If you are looking for a flammability testing laboratory in the UK, having the right information available before testing begins can help ensure the correct method is selected and suitable samples are prepared.
Flammability testing can vary considerably depending on the material, product application, specimen thickness and standard being followed.
Impact Solutions provides fire and flammability testing for plastics, polymers and other materials from our UK laboratory. Before requesting a quotation, there are several things worth establishing.
What material are you testing?
Start with the material itself.
Useful information can include:
- polymer type and grade
- whether the material is rigid, flexible or foamed
- specimen thickness
- additives or reinforcement
- whether you are testing a raw material or finished component
- intended end use
The behaviour of polymer materials under flame exposure can be affected by factors including formulation, thickness, fillers, flame-retardant systems and processing history.
Providing this information helps our laboratory team understand the material and the most appropriate testing route.
Do you have a standard or specification?
If your customer, product specification or technical drawing identifies a particular fire or flammability test, include this with your enquiry.
This is often the quickest way to establish exactly what testing is required.
Impact Solutions provides a range of flammability testing methods, including:
- horizontal burning tests
- vertical burning tests
- thin-material testing
- foamed-material testing
- higher-energy vertical burning
- needle-flame testing
- automotive flammability testing
If you are unsure which method applies, send us the specification or describe the application and required performance. Our team can review the information before testing begins.
Horizontal or vertical flammability testing?
Horizontal and vertical burning tests assess different aspects of material behaviour.
In a horizontal burning test, a specimen is positioned horizontally and characteristics such as burning rate or flame travel may be assessed.
In a vertical burning test, the specimen is suspended vertically. Depending on the method, testing may consider characteristics including afterflame time, afterglow and flaming droplets.
The appropriate method should be based on the relevant standard or product requirement rather than simply selecting one orientation over another.
Is your material thin or foamed?
Not all polymer materials can be assessed using the same specimen arrangement.
Thin or flexible materials may require test methods designed specifically for thin specimens.
Foamed and cellular plastics can also require dedicated methods because their structure and burning behaviour differ from solid polymers.
Tell us whether your material is:
- rigid
- flexible or film-like
- foamed or cellular
This can help identify the correct test method before samples are produced.
Why does specimen thickness matter?
Thickness can influence flammability performance.
A material achieving a particular result at one thickness should not automatically be assumed to perform in the same way at another.
When requesting testing, provide:
- the intended component thickness
- any thickness specified by your customer
- the range of thicknesses used in production
- any previous test data you already have
This is particularly important if the material will be used across several products or applications.
Confirm sample requirements before manufacturing test pieces
Fire and flammability standards can define requirements for specimen dimensions, thickness, quantity, preparation and conditioning.
Where possible, contact us before manufacturing dedicated test specimens.
Providing the relevant specification and material information first can help prevent unsuitable samples being produced and reduce delays once testing begins.
What should you send when requesting a quotation?
To help us understand your project, include as much of the following as possible:
- material type and grade
- intended application
- required standard
- target classification or result, if known
- specimen thickness
- details of available samples
- customer or product specification
- required project timescale
You do not need to know every detail before contacting us. If the requirement is unclear, send the information you have and our team can discuss the available testing options.
What if the material does not perform as expected?
A flammability test can sometimes raise further questions.
Performance may be influenced by material grade, thickness, flame-retardant additives, reinforcement, formulation or processing conditions.
Impact Solutions also provides wider mechanical, thermal, analytical and materials-testing capabilities. Where appropriate, these can support further investigation into unexpected material behaviour.
This can be particularly useful during product development, where understanding why a material performs in a particular way may be as important as the original test result.
Flammability testing at Impact Solutions
Impact Solutions provides fire and flammability testing from our UK laboratory for plastics, polymers and other materials.
Our capabilities include horizontal and vertical burning tests, thin-material testing, foamed-material testing, automotive flammability testing, needle-flame testing and other specialist fire-test methods.
If you already know the test you require, send us your specification and sample details.
If you are unsure which test applies, tell us about your material and application and our team can discuss the testing options available.
Discuss Your Flammability Testing Requirements
FAQ
What types of materials can be flammability tested?
Impact Solutions primarily works with plastics, polymers and related materials, including rigid plastics, thin materials and foamed or cellular materials.
How do I know which flammability test I need?
Start with any product standard, customer specification or technical requirement you have been given. If you are unsure, send us the available information about your material and application so the appropriate testing options can be discussed.
How many samples are needed for flammability testing?
Sample quantities depend on the test method being followed. The relevant standard may also specify specimen dimensions, thickness and conditioning requirements, so it is best to confirm these before preparing test pieces.
