Cabinets provides a certain point of convenience. While some cabinets have the standard 2-door capacity, there are special cabinets that have different compartments (distance and sizes may vary) can make segregation easier for all individuals. The different cabinet types are listed below:
Area Cabinets:
- Kitchen Cabinet – kitchen counters, drawers and storage areas plays an important role on everyone’s kitchen. Several homeowners use a different set of compartment for various cookware plates and other kitchen utilities to help maintain the cleanliness of the kitchen.
- Bathroom Cabinet – bathroom counters and glass-inspired cabinets are usually one of the most-used cabinets today because of the daily tasks you do inside a bathroom. Medicine cabinets are among the few special cabinets used in the bathroom.
- Garage Cabinet – big cabinets for tire, tools, and hardware storage like steel cabinets are oftentimes used in these areas due to its toughness and reliable base. Most garage cabinets have multiple drawers for different sets of tools.
- Bar and Wine Cabinet – glass door cabinets look very glamorous on bar and wine cabinets due to the fact that it not only makes the area clean and organized, but it also displays the finest drinks inside the cabinet.
- Laundry Room Cabinet – cabinets found in the laundry area are similar to kitchen cabinets – except they do not need to be mounted on walls (as they are more like counters). These cabinets come in different variants which depend on the consumer’s tastes.
Special-Function Cabinets:
- File Cabinet – popular document segregator in large corporations or offices. File cabinets are made of steel and are heavy duty; in fact, some are even fire-proof!
- Medicine Cabinet – medicine cabinets are usually mounted on walls to provide comfort and alleviation when in need. Medicine cabinets can either be made from glass, wood or reinforced plastic.
- Steel Cabinet – steel cabinets are oftentimes used in garages, industrial settings, and places that need a strong and durable storage compartment. File cabinets are also one of the most-used steel cabinets today.
- Wooden Cabinet – wood has always been the number one choice for most home builders when it comes to furniture due to its natural beauty and reliability. Wooden cabinets can be found in different storage compartments like medicine cabinets, drawers, and bedroom cabinets.
- Bamboo Cabinet – bamboo wood is famous for its durability and strength which is why bamboo-inspired cabinets are one of the most convenient storage options today.
- Computer Cabinet – computer cabinets are usually attached on computer tables. These drawers provide easy-to-reach items like documents, staplers and other small office desk tools.
CABINET INSPECTION PROTOCOLS
According to NKBA and KCMA standards, each cabinet, regardless of type, must undergo a series of product inspection processes to ensure that each cabinet is free from damage or defects to ensure that it meets the different quality and safety guidelines. Shown below are the different inspection processes that take place:
PRE-PRODUCTION INSPECTION
Each machine to be used for cutting, fabricating, and polishing the different cabinets must be thoroughly inspected for any malfunctions or loose parts to ensure that all of the manufacturing tools are free from damages or defects that could interfere with the overall construction. Machines that show signs of malfunction must not be used and should be replaced if possible.
RAW MATERIALS INSPECTION
All of the needed components of the cabinets, regardless of type, will be checked for any damages like dents, chips and loose threads to ensure that all of the materials to be used are of high quality that passes international standards. Should there be any items that fail this inspection process, the raw materials will be labeled as “DEFECTIVE” and will be disposed accordingly.
- Door Hardware – hinges and other hardware to be used for cabinet doors will be thoroughly inspected for any pre-production anomalies to ensure that all of the bathroom hardware is free from any defects.
- Dividers – dividers can be made of prefabricated wood or other base materials. Each divider to be used must be free from any damages of pre-production anomalies to avoid using defective products.
- Sliders – Sliders on closet drawers or cabinet drawers in general rely on the slider and its components. Each slider’s assembly must be inspected thoroughly to ensure that all of the necessary components are complete and are in working order.
- Wood – wood pieces will be thoroughly inspected for any splinters, holes, dents and any other known pre-production anomalies that might have taken place during the process. Wooden cabinet manufacturers have a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to using damaged wood because of the risks it may bring.
- Prefabricated Glass – glass-inspired cabinets rely on glass to deliver the overall elegance of each cabinet piece. The prefabricated class to be used for these items must be thoroughly inspected for any cracks, damages, blisters and other known production anomalies during the molding process.
- Prefabricated Steel – the materials needed for steel cabinets requires dent and damage-free steel panels. Fire-proof steel panels are inspected for any early signs of corrosion to ensure that all of the steel components are ready for assembly.
ASSEMBLY INSPECTION
The purpose of this inspection process is to thoroughly inspect the assembly line for each cabinet type to ensure that there is minimal to no potential errors that might take place during the entire production process. Each item that shows production anomalies will be salvaged and will be redirected to the appropriate queue to save production time.
VISUAL INSPECTION
Each finished cabinet will undergo an in-depth visual inspection to see if the cabinets on queue show early signs of wear, damage, cracks, blisters, bubbles, or any other minor flaws not detected during the assembly inspection. All of the cabinets will be identified according to its product code and specifications to ensure proper segregation and distribution.
SURFACE INSPECTION
Regardless of the cabinet type, each cabinet on queue will be thoroughly inspected regarding the surface quality and coat (if applicable). Most, if not, all cabinets have a smooth surface internally and externally to prevent splinters (for wood) and water damage. Should there be any cabinet that fail the coating analysis, proper re-coating will be performed to save time on the production queue.
WEIGHT AND MEASUREMENT INSPECTION
The purpose of this inspection process is to accurately measure and weigh the different types of cabinets that belong to its specific category to ensure that all of the cabinets are identical and accurate as per product specifications. Though it is not expected that all of the cabinets will weigh the same, it is strictly enforced that manufacturers indicate the maximum gross weight of each cabinet for documentation purposes. Items that exceed the weight limit will be marked as “DEFECTIVE” and will be discontinued.
FINAL INSPECTION
The purpose of this inspection process is to test and verify the capabilities of the different cabinets in production. Each cabinet will undergo a series of tests from weight capacity tests, to structural integrity tests to ensure that all of the cabinets in production are more than capable for use. Each item that fails the final inspection process will be considered as “DEFECTIVE” and will be disposed accordingly.
