ASTM F1358 Flame Impingement Testing for Protective Clothing Materials
ASTM F1358/F1358M-20 establishes a test method for comparing the ignition resistance and burning behavior of materials used in protective clothing where flame resistance is not the primary form of protection provided by the clothing.
TRUSTED BY
Precision-driven testing for dimensional accuracy and compliance
- Overview
- Scope, Applications, and Benefits
- Test Process
- Specifications
- Instrumentation
- Results and Deliverables
Overview
ASTM F 1358 flame impingement testing is the standardized test method for evaluating the effects of direct flame impingement on materials used in protective clothing not designated primarily for flame resistance — assessing the ignition, burning behavior, and material response of protective garment fabrics and composites when subjected to defined direct flame contact conditions. ASTM F 1358 defines the specimen preparation, flame impingement apparatus, and material response evaluation procedures required to characterize the behavior of protective clothing materials under flame exposure — providing protective clothing designers, manufacturers, and safety engineers with reliable flame impingement data for material selection, garment design validation, and supplier assessment programs.
Scope, Applications, and Benefits
Scope
ASTM F 1358 evaluates the flame impingement response of protective clothing materials by exposing defined fabric specimens to a calibrated direct flame source for a specified exposure duration — assessing ignition resistance, afterflame behavior, char length, melting, dripping, and material integrity following direct flame contact under defined test conditions.
ASTM F 1358 flame impingement testing evaluates:
- Ignition resistance and afterflame behavior of protective clothing fabrics under direct flame contact
- Char length, melting, and dripping response of garment materials following flame impingement
- Material integrity and structural performance of protective clothing after flame exposure
- Comparative flame impingement response across protective garment fabric and composite systems
- Compliance against ASTM F 1358 flame impingement acceptance criteria for protective clothing materials
Applications
- Industrial workwear and protective garment fabrics not primarily designated for flame resistance
- Chemical, petrochemical, and utility worker protective clothing material flame assessment
- Military and law enforcement protective garment material flame impingement evaluation
- Emergency responder outer shell and liner material flame response characterization
- Protective clothing manufacturers requiring ASTM F 1358 flame impingement test data
Benefits
- Provides reliable flame impingement data for protective clothing material selection and design
- Supports protective clothing specification compliance and supplier assessment programs
- Identifies unacceptable flame impingement response before garment production and deployment
- Delivers traceable flame impingement test records for engineering and regulatory submissions
- Reduces the wearer’s safety risk by verifying the protective clothing’s flame response early in approval
Test Process
Sample Preparation
Fabric specimens cut to 150 mm × 150 mm dimensions and conditioned per ASTM F 1358 requirements.
1Flame Impingement Exposure
Specimens subjected to calibrated direct flame at 45° impingement angle for 3 seconds exposure.
2Material Response Observation
Ignition, afterflame, char length, melting, and dripping behavior observed and recorded per ASTM F 1358.
3Data Analysis & Reporting
Material response observations assessed against ASTM F 1358 criteria for test compliance result.
4Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable Materials | Protective clothing fabrics, composites, and garment materials not primarily designated for flame resistance |
| Specimen Dimensions | 150 mm × 150 mm fabric specimens per ASTM F 1358 requirements |
| Flame Impingement Angle | 45° direct flame impingement angle per ASTM F 1358 apparatus configuration |
| Flame Exposure Duration | 3 seconds direct flame contact per ASTM F 1358 impingement conditions |
| Measured Outputs | Ignition time, afterflame duration, char length, melt/drip observations, and test compliance result |
Instrumentation Used for Testing
- Calibrated flame impingement apparatus with defined burner and flame geometry per ASTM F 1358
- Defined gas supply system for calibrated flame output and impingement conditions
- Specimen mounting frame with 45° impingement angle configuration
- Precision timing system for 3-second flame exposure duration control
- Specimen conditioning chamber with temperature and humidity control
- Data acquisition and test reporting system
Results and Deliverables
- Flame impingement exposure records, including flame conditions and exposure duration data
- Ignition, afterflame duration, and char length measurements for all tested specimens
- Melting, dripping, and material integrity observations per ASTM F 1358 evaluation criteria
- Test compliance result assessed against ASTM F 1358 flame impingement acceptance criteria
- ASTM F 1358 flame impingement test report
Why Choose Infinita Lab for F 1358?
With Infinita Lab (www.infinitalab.com), you are guaranteed a Nationwide Network of Accredited Laboratories spread across the USA, the best Consultants from around the world, Convenient Sample Pick-Up and Delivery, and Fast Turnaround Time.
Our team understands the stakes and subtleties of every test. Whether you’re validating a new Product, de-risking a prototype, or navigating complex compliance requirements, our specialists guide the process with rigor and clarity.
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 F1358 includes flame exposure time, heat flux approximately 84 kW/m², specimen orientation, ignition behavior, and afterflame duration, evaluating response of protective clothing materials exposed to direct flame impingement conditions.
ASTM F1358 exposes material specimens to direct flame for specified duration, measuring ignition, afterflame time, and physical damage to assess material performance under flame impingement conditions.
ASTM F1358 is commonly applied to fabrics, textiles, and materials used in protective clothing not primarily designed for flame resistance but requiring evaluation for incidental flame exposure performance.
ASTM F1358 evaluates ignition occurrence, afterflame duration, char length, and material damage, providing data on how materials behave when exposed to direct flame.
ASTM F1358 evaluates flame exposure under controlled laboratory conditions and may not fully represent real fire scenarios involving multiple heat sources, environmental conditions, or layered clothing systems affecting performance.
Request a Quote
Submit your material details and receive testing procedures, pricing, and turnaround time within 24 hours.
Quick Turnaround and Hasslefree process
Confidentiality Guarantee
Free, No-obligation Consultation
100% Customer Satisfaction
