SDL Atlas M233B AutoFlamm Vertical Flame Resistance Tester
| Brand | SDL Atlas |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guangdong, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Manufacturer |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | M233B |
| Price Range | USD 14,000 – 42,000 |
Overview
The SDL Atlas M233B AutoFlamm Vertical Flame Resistance Tester is an electromechanically controlled, standards-compliant instrument engineered for precise assessment of flame propagation behavior in textile materials under defined ignition conditions. It operates on the principle of controlled vertical flame exposure—where a standardized flame source is applied to the bottom edge of a vertically clamped fabric specimen for a specified duration, followed by measurement of afterflame time, afterglow time, and char length. This methodology aligns with fundamental fire performance evaluation protocols used globally in regulatory safety testing, particularly for consumer-facing textile products subject to mandatory flammability classification.
Key Features
- Fully motorized combustion nozzle positioning system enabling repeatable, operator-independent alignment at multiple test angles: 0° (vertical), 30° (bottom-edge), 45° (inclined), and surface-contact configurations
- Integrated microswitch-activated ignition sequence triggered by calibrated ignition thread, ensuring consistent flame initiation timing per test cycle
- Auto-ignition burner assembly with piezoelectric spark ignition—eliminating manual pilot flames and enhancing repeatability
- Modular test frame architecture supporting rapid interchange of precision-machined specimen holders compliant with EN 71-2, EN 13772, and other textile-specific standards
- Intuitive PC- or tablet-based control interface via USB or Bluetooth connectivity—no dedicated hardware control panel required
- Preloaded test method library including EN 71-2:2020 (Toys — Safety — Part 2: Flammability), EN 13772:2011 (Curtains and drapes — Ignitability of fabrics), and ISO 6941 (Textiles — Fabrics — Determination of flame spread)
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The M233B accommodates flat, woven, knitted, and nonwoven textile specimens up to 300 mm × 80 mm, with thickness ≤ 10 mm. Its modular fixture design ensures compatibility with diverse sample geometries—including layered composites and laminated upholstery fabrics—without mechanical modification. The system meets essential requirements for GLP-compliant testing environments: full audit trail logging, user access levels, electronic signature support, and data integrity safeguards aligned with FDA 21 CFR Part 11 principles. All mechanical and thermal calibration procedures follow traceable metrological practices referenced to NIST-traceable standards where applicable.
Software & Data Management
The AutoFlamm Control Software provides real-time visualization of test parameters—including flame dwell time, nozzle position coordinates, and ignition confirmation status. Each test generates a timestamped report containing raw sensor outputs, operator ID, environmental ambient readings (if integrated with optional temperature/humidity sensors), and pass/fail determination against selected standard thresholds. Reports export in PDF and CSV formats; data archival supports both local storage (via USB drive) and networked database synchronization. Software updates are delivered through secure firmware update packages, maintaining version control and regulatory compliance documentation history.
Applications
- Regulatory conformance testing of children’s sleepwear, costumes, and soft toys per EN 71-2 Clause 5.2–5.5
- Flame resistance certification of domestic interior textiles—including curtains, bed linens, tablecloths, and wall hangings—per EN 13772
- R&D validation of flame-retardant finishing efficacy across fiber types (cotton, polyester, blends, modacrylic)
- Quality assurance screening in textile manufacturing facilities operating under ISO 9001 and OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 frameworks
- Third-party laboratory accreditation preparation for CNAS, UKAS, or A2LA assessments requiring documented method validation and equipment qualification records
FAQ
Does the M233B support ASTM D6413 testing?
Yes—the instrument’s adjustable burner geometry and programmable dwell timing enable configuration for ASTM D6413 (Standard Test Method for Flame Resistance of Textiles), though users must validate setup against the latest revision and document calibration against reference materials.
Can test results be exported directly to LIMS systems?
Yes—CSV output format and timestamped metadata fields are structured to interface with common Laboratory Information Management Systems via automated file ingestion or API integration (custom configuration may be required).
Is the system compatible with ISO/IEC 17025 accredited laboratories?
Yes—its built-in calibration verification routines, electronic audit trail, and documented uncertainty budgets support technical competence demonstration required under ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Clause 6.4 and 6.5.
What maintenance intervals are recommended for the burner assembly?
SDL Atlas recommends quarterly inspection of nozzle orifice integrity, annual replacement of ignition electrodes, and biannual verification of gas flow rate accuracy using a certified rotameter.
Are reference standards provided with the instrument?
No—reference materials (e.g., calibrated ignition threads, certified flame-resistant control fabrics) must be sourced separately per laboratory quality management policy and standard-specific requirements.
