UL 94 Test Lab
VTEC Laboratories for Your UL 94 Testing Needs
Trusted throughout the international community as well as by premier U.S. agencies, VTEC Laboratories has earned an exceptional reputation as a full-service testing facility. We perform testing in accordance with MIL-Spec, ISO and ASTM standards, craft thorough analyses and reports and even assist in troubleshooting. Furthermore, we do all of this with an average turnaround of just two weeks, and rush service is available for critical orders.
VTEC Laboratories has been in the testing industry since 1982, and we offer a wealth of services ranging from thermal analysis to water quality testing. Our qualified scientists and leading-edge equipment will meet and exceed the testing standards of over 20 different agencies, and we hold numerous accreditations and U.S. government contracts. When you need the fastest, most thorough industry-standard testing available, VTEC will deliver.
Standard Test for Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices & Appliances
The UL 94 testing standard determines whether a plastic is sufficiently flame resistant for use in consumer products. The test method is simple. A UL 94 test lab will subject a plastic sample measuring 5 inches long and 1/2 an inch wide to a small flame placed at one end. For a component's status as HB series versus V series to be established, the tester must configure the sample in a certain way.
In an HB series test, the sample stick is placed horizontally, and the ranking is determined by how long it takes the flame to burn across it. In the more stringent test for a V series rating, the sample is held vertically with the ignition source at the bottom — here, the flammability rating is determined by whether the flame reaches the top clamp or ignites a piece of cotton with molten drippings.
With its HB series versus V series designations and multiple rankings within each classification, UL 94 testing delivers a thorough picture of what a plastic can handle and the point at which it will fail.
Common UL 94 Testing Needs
Testing the flammability of plastic materials in devices and appliances is a crucial step in bringing new products to the market. Since plastic is ubiquitous in modern devices, many of which are powered, each compound and component must be evaluated for resistance to heat and ignition to ensure the safety of end users.
Knowing how a component will behave when exposed to heat and flame informs intelligent product design by manufacturers, and the presence of safety standards such as UL 94 allows the public to buy with confidence.
Other Tests Performed With UL 94
Similar tests used to determine the flammability of plastic materials used in devices and appliances include the needle flame test and the glow wire test. These flame resistance assessments are popular internationally and may be viable for manufacturers looking to sell products overseas. In conjunction with flammability tests, evaluations such as those for noxious fume production help give a full picture of how a material may affect the health of consumers.
VTEC Laboratories hosts a UL 94 test lab capable of both horizontal and vertical burn tests, as well as a team of highly qualified scientists with rich experience in flammability testing. We can also subject your material to numerous other test methods to develop proof of concept, verify compliance with multiple regulations or ensure it suits a specific application for a project still in development.
If you'd like to learn more about our UL 94 test lab or our custom testing capabilities, call 718-542-8248 or contact us online for a quote.
Learn More About VTEC Services
At VTEC Laboratories, our role as a multi-functional company stems from our more than three decades of experience. Due to our extensive expertise in multiple industries, we provide comprehensive services that meet each field’s unique standards, needs and objectives.
Learn more about our services by contacting us online or calling us at (718) 542-8248.