ASTM D635 Flammability Test for Plastics
ASTM D635 Tests Burning Rate and Characteristics of Plastics
Understanding a material's flammability is necessary before it is used as a building material or made into product parts.
The flammability testing of plastics for Rate of Burning and/or Extent and Time of Burning of Plastics in a Horizontal Position - also called the ASTM D635 test - was developed to assess the burning characteristics of a plastic material.
VTEC Laboratories offers this ASTM plastic testing service as one of our many fire and flammability testing services for municipalities, the military and other industries.
What Is ASTM D635?
This testing determines the rate of burning for plastics. It's done on polymeric materials in a bar form, used in parts of appliances and other devices.
The test analyzes the response of the plastic material under heat and flame conditions, and the results indicate its flammability for certain applications. You can use the results to compare materials or assess production and quality controls.
The ASTM D635 test is required by the International Building Code (IBC) for plastics that transmit light and the Florida Building Code (FBC) High Velocity Hurricane Zone (HVHZ) to ensure the material meets the qualifications for an Approved Plastic.
ASTM D635 — Test Procedures and Results
The purpose of this flammability test for plastics is to create a reenactment of fire conditions to determine the material's flammability and hazards. Variables of the test, like specimen size and energy source, need to be constant to yield the best results.
Procedure
- During the flammability testing of plastics, the plastic material will be situated horizontally, so one end is supported and the other end is free.
- A gas flame will be exposed to the free end for 30 seconds.
- Then, the flame is removed so the extent of and time spent burning can be observed. The average burning rate is 100 millimeters from the burned end.
Results
The results of the ASTM D635 test — burning rate and time — indicate flammability, and they can be used to classify the material as CC2, HB or CC1, according to the appendix.
In ASTM plastic testing, the plastic material is considered acceptable depending on how it will be used in the equipment and if it meets the standards for that equipment.
The burning rate will be affected by the plastic's density, thickness, anisotropy and pigments, so the test results should only be compared to similar materials.
Other Tests Used With the Rate of Burning for Plastics Testing
Because ASTM D635 does not incorporate all the factors that determine a plastic material's fire risk, other tests may be necessary, including:
- ASTM D1929
- ASTM D3801
- ASTM D2843
- ASTM D648
- ASTM D5025
ASTM D635 flammability test for plastics is considered the technical equivalent of IEC 60695-11-10, test method A.
VTEC Is Your Trusted Service for Flammability Testing of Plastics
VTEC Laboratories is an ISO 17065, 17020 and 17025-accredited laboratory with a range of capabilities for materials testing, thermal analysis and fire and flammability testing.
Our state-of-the-art equipment and trained engineers can conduct ASTM D635 tests or any other custom test. Our 30 years of experience and cost-effective testing services are why we are the leading testing laboratory.
Request a free quote for ASTM plastic testing or contact VTEC Labs for more information.
Learn More About VTEC Services
At VTEC Laboratories, our expertise in flammability and material testing comes from more than three decades of hands-on experience. We provide ASTM D635 testing and other fire and flammability tests to help ensure your plastic materials meet industry and building code requirements. For more about our services, contact us online or call us at (718) 542-8248.