Flammability Testing for Aircraft Interiors

Ensure your aircraft interior materials meet mandatory FAA safety requirements with Element's comprehensive flammability testing services. We evaluate all critical characteristics including burn rates, ignition resistance, heat release, and smoke density, and provide direct access to FAA designated engineering representatives. As the largest independent aerospace testing provider in the world, we streamline your certification process by managing all testing and compliance requirements

What is Flammability Testing for Aircraft at Element

Element's flammability laboratories specialize in testing aircraft interior materials against key global safety standards, with FAA and Nadcap approval, plus UKAS / ISO / IEC 17025 accreditation at our UK laboratory. Our comprehensive flammability testing measures how long it takes airplane cabin materials and products to burn, how easily they ignite, and how they react when burned , to provide the critical data you need for aerospace qualification programs and full regulatory compliance.

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What can Element offer you for Flammability Testing

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Flammability Testing Standards

Our team of experts serve a wide range of industries, offering a large scope of test standards including:

Clothing, Furniture and Bedding Materials

16 CFR Part 1610; 16 CFR Part 1615; 16 CFR Part 1616; 16 CFR Part 1632; 16 CFR Part 1633
ASTM D635; ASTM D1230; ASTM D6413
CA TB 117; CA TB 121; CA TB 129; CA TB 133
BFD IX-11 Open-flame mattress
BS 5852; BS 6807; BS 7176; BS 7177
BS EN 597; BS EN 1021
BS EN ISO 9773
CAN/CGSB 4.2 No. 27.5
NAVSEA 05Z6 PD 5-04A
SAE J369
UL 94

Automotive

49 CFR Part 571.302 (DOT/FMVSS 302)
General Motors GMW 3232
Honda HES D6003
ISO 3795
Nissan NES M0094
Toyota TSM 0500G; TSM 0504G

Vertical and Horizontal Flammability Testing

Flammability test methods measure how easily materials ignite, how quickly they burn and how they react when burned. The materials are placed over a Bunsen burner either vertically or horizontally, depending on the specification. During a vertical flammability test, a material is observed for the length of time it burns after the igniting flame is removed, how much of the specimen burns and whether or not it drips flaming particles. In contrast, horizontal flammability tests observe if the material continues to burn after the test flame is removed and then calculate the rate at which the specimen burns.

Flammability of Mattresses and Furniture

Flammability testing of mattresses and furniture is an essential part of ensuring fire safety for consumers. These flammability tests occur in a burn room which contributes to the measurement of heat release, smoke release and opacity, combustive gas release and total mass loss. This type of flammability test ignites mattresses or furniture with a lit cigarette or a large open flame to determine how a product will react in cases of accidental and intentional fires.

Standards we meet and the materials we test

Your partner in Aircraft Fuel Testing

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

Airbus

ABD 0031 
AITM 2.0002, AITM 2.0003, AITM 2.0004, AITM 2.0005, AITM 2.0006, AITM 2.0007, AITM 2.0038, AITM 2.0008, AITM 3.0005

Standards

ASTM D568, ASTM D635, ASTM E662, ASTM D3801, ASTM D4804

Boeing

BSS 7238, BSS 7239, BSS 7230, BSS 7322

Department of Transportation

FMVSS 302

Federal Aviation Regulations

FAR 25.853
ISO / IEC 17025

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

Airbus

ABD 0031 
AITM 2.0002, AITM 2.0003, AITM 2.0004, AITM 2.0005, AITM 2.0006, AITM 2.0007, AITM 2.0038, AITM 2.0008, AITM 3.0005

Standards

ASTM D568, ASTM D635, ASTM E662, ASTM D3801, ASTM D4804

Boeing

BSS 7238, BSS 7239, BSS 7230, BSS 7322

Department of Transportation

FMVSS 302

Federal Aviation Regulations

FAR 25.853
ISO / IEC 17025

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Your Partner in Flammability Testing

Complex Compliance Requirements

Element serves as your single-source partner, managing testing across multiple standards to meet requirements including FAA, Nadcap, UKAS, Boeing and Airbus while providing expert consultation through FAA DER access.

Time-to-Market Pressure

Our highly trained staff brings years of aerospace testing experience, supported by direct access to FAA designated engineering representatives for additional guidance when needed.

Quality Assurance Concerns

As a Nadcap-accredited laboratory with major aerospace approvals, we maintain rigorous quality standards across all testing services while ensuring consistent, reliable results.

Delivering reliable, actionable results

Our comprehensive testing capabilities let you combine multiple certifications – includingRTCA Do-160 -- all in one location, streamlining your testing process and reducing coordination complexity.

Why Choose Element

Global Leadership

The largest independent provider of aerospace sector testing services globally.

Comprehensive Approvals

Active approvals from the world's largest aerospace companies, including Boeing and Airbus.

Quality Accreditation

Nadcap accredited laboratories with specialized FAA-approved testing facilities.

Industry Experience

Nearly 190 years of testing expertise supporting aerospace certification requirements across the world.

80+
Years of aerospace experience

Trusted industry partner

29
Nadcap labs

Global accredited network

3,000
Technical Experts

Dedicated aerospace expertise

9,000
Engaged Experts

A global technical network

But don't just take our word for it

See what others have to say about partnering with Element

We are composable DXP specialists and your award-winning digital enablement partner. We deliver personalised experiences that drive measurable business and marketing uplift. We are composable DXP specialists and your award-winning digital enablement partner. We deliver personalised experiences that drive measurable business and marketing uplift. We are composable DXP specialists and your award-winning digital enablement partner. We deliver personalised experiences that drive measurable business and marketing uplift. We are composable DXP specialists and your award-winning digital enablement partner. We deliver personalised experiences that drive measurable business and marketing uplift.
James Brumpton,
Mechanical Engineer
It was such a seamless process working with Element. They have an excellent quick response time from the Quality Department with exceptional knowledge. Keep up the good work
Andrew Toohie,
Engineer
Element has been a great company to work with through and through. They have an excellent quick response time from the Quality Department with exceptional knowledge.
Bob Palliser,
Engaged expert
Element has been a great company to work with through and through. They have an excellent quick response time from the Quality Department with exceptional knowledge. Keep up the good work
Alex Gill,
CEO

Frequently asked questions

What types of aerospace materials can Element test with flammability?

Metals and Alloys

Nickel alloys
Titanium alloys
Aluminium
Superalloys such as Inconel, Hastelloy, single crystal alloys, Rene

Composites and other Non-Metallics:

Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs)
Polymer Matrix Composites
Plastics
Elastomers

Joining Materials

Adhesives
Fastners and fastening systems

What types of flame characteristics do you test for?

Our labs can assist with characterizing burning properties, smoke analysis, and other flammability tests, including:

FAA flammability
OSU heat release rate
NBS smoke density
Smoke toxicity testing
Determination of toxic products of combustion
Vertical ignition (vertical burn)
Horizontal ignition

Explore our global network of labs and find your nearest location

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