Stellantis LP.7M079 Interior Cabin Materials Horizontal Flammability

The “Stellantis LP.7M079 Interior materials horizontal flammability” standard, developed by Stellantis, an American, Italian and French multinational automotive manufacturing company, describes a test method for determining the flammability of polymer materials (fabric, leather, plastic and similar).

This standard defines the horizontal burning rate and flammability type of the internal materials. Testing is required on the surface material, on a composite material formed by this surface material in conjunction with the underlying material, and on the underlying materials by a laboratory authorized by Stellantis. In order to ensure repeatability and reproducibility during measurements, the purpose of this standard is mainly to specify the specific conditions for the application of Stellantis' ISO 3795 and FMVSS 302 standards with laboratory test procedure TP-302-3. In addition, the materials and components must meet the flammability requirements according to the relevant legislation and regulations of the countries where they are supplied.

This standard is valid for all parts and all colour variations defined in the applicable legal regulations.

When performing the test, in principle, within the framework of ISO 3795 and FMVSS 302 standards, the tip of a test sample held horizontally with a “U” shaped fixture is ignited. The type of combustion is observed and the burning speed between two reference marks is determined. The measurement is carried out by an accredited laboratory for testing according to the current standard.

Major equipment used in testing includes:

• Combustion chamber: A chamber preferably made of stainless steel with internal dimensions of 381 mm x 356 mm x 203 mm. The front face of this chamber shall be provided with a heat-resistant observation window covering the entire front face and used as an access panel. There shall be ten holes of 19 mm diameter at the bottom of the chamber for ventilation and a 12,7 mm gap at the top of the chamber. After each test specimen is tested, the combustion chamber and test specimen fixture shall have a maximum temperature of 30 degrees before starting the next test.
• Test piece holder: Consists of two matching “U” shaped frames made of corrosion resistant material. The lower frame has pins and the upper frame has corresponding holes to ensure good fixation of the test specimen. The pins are used as measuring points for the beginning and end of combustion. The bottom of the test specimen should be 178 mm above the bottom plate of the combustion chamber. The distance between the edge before the test piece holder and the end of the chamber is 22 mm.
• Grid: The use of the grid is subject to conditions. This grid consists of a test piece holder and heat-resistant wires with a diameter of 25 mm extending along the test piece holder at 0,25 mm intervals.
• Optional mirror: Placed at a 45 degree angle to the bottom of the chamber to facilitate measurement on the test sample. The mirror is positioned so that no ignited or molten material can reach it. It provides a better view of the test sample, regardless of the material to be tested, for example in the case of smoke or sinking material.
• Gas burner: A standard Bunsen burner with a small diameter of 9,5 plus 0,5 mm. It is placed in the combustion chamber so that the centre of the tube is 19 plus/minus 1 mm below the centre of the lower edge of the test specimen.
• Test gas: The calorific power of the gas supplied to the jaw should be approximately 38 MJ/m3 (e.g. natural gas).
• Conditioned room: Has a temperature of 23 degrees plus/minus 1 degrees and a relative humidity of 2 percent plus/minus 50 percent to meet the conditions of most regulations.
• Chronometers: Two chronometers with accuracy of 0,5 s.
• Measuring equipment: 0,5 mm precision ruler, anemometer and thermometer.
• Ventilated oven: Allows to reach 100 degrees plus/minus 2 degrees or any temperature specified by the manufacturer for aging testing.
• Wet stove: Regulated at 40 degrees plus/minus 2 degrees and 95 percent plus/minus 5 percent relative humidity or any temperature and hygrometer specified by the manufacturer for aging testing.
• Metal comb: Comb with 25-7 smooth rounded teeth at 8 mm and at least 150 mm long.
• Fume cupboard assembly: The combustion chamber is placed in a fume cupboard assembly such that its internal volume is at least 20 to 110 times greater than the volume of the combustion chamber and that none of its height, width or depth dimensions is greater than 2,5 times the sum of the other two.

Among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses and evaluation studies that our organization has carried out for businesses in various sectors, it also provides testing services defined in the “Stellantis LP.7M079 Interior cabin materials horizontal flammability” standard with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.