Aerospace VFTA-2 Vertical Flame Test Apparatus for Textiles
| Brand | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Origin | Beijing, China |
| Manufacturer Type | Authorized Distributor |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | VFTA-2 |
| Price Range | USD 3,600 – 7,200 |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | 1160 × 600 × 1250 mm |
| Combustion Chamber Volume | >0.5 m³ |
| Background | Matte Black, Illuminance ≤20 lux |
| Power Supply | AC 220 V ±10%, 50–60 Hz |
| Rated Power | 150 W |
| Fuel Gas | Industrial propane, butane, or propane-butane mixture |
| Ignition Timer Range | 0–999.9 s |
| Burn Time Measurement Range | 0–999.9 s |
| Timing Resolution | 0.1 s |
| Flame Positioner Distances | 17 ±1 mm and 20 ±1 mm |
| Flame Height Calibration | 40 ±2 mm (vertical), 25 ±2 mm (horizontal) |
| Combustion Chamber Internal Dimensions | 900 × 600 × 1000 mm |
| Approx. Weight | 80 kg |
Overview
The Aerospace VFTA-2 Vertical Flame Test Apparatus is a precision-engineered instrument designed to evaluate the ignitability and flame propagation behavior of textile materials under controlled laboratory conditions, in strict accordance with GB/T 8746–2009 (“Textiles — Determination of Ease of Ignition — Vertical Method”). It implements the standardized vertical flame test principle: a calibrated gas flame—generated from industrial propane, butane, or their mixture—is applied either to the surface or bottom edge of a vertically oriented specimen for a precisely timed duration. The apparatus measures the minimum ignition time—the shortest exposure period required to initiate sustained flaming combustion—as well as afterflame (afterglow) duration and whether flaming droplets ignite underlying cotton wool. This method quantifies the intrinsic ease-of-ignition characteristic of fabrics, particularly relevant for single-layer, multi-layer (e.g., coated, quilted, laminated, or sandwich-structured), and technically engineered textile products used in apparel, upholstery, transportation interiors, and protective workwear.
Key Features
- Integrated 7-inch industrial touchscreen HMI enabling full parameter control, real-time flame timing, automatic data logging, and intuitive workflow navigation—including dedicated “Adjust Position”, “Ignite”, “Ventilate”, and “Gas On/Off” soft keys with safety interlocks.
- Dual-flame configuration support: adjustable burner orientation (0°–90°) with dedicated flame positioners (17 mm for surface ignition; 20 mm for edge ignition) and calibrated flame height scales (40 ±2 mm vertical; 25 ±2 mm horizontal) ensuring repeatable flame geometry per GB/T 8746–2009.
- Robust combustion chamber (>0.5 m³ volume) with non-reflective matte black interior and ambient illumination control (≤20 lux), minimizing optical interference during visual assessment of flame spread and afterglow.
- Automated gas management system featuring solenoid valve with auto-shutoff after 5 minutes of inactivity, manual override, and integrated pressure stabilization—no displayed pressure reading required for compliant operation.
- Modular sample handling: precision-machined sample frame with dual-pin fixation, motorized vertical sample rack (±1 mm positioning resolution), and removable drip pan to capture molten or flaming debris per test protocol requirements.
- Comprehensive ventilation subsystem: quiet, backflow-prevented exhaust fan with dedicated activation control, enabling safe removal of combustion byproducts (CO, NOx, particulates) post-test without cross-contamination.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The VFTA-2 accommodates specimens measuring 200 ±2 mm × 80 ±2 mm, cut using the supplied template and mounted vertically on fixed pins. It supports evaluation of woven, knitted, nonwoven, coated, laminated, and quilted textiles—including those with seams, trims, or decorative elements integrated into the assembly. Specimens are preconditioned per GB/T 6529 (standard atmosphere: 20 °C ±2 °C, 65 % RH ±4 %) and tested within ambient conditions of 10–30 °C and 15–80 % RH. The apparatus conforms fully to GB/T 8746–2009 and provides traceable, auditable test records suitable for internal quality assurance, supplier qualification, and regulatory documentation. While not certified to ISO 6941, ASTM D6413, or NFPA 701, its mechanical and procedural alignment enables direct technical correlation with these international standards for comparative analysis and pre-screening applications.
Software & Data Management
All test parameters—including ignition time (Ta), afterflame duration (S), drip ignition status (“Yes”/“No”), and operator annotations—are captured directly on the embedded HMI and stored locally in CSV format. Each record includes timestamp, operator ID (manually entered), specimen orientation (lengthwise/crosswise), face exposed (front/back), ignition mode (surface/edge), and final classification (ignited/not ignited). Data export is performed via USB port; no cloud connectivity or remote access is implemented, preserving data sovereignty and simplifying 21 CFR Part 11 compliance pathways. Audit trails are maintained through sequential file naming and immutable timestamps. For GLP/GMP environments, users may integrate exported logs into validated LIMS platforms using standard import protocols.
Applications
- Quality control of flame-retardant (FR) treated cotton, polyester, aramid, and modacrylic fabrics in textile mills and finishing plants.
- R&D screening of novel FR chemical formulations, intumescent coatings, and nanocomposite finishes prior to large-scale trials.
- Verification of batch-to-batch consistency for automotive seat covers, aircraft cabin textiles, and railway interior linings subject to OEM flammability specifications.
- Pre-compliance assessment for end-use products targeting UL 1209, FMVSS 302, or EN 13501-1 classification tiers.
- Evaluation of seam integrity and interface flammability in multi-material assemblies such as insulated workwear or medical drapes.
FAQ
What flame gases are compatible with the VFTA-2?
Industrial-grade propane, butane, or a pre-mixed propane-butane blend meeting ISO 8573-1 Class 4 purity requirements. Use only regulators and hoses rated for hydrocarbon service.
Is calibration certification included with delivery?
The unit ships with factory verification of timer accuracy (±0.1 s), flame dimension tolerances, and chamber illumination. Third-party metrological calibration is available upon request and must be repeated annually per ISO/IEC 17025 recommendations.
Can the VFTA-2 be used for children’s sleepwear testing?
No. GB/T 8746–2009 evaluates ease-of-ignition—not flame spread rate or char length—and does not satisfy the performance thresholds defined in GB 14643 or 16 CFR Part 1615/1616 for children’s apparel.
How many specimens are required per test series?
A minimum of 12 specimens per orientation (lengthwise/crosswise) is recommended to achieve statistical confidence in the minimum ignition time calculation, per Clause 7.3 of GB/T 8746–2009.
Does the apparatus meet CE or UKCA marking requirements?
The VFTA-2 is manufactured to IEC 61010-1:2010 safety principles and carries CCC mark for domestic China use. CE/UKCA conformity requires additional risk assessment, EMC testing, and technical file compilation by the end-user’s authorized representative.
