Wazau Test device UL94 for Flammability of Plastic

Here are some specs :

  Advantages of the motorized burner movement unit

 With conventional testing devices

 With conventional testing devices, the operator must reach into the combustion chamber with his arms through the access openings and hold the burner at a certain angle to the sample while keeping the distance from the top edge of the burner to the sample constant. At the same time, he must record the current burning times.

 The tolerances specified in the standard are very tight for this.

 With the Wazau UL94 combustion chamber, the steps described are carried out from the outside without reaching into the combustion chamber.

 The burner movement unit enables the burner to be moved from left to right, back and forth, up and down simultaneously and with one hand.

 An acoustic signal that sounds every second enables the operator to maintain the flame time to the second.

 Software supports the operator in calibrating and recording the individual times.

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 UL 94 tester

1. Burner travel: 3-axis travel. Horizontal travel: linear guide manually. Travel x-axis approx. 450 mm*, travel y-axis approx. 300 mm* Vertical travel: linear drive electrical, travel 100 mm. Angle adjustment: electrical, 0°/20°/45°
2. Burner assembly can be controlled from outside without the need to reach into the chamber.
3. Templates for cutting and marking the specimens and for adjusting the flame
4. Electrical joystick to shift the burner assembly in horizontal position to follow the burning sample.
5. Electrical joystick to control the burner’s vertical movement at different velocities to follow the burning sample.
6. Electrical joystick to adjust angle of burner.
7. Machanics require little maintenance.
8. Foot-operated switch to start the burner assembly to travel in vertical position.
9. Flame height gauge.
10. Observation windows.
11. Control unit.
12. Reach through opening.
13. Burner push rod.
14. 8 Height adjustable feet.
15. Volumetric throughput exhaust 170 m³/h.
16. 4 specimen holders (horizontal, vertical, foam, plague specimen).
17. Calibration sensor for  50 W
18. Calibration sensor for 500 W
19. Standards to be tested: UL 94 HB. UL 94 V-0/V-1/V-2. UL 94 5VA/5VB. UL 94 VTM-0/VTM-1/VTM. UL 94 HBF/HF-1/HF-2. DIN EN 60695-11-3. DIN EN 60695-11-4.
20. Electronic control of the angle of the burner.
21. Electronic control of the vertical positioning of the burner.
22. Multiple timers with remote control.
23.  Electrical exhaust fan.
24. Interior lighting.
25. Electronic control of the gas input valve.
26. Electronic display of the gas pre-pressure and gas flow rate.
27. Partially automatic calibration unit.
28. Build-in computer.
29. Touch screen-controlled operation procedures.
30. USB DAQ module.
31. Individual calibration, measuring and control software with automatic check for ambient requirements such as humitdity and temperature.
32. Software generates test protocol.
33. Fan to evacuate the testing room.
34. Sealed exhaust flap with servo drive. Closing time at leat 2.5 sec.
35. Automatic test start.
36. Chamber is inside illuminated.
37. Flame arrester with automatic gas shut-off.
38. Ambient temperature sensor.
39. Ambient relative humidity sensor.
40. Calibrated digital valve to control gas throughput.
41. Flame arrester in case the flame extinguishes while the gas is still flowing.
42. Anodized black walls.
43. Aluminium framework.
44. CE marking and conformity certificate.

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Here is a more detailed description of the Unique Selling Points (USPs) of the UL 94 testing device:

1. Comprehensive Support for Multiple Standards

The device is designed to comply with a wide array of international standards, including:

1. UL 94: Covers various flame test categories, including horizontal (HB), vertical (V-0, V-1, V-2), 5VA/5VB, HBF, and thin materials (VTM).
2. IEC 60695-11-10 and -20: Focused on fire hazard testing with different flame intensities and configurations.
3. ISO 9772/9773: Specific to cellular plastics and thin, flexible plastics under controlled ignition.
4. ASTM Standards: Includes D 635, D 3801, D 5048, D 4804, and D 4986, expanding usability to various industries and test conditions. This broad compatibility ensures the device meets the diverse needs of global markets and regulatory requirements, making it a one-stop solution for flammability testing.

2. Advanced Automation and Precision

The UL 94 testing device excels in its automation features, enhancing precision and efficiency:

5. Electronic Burner Controls: Automated vertical and angular adjustments (0°, 20°, 45°) provide precise flame positioning with minimal manual intervention.
6. Predefined Test Positions: Automatically moves the burner to pre-calibrated positions for consistent and repeatable test results.
7. Semi-Automatic Calibration: The device includes high-accuracy calibration sensors (50 W and 500 W copper-cylinder thermocouples) for effortless compliance with ASTM D 5207.
8. Dynamic Burner Tracking: Integrated foot controls and software allow real-time vertical adjustments during testing to match sample changes or dripping behavior.

These features significantly reduce human error and improve repeatability, which is critical for regulatory compliance.

3. Comprehensive Safety Mechanisms

Safety is a top priority in the design of this device:

9. Flame Monitoring: A thermocouple continuously monitors the pilot flame, automatically cutting off gas supply if the flame temperature drops below 250 °C.
10. Solenoid-Controlled Gas Shut-Off: Gas flow is electronically controlled, ensuring immediate shutdown in case of emergencies or malfunctions.
11. Efficient Exhaust System: The combustion chamber includes a built-in exhaust fan to remove toxic flue gases safely, with an optional motorized exhaust damper for added control.
12. Enclosed Testing Environment: All tests occur within a closed combustion chamber, minimizing the release of toxic gases into the workspace and protecting operators.

These safety features make the device suitable for use in laboratory and industrial settings, ensuring compliance with occupational health and safety standards.

4. State-of-the-Art Data Management

The device integrates modern data acquisition tools to simplify analysis and reporting:

13. Integrated Mini-PC: Powered by Windows 10, the onboard PC runs LabView-based software for seamless test control and data logging.
14. Real-Time Monitoring: Parameters such as ambient conditions, gas flow rates, and burner temperature are continuously recorded and displayed on a 16" touchscreen monitor.
15. Digital Output: Test results, including detailed diagrams and measurement protocols, can be exported via USB, ensuring easy integration with other data systems.
16. Automated Protocol Creation: The software guides users through the testing process, generating standardized reports that meet regulatory documentation requirements.

This capability makes it ideal for laboratories that need robust data tracking and automated compliance documentation.

5. Exceptional User Experience

Designed with usability in mind, the UL 94 device offers features that simplify operation for both novice and experienced users:

17. Intuitive Touchscreen Interface: The large touchscreen enables easy navigation through settings, test procedures, and real-time monitoring.
18. Multiple Specimen Holders: Includes specific holders for different testing needs:
    1. Horizontal, vertical, foam materials, plaques, and thin materials.
    2. Cotton holder for assessing dripping and secondary ignition risks.
19. Software-Guided Operation: Step-by-step instructions for each test type reduce operator training time and ensure consistent results.
20. Compact Design: Despite its versatility, the device’s modular structure optimizes workspace usage.

These features enhance operator efficiency, reduce setup time, and minimize the learning curve.

6. Robust Construction for Longevity

The device is engineered for durability and reliability:

21. Corrosion-Resistant Materials: The combustion chamber is made of high-grade aluminum, ensuring long-term resistance to the heat and chemicals produced during testing.
22. Adjustable Feet for Stability: Height-adjustable feet ensure stability on uneven surfaces, critical for maintaining consistent test conditions.
23. LED Lighting: Integrated lighting inside the chamber enhances visibility during setup and operation without compromising test integrity.

This robust construction ensures minimal downtime and consistent performance over extended use.

7. Versatile Testing Capabilities

The UL 94 device supports a wide range of tests, making it suitable for diverse applications:

24. Flame Intensities: Offers testing with both 50 W and 500 W flames.
25. Specialized Attachments: Includes accessories such as the Wingtip attachment for foam materials and templates for precise flame height adjustment.
26. Dynamic Adjustments: Real-time adjustments during testing accommodate specimen changes, such as dripping or shrinking.

These features allow for comprehensive evaluation of material performance under varied conditions.

Summary of Value Proposition

The UL 94 testing device combines compliance, automation, safety, and data management into one cohesive system. Its versatility across multiple standards, advanced safety features, and ease of use make it an essential tool for laboratories and industries assessing flammability risks in plastics and other materials. The robust design and automation reduce operational costs while ensuring accurate and repeatable results.