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The salon chair base plate is a crucial component that provides stability, support, and functionality. It bears the weight of the chair, the stylist, and the client while accommodating height adjustments and rotation. Despite its essential role, various problems can arise with salon chair base plates during production, installation, and daily use.
1. Structural Integrity Issues
(1) Material defects
The base plate must be made from high-quality materials, such as steel or aluminum, to withstand weight and stress. Material defects, including cracks, voids, or uneven thickness, can reduce the structural strength of the plate. In real-life examples, some budget salon chairs have shown base plate cracks after a few months of use due to substandard steel. These defects can compromise safety, instability or sudden collapse. Preventing this requires careful selection of materials and rigorous quality control during manufacturing.
(2) Welding or joint weaknesses
Many salon chair base plates involve welded components to secure hydraulic cylinders or decorative covers. Poor welding or weak joints can deformation under load. For instance, a salon in Shanghai reported a chair wobbling because the welded connections of the base plate separated under repeated pressure. Inspecting welds for uniformity and strength during production can mitigate this issue.
(3) Design flaws
Design flaws, such as insufficient thickness, uneven weight distribution, or an inadequate diameter of the base, can make the chair unstable. In practice, small boutique salons using compact chairs sometimes experienced chairs tipping when clients leaned back. Choosing a base plate design that matches the chair’s intended use and expected load is essential to ensure stability.
2. Hydraulic and Mechanical Complications
(1) Cylinder misalignment
The hydraulic cylinder connects directly to the base plate and allows height adjustment. Misalignment between the cylinder and base can cause uneven lifting, jerky movement, or inability to maintain height. A real-life example includes a hair salon in Beijing where a chair would tilt slightly during elevation due to cylinder misalignment. Proper assembly and regular inspection are necessary to avoid this problem.
(2) Hydraulic leakage
Oil leakage from the hydraulic cylinder or seals can damage the base plate and surrounding floor area. This is common in high-use chairs where seals degrade over time. Salons often encounter slippery floors and difficulty maintaining chair stability due to hydraulic leaks. Preventive measures include using high-quality seals, following maintenance schedules, and replacing worn components promptly.
(3) Rotation mechanism issues
Many base plates allow 360-degree rotation. Problems such as stuck or uneven rotation can result from bearing wear or misalignment. For example, a barber in Guangzhou reported difficulty turning the chair smoothly because the base bearings were improperly seated. Ensuring proper installation and lubrication of rotating components is essential to maintain functionality.
3. Installation and Alignment Problems
(1) Uneven flooring or base attachment
If the base plate is installed on uneven flooring or is not properly secured, the chair may wobble or tilt. Hair salons with tiled or wooden floors often face this issue. Leveling the floor or using adjustable base supports can correct uneven installations.
(2) Incorrect bolt torque or fastener issues
Improper tightening of bolts or using incorrect fasteners can loosen the base plate over time, causing instability. In practice, chairs that were assembled without following torque specifications often required frequent re-tightening. Adhering to manufacturer guidelines for bolt installation prevents long-term problems.
(3) Incompatibility with chair components
Base plates designed for specific chair models may not fit properly with other components, stress on the hydraulic system or rotation mechanism. Real-world examples include salons attempting to retrofit older chairs with new base plates, which resulted in reduced stability and premature wear. Matching components is necessary for safe operation.
4. Wear and Maintenance Challenges
(1) Corrosion and rust
Metal base plates are susceptible to corrosion, especially in humid or high-moisture environments. Rust weakens the structural integrity of the plate over time. Salons near coastal areas often experience this issue if chairs are not regularly cleaned and dried.
(2) Surface scratches and deformation
Daily use, movement, and accidental impacts can cause scratches or minor deformations in the base plate. While these may not immediately affect stability, they can worsen over time and compromise the chair’s appearance and function. Regular inspection and preventive maintenance can reduce damage.
(3) Bearing and seal wear
Components such as rotating bearings, hydraulic seals, and bolts experience wear over time, reducing performance and safety. Routine maintenance, including lubrication and timely replacement of worn parts, is crucial to prolong the service life of the base plate.
