In recent months, Atlas Fibre has received numerous inquiries from plastics distributors across the country regarding the integrity of composite laminate materials like FR-4.
Distributors and OEMs alike are concerned about the quality of advanced engineering thermosets available on the market today and ensuring that these materials meet the stringent safety standards and can perform in the harsh conditions required.
Atlas Fibre’s FR-4 material is not only renowned for its superior quality but also its strict adherence to the highest standards, particularly those associated with demanding environments. A critical aspect of this material is its compliance with the UL 94 V-0 standard for flame resistance, which is essential for ensuring safety and reliability.
Unfortunately, some manufacturers are promoting their materials as flame resistant but later retracting these claims during the final quote and order process. This practice undermines the UL 94 V-0 standard, a crucial guideline designed to protect products and people from fire-related hazards.
Understanding Vertical Flammability Ratings
Vertical flammability ratings are vital for determining the fire safety of materials used in critical applications. These ratings assess how materials perform in a vertical burn test, which is more stringent than horizontal tests. The vertical orientation allows for upward flame spread and dripping of burning material, posing a greater challenge for flame resistance.
The UL 94 standard includes several classification levels, with V-0 being the highest. Materials with a V-0 rating stop burning within ten seconds after two flame applications, do not drop flaming particles that ignite cotton placed below the sample, and do not burn up to the holding clamp. Other classifications include V-1, V-2, 5VA, 5VB, and VTM (for vertical thin materials with three sub-classifications).
Stay Safe; The Importance of Adhering to Standards
Atlas Fibre’s mission is to ensure the durability and reliability of products and applications through materials and components engineered to stand the test of time. Distributors must be vigilant in verifying that the materials they sell, particularly those requiring genuine FR-4, meet at least one classification of the UL 94 standard. If you’re buying FR-4, protect yourself and verify the materials that you buy adhere to the recognized standards.
If you are a distributor selling materials that need to meet stringent fire resistance standards, it is crucial to check the flame claim. What can you do? Make sure that there are no exceptions made to these standards throughout the quote and order process.
Ensure that the materials you purchase adhere to the UL 94 V-0 standard leads to higher levels of safety and component reliability. By doing so, you not only uphold the integrity of your products but also protect the end users who rely on them.