I need to test my products, what do I do?
TESTING
Hi there!
You can find the testing listings here:
Https://TheMakersResourceShop.com/collections/design-testing
> If you are making teethers, pacifier leashes, or another toy or product for children under 3y, you’ll need Small Parts testing.
*The fixture add-on is for teethers, rattles, and other hemispherical or nearly hemispherical toys for ASTM F963-17 testing requirements that can be done at home. (Video for fixture test here.)
*Pacifier leashes are not toys, so no ASTM F963-17, but they are a product for children under 3y, so they do require the Small Parts testing at a lab.
> ASTM F963-17 testing bundle is for all toys for children under 12y. Most toys can be tested at home for this (as long as you are registered with the CPSC), but some people prefer to have a lab do it for them. Examples of toys for this category might be stuffed toys with safety eyes or joints, wood toys like cars, etc.
> If you are using any paints or other surface coatings, or using plastics or metals, and the product is for children under 12y, then you’ll want the Lead Content testing bundle if you cannot find a supplier to give you the information you need.
*Paints must have test report results.
*Each individual component of different color/material is a test (ex. Pacifier clips may be 2 tests.)
> If you are making clothing, for any age, and it is a raised surfaced fabric (think flannel, French terry, etc.), then you’ll need the Flammability testing bundle if the supplier cannot provide a statement of testing.
> The Children’s Product Certificate add-on is for me to create your official certifying statement that, after testing, your product complies with all applicable regulations. While it doesn’t have to be me that creates this, you can create it, this document is required for your records. Having me do this for you means you can focus on labeling and selling. (CPC write up without testing here.)
What if it fails?
If something fails, you will need to redesign and pay for new testing. To keep this from happening, you can do a few things.
> Impact - The lab will do an impact test on teethers, pacifier leashes, and toys under 10lbs. They will drop from approximately 5ft high onto hard-ish flooring (it's like cement with a thin rubber/foamish top to it, there is a real specification to it in the ASTM F963-17 publication). If your item can withstand 10 drops, it passes that abuse test.
> Tension - The lab will do a tension test where they will clamp any part that can be grabbed by a thumb and forefinger and pull with approximately up to 15lbs of force. We see issues a lot with pacifier leashes with silicone beads as the last bead next to the loop. If the cording is a satin nylon, it will typically pull in on itself making the knot smaller and allowing the silicone bead to slide over. If this is happening, use a wood bead at the end, use a different knot style (https://www.instagram.com/p/CPQ2aJgg6YO/) or use a different type of cording like paracord (both 95 and micro work well). If your item can be pulled with up to 15lbs of force on any part that can be grabbed by a thumb and forefinger, it passes the tension test.
> Torque - Directly after and on the same sample during the tension test, the lab will do a torque test where they will twist any component that can be grabbed by a thumb and forefinger. In this one, I believe the parameter is between approximately .23 Newton meters and .45 Newton meters (twist like a torque wrench, not a lever). If your item can withstand twisting, it passes the torgue test. One trouble area is pacifier leash clips, here's an example of a good style.
> Other - There are other tests such as compression and flexure, but I don't see those as often. Another test we see with stuffed toys is a seam strength test where they will clamp on either side of a seam at a certain distance, then pull straight out on both clamps to see if anything splits.
You can do these tests at home before sending them off to see if your design will likely pass the testing so that you aren't wasting precious time and resources.
Video: https://youtu.be/lA3-krJP-7A
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Your next steps:
1. Email me at hello@themakersresourceshop.com to see how many “styles” you need to purchase. (OPTIONAL)
2. Purchase the appropriate listing with the number of “styles” you need. (Don’t forget to include the add-ons if this is your first time testing!)
3. Use the download link after checkout (or in your email) to get your instructions for shipping samples and filling out the Test Request Form.
4. Wait 2-4 weeks for results to come via email.