GMW3232 PDF

Template For ENG STDS
WORLDWIDE
ENGINEERING Test Procedure GMW3232
STANDARDS
Test Method for Determining the

Flammability of Interior Trim Materials
1 Introduction
Note: Nothing in this standard supercedes applicable laws and regulations.
Note: In the event of conflict between the English and domestic language, the English language shall take
precedence.
1.1 Purpose. This test procedure shall be used to determine the horizontal burn rate of automotive materials.
Burn rate is determined immediately following an exposure for a short duration to a small flame. The small flame
is placed in contact with one (1) edge of the material.
1.2 Applicability. The method permits testing of materials and parts of the vehicle interior, individually or in
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combination up to a thickness of 13 mm. It is normally only applicable to materials and parts within a 13 mm
range to the passenger compartment air space.
1.2.1 Testing Frequency. All sources supplying parts or materials to this requirement must perform routine
quality control testing to confirm compliance of each lot of material or parts produced.
1.2.2 Lot Identification. Each lot of material shall remain readily available and identifiable, until the tests are
complete so it may be retrieved in the event of inspection and/or test failure. Each lot of material shall have a
unique identification.
1.2.3 Use of Incoming Material Test Data. When a source location can demonstrate that their process does
not adversely affect flammability, the source location may use test data from each lot of incoming material. See
4.1.3 through 4.1.3.2.1.
2 References
Note: Only the latest approved standards are applicable unless otherwise specified.
2.1 External Standards/Specifications.
CONTRAN Resolution GB8410 KMVSS Article 95
675/86
FMVSS 302 ISO 2768
2.2 GM Standards/Specifications.
GMW3221
2.3 Additional References.
GMW3232 PROT8EFENG - available at http://www.gmsupplypower.com.
3 Resources
3.1 Facilities.
3.1.1 Calibration. The test facilities and equipment shall be in good working order and shall have a valid
calibration label.
3.1.2 Alternatives. Alternative test facilities and equipment may also be used. However, all measuring variables
as specified in this standard shall be determined correctly with respect to their physical definition.
© Copyright 2016 General Motors Company All Rights Reserved
December 2016 Page 1 of 15
Copyright General Motors Company Order Number: W1953852

Provided by IHS under license with General Motors Company Sold to:THERMOFORM [173335100001] - LAURA.GUERRERO@THERMOFORM.COM.CO,
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale,2017-02-08 20:36:30 UTC
GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS Template For ENG STDS GMW3232
3.1.3 Alternatives. Alternative test facilities and equipment may also be used. However, all measuring variables
as specified in this standard shall be determined correctly with respect to their physical definition.
3.2 Equipment.
3.2.1 Test Cabinet. One (1) configuration satisfying these requirements is shown in Appendix A, Figure A1
through Figure A3. The test cabinet consists of a rectangular steel cabinet with internal dimensions of
381 mm ± 0.5 mm long, 203 mm ± 0.5 mm deep and 356 mm ± mm 0.5 mm high. It shall have a heat resisting
glass observation window, a closable opening to permit insertion of the test specimen mounting fixture and a
hole to accommodate tubing for a gas burner. A 13 mm clearance space around the top of the cabinet, ten (10)
19 mm diameter holes in the base of the cabinet and legs to elevate the bottom of the cabinet by 10 mm are to
be provided for ventilation.
3.2.2 Apparatus for conditioning as required and to the appropriate requirements as described in GMW3221,
(Code A), unless otherwise specified in the relevant material specification.
3.2.3 Oven. Drying oven capable of maintaining the specified temperature within the specified tolerances.
3.2.4 Chemical Fume Cupboard. Chemical fume cupboard suitable for mounting the test cabinet to avoid the
diffusion of combustion products to the laboratory during test. A natural venting hood is permissible, provided
adequate ventilation is assured. Any forced air ventilation shall be the minimum required for venting.
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3.2.4.1 Specific Chinese Legal Requirements (GB8410) Ventilating Cabinet (Reference Deviation
Section). The combustion box shall be placed in a ventilating cabinet. The inner volume of the cabinet shall be
20x to 110x that of the combustion box, and none of the length, width or height may be more than 2.5x greater
than either of the other two (2) dimensions. At points 100 mm from the front and back of the final position of the
combustion box, measure the speed of air passing the ventilating cabinet. The speed must be 0.10 m/s to
0.30 m/s.
3.2.5 Test Specimen Mounting Fixture. One (1) configuration satisfying these requirements is shown in Figure
A4 and Figure A5. This shall consist of two (2) matching U-shaped frames of metal (e.g., aluminum) stock 25 mm
wide and 10 mm thick. The interior dimensions of the U-shaped frames shall be 51 mm wide by 330 mm long.
Gauge lines shall be marked (e.g., by slots) on the upper frame 38 mm and 292 mm respectively from its open
end.
In order to support sub size test specimens and those that soften and bend during test, the lower frame shall
have the means to accommodate thin heat resistance wires that span the width of the U-shaped frame at 25 mm
intervals. (Grooves cut into the lower frame to accommodate 0.2 mm, nickel-chrome, thermo wire are
recommended.)
3.2.5.1 Specific Korean Legal Requirements (KMVSS Article 95) (Reference Deviation Section). In order
to support sub size specimens where the maximum available width is 50 mm or less, the lower frame shall have
the means to accommodate thin heat resistant wires that span the width of the lower U-shaped frame at 25 mm
intervals. Wires shall not be used for other reasons than above for certification to KMVSS Article 95. (Grooves
cut into the lower frame to accommodate 0.2 mm, nickel chrome, thermo wire are recommended.)
3.2.6 Support Stand. One (1) configuration satisfying these requirements is shown in Figure A6. A metal stand
to locate and support the test specimen mounting fixture (3.2.5) in the center of the cabinet during test is required.
3.2.7 Weights. In order to detect when the flame front has progressed to each of the gauge lines, it is
recommended to use lightweight cotton thread counterbalanced with approximately 14 g weights spanning the
full width of the lower U-shaped frame at the gauge lines (Figure A4).
3.2.8 Timer. A stopwatch calibrated to an accuracy of 0.5 s.
3.2.9 Burner. Bunsen burner with a tube of 10.0 mm ± 0.5 mm inside diameter and provided with a gas adjusting
valve to give a flame 38 mm ± 1 mm high when the tube is vertical and the air inlet to the burner is closed.
3.2.10 Gas Source. Gas to provide a flame temperature equivalent to that of natural gas.
3.2.11 Comb. Comb with seven (7) to eight (8) smooth rounded teeth per 25 mm.
3.2.12 Cutting Instruments. Cutting dies or shears for preparation of test specimens.
3.3 Test Vehicle/Test Piece.

3.3.1 Wherever possible, from the available material or component, rectangular test specimens 355 mm ± 2 mm
long and 100 mm ± 2 mm wide, shall be taken. The thickness of the test specimens shall be that of the single or
composite material used in the vehicle, except when the materials or composites thickness exceeds 13 mm. If
material or composite thickness exceeds 13 mm, the test specimens shall be cut down to 13 mm, measured
from the surface of the specimen closest to the passenger compartment air space.
3.3.2 Where it is not possible to obtain flat test specimens due to surface curvature, the test specimens shall be
cut to not more than 13 mm in thickness at any point. As far as possible, the test specimens shall be of uniform
thickness.
3.3.2.1 Specific Chinese Legal Requirements (GB8410) (Reference Deviation Section). If the part is bent
so that it is impossible to take a flat sample, take the part that is most flat and make the arch rise of the sample
not more than 13 mm. If the arch rise of the sample exceeds 13 mm, make a standard sample with the same
material, same technique and same structure as the part (356 mm long × 100 mm wide), and let the thickness
be the minimum width but not greater than 13 mm.
3.3.3 Testing of Smaller Sized Samples.
3.3.3.1 General Requirements. The maximum available length or width of test specimens shall be used where
either dimension is < 355 mm ± 2 mm long and 100 mm ± 2 mm wide respectively.
3.3.3.2 Specific Japanese Legal Requirements (Reference Deviation Section). The minimum acceptable
sample size shall be 25 mm in width and 293 mm in length.
3.3.3.3 Specific Brazilian Legal Requirements (Reference Deviation Section). (CONTRAN Resolution
675/86). The minimum acceptable sample size shall be 3 mm in width, but samples 3 mm to 60 mm wide shall
be 355 mm ± 2 mm long, and samples 60 mm to 100 mm wide shall be at least 138 mm long.
3.3.3.4 Specific Chinese Legal Requirements (GB8410) (Reference Deviation Section). Where the shape
and size of the part are insufficient to be made into a standard sample of the specified size, make a sample of
the following minimum size, and keep records per 3.3.3.4.1 thru 3.3.3.4.3.
a. If the part is 3 mm to 60 mm wide, it shall be at least 356 mm long. In this case, make the width of the sample
as close to that of the part as possible.
b. If the part is wider than 60 mm, it shall be at least 138 mm long. In this case, the possible burnt distance is
equivalent to the distance from the first gauge mark to the place where the flame goes out or from the first
gauge mark to the end of the sample as shown in Figure 2.
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c. If the part is 3 mm to 60 mm wide but shorter than 356 mm, or if it is wider than 60 mm but shorter than
138 mm, it shall not be tested per GB8410. Samples that are narrower than 3 mm shall also not be tested.
3.3.4 Where sample sizes or shapes restrict the ability to test, molded samples of raw material or composites
shall be made 100 mm in width and 355 mm in length with a thickness no greater than the thinnest component
cross section from the actual part for which the sample is being substituted.
In sampling the test panels, it shall be ensured that they are fully representative of the material or composite
under test.
3.3.5 In the case of materials made of superimposed layers of different materials which are not composite
materials, all the layers of the materials included within a depth of 13 mm from the surface facing towards the
passenger compartment air space shall be tested individually.
3.3.6 Test specimens shall be cut from materials or composites both in production direction and perpendicular
to this (e.g., warp and weft direction, longitudinal and lateral direction respectively) if possible. The material
direction of the longitudinal and lateral test specimens must be clearly marked in a manner to identify their
original orientation within the roll as shown in Figure 1. There shall be no ink markings to prevent contamination
or alteration within the test area of the specimen.
3.3.7 The requirement concerning transmission of a flame front shall not apply to a surface created by the cutting
of a test specimen for purposes of testing.
3.3.8 Materials or composites with napped or tufted surface shall be placed on a flat surface and combed twice
against the nap with a comb as listed in section 3.2.11.

3.3.9 For painted or molded in color plastic parts, the data of the initial tested color can be used for other colors,
if the burn rate (Bmax and Bstat) is ≤ 50 mm/minute for the tested color and if all of the criteria in 3.3.9.1 are fulfilled.
3.3.9.1 Criteria.
• Material is painted, natural or integrally colored plastic.
• Material is painted or made of one (1) layer (no laminate, no composite, no cellular structure).
• Same filler/additive package is used.
• Part has material thickness of ≥ 2 mm.
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1 Example, Material Roll

2 Material Direction
3 Longitudinal Test Specimens
4 Lateral Test Specimens
Note: For specimens cut from direction 3, mark in alternating directions so that the material may be burned with the flame traveling into the
roll (nearest to furthest) or out from the roll (furthest to nearest). For specimens cut from direction 4, mark in alternating directions so that
the material may be burned from left to right or from right to left. See 4.3.1.1.
Figure 1: Example of Sampling
3.4 Test Time. Not applicable.

3.5 Test Required Information. Material component information such as vendor name, raw material, production
date and pretreatment shall be reported to the test engineer.
3.6 Personnel/Skills. Personnel trained in accordance with the laboratory accreditation and Standard Operating
Procedure requirements.
4 Procedure
4.1 Preparation.
4.1.1 Conditioning. Immediately prior to testing all test specimens shall be conditioned for a minimum of 24 h
according to GMW3221, Code A.
4.1.2 Ageing. In addition to tests conducted in the as received condition, all materials which do not meet criteria
to 3.3.9.1, shall also be tested for flammability after the following Aged Test Cycle. Both exposures defined in
the Aged Test cycle shall be completed without interruption:

Aged Test Cycle:

• 48 h ± 1 h at +40 °C ± 3 °C and 93% ± 5% relative humidity
• 168 h ± 1 h at +90 °C ± 3 °C
4.1.3 Quantity of Test Specimens.
4.1.3.1 Initial Approval and Arbitration. For Initial sample approval and arbitration purposes, at least
20 specimens shall be tested except when any individual specimen burn rate exceeds 100 mm/minute. If any
individual specimen has a burn rate that exceeds 100 mm/minute, the material does not meet the flammability
requirement and all additional testing shall be terminated. If all burn rates are < 100 mm/minute, test at least
10 specimens each, from the longitudinal and lateral directions with at least five (5) specimens tested as
received, and at least five (5) specimens tested after having been aged. For each direction and aging condition,
see 5.2.1.2 to determine if additional specimens must be tested.
4.1.3.2 Routine Quality Control. For quality control purposes, at least two (2) specimens each from both the
lateral and longitudinal direction in the as received condition shall be tested from each production lot. For the
samples from any one direction, half of the samples shall have the burn direction 180° from the burn direction of
the other half of the samples. For each direction (lateral and longitudinal), test specimens in alternating directions
following the Note in Figure 1.The test shall be performed and the material must comply with the requirements
of 5.2.2 and 5.2.2.1 of this procedure prior to the release of the lot from the manufacturing facility.
4.1.3.2.1 Inherently Flame Resistant Materials. Materials which contain no added flame retardant additives
and exhibit no burn rates in excess of 75 mm/minute during approval testing and after quality control testing of
twenty successive production lots, shall be considered inherently flame resistant. No further production quality
control testing shall be required.
4.2 Conditions.
4.2.1 Environmental Conditions. Test shall be conducted at ambient conditions according to GMW3221
(Code A).
4.2.2 Test Conditions. Deviations from the requirements of this standard shall have been agreed upon. Such
requirements shall be specified on component drawings, test certificates, reports, etc. See Appendix C.
4.3 Instructions.
4.3.1 Test samples are to be cut to the specified dimensions prior to standard conditioning and any required
aging cycles.
4.3.2 Mount the test specimen, the surface closest to the passenger compartment air space facing downward,
so that both sides and one end are held by the U-shaped frame, and one end is even with the open end of the
frame. Where the maximum available width of the test specimen is 50 mm or less, so that the sides of the test
specimen cannot be held in the U-shaped frame, place the test specimen in position on the wire supports with
one end held by the closed end of the U-shaped frame. Test specimens shorter than 355 mm shall be positioned
so that one end aligns with the open end of the U-shaped frame.
4.3.2.1 Test specimens with an identifiable material orientation, (e.g., warp and weft direction, longitudinal and
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lateral direction) should be tested as follows:

• Specimens from any one direction, e.g.; warp and weft direction, longitudinal and lateral direction
(3.3.6 and Figure 1), shall be tested in alternate material directions (right to left versus left to right, and nearest
to farthest versus farthest to nearest). For example; the longitudinal test specimens should be alternatively
tested in both the material and opposite material directions.
• The same is valid for the lateral direction. In this case, using the flame as a reference point, the material
direction of the test specimens shall be alternatively tested from both the right to left and left to right directions.
If the material does not display an identifiable direction, the samples should be tested randomly with respect
to the direction of burn and notation of this exception made on the test report.
4.3.3 If the two (2) counter balanced cotton threads are used (3.2.7), place them over the test specimen at the
gauge marks.
4.3.4 Place the upper U-shaped frame onto the lower frame so that both frames are matching in the plan view
and the test specimen is held between the two (2) frames under the weight of the upper frame. If necessary,
align the threads in the grooved gauge marks in the upper frame.
4.3.5 Place the mounted test specimen on the support stand (3.2.6) in a horizontal position in the center of the
test cabinet.

4.3.6 Ignite the burner and adjust the flame height to 38 mm ± 1 mm with the air inlet to the burner closed.
4.3.7 Position the burner and the test specimen so that the center of the burner nozzle is 19 mm ± 1 mm below
the center of the bottom edge of the open end of the test specimen.
4.3.8 Expose the test specimen to the flame for 15 s ± 1 s, then remove or extinguish the burner.
4.3.9 Begin timing when the flame front from the burning test specimen reaches the first gauge mark (i.e., 38 mm
from the open end of the test specimen). If counterweights were used, the first thread will break allowing the
weight to fall.
4.3.10 Measure the time taken for the flame front to reach the second gauge mark (i.e., 38 mm from clamped
end of test specimen). If counterweights were used, the second thread will break allowing weight to fall.
• If the flame front does not reach the second gauge mark, time its progress to the point where flaming stops
and measure the length of the flame travel to this point, starting from the first gauge mark.
• If the time taken for the flame front to reach the second gauge mark exceeds four (4) minutes, the test may be
terminated and must be noted as terminated on the test report. The burn distance and elapsed time must be
measured, and this information must be included on the test report also.
5 Data
5.1 Calculations.
5.1.1 Burn Rate. Calculate the burn rate from the formula:
𝑆𝑆
𝐵𝐵 = 𝑥𝑥60
𝑇𝑇
Where:
B = Burn rate in mm/minute
S = Length the flame travels in mm
T = Time in seconds for the flame to travel S mm
5.1.2 Mean. Calculate the mean value from the formula:

𝑛𝑛
1
𝑋𝑋𝑚𝑚 = � 𝑋𝑋𝑖𝑖
𝑛𝑛
𝑖𝑖=1
Where:
𝑋𝑋𝑚𝑚 = Arithmetical mean value of test results from the same material direction and aging condition
𝑋𝑋𝑖𝑖 = Individual test result
n = Number of test specimens
5.1.3 Standard Deviation. Calculate the standard deviation from the formula:
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𝑛𝑛
1
𝜎𝜎 = � �(𝑋𝑋𝑖𝑖 − 𝑋𝑋𝑚𝑚 )2
𝑛𝑛 − 1
𝑖𝑖=1
Where:
σ = Standard deviation of test results from same material direction and aging condition
𝑋𝑋𝑖𝑖 = Individual test result
n = Number of test specimens
5.1.4 Statistical Burn Rate. Calculate the statistical burn rate of test results from each material direction and
aging condition using the formula:
𝑩𝑩𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔𝒔 = 𝑿𝑿𝒎𝒎 + 𝟑𝟑 ∗ 𝝈𝝈

Where:
𝐵𝐵𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠𝑠 = Statistical burn rate in mm/minute
σ = Standard deviation of test results from same material direction and aging condition
5.1.5 Report the burn rate of each of the test specimens tested using the terminology as defined in the following
figure:
Note 2 Note 1
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Note 1: 1st gauge mark

Note 2: 2nd gauge mark
Note: the zones within the burning area of the U-shaped frame above designate the general locations whereby the definitions listed below
apply.
Figure 2: Zone Distribution
5.1.5.1 Zone A. Does Not Ignite (DNI). The test specimen does not show any flame after the 15 s ignition period.
5.1.5.2 Zone B. Self-Extinguishing (SE). The test specimen ignites but does not burn to the first timing mark
(end of Zone B).
5.1.5.3 Zone C. Self-Extinguishing No Burn Rate (SENBR). The test specimen ignites but stops burning before
it has burned for 60 s from the start of timing, and does not burn more than 50 mm from the point where timing
was started.
5.1.5.4 Zone D. Self-Extinguishing with a Burn (SEB) rate of B (see 5.1.1). The test specimen ignites but stops
burning before the flame front exits Zone D. Burn rate B is calculated from the formula in 5.1.1 and rounded up
to the nearest mm/minute.
5.1.5.5 Zone E. Burn rate of B (5.1.1). Burn rate B is calculated from the formula in 5.1.1 and rounded up to the
nearest mm/minute.
5.1.5.6 Specific Chinese Legal Requirements (GB8410) (Reference Deviation Section). In the cases where
the sample is ignited by the flame and the flame reaches the first gauge mark within 15 s of initial application of
the flame, the sample shall be regarded as not meeting the requirements for burning rate, and the result will be
recorded as E.
5.1.6 The burn rate shall be recorded:
• As the maximum burn rate of all individual test results from all material directions and aging conditions BMax
(calculated from formula in 5.1.1)
• And as the maximum statistical burn rate BStat of all sets of test specimens from all material directions and
aging conditions (calculated from formula in 5.1.4 in combination with 5.2.1.4)
• Round up to the nearest mm/minute
5.2 Interpretation of Results.
5.2.1 Unless otherwise specifically agreed, the material under test shall be deemed to pass only if all test
specimens tested conform to the following requirements per 5.2.1.1 through 5.2.1.4.

5.2.1.1 Material described in 1.2 shall not burn, nor transmit a flame front across its surface, at a rate of
> 100 mm/minute, if no lower burn rate is specified in the relevant material specification.
5.2.1.2 The sum of the arithmetical mean value plus threefold the standard deviation, defined as BStat, (calculated
from formula 5.1.4), within each set of five (5) specimens, from the same material direction and aging condition,
shall not exceed a burn rate of 100 mm/minute. In addition, if the resulting data for any given set of five (5)
specimens contains less than three (3) positive burn rates, and any of the observed burn rates within that set of
specimens exceeds 75 mm/minute, an additional five (5) specimens taken from the same material direction and
aging condition shall be tested. The final result will then be based on the mean plus threefold the standard
deviation of all observed measurable burn rates from the combined set of ten (10) test specimens.
5.2.1.3 In computing both the mean value and the standard deviation, test specimens with no measurable burn
rate are excluded from the calculation. This includes samples that fail to ignite (DNI), those that do not burn to
the first gauge mark (SE), and those that do not burn more than 50 mm in < 60 s from the point where timing
was started (SENBR).
5.2.1.4 Computing the mean value and the standard deviation from the same material direction and aging
condition is only applicable, if at least three (3) test specimens exhibit a measurable burn rate (exclude DNI, SE,
SENBR). Otherwise only the maximum burn rate Bmax, (calculated from formula in 5.1.1) shall be recorded as
test result.
5.2.2 Routine Quality Control. Material described in 1.2 shall not burn, nor transmit a flame front across its
surface, at a rate of more than 100 mm/minute, if no lower burn rate is specified in the relevant material
specification.
5.2.2.1 Compare burn rates to the burn rates from the initial approval sample. Burn rates shall not exceed the
BStat value for the as received condition and respective burn direction as determined from the initial approval
sample (5.1.4) or 75 mm/minute if the respective BStat value is < 75 mm/minute, or if BStat could not be calculated
from the initial approval sample.
5.3 Test Documentation. With reference to this test procedure, the results of all measurements along with the
maximum burn rate Bmax and the statistical burn rate BStat shall be presented in the test report labeled
GMW3232 PROT8EFENG available at http://www.gmsupplypower.com. (See Appendix B).
6 Safety
This Engineering Standard may involve safety requirements for hazardous materials, the method of operations
and equipment. This standard does not propose to address all the safety issues associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to ensure compliance with all appropriate safety and health practices.
This would include any specific training that may be required. The safety and health standards include site
specific rules and procedures, company rules and procedures, and Government Standards. Contact shall be
made with the appropriate site Safety and Health personnel for further direction and guidance in these matters.
7 Notes
7.1 Glossary.
Burn Rate: The burn rate, expressed in mm/minute is the quotient of the burnt distance measured according to
this test method, and the time taken to burn this distance.
Composite Material: A composite material is a material composed of more than one (1) layer intimately held
together at every point of contact by cementing, bonding, cladding, welding etc. When layers are intermittently
held together (e.g., by sewing, high frequency welding, riveting, spot glues, or other methods leaving air space
loose material) they are not considered to be composite materials, and must be tested individually.
Exposed Side: The Exposed Side is the side which is facing towards the passenger compartment when the
material is mounted in the vehicle as per the intended component design.
Lot: A lot is a batch, a jumbo roll or a quantity of material which has been produced in a single run from the
same base compound material and is homogeneous in nature.
Passenger Compartment Air Space: The Passenger Compartment Air Space is the space within the
passenger compartment that normally contains refreshable air.
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7.2 Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Symbols.

Bmax Maximum Burn Rate
BStat Statistical Burn Rate
DNI Does Not Ignite
FMVSS Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards
SE Self-Extinguishing
SEB Self-Extinguishing with a Burn Rate
SENBR Self-Extinguishing No Burn Rate
8 Coding System
This standard shall be referenced in other documents, drawings, etc., as follows:
Test to GMW3232. Must comply with FMVSS 302.
9 Release and Revisions

This standard was originated in May 1999. It was first approved by Global Material Engineering in December
2001. It was first published in December 2001.
Publication
Issue Description (Organization)
Date
1 DEC 2001 Initial publication.
2 AUG 2005 Section 3.2.4 Added word “calibrated” / Section 4.1.6 Reworded “in a manner to
identify their original orientation within the roll shown in Figure 1” / Figure 1: Redrawn
for clarification / Section 5.1 Added “beyond the timing mark”/Section 5.2.1 was “(24
± 2) h”. / Section 5.3.1.2 Added “and the material must comply with the requirements
of paragraphs 6.1.1.2 and 6.1.1.2.1 of this specification”. / Section 5.3.3.1.1
Reworded “an identifiable material orientation” Added “If the material does not display
an identifiable direction, the samples should be tested randomly with respect to the
direction of burn and a notation of this exception made on the test report.” / Section
6.1.1.2.1 Reworded “value for the as received condition and respective burn direction
as determined from the initial approval sample (6.1.2.4) or 75 mm/min if the
respective Bstat value is less than 75mm/min or if Bstat could not be calculated from
the initial approval sample.” / Figure 4: Removed sentence: “Tolerance: ± 0.2 mm all
dimensions” (Global Material Engineering)
3 FEB 2007 Section 4.1.9: Added / Section 5.2.2: Text “which do not meet ... 4.1.9.1” added.
(Global Material Engineering)
4 AUG 2011 Section2.1 KMVSS Article 95 and GB8410 added. Section 3.2.1.1. Specific Korean
Legal Requirements added. Section Deviations. Specific Korean Legal Requirements
added.
Section 3.2.9 Specific Chinese Legal Requirements added. Section 3.3.2.1 Specific
Chinese Legal Requirements added. Section 3.3.3.4 Specific Chinese Legal
Requirements added. Section 5.1.5.6 Specific Chinese Legal Requirements added.
Section Deviations, Specific Chinese Legal Requirements added.
A complete revision of format. (Textiles/Trim Materials GSSLT)
5 DEC 2016 Updated to current template. (Textiles/Trim Materials Global Subsystem Leadership
Team)
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Appendix A: Recommended Test Equipment Construction
Note 1: Burner
Figure A1: Front View and Side View of Test Cabinet
General Tolerances to ISO 2768 m
Note 1: 10 holes 19 mm Ø
Notes: Dimensions of housing: All overall dimensions inner dimensions
Window: Glass to be 5.8 mm thick, heat-resistant
Material: Cold rolled steel 0.9 mm thick except where otherwise noted
Figure A2: Bottom View of Test Cabinet
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Figure A3: Test Cabinet Cover
Note 1: Top U-frame

Note 2: Slot for Thread
Note 3: Timing Zone
Note 4: Thread Guide
Note 5: Wire
Note 6: Bottom U-Frame
Note 7: Thread
Note 8: Weight
Note 9: Test Specimen
Figure A4: U-frame Assembly with Typical Test Specimen

--```,```,`,,,,,,````,,-`-``

Note 1: Slot (for thread clearance)

Note 2: Wire guide for thread
Note 3: 12 Slots each side (for wire supports)
Figure A5: Material Mounting Fixture (Top and Bottom U-Frame)
--```,```,`,,,,,,````,,-`-``,```,,,`---
Note: Material. Aluminum
Figure A6: Stand

Appendix B: Test Report

Test Report Report-No.:
Flammability to GMW3232 Serial No.:
Test No.:
Test Date:
Part Name :
Part Number :
Supplier :
Material / Material-Specification :
Colour / Colour Number :
Delivery :
Specimen Dimensions (L x W x T) mm :
Configuration : X Uniform Mat. Composite Mat
Holder with Wires : Used X Not Used
Material Drops Burning : Yes X No
Material Direction and Ageing Condition: Material Direction and Ageing Condition:
longitudinal / as received longitudinal / after ageing
Length Length
Burning Burn Terminated Per Burning Terminated Per
Test No. of Burnt Test No. of Burnt Burn Rate
Time Rate Par. 4.3.10 Time Par. 4.3.10
Portion Portion
mm s mm/min Yes No mm s mm/min Yes No
1 X 1 X
2 X 2 X
3 X 3 X
4 X 4 X
5 X 5 X
6 X 6 X
7 X 7 X
--```,```,`,,,,,,````,,-`-``,```,,,`---
8 X 8 X
9 X 9 X
10 X 10 X
Bmax = 0 mm/min 0 SE Bmax = 0 mm/min 0 SE
BStat = - 0 #DIV/0! BStat = - 0 #DIV/0!
Mean Value = - mm/min - #DIV/0! Mean Value = - mm/min - #DIV/0!
σ= - mm/min - #DIV/0! σ= - mm/min - #DIV/0!
Material Direction and Ageing Condition: Material Direction and Ageing Condition:
lateral / as received lateral / after ageing
Length Length
Burning Burn Terminated Per Burning Terminated Per
Test No. of Burnt Test No. of Burnt Burn Rate
Portion
Time Rate Par. 4.3.10 Portion
Time 4.3.10
mm s mm/min Yes No mm s mm/min Yes No
1 X 1 X
2 X 2 X
3 X 3 X
4 X 4 X
5 X 5 X
6 X 6 X
7 X 7 X
8 X 8 X
9 X 9 X
10 X 10 X
Bmax = 0 mm/min 0 SE Bmax = 0 mm/min 0 SE
BStat = - 0 #DIV/0! BStat = - 0 #DIV/0!
Mean Value = - mm/min - #DIV/0! Mean Value = - mm/min - #DIV/0!
σ= - mm/min - #DIV/0! σ= - mm/min - #DIV/0!
Total Results: Bmax = SE BStat = -

Appendix C: Recommended Precautionary Measures for Performance of Flammability

Tests to GMW3232
1. The U-shaped frames should always be cleaned prior to each burn test since residual oils; tars, carbon,
etc., tend to form on the frame during each test.
2. Ensure that the support wires, if used, are straight and horizontal so as to prevent sagging of test
specimens.
3. Ensure door always fits flush to the test cabinet (expansion effects can cause poor door fit leading to
drafts).
4. Purge the smoke inside the test cabinet (for example using compressed air from a hand controlled
nozzle) after each test.
5. Before each test ensure as far as possible that the temperature of the test cabinet has not increased
excessively (spare cabinet covers and U-shaped frames, compressed air are useful optional items).
6. Lead flames (a flame that flashes forward of the main burning area) usually occur on vinyl coated fabrics
and must be observed very carefully by the operator.
Note: FMVSS 302 legislation defines lead flame.
7. In performing duplicate tests, test specimens should always be cut from the same area of the material
considering thickness, width, ribs, etc.
8. All ventilation holes must be regularly inspected and cleaned to ensure adequate air circulation in the
cabinet.
9. Particular care must be taken in marking test specimens for identification purposes, since enamels, inks,
etc., could affect test results.
10. Test specimens shall be carefully extinguished after removal from test cabinet, e.g., by dipping in water
or storage in a metal vessel with a metal cover.
11. Test samples are to be cut to the specified dimensions prior to standard conditioning and any required
aging cycles.
--```,```,`,,,,,,````,,-`-``,```,,,`---

Deviations
The following paragraph shall only be applied at the Korean market:

Dev 3.2.5.1 Specific Korean Legal Requirements (KMVSS Article 95)
Reason:
For the Korean market apply a support wire for sub size sample only by legal requirements.
No consideration of material soften and bend during test by legal requirements. Test specimens will be taken
from parts in vehicles for compliance test by Korean Government Institute.
The following paragraph shall only be applied at the Japanese market:
--```,```,`,,,,,,````,,-`-``,```,,,`---
Dev 3.3.3.2 Specific Japanese Legal Requirements.
Reason:
For the Japanese market apply a minimum acceptable sample size by legal requirements.
The following paragraph shall only be applied at the Brazilian market:

Dev 3.3.3.3 Specific Brazilian Legal Requirements (CONTRAN Resolution 675/86)
Reason:
For the Brazilian market apply a minimum acceptable sample size by legal requirements.
The following paragraphs shall only be applied at the Chinese market:

Dev 3.2.4.1 Specific Chinese Legal Requirements (GB8410) Ventilating Cabinet
Dev 3.3.2.1 Specific Chinese Legal Requirements (GB8410)
Reason:
For the Chinese market apply a ventilating cabinet, sample preparation method when flat sample is not available,
and minimum acceptable sample size for test by legal requirements. In addition, reporting for the case of the
sample ignited in the flame in 15 s and the flame reaches the 1st gauge mark by legal requirement.


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Template For ENG STDS

Test Method for Determining the

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1 Example, Material Roll

3.4 Test Time. Not applicable.

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Aged Test Cycle:

lateral direction) should be tested as follows:

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5.1.2 Mean. Calculate the mean value from the formula:

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Note 1: 1st gauge mark

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7.2 Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Symbols.

9 Release and Revisions

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Appendix A: Recommended Test Equipment Construction

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Figure A3: Test Cabinet Cover

Note 1: Top U-frame

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Note 1: Slot (for thread clearance)

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Appendix B: Test Report

Total Results: Bmax = SE BStat = -

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Appendix C: Recommended Precautionary Measures for Performance of Flammability

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The following paragraph shall only be applied at the Korean market:

The following paragraph shall only be applied at the Japanese market:

The following paragraph shall only be applied at the Brazilian market:

The following paragraphs shall only be applied at the Chinese market:

© Copyright 2016 General Motors Company All Rights Reserved