Applied Technical Services Family of Companies (FoC) performs polymer tests according to the ASTM D3574 standard, which describes several test methods for flexible urethane foams composed of molecular units with urethane links. While urethane foams can take many forms, ASTM D3574 focuses on slab, bonded, and molded urethane products.
Urethane (polyurethane) foams are a diverse class of polymers with various structures and characteristics. A polymer’s rigidity, flexibility, and density influence its application, such as:
- Memory foam mattresses
- Ergonomic furniture
- Automobile seating
- Footwear
- Carpet underlay
- Packaging
- Insulation
Our Polymer Testing Lab
Clients can ship a sample of their polymer-based products to the ATS polymer lab for testing, where we maintain ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accreditations in mechanical testing and a catalogue of material testing procedures. Our polymer experts have decades of combined experience with polymer structures and are well-versed in the tests clients may require.
ASTM D3574 Conditioning
ASTM D3574 requires foam samples to undergo conditioning in an environmentally controlled chamber. Per ASTM D3574, the environmental lab can condition polymer samples at select humidities and temperatures for at least 12 hours before testing. We can also adjust conditions as needed during a test.
ASTM D3574 Testing Conditions
Our equipment can replicate the intended environment conditions in our polymer testing lab to help manufacturers evaluate product performance. Our state-of-the-art equipment produces the fatigue, compression, and tensile stresses expected during operation. For tests that require strict control, ATS experts can perform the test in environmental chambers or with equipment capable of the following:
- Test Temperatures: -100 to 350 ˚C
- Test Humidities: 40-60% RH
- Test Tensile forces: typically, up to 10,000 lbs.
ASTM D3574 Testing Methods
We follow the documented procedures for recently manufactured polymer products described in ASTM D3574-17. Per request, our experts can adjust the testing procedure to conform to the client’s specifications.
The most common ASTM D3574 tests we perform include:
- A. Density Test – calculates the density of a foam sample
- B1. Indentation Force Deflection (IFD) Test – Specified Deflection – measures the force needed to deflect the foam to a predetermined thickness
- C. Compression Force Deflection Test – determines the force required to compress the foam to 50% thickness
- D. Constant Deflection Compression Set Test – measures the impact of deflection on foam thickness after compression
- E. Tensile Test – involves stretching the foam until rupture
- F. Tear Resistance Test – demonstrates how the foam resists tear propagation
- I1. Static Force Loss Test at Constant Deflection – assesses the durability of the foam and measures the loss of IFD and thickness
Other Polymer Services
The ATS FoC performs other valuable material and mechanical testing services such as polymer structural analysis, polymer fatigue testing, polymer temperature testing, and polymer failure analysis.
Click here for an expanded list of our polymer services.
About Applied Technical Services
The ATS Family of Companies (FoC) is a network of consulting engineering, calibration, inspection, and testing company based in Marietta, Georgia. Our staff delivers thorough analyses that benefit industries such as aerospace, automotive, construction, and manufacturing. We operate several A2LA-accredited labs for calibration and mechanical, chemical, electrical, and nondestructive testing. Our services satisfy federal regulations 10 CFR Part 21 and 10 CFR 50 – Appendix B, along with several quality standards. Click here to read more.
Contact Us
Let the ATS FoC dedicate our resources and experience to your polymer testing needs. Call +1 (888) 287-5227 or submit the form on this page to request ASTM D3574 testing today. Please call our representatives with any questions you may have.
