Fire Retardant Plastic Materials
November 18, 2021
Fire Retardant Plastic Materials Machined @ Sentinel
What are Fire Retardant Plastic Materials
Importantly, some engineering plastics, but more so Industrial insulation plastics, can be classified as ‘FR’. Or, fire retardant plastic materials and, flame resistant plastic. Certainly, no plastic exists that is completely a ‘fireproof plastic material’. Moreover, some plastics are inherently fire resistant, or, self-extinguishing. Essentially, do not need additives to meet their requirement. Others plastics though, need additives to meet the requirement of being ‘FR’ or ‘self-extinguishing’.
Instrumentally, additives/compounds are added for a plastic material to have an improvement to its a flame-retardance. Furthermore, inhibit, vanquish and delay the combustion process. Also, these compounds are useful in the initial burning ignition stage of fire. So, the term flame retardant, refers to a material being, non flammable or inherently self extinguishing. Thus, making them suitable for use where fire protection is of great importance.
The typical attributes for fire retardant plastic materials behaviour are:
- Firstly, Ignition.
- Secondly, Spread of flame.
- Thirdly, Heat release (or temperature rise).
- Next, Smoke development.
- And Finally, Smoke toxicity.
Undoubtedly, these attributes are critical. Moreover, in area’s where the spread of toxic fumes or flame. Such as, Aerospace, Marine and Rail. The term ‘UL’ is a plastics flammability standard released by the Underwriters Laboratories . Essentially, the standard classifies plastics according to how they burn in various orientations and part thicknesses from the lowest flame-retardant to most flame-retardant in six different classifications.
UL 94 Rating Definition of Rating Standards
So, broadly speaking, the most accepted industry standard for fire rating is UL. The USA Underwriters Laboratories (UL). Essentially, classifies plastics according to how they burn in various orientations per part thicknesses. Hence, UL 94 is a plastics flammability standard released by them . Crucially, a standard from the lowest flame-retardant to most flame-retardant. Thus, in six different classifications. Also, It’s worth noting, thicknesses can drastically change your part’s UL rating. Thus, UL ratings are measured at various ranges of sheet thickness. So, if you were looking for a UL 94 V-0 plastic material, for a component part, pay close attention to wall thickness and material selection.
- HB Slow burning on a horizontal part.
- V-2 Burning stops within 30 seconds on a part allowing for drops of vertical flammable plastic.
- V-1 Burning stops within 30 seconds on a vertical part allowing for drops of plastic that are not inflame.
- V-0 Burning stops within 10 seconds…………..
Further Standards
In addition to UL, the European Flame Retardants Association, EFRA, are the association representing major EU companies. Inherently, those that manufacture or market flame retardants in Europe. Also, closer to home, the relevant British and international standards are BS 2782 Part 1 Method 140A:1992 and its ISO equivalent, ISO 1210:1992.
Similarly, a standard specifically designed for the design of systems used in clean rooms is, FM 4910 certification is introduced. Crucially, to comply with the high fire behaviour requirements that FM Global places on approval in clean rooms.
Please note, for a machined fabricated plastic material that meets a particular countries or industries standard, please do get in touch. And, if our team can not advise, we can certainly put you in touch with the manufacturer or supplier of the specific fire retardant plastic materials.
New Material Focus: Nylon Sustamid 6 FR (PA6) DIN EN 45545-2:2013
A Nylon material, which meets the relevant requirements of the new European Rail Vehicle Standard DIN EN 45545-2:2013. Thus, allows for the production of various-sized machined components and component parts in small piece numbers. At the same time, the material possesses a high degree of stiffness, tensile strength as well as good sliding and wear properties with simultaneously outstanding corrosion and chemical resistance.
Thus:
- Free of halogen and phosphorus
- Flame retardant and self-extinguishing
- High hardness and rigidity
- good slide and wear behavior
- Good machinability
- meets the relevant requirements of the new European Rail Vehicle Standard DIN EN 45545-2:2013
- High dimensional stability
Furthermore, this plastic material boasts a very high LOI (Limiting Oxygen Index) of 40% and is halogen free. With a UL94- V0 fire rating. In addition the low density (1.17g/cm³) provides significant weight and construction benefits in comparison to conventional material, like steel (7.85g/cm³).
Capable of Short Term Temp up to 320 F / 160 C
Evaluated to the following, Sustamid 6 FR is ideal for use in the aerospace industry:
1 ASTM E162 Flame spread
2 >ASTM E662 Smoke density
3 >ASTM E1354 Chloric count
4 BSS 7239 Smoke/toxicity
5 FAR 25.853 and FAR 28.855
6 SMP 800 C Toxicity
Importantly, our emphasis has always been on the importance of offering a comprehensive plastic machining & fabrication & workshop. Reliably, able to manufacture component parts to customers exacting requirements. Most notably, many plastic companies only machining specific Plastics. Whereas, Sentinel Plastics has a comprehensive knowledge on all types of plastics and the required methods of manufacture.
Standard Engineering Plastic Materials UL Ratings
Some Specific ‘FR’ UL94 VO Rated Fire Retardant Plastic Materials Machined
- To begin with, Fire Retardant ABS Sheet – With, excellent fire ignition resistance. Thus. certified UL94 VO classification. Along with the fire rating, flame retardant ABS is high in rigidity and impact strength and has excellent chemical and abrasion resistance.
- Next, PVC sheet, UL DIN 4102 B1 flame resistance. Also, self-extinguishing, excellent chemical resistance, high mechanical and tensile strength.
- Also Popular, Lexan™ F2000. Essentially, a classified UL94 VO flame retardant transparent polycarbonate sheet.
- Black Pinseal Flame Retardant ABS Sheet has a UL94 VO fire rating classification, meaning it has excellent fire ignition resistance.
- G-10/FR4 is a continuous woven glass fabric laminated with an epoxy resin, has a UL94 VO fire rating classification. Note: G-10 and FR4 are two separate materials.
- PEEK comes in many grades and forms. Thus, several grades that meet UL-94 Flame Class.
- Nylon 6 sheet – flame retardant tested to the new EU rail vehicle standard (DIN EN 45545-2:2013) and is rated to UL94 V-0.
- EM42 highly flame retardant, halogen free, low smoke, low toxic epoxy laminate, approved by London Underground meets the requirements of UL94V0 fire rating.
- GPO3 is a PGM composite sheet produced from glass mat and polyester resin.Flammability Category (≥4mm) UL94V0.
Additionally, further fire retardant plastic materials information can be found here Guide to Plastic Materials
(Designed and content created by Quadrant Engineering Plastics)
Need Plastic Machining Help
Also, upon request, also able to assist you with the configuration and design of your Machined Plastic Components. We know what different Plastics can do and which types of processing are practicable from a technology perspective. As such, we provide you with the support from the selection of Material to the design on the most advanced CAD systems. Finally, to the precise Machining and customisation of a Part that will function optimally for four application.
In Summary
Finally, here at Sentinel Plastics Ltd UK we are versatile and very Experienced. For any requirements we always aim to be as helpful as possible. When molding or extruding is not a viable option, then we can help!
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