Series 7 · seat-plate mechanisms

Office chair tilt mechanisms

The seat-plate mechanism is the part that decides how a chair reclines, locks and survives a cycle test. We build four families of it, from budget single-pivot tilts to independent multi-function units.

SEAT PLATE · 2.5mm STEEL TENSION KNOB LOCK LEVER PIVOT HOLE PITCH 200 / 160 mm
FIG.01 — SYNCHRO-TILTZT-S7

How to pick one

Start with the recline behaviour your chair needs. A synchro mechanism reclines seat and back together at roughly 2:1 and suits most task chairs. A knee-tilt moves the pivot forward so the user’s feet stay planted — the executive and conference choice. A multi-function unit adjusts seat and back angle independently for ergonomic programmes. The butterfly is the value option when you need a real tilt at a tight price.

Then fix the numbers: steel gauge (2.0–3.0 mm here), mounting pitch (200×200 or 160×200 mm), lock positions, and the BIFMA cycle target the finished chair must pass. We confirm all of it against your drawing before tooling.

Real production photos

Watermark-free shots of the actual parts that leave our line — shown alongside the dimensioned diagram so you can see the casting, plate and finish for yourself.

Zhongtai knee-tilt chair mechanism with twin paddle levers and tension knob
ZT-K knee-tilt
Zhongtai multi-function chair mechanism with side adjustment lever
ZT-M multi-function
Zhongtai heavy-duty multi-function chair chassis with long control lever
Heavy multi-function chassis
Zhongtai synchro-tilt chair mechanism with twin levers and tension knob
ZT-S7 synchro
Zhongtai multi-function chair mechanism with twin paddle levers
Multi-function (twin paddle)
Zhongtai compact single-pivot tilt chair mechanism with side lever
ZT-B simple tilt
Table — tilt mechanism range
ModelSteel plateLockUser loadMount pitch
ZT-S7 Synchro2.5 mm4-pos + float≤ 136 kg200×200 / 160×200
ZT-K Knee-Tilt3.0 mm5-pos≤ 150 kg200×200
ZT-M Multi-Function2.5 mmInfinite≤ 136 kg200×200
ZT-B Butterfly2.0 mmUpright + free≤ 120 kg160×200

Models in this category

SEAT MECH · SERIES 7Zhongtai ZT-S7 synchro tilt mechanism — 2.5 mm steel seat plate with tension knob and lock lever
SEAT MECH · SERIES 7

ZT-S7 Synchro-Tilt

Synchro mechanism with 2:1 seat-to-back recline, 4-position lock and adjustable back-stop. The workhorse for mid-to-high task chairs.

Recline lock4 positions + free-float
Seat travel50 mm slider option
Plate steel2.5 mm cold-rolled
Hole pitch200×200 / 160×200 mm
SEAT MECH · KNEEZhongtai ZT-K knee-tilt chair mechanism — front-pivot seat plate with tension control and lever
SEAT MECH · KNEE

ZT-K Knee-Tilt

Forward pivot point keeps heels on the floor through recline — preferred for executive and conference seating.

PivotFront (knee) axis
TensionSingle-turn knob
Lock5-position
Plate steel3.0 mm
SEAT MECH · MULTIZhongtai ZT-M multi-function chair mechanism — square seat plate with adjustment lever
SEAT MECH · MULTI

ZT-M Multi-Function

Independent seat-angle and back-angle adjustment with seat-depth slider. For spec-driven ergonomic programmes.

Adjust axesSeat + back independent
Seat depth60 mm slide
LockInfinite (gas-assist)
Plate steel2.5 mm
SEAT MECH · BUDGETZhongtai ZT-B butterfly tilt mechanism — economical fixed-pivot seat plate with lock lever
SEAT MECH · BUDGET

ZT-B Butterfly

Economical fixed-pivot tilt with tension and upright lock — built to hit price points on volume task chairs without dropping the load rating.

ReclineSingle-pivot rock
LockUpright + free
TensionCoil spring
Plate steel2.0 mm

Common questions

What mounting pitch do your mechanisms use?
Standard pitches are 200×200 mm and 160×200 mm, which cover most task and executive seat pans. We can drill a custom pattern to your seat-pan drawing.
Can you match a competitor mechanism we already use?
Send the sample. We measure the pivot geometry, mounting and lock behaviour and propose a drop-in or near-drop-in part, telling you honestly where it differs.
What user weight can the mechanisms take?
Our standard range is rated to roughly 120–150 kg user weight depending on the model and steel gauge; we test to the figure you specify and report it.

Send a drawing, get a quote

Email us the component, your target load or cycle rating and a monthly volume. An engineer replies within one business day.

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