Cone Calorimetry Testing

Element's cone calorimetry testing helps manufacturers assess fire performance early, offering cost-effective research while in development. By measuring heat release rate, smoke production, and mass loss, our service ensures regulatory compliance, fire safety, and quality control. It’s essential for industries like construction, rail, and automotive, where fire risk and safety are paramount.

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What is Cone Calorimetry at Element?

Cone calorimeter testing is a standard method for determining the flammability and smoke performance of materials by measuring how fast a material ignites, the rate of heat emission, mass loss, and smoke production. It also evaluates oxygen consumption and the heat and smoke release rates, which are critical for assessing fire hazards. Here at Element, we offer cone calorimeter testing to determine the degrees of flammability and smoke performance of building materials and products. Our testing helps evaluate heat and smoke release rates, providing valuable data for material selection, compliance, and fire risk assessment. It is also a cost-effective method for assessing fire performance during product development and for ongoing quality control.

Element fire safety engineer in protective gear conducting building materials flammability testing

What Can Element Offer You for Cone Calorimeter Testing?

Components and Materials We Test

Element provides cone calorimetry testing for a wide range of materials, including building materials, furnishings (furniture, textiles), plastics and polymers, automotive / rail components, and electrical products.

Key Services Offered

We offer key tests that measure:

Heat release rate
Smoke production
Mass loss
Ignition time

Which Labs Offer This Service

Element offers cone calorimetry testing at specialist fire testing labs, including locations in of our accredited labs across North America, Belgium and the UK. Each lab is equipped with advanced fire testing technology and staffed by industry experts to ensure accurate, reliable results for your materials.

Standards we test to and products we test

These are our most prevalent requests. Don't see what you're looking for? Contact us!

ASTM E1354 – Standard Test Method for Heat and Visible Smoke Release Rates for Materials and Products Using a Cone Calorimeter.

CAN/ULC-S135 – Fire Testing of Building Materials – Cone Calorimeter Test Method.

ISO 5660-1 – Reaction to Fire Tests - Heat Release, Smoke Production, and Mass Loss.

EN 45545-2 - Fire Test Methods and Classification for European Railway Materials

Your Challenges, Our Solutions

Meeting Fire Safety Compliance

Element’s cone calorimeter testing provides precise, standardized measurements of heat release, smoke production, and mass loss, helping you easily assess and meet compliance with industry standards such as ASTM E1354, CAN/ULC-S135, and ISO 5660-1.

Identifying Fire Risk Early in Development

With our cone calorimeter testing, you can evaluate how materials perform in fire conditions early in the development process. This allows for quick adjustments, reducing the risk of costly delays and redesigns.

High Testing Costs

Cone calorimeter testing at Element is a cost-effective, bench-scale alternative. It allows you to evaluate fire performance with small specimens, offering essential data without the high cost of full-scale fire testing.

Lack of Data on Smoke and Toxicity

Element’s testing also measures smoke production and the toxicity potential of materials, giving you comprehensive data to make safer and more informed choices for critical applications, such as building materials and automotive components.

Why Choose Element

Element building products testing engineer in front of glass panel in industrial facility

Globally Recognized Standards Compliance

Element’s cone calorimeter testing adheres to ASTM E1354, CAN/ULC-S135, and ISO 5660-1, ensuring reliable results for global fire safety compliance.

Detailed Fire Performance Data

Our testing measures critical fire risk factors including heat release, smoke production, and mass loss, providing comprehensive data to assess material safety.

Cost-Effective Early-Stage Testing

With small specimen sizes, Element's cone calorimeter testing offers a cost-efficient method for evaluating fire performance during the early development phase.

Expert Support and Customized Testing

Element provides expert guidance and customized testing services to ensure your materials meet the exact fire safety requirements for your industry.

Frequently asked questions

How does Element measure smoke production and flammability?

Element’s cone calorimeter testing measures visible smoke release and flammability using the oxygen consumption method, providing critical data on how materials behave during a fire. This is crucial for applications where smoke toxicity and flammability are significant safety concerns.