Flammability
Testing flammability plays a key role in all industries where components made of plastics or polymer-based materials are used. Such areas include the automotive industry, the electronics industry, the packaging industry, and many other technical fields where it is essential to know how a material reacts to an open flame. With two decades of experience, MÜKI LABOR conducts flammability tests in modern laboratory conditions, which help determine whether a material meets the safety requirements of the given area of use.
Flammability testing not only shows whether a material starts to burn when exposed to a flame, but also provides a detailed picture of how quickly the flame spreads, under what conditions the combustion occurs, and to what extent it contributes to the risk of a possible fire. This data is particularly important in environments where human safety depends on how a material behaves under heat.
Flammability of Plastics
Flammability of Plastics – Flammability Testing under Standard Laboratory Conditions
Testing flammability of plastics is a fundamental safety requirement in all industries where polymer-based materials are incorporated into devices, structures or automotive components. The purpose of the test is to determine how well a given plastic reacts to heat or flame and whether it meets international safety standards that are essential for manufacturing, development and quality assurance.
During the flammability test, test specimens are exposed to a small open flame or radiant heat under controlled, reproducible laboratory conditions. The method allows for detailed observation of the combustion behavior: flame spread, glow, burning times and possible dripping or smoke formation. These parameters are key to deciding whether a material can be used in certain industrial or consumer products.
The test is applied to materials used in the manufacture of electrical equipment, automotive components, casings or other functional elements. The results obtained help in material selection, product development and risk reduction – especially where fire safety is a critical factor.
Standards – Flammability of Plastics
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UL 94
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ISO 3795
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MVSS 302
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Suzuki SES N 3245
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Volvo VCS 5031,19
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DIN 75200
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VW TL 1010
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Kia MS 300-08
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Renault D45 1333
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Toyota TSM 0500G
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BMW GS 97038
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Daimler DBL 5307
These standards define test methods, test conditions and compliance requirements, ensuring that results are comparable and reliable for all manufacturers, suppliers and authorities.
Oxygen Index
Oxygen Index Test – Determination of the Flammability of Plastics in an Oxygen-Nitrogen Gas Mixture
The oxygen index test is one of the most important methods for the objective and comparable determination of the flammability of plastics. During the test, we determine the minimum oxygen concentration required in the oxygen-nitrogen gas mixture to maintain combustion of a vertically fixed test specimen ignited from above. This value is the so-called LOI (Limiting Oxygen Index), which is a fundamental fire resistance parameter in the polymer industry, the automotive industry and all industries where flammability requirements must be met.
The method is particularly suitable for testing rigid plastics, films, foams, sheets and flexible plastics – as long as the thickness of the test specimen does not exceed 10.5 mm. Based on the determined oxygen index, it can be decided in advance whether the material can be used in environments where increased fire safety regulations apply (e.g. electrical equipment, vehicle components, cladding elements).
The test is performed under controlled laboratory conditions at a temperature of 23±2 °C, so the results are reproducible and internationally comparable. The LOI value obtained helps in material selection, product development and also contributes to increasing production safety.
Standard
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MSZ EN ISO 4589-2
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MSZ EN ISO 4589-2/A1
These standards precisely record the test conditions, the dimensions of the test specimen, the setting of the oxygen-nitrogen ratio and the evaluation criteria, thus ensuring reliable and uniform measurement results.
Type of tests
Flammability – Comprehensive tests to evaluate the flame spread properties of plastics and automotive materials
During the tests, we expose test specimens to different heat and flame loads under standardized conditions. The aim is to obtain objective, reproducible results on the material’s flame resistance, flame spread rate and the conditions under which combustion ceases. Our tests cover both plastics used in equipment and covers and components used in the interior of vehicles.
MÜKI LABOR works in accordance with a wide range of internationally recognized standards, ensuring that our test results are suitable for supplier qualification, initial sample documentation, development projects, and quality assurance processes alike. The tests also comply with major automotive OEM requirements, ensuring that materials meet the fire safety performance standards expected by manufacturers.
The main advantages of flammability tests:
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They show how much a material contributes to the risk of a fire event.
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They help you select the right raw material from a safety perspective.
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They enable you to verify compliance with standards and OEM regulations.
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They support development, optimize manufacturing processes and reduce costs due to potential errors.
MÜKI LABOR prepares a detailed report for each test, which includes the test conditions, the results and their interpretation, providing manufacturers and developers with comprehensive, decision-supporting documentation.
Contact
Phone
Headquarters
1119 Budapest, Than Károly Street 17.
Location
1117 Budapest, Budafoki Street 187-189.
Müki Labor Ltd.
If you have any questions about our tests, services or your request for a quote, our expert colleagues are ready to assist you. Whether it is a standard test, custom method development, defect or failure detection or quality assurance issue, we handle all inquiries in detail and with a short deadline.
It is important to us that our clients receive accurate information as quickly as possible, which is why we respond to all incoming inquiries within a short time. If you need a personal consultation, professional consultation or an inspection offer, please contact us for further information.
We look forward to hearing from you at the contact details provided, where we will be happy to help you choose the right direction of investigation and start the process.
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