Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
D6413 – Standard Test Method Technical Guide
🔬 Overview and Scope of D6413
ASTM D6413/D6413M-22 is the standard test method used to measure the vertical flame resistance of textiles. As defined in Section 1, this method evaluates specific flammability characteristics, including afterflame time, afterglow time, and char length.
It is important to note that while this standard measures the response of materials to heat and flame under controlled conditions, it does not by itself incorporate all factors required for fire hazard or fire risk assessment in actual fire conditions.
🛡️ Safety Advisory: As explicitly stated in Section 1.3, fire testing is inherently hazardous. Adequate safeguards for personnel and property shall be employed in conducting these tests.
🔥 Test Procedure and Key Parameters
The test method involves positioning a conditioned textile specimen vertically above a controlled flame source. The flame is applied for a specified period of time. Upon removal of the flame, the afterflame time and afterglow time are precisely measured.
After the test, the char length is determined under a specified tearing force. Any evidence of melting or dripping is also noted during the evaluation.
| 🟦 Term | 📏 Definition | ⚡ Key Detail |
|---|---|---|
| Char Length | Distance from fabric edge exposed to flame to furthest point of visible damage after tearing force is applied. | Measured post-test under specified force. |
| Afterflame Time | Duration a material continues to flame after the ignition source is removed. | Measured in seconds. |
| Afterglow Time | Duration a material continues to glow after flaming ceases. | Measured in seconds. |
| Flame Application Time | Duration the standardized flame is applied to the specimen surface. | Typically 12 seconds for vertical textile tests. |
📊 Key Measured Properties and Significance
This test method provides critical data regarding the response of textiles to a standard ignition source. The derived measurements—afterflame time, afterglow time, and char length—are fundamental benchmarks for evaluating textile flammability.
The standard is governed by ASTM Committee D13 on Textiles (Subcommittee D13.52 on Flammability). It references key terminology standards such as D4391 (Burning Behavior of Textiles) and E176 (Fire Standards).
Units must be stated in either SI units or inch-pound units independently (Section 1.4). Combining values from both systems is a non-conformance with the standard.
💡 Terminology Reference: For a complete understanding of the terms used in this test method, refer to ASTM D4391 (Burning Behavior of Textiles), E176 (Fire Standards), and ISO 13943. In case of conflict, the terminology in E176 prevails.
| 📐 Referenced Standard | 🎯 Focus Area |
|---|---|
| ASTM D123 | Terminology Relating to Textiles |
| ASTM D1776 | Practice for Conditioning and Testing Textiles |
| ASTM D3776/D3776M | Test Methods for Mass Per Unit Area (Weight) of Fabric |
| ASTM D4391 | Terminology Relating to The Burning Behavior of Textiles |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
🔍 What is the primary purpose of ASTM D6413?
The primary purpose is to measure the vertical flame resistance of textiles. It evaluates afterflame time, afterglow time, and char length to determine the material’s response to a standard ignition source.
💡 How is “char length” technically defined?
According to Section 3.1, char length is the distance from the fabric edge which is directly exposed to the flame to the furthest point of visible fabric damage after a specified tearing force has been applied.
⚡ What is the typical flame application time for this test?
While the standard specifies a “specified period of time”, the standard vertical flame test for textiles typically involves a 12-second flame application. The exact time must be clearly stated in the test report.
📌 Can I mix SI and inch-pound units in my report?
No. Section 1.4 explicitly states that the values in either system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.