Material Information for Plastics Testing and Certification

The following symbols are commonly used on individual Recognitions to represent generic material types. These symbols are based on terminology developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) publications covering “plastics-symbols” (ISO 1043) and “rubbers and lattices” (ISO 1629).

Foamed materials

Materials that have been foamed with the introduction of chemical blowing agents or inert gas may have significantly different properties than non-foamed or solid material forms; ratings that are established for solid (non-foamed) material do not automatically apply to the foamed version of the same material.

Materials used for structural parts

Where the retention of physical properties for a material has been investigated for structural parts in specific applications, e.g., room air conditioners, this is noted in the individual Recognitions and meets a minimum level beyond which consideration depends on the actual design and use of the part.

Materials for use in special environments

Investigation of materials for specific end-use product applications where requirements exist for the retention of properties after exposure to certain critical operating and/or environmental conditions may be indicated in the individual Recognitions.

Composite materials

These materials consist of a sandwich-type construction – a metal and a plastic – and have been tested for flammability to determine compliance with UL 94, the Standard for Safety of Flammability of Plastic Materials for Parts in Devices and Appliances testing, only. Materials may also contain an adhesive that serves to bond the individual components into a composite structure.