The horizontal flammability tester for automotive interior materials is used to evaluate the burning behavior of plastic parts, textiles, leather, adhesives, nonwoven fabrics, and thermoplastic elastomers under controlled conditions. Proper operation ensures accurate and repeatable test results. Below is a detailed guide on how to use the instrument effectively.
1. Preparation Before Testing
Check the equipment:
Ensure all components of the horizontal flammability tester are in good condition — including the combustion chamber, sample holder, flame regulator, and timer.
Verify that the power and gas supply connections are secure so the device can operate smoothly.
Prepare the samples:
Cut samples to the size and shape required by the specific testing standard (such as FMVSS 302 or GB 8410).
For pile or tufted materials, comb the test surface against the pile direction using a metal comb to minimize testing errors.
2. Test Setup
Adjust the flame:
Close the air inlet of the gas burner and ignite the flame.
Set the flame height to the specified value (commonly 38 mm).
Allow the flame to burn steadily for at least one minute before extinguishing it.
Install the sample:
Mount the test specimen face-down in the U-shaped holder.
Ensure one end and both sides are clamped, leaving the free end aligned with the opening of the holder.
For narrow or flexible samples, use a support frame with heat-resistant wire to prevent sagging during combustion.
3. Testing Procedure
Preheat the system:
Turn on the main power and preheat the tester if required by the standard.
Ignite the sample:
Insert the mounted specimen horizontally into the combustion chamber.
Reignite the gas burner and adjust the flame height to the set level.
Expose the free end of the specimen to the flame for the required ignition period (usually 15 seconds), then extinguish the burner.
Observe and record:
Monitor how the flame propagates from the free end of the specimen.
Start timing when the flame reaches the first marker line.
Record the burning behavior on the faster-burning side of the sample.
Record the results:
Stop timing when the flame reaches the second marker line or extinguishes beforehand.
Measure the total burning time and distance.
If the flame goes out before the second line, measure the distance from the first marker to the extinguishing point.
4. Data Analysis
Calculate the burning rate:
Use the formula:
V = 60 × (L / T)
where V = burning rate (mm/min), L = burning distance (mm), and T = burning time (s).
Note: The burning rate does not apply to surfaces cut during specimen preparation.
Result evaluation:
Compare the calculated burning rate with the specified standard or customer requirement.
If results meet the standard, the specimen passes; otherwise, it fails.
5. Safety and Maintenance
Safety precautions:
Operators must wear protective gloves and goggles.
Ensure proper laboratory ventilation and keep flammable materials away from the test area.
Equipment maintenance:
Regularly calibrate and maintain the flammability tester to ensure test accuracy and reliability.
Keep the device clean, dry, and free from corrosion.
Testing environment:
Perform tests under standard temperature and humidity conditions as defined by the relevant standard.
Avoid conducting tests in extreme environmental conditions.
By following these steps, operators can perform reliable and standardized horizontal flammability tests for automotive interior materials. Always refer to the specific instrument manual or test standard (such as FMVSS 302, GB 8410, ISO 3795) for detailed requirements, as equipment designs and parameters may vary.
