Textile Flammability Laboratory Testing

Flammability Textile Laboratory Testing

Applus+ Reliable Analysis delivers reliable flammability testing that helps textile and medical device manufacturers ensure their materials resist ignition and limit flame spread. Our expanded capabilities build directly on our existing mechanical, thermal, and chemical testing accreditations using proven equipment already operating in our ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory. You receive clear, actionable data for medical scrubs, surgical gowns, drapes, barrier fabrics, protective apparel, and seating materials where flame resistance is critical for patient and staff safety.

Flammability testing evaluates how textiles and coated materials respond to controlled ignition sources through vertical or horizontal flame exposure, measuring after-flame time, char length, burn rate, and self-extinguishing behavior. In healthcare settings, these properties are essential for scrubs, gowns, drapes, and upholstery that must reduce fire risk during procedures, in patient rooms, or around oxygen-rich environments.

At Applus+ Reliable Analysis, we perform these evaluations with our calibrated flame test setups, conditioning chambers, and supporting mechanical and microscopic tools already running under our accredited scope. Our team conditions specimens properly and provides detailed pass/fail results with photographs and measurements.

Common Flammability Textile Testing Standards

ASTM D6413 Flame Resistance of Textiles (Vertical Test)

Applus+ Reliable Analysis performs ASTM D6413 vertical flame resistance testing using a calibrated flame test cabinet and conditioning chambers. Additionally, our ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory delivers accurate and repeatable textile flammability evaluations. We expose conditioned medical fabric specimens to a controlled flame for a specified time. Next, we measure after-flame time, after-glow, and char length to evaluate flame resistance. As a result, you receive dependable data that supports product qualification and safety compliance.

This testing helps manufacturers qualify medical scrubs, surgical gowns, drapes, protective barrier fabrics, and other healthcare textiles. These materials must resist flame spread and self-extinguish to reduce fire risk in medical environments. Furthermore, our experienced team carefully controls every test condition and documents each result with clear measurements and photographs. We also provide straightforward pass/fail data that supports material selection, product development, and regulatory compliance. Consequently, you receive fast, ISO/IEC 17025-accredited results that help verify your materials meet fire safety standards for patient and staff protection.

NFPA 701 Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films

We run NFPA 701 flame propagation testing on our current vertical flame setups and conditioning chambers for hospital drapes, curtains, and decorative medical textiles. The method evaluates burning behavior and flame spread under standardized conditions. This supports facilities requiring compliance for temporary barriers and window treatments. You benefit from reliable results that help meet fire safety codes in healthcare environments.

ISO 15025 Method of Test for Limited Flame Spread

Applus+ Reliable Analysis performs ISO 15025 limited flame spread testing using our flame test cabinet for medical protective gowns, scrubs, and barrier fabrics. The method assesses flame spread, after-flame time, and debris on protective clothing materials. This supports international manufacturers of healthcare PPE. You receive harmonized, globally recognized results that align with your export and safety standards.

FMVSS 302 Flammability of Materials Used in the Occupant Compartments of Motor Vehicles

We execute FMVSS 302 horizontal burn rate testing on our current flame setups for medical vehicle seating fabrics and interior coated textiles. The method measures burn rate to ensure materials meet federal vehicle safety requirements. This supports hybrid medical/ambulance and transport applications. You benefit from reliable results integrated with our broader automotive and medical textile testing program.

California TB 117-2013 Requirements, Test Procedure and Apparatus for Testing of Upholstered Furniture

Applus+ Reliable Analysis performs California TB 117-2013 smoldering and open-flame testing for upholstered medical seating foams and fabrics using our dedicated furniture flammability setups. The method evaluates resistance to cigarette and open-flame ignition sources. This supports manufacturers of hospital chairs, recliners, and padded surfaces. You receive comprehensive results that help meet stringent California and healthcare furniture safety standards.

CPAI-84 Flammability of Camping Tentage Materials (adapted for medical textiles)

We apply CPAI-84 flammability testing adapted for medical barrier fabrics and temporary drapes using our flame test setups. The method assesses flame resistance of lightweight and coated materials. This supports manufacturers of portable medical barriers and isolation drapes. You benefit from practical results tailored to healthcare temporary structures.

ASTM D6413 Post-Laundering or Chemical Pre-Treatment

Applus+ Reliable Analysis combines ASTM D6413 vertical flame testing with post-laundering or chemical pre-treatment using our laundering simulation, chemical chambers, and flame test cabinet. We evaluate how flame resistance holds up after washing or disinfectant exposure on medical scrubs and reusable gowns. This integrated approach gives manufacturers realistic durability data. You receive practical results that reflect real-world care and use conditions from one accredited laboratory.

ISO 15025 Medical Protective Clothing Adaptation

We apply ISO 15025 limited flame spread testing with adaptation for medical protective clothing using our flame test cabinet and E-058 Nikon microscopes for detailed char analysis. The method assesses performance on hospital-grade gowns and drapes. This supports manufacturers of reusable and disposable protective apparel. You benefit from internationally accepted results tailored to healthcare safety needs.

Your Partner for Expert Textile Flammability Testing

Applus+ Reliable Analysis supports your flammability and fire performance testing needs with proven technical expertise and precise execution. Additionally, we apply the same rigorous approach used across all our mechanical testing programs. Our ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory uses established flame testing, mechanical, and conditioning equipment to expand these textile testing capabilities quickly and cost-effectively. As a result, you receive accurate, repeatable, and traceable data to support product development and qualification.

If you are developing or qualifying medical scrubs, gowns, drapes, protective apparel, seating fabrics, or other materials that require flame resistance, we are ready to help. Furthermore, our team will review your requirements and recommend the most effective testing approach. We work closely with you to ensure our capabilities align with your project goals and performance requirements.

Contact us today or request a quote to get started. We look forward to partnering with you.

Additional Applus+ Reliable Analysis’ Commercial Textile Testing Capabilities

Whether it be material EMC, environmental, fabrication, or durability testing, Applus+ Reliable Analysis has a full lab of test equipment, which permits us to provide short lead times on scheduling. Our team strives to give our customers more time and energy on product development rather than testing.

Below is a list of common textile testing types that Reliable Analysis offers. Don’t see what you are looking for? Contact us, and we will determine the best course of action.

Why Trust Reliable Analysis?

Applus+ Laboratories

Globally Recognized Reports

Reliable Analysis delivers globally recognized, comprehensive reports designed to support fast, confident engineering decisions backed by clear, repeatable data.

 

 

Constant Communication

Our team maintains constant communication throughout every test program, ensuring you’re informed, aligned, and supported from kickoff to final report.

 

Experienced Engineers

With deeply experienced engineers who take a consultative approach, Applus+ Reliable Analysis connects expert insight with actionable, reliable results.