ASTM D 635 Plastics Burning Evaluation

The Standard Test Method ASTM D 635 addresses A small-scale laboratory screening approach covered by this fire-test-response test method for comparing the relative linear rate of burning, the extent and time of burning, or both, of plastics in the form of bars that are molded or cut from sheets, plates, or panels and tested in the horizontal orientation.

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Overview
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Test Process
Specifications
Instrumentation
Results and Deliverables

Overview

The ASTM D 635 standard is a test method for determining the burning rate and burning characteristics of plastic materials when a small flame is applied horizontally. The tests help determine how fast a plastic burns and whether the burning continues.

The ASTM D 635 standard is a common method for testing the burning rate and burning characteristics of plastic materials across various industries, such as plastics, automotive, electrical, and construction. The tests help in selecting the appropriate plastic for use.

Scope, Applications, and Benefits

Scope

ASTM D635 provides procedures for evaluating the burning rate and burning behavior of plastic materials when exposed to a controlled flame under laboratory conditions.

The method measures the time required for a flame to travel a specified distance along a plastic specimen, helping determine its flammability characteristics.

The scope includes:

Determination of burning rate of plastic materials
Evaluation of flame propagation in plastics
Measurement of burning time and burning distance
Laboratory testing of plastics in a horizontal position
Fire safety performance evaluation

Applications

Plastic material flammability testing
Automotive interior component evaluation
Electrical and electronic product safety testing
Construction material fire safety assessment
Polymer research and development

Benefits

Determines plastic burning behavior
Helps manufacturers meet fire safety standards
Supports safer product design
Provides standardized flammability evaluation
Assists in material comparison and quality control

Test Process

Specimen Preparation

A plastic specimen of specified dimensions is prepared and mounted horizontally in the test chamber.

Flame Application

A controlled flame is applied to one end of the specimen for a specified time.

Burning Observation

The flame propagation along the specimen is observed and the burning time is recorded.

Burning Rate Calculation

The burning rate is calculated based on the distance burned and time taken.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Details
Material Tested	Plastic materials and polymer products.
Test Principle	Measurement of burning rate when a plastic specimen is exposed to a controlled flame.
Specimen Position	Horizontal orientation during testing.
Ignition Source	Small controlled laboratory flame.
Measured Parameters	Burning time, burning distance, and burning rate.
Result Expression	Burning rate typically reported in millimeters per minute (mm/min).
Testing Environment	Controlled laboratory conditions.

Instrumentation Used for Testing

Horizontal Burning Test Apparatus
Bunsen Burner or Standard Test Flame Source
Timing Device or Stopwatch
Measuring Scale or Ruler
Specimen Holding Fixture

Results and Deliverables

Burning rate of plastic specimen
Burning distance and burning time measurements
Flammability performance evaluation
Laboratory observation report
Complete ASTM D635 test report

Why Choose Infinita Lab for ASTM D 635?

Infinita Lab is a trusted USA-based testing laboratory offering ASTM D 635 testing services across an extensive network of accredited facilities across the USA.

Infinita Lab is built to serve the full spectrum of modern testing needs—across industries, materials, and methodologies. Our advanced equipment and expert professionals deliver highly accurate and prompt test results, helping businesses achieve quality compliance and product reliability.

Looking for a trusted partner to achieve your research goals? Schedule a meeting with us, send us a request, or call us at (888) 878-3090 to learn more about our services and how we can support you. Request a Quote

Frequently Asked Questions

ASTM D635 is a standard test method used to measure the rate of burning and burning behavior of plastic materials when exposed to a flame in a horizontal position.

Flammability testing helps determine whether plastic materials are suitable for applications where fire safety is important.

The burning rate is determined by measuring the distance burned by the flame and the time taken for the flame to travel that distance.

Factors include polymer composition, additives, thickness, density, and presence of flame retardants.

Industries such as automotive, electronics, construction, and plastics manufacturing commonly use this test method.