Element's fire testing laboratories provide accurate and reliable flammability testing of organic and inorganic plastics used in devices and appliances as per UL 94 and other standards to ensure they adhere to established safety requirements to reduce the risks imposed by fire.
Many plastic materials can burn when ignited, and their combustible properties can make them a potentially dangerous accelerant in an on-going fire situation. With leading-edge fire testing equipment and modern facilities across North America, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive testing programs for assessing relative flammability of plastic materials under controlled combustion conditions.
Our goal is to ensure that plastics are fully assessed to applicable industry standards, such as UL 94, for their combustion and heat-related properties, and are safe for their end application. Our breadth of expertise and capabilities enables us to conduct accredited testing in order to:
- determine fire classification of plastics used in devices and appliances
- assess foamed plastics, such as spray foam insulation
- determine heat and smoke release rates of plastics
- assess plastics used in transportation vehicles
- determine ignition propensity of plastics
- assess flammability of decorative plastic materials
- determine oxygen index
Our approach to UL 94 testing
Element's experts have a thorough understanding of the standard and perform UL 94 testing with the highest levels of accuracy, delivering data that is first-time-right and done on time. We conduct vertical and horizontal testing to assess burning rates; we test for ignition propensity, ignition temperature (in the air), and oxygen index.
The information you gain from UL 94 tests provides:
an indication of the material's potential acceptance with respect to a particular application
material classification to relevant industry standards
material development data
quality control assurances
The Element advantage
As part of our flammability testing of plastics, we offer screening and material development tests through the Cone Calorimeter, the most widely used apparatus to determine the potential heat that can evolve in a fire. Testing plastics through the Cone Calorimeter test provides insight into the material's flammability properties, which is critical to make more informed material selection choices for a final application.
To speak with an expert or learn more about how we can help you test your plastic material, contact us today.
More from Element
Building Materials Testing
Element offers a complete set of building materials testing to ensure the materials are safe in their application, compliant and ultimately fit for purpose.
Coatings Testing
We offer world-class materials expertise in polymers, elastomers, thermoplastics, composites, and structural adhesives. With a global reach of coatings laboratories in the UK, USA, Europe, and Asia, Element provides a comprehensive range of coatings testing services to the Energy, Aerospace, Defense, and Transportation sectors.
Cone Calorimeter Testing
Learn about the Cone Calorimeter test and how Element's fire testing experts use their experience to assess how a material or product responds to a controlled fire challenge.
Furniture Flammability Testing
Element provides furniture flammability testing against CAL TB 117, NFPA 260, and other standards to ensure your product is fit for purpose and safe to use.