ASTM C1166

  

Vinod Kumar
Published : May 31, 2023

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Standard Test Method for Flame Propagation (ASTM C1166)

When it comes to fire and flammability testing for materials used in the construction, aerospace, and transportation industries, the ASTM C1166 standard stands out because it can measure the flame spread of dense or cellular elastomeric gaskets and accessories. This test is essential due to the widespread use of gaskets, shims, and other elastomeric materials in anything from train window frames to car seat cushions.

It may be confusing for suppliers to the rail, mass transit, or automobile industries to compare flammability rules. The U.S. Federal Railroad Administration, or FRA, requires particular flammability criteria for dense cellular materials and elastomeric gaskets used in the building of passenger railcars, even if individual OEMs typically adhere to their unique norms. As a result, to successfully navigate the needs of their individual markets, suppliers and manufacturers require an experienced testing facility like Infinita Labs.

Your Laboratory is A2LA & IOS Accredited

For more than three decades, Infinita Labs has been setting the standard for standardised materials testing, including flammability testing using the ASTM C1166 standard. We’ve conducted standardised examinations for the Rail Transportation Industry over that time for virtually every significant railcar manufacturer and the businesses that provide them.

Our testing services cover everything from accelerated ageing and adhesive strength to smoke, flame spread, and toxicity. Additionally, we frequently conduct testing for the U.S. Marine Corps and hold building construction accreditation from BOCA, NYC MEA, San Francisco, Denver, and Los Angeles.

We have a lot of experience and are an ISO and A2LA recognised laboratory a result, we can perform tests that meet the requirements of regulatory organisations like Underwriters Laboratories (UL), the International Standards Organisation (ISO), and the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), including ASTM C1166 testing. We have extensive experience delivering specialised testing, which involves the design, construction, and installation of unique test equipment.

The ASTM C1166 Flame Propagation Test: What Is It?

The ASTM C1166 standard laboratory test is used to measure the flame spread of dense and cellular elastomeric gaskets and accessories. Engineers and suppliers can choose better materials for shims, spacers, gaskets, setting blocks, and other elastomeric compound-based components with the help of the information gathered from this test.

In this experiment, a sample is exposed for five and fifteen minutes, respectively, to the open flame of a Bunsen burner. The flame should not extend farther than 4.87″ (or 100mm) in either situation.

Using the values of the Flame Spread Index, often known as SI units, the resultant flame spread is computed and the specimen’s surface flammability is determined. This makes it feasible to verify that elastomeric materials used in seat cushions, window gaskets, diaphragms, and other applications meet the fire safety requirements established by the relevant industry.

Video 01: Flamability test of plastic material Animated

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