ASTM D6413 Flame Resistance Testing for Textiles – Vertical Test Method
ASTM D6413/D6413M-15 is used to measure the vertical flame resistance of textiles by measuring afterflame, afterglow, and char length.
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- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM D6413 evaluates the vertical flame resistance of textile materials by exposing a vertically suspended specimen to a controlled flame for a specified duration. It measures afterflame time, afterglow, and char length to determine how the fabric behaves when exposed to fire.
This standard is widely used for protective clothing, industrial fabrics, and technical textiles where flame resistance is critical. It helps manufacturers and regulators assess ignition resistance, flame spread behavior, and post-flame performance to ensure safety and compliance with fire protection requirements.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
This test method determines flame resistance of textiles under vertical flame exposure conditions.
- Evaluation of flame resistance in vertical orientation
- Measurement of afterflame and afterglow behavior
- Determination of char length after flame exposure
- Applicable to fabrics, textiles, and finished garments
- Used for protective and industrial textile assessment
- Helps verify compliance with flammability standards
Applications
- Protective clothing and PPE
- Industrial workwear
- Military and firefighting garments
- Upholstery and interior textiles
- Automotive and aerospace fabrics
- Safety and regulatory compliance testing
Benefits
- Ensures fire safety compliance
- Evaluates ignition resistance accurately
- Helps prevent flame propagation risks
- Improves material selection for safety applications
- Supports certification and regulatory approval
- Enhances end-user protection and reliability
Test Process
Specimen Conditioning
Textile samples are conditioned under controlled humidity and temperature to ensure uniform test conditions.
1Vertical Mounting
The specimen is mounted vertically in a standardized flame chamber to simulate real exposure orientation.
2Flame Application
A controlled flame is applied to the lower edge of the specimen for a specified duration.
3Performance Evaluation
Afterflame, afterglow, and char length are measured to determine flame resistance behavior.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Specimen size | Standard dimensions as per method requirements |
| Flame application time | Defined exposure duration |
| Afterflame time | Time the material continues burning after flame removal |
| Afterglow time | Duration of glowing after flame extinguishes |
| Char length | Measured damage length along specimen |
| Ignition source | Standardized flame source with controlled height |
| Orientation | Vertical specimen placement |
| Test chamber | Draft-free controlled environment |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Vertical flame test chamber
- Controlled gas burner
- Specimen holder and frame
- Timer and stopwatch
- Measuring scale for char length
- Environmental conditioning chamber
- Gas flow regulator and control system
Results and Deliverables
- Afterflame time data
- Afterglow duration results
- Char length measurement
- Flame resistance classification
- Test observation report
- Compliance evaluation results
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D6413/D6413M-15 tests the flame-resistant properties of textiles by measuring their response to a flame. The after-flame, after-glow, and char length calculate a material's resistance to ignition and the inhibition of flame spread.
This test applies to all textiles, including woven fabrics, safety garments, upholstery materials, and other textiles used in industries requiring flame-resistant properties.
Vertical orientation allows gravity-assisted flame propagation and dripping behavior to be observed. This setup challenges the textile’s structural integrity and evaluates whether flames travel upward or self-extinguish, providing critical insight into real-world fire exposure performance and safety behavior.
The char length indicates how far the flame has spread along the fabric. Shorter char lengths generally indicate better flame resistance. The char length is measured along the undamaged part of the specimen after the flame exposure.
The hook and weight apply tearing force to the specimen in the charred area. It enables the fabric to be assessed for how much stress it can withstand when subjected to physical stress after flame exposure, thus indicating its durability in case of fire.
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