What is an Automotive Interior Flame Retardant Tester?

With the increasing number of cars, cars have become people's second most important activity space, second only to indoor spaces in buildings. Consequently, automakers are increasingly using a wide variety of interior materials to optimize the in-car environment. To meet diverse requirements, such as comfort and safety, automotive interior materials are also becoming more multifunctional, and flame retardant materials are a crucial component.

The Automotive interior Flame Retardant Tester, also known as an automotive interior material combustion tester or fabric flame retardancy tester, is a professional device used to test the flame retardancy of materials such as automotive interior materials, clothing fabrics, tent fabrics, and sponge foam. The HD-R808 model complies with standards such as GB8410. American Standard FMVSS571.302. and DIN7520. and is primarily used for fire safety testing of automotive interior components such as seats, instrument panels, and floor coverings.

"Flame retardant" does not mean that a material will not burn when exposed to a fire source. Rather, it means that the material's flammability is reduced, the flame spread is slowed, and widespread combustion is avoided. After leaving the flame, the material quickly self-extinguishes, either igniting or smoldering.

Automotive interior materials come in a wide variety, broadly categorized into five types: leather, rubber, plastic, chemical fiber, and composite materials. These materials are all flammable or combustible. Furthermore, interior materials are often found in areas such as the vehicle's roof, floor mats, door linings, seats, seat belts, and luggage compartment, placing them in close contact with the human body. In the event of a fire, the combustion of these materials can cause significant damage. Furthermore, fires can easily occur during driving due to electrical shorts, mechanical failures, and traffic accidents. Therefore, the flame retardancy of automotive interior materials is of great practical significance for improving vehicle safety.

Working Principle

This instrument is used to measure the horizontal combustion characteristics of automotive interior materials. Interior materials refer to single materials or composite materials used in automotive interior components, such as seat cushions, seat backs, seat covers, seat belts, headrests, armrests, convertible roofs, all decorative panels (including door trims, side panels, rear paneling, and roof lining), instrument panels, empty interior shelves or rear window sills, curtains, floor coverings, sun visors, and any other organic interior materials, including materials such as fillers and cushioning devices that absorb impact energy during a collision. This instrument is fully automatic. After completing preparatory steps, a button is pressed to automatically ignite the test and conduct a series of tests according to the standard test procedures until the test is complete.

The operating principle of the automotive interior material combustion tester is to place the material sample to be tested in the combustion chamber, ignite the fuel, and adjust the flame height and fuel flow rate to cause the material to burn horizontally. Simultaneously, the measurement and control system monitors and records parameters such as the burning rate, burning time, and burning distance to evaluate the material's flame retardancy.

Structure

The automotive interior flame retardancy test equipment primarily consists of a combustion chamber, sample holder, gas lamp, collection tray, timer, and thermometer. The combustion chamber is constructed from 1.5mm thick steel plate and features a heat-resistant glass observation window and ventilation holes to ensure stable combustion conditions during testing. The sample holder is constructed from a U-shaped, corrosion-resistant metal plate, ensuring uniform clamping of the sample and accurate test results. The gas lamp serves as the test flame source, and its nozzle inner diameter and flame height are adjustable to meet diverse testing requirements. The collection tray collects molten drips to prevent interference with test results. The timer and thermometer accurately record time and temperature data during testing.

Equipment Functions and Applications

The automotive interior combustion tester has two core functions: First, it accurately simulates the combustion environment inside a real vehicle. By replicating the complex conditions unique to a vehicle interior, such as temperature distribution, airflow, and material interactions, it provides a reliable basis for testing the fire resistance of materials under realistic fire scenarios. Second, its core application value lies in systematically evaluating the flame retardancy of automotive interior materials. By quantifying key parameters such as burning velocity and heat release rate, it ensures that the tested materials can effectively slow the spread of fire in the event of a fire, buying valuable escape time for drivers and passengers, thereby comprehensively improving vehicle fire safety.

Product Features

This steel-structured combustion chamber features a three-door design with an openable top cover for thorough cleaning of the chamber interior after testing. A high-temperature-resistant tempered glass observation window on the front panel not only allows real-time observation of test status but can also be opened for cleaning and maintenance. A temperature control head is installed in the center of the rear of the chamber, providing real-time temperature monitoring from 0-200°C via a meter. The left door is hinged and features a magnetic lock mechanism to ensure a tight seal when closed. The control box and combustion chamber are separated, effectively reducing the impact of combustion heat on electrical components and extending the life of the equipment. The burner is precision-machined from pure copper and provides a standard 38mm stable flame source. Mounted on the side door, it is equipped with a flame positioner that automatically positions the burner at the ignition point when the door is closed, ensuring precise control of flame height. The equipment utilizes a high-voltage pulse automatic ignition system, ensuring stable, reliable ignition and high safety. The accompanying stainless steel sample holder features built-in heat-resistant wire for flexible fabric testing. It also features a clamping plate with 38mm, 138mm, and 254mm markings for easy observation of sample status during testing. Gas and air flow rates are precisely controlled by imported precision rotameters. Combined with a programmable controller (PLC) and touchscreen control system, the test process is automated, with data detection, calculation, and storage. Timing is performed using a handheld pushbutton box, and the PLC automatically records timing data with an accuracy of 0.1s. The linear combustion rate (V) is automatically calculated by the PLC and displayed and stored on the touchscreen.

Operation Method

The operation of an automotive interior material combustion tester typically involves the following steps: First, remove the pre-treated specimen from the specified environment and install and secure it in strict accordance with the test standard requirements, ensuring accurate and stable specimen positioning. Next, adjust the flame height and shape by adjusting equipment parameters to fully comply with the specific requirements of the test standard to ensure standardized test conditions. Next, expose the secured specimen to the adjusted flame and ignite it for a specified time (e.g., 15 seconds). During this time, closely observe the flame's combustion on the specimen surface, including its burning rate, flame spread, and the presence of dripping. Finally, based on the observed combustion characteristics and combined with the evaluation indicators specified in the standard, a comprehensive analysis and grade determination of the material's flame retardancy are performed, providing a scientific basis for the material's safe application.

Precautions and Maintenance

When using an automotive interior material combustion tester, pay special attention to the following points to ensure safe and efficient operation: First, ensure the equipment is always in good working condition and perform regular maintenance and servicing to prevent malfunctions. Strictly follow operating procedures during operation to prevent equipment damage or safety accidents caused by misoperation. During testing, closely observe and carefully record the combustion of the specimen, including key data such as flame spread and smoke production, to ensure the accuracy of the test results. After the test, promptly clean any residue and exhaust gas inside the equipment to maintain cleanliness and hygiene to prevent damage from corrosive substances. Furthermore, to extend the equipment's lifespan and maintain stable performance, regularly perform professional calibration and comprehensive inspections to ensure that core parameters such as temperature control and gas flow rate consistently meet standard requirements, providing reliable assurance for material flame retardancy testing.

In summary, the automotive interior material combustion tester is an indispensable tool in the field of automotive safety, bridging the gap between material innovation and practical fire protection. Combining precise simulation capabilities, automated testing processes, and rigorous data analysis, this equipment not only evaluates material performance but also drives continuous improvement in flame retardant technology. As automotive interiors incorporate advanced materials and complex designs, the role of testers in ensuring compliance with global safety standards is becoming increasingly important. Through regular maintenance, adherence to operating procedures, and the integration of advanced control systems, manufacturers can leverage this tool to improve vehicle fire safety, protect occupants, and meet regulatory requirements, ultimately contributing to a safer and more resilient transportation system for the future.