area also needs some storage to keep your laptop/system, books, CDs and stationery. “The chair used should be ergonomic with height adjustment, tilt and adjustable arms,” says Gupta. Modular fittings work well in this space. “Instead of a real desk, you can opt for one or two dining tables with a comfortable chair. You should have the space to work, so go for the biggest option possible,” says Christian Beettjer, Head Design, OMA Living.“

A home office desk unit in durable materials like wood, steel or glass and which integrates compartments for all PC parts and also storage for essential items will help transform your home office into a professional environment. “

While choosing a desk, it is better to avoid solid/chunky ones as this makes the room look smaller. A built-in shelving unit is perfect for storing books and objects in a small space. If the space needs to be flexible then consider furniture that can be folded and made compact or have wheels so that they can be moved around easily,” says Mathew. Sachin Sehgal, Director, Studio a+i advises, “To maintain economies-of- scale one can always re-upholster the existing furniture befitting the design and decor. However if someone is not adept at it they can always go for multipurpose customised home-office furniture available in the market or search online.” via

Read More:  Home is where the office is….

Prevent Work-related Back Pain with Good Posture and an Ergonomic Office Chair

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Herman Miller Ergonomic Chair

Need to know what to look for in an ergonomic chair?  The article below give great insight as to what features to look for in a chair.  The best advice in the article is to go to a store where office chairs are sold and try them out.  You can visit Office Furniture Outlet’s showroom to take a test-sit in the multiple used office chairs we have in stock.  Office ergonomics is important to productivity and general health.  One of our trained staff members can help you find the right chair for you.  Call Office Furniture Outlet Today at  (757) 855-2800.

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Prevent Work-related Back Pain with Good Posture and an Ergonomic Office Chair

 

by KLAUS on JANUARY 26, 2012

It is very important to consider some factors that are vital when setting up office furniture, such as the careful planning and selection of which office equipment must be acquired in order to promote not only a high productivity rate from the employees, but also to promote an atmosphere of comfort while they are working.

Back pain is perhaps one of the most commonly known work-related injuries.  It is normally often caused by regular work activities such as sitting in an office chair.  People who tend to sit most of the day, especially those who use a computer at work while sitting in an office chair, are most susceptible to back pain.

Office ergonomics can help reduce the risk of repetitive injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome as well as the risks caused by prolonged sitting in an office chair such as leg pain, neck strain and lower back pain.

There are two simple ways on how to avoid work-related back pain – good posture and an ergonomic office chair.  Good posture is very important especially when you tend to sit for hours when working.  However, even if you know how to execute good posture while sitting, it won’t help much if your office chair is not comfortable or ergonomic.  To find that perfect ergonomic chair, you have to know the many characteristics of the ergonomic chair and how it can support your needs.

Below are some tips on how to choose an ergonomic office chair:

1. Get to know the different features of an ergonomic chair.

Height – the height of an ergonomic chair must be adjustable so that you can sit comfortably with your feet flat on the floor, with knees angled at about 90 degrees and parallel to your hips.

Backrest – the backrest of an ergonomic chair must support the natural curve of your spine which in turn provides lower back support.  The height must be ample enough to support your neck and shoulder region.  There are some ergonomic chairs that have a recline function in their back rest to let you recline while sitting.

Armrest – the armrests support your arms so that your shoulders can rest at a comfortable position while you are working.  Armrests must be adjustable in height and position for the convenience of different users and activities.

Seat – the seat of an ergonomic chair must provide comfortable support to the hips and buttocks.  The seat depth must measure from your back to 2 to 4 inches from the back of your knees.

2.  Think about what you will do most while sitting in your ergonomic chair.  Some people spend most of their work hours talking on the phone, while there are those who type on their computers the whole day.  Create a list of your needs and then compare the characteristics of ergonomic chairs to help you select the right ergonomic office chair for you.

3.  Go to stores that sell ergonomic chairs and try them out.  When you have selected the characteristics and functions of the ergonomic chair that you would like to have, go visit a store with ergonomic chairs and try them out so that you can assess support, positioning and comfort.

4.  Choose the color, materials and style of your ergonomic chair.  Many ergonomic chairs nowadays come in different materials and styles, such as fabric, leather or mesh back chairs.  Some models even come in different colors to suit your mood or the theme of your office room.

5.  Compare prices of ergonomic chairs.  Last but not least, browse at online stores, office furniture stores and wholesale stores to compare prices of their ergonomic chairs with the features you are searching for.  Do not forget to consider the cost of shipping should you decide to order an ergonomic chair online.

No matter what kind of ergonomic office chair you use, it is vital that short breaks must be taken throughout the day in order to improve circulation in your body.  Getting up from your chair every hour or two will definitely promote stronger posture, relieve strain on your eyes and absolutely reduce work fatigue.

via Prevent Work-related Back Pain with Good Posture and an Ergonomic Office Chair — TechPatio.