At LCS Laboratory, we perform self-heating tests to determine whether a material may ignite or self-heat under controlled temperature conditions. The test is typically conducted to determine a packaging group of your product for GHS Classification. Each test is conducted in a mesh container that is placed inside a temperature-controlled oven and heated for 24 hours. Technician supervises each test 24/7 to extinguish the possivle fire if it happens.
We are often asked what is the cost of the testing? The answer is: “it depends on the sample flammability”. The complete test is a sequence of up to 4 tests. If the sample is non-flammable, you might need one test at 140C, and if the sample ignites , you need to repeat the same test at lower and lower temperature, intil you find the lowest temperature of self heating. What test we should perform and what is the cost, can be seen below. The rates are given in Canadian dollars and are shown as an example using 2025 rates. For the current rates, please check our price list, which is updated annually.
Testing Procedure and Corresponding Pricing
The standard testing plan for each sample follows a stepwise approach:
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140 °C, 100×100×100 mm container – $730
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If the sample does not ignite → testing stops.
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If the sample ignites → proceed to the next step.
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140 °C, 25×25×25 mm container – $730
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If the sample does not ignite → proceed to step 3.
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If the sample ignites → testing stops.
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120 °C, 100×100×100 mm container – $730
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If the sample does not ignite → testing stops.
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If the sample ignites → proceed to the next step.
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100 °C, 100×100×100 mm container – $730
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This is the final step in the procedure.
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Overall Cost per Sample
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Non-flammable samples: Only one test is required → $730/sample.
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Self-heating samples: Multiple tests may be required (up to four) → $1,460–$2,520 per sample.
Cost-Control Options
To manage your budget, you may request testing at a single selected temperature only. This option is especially practical if you are evaluating a supplier’s product and must reject it regardless of packaging group if it shows self-heating.
Sample Volume Requirements
We require 3.2 liters of material per sample, as each temperature step needs to be performed with a 1-liter container.
Clients often ask how much this represents in kilograms. Since the density of materials varies, we cannot provide a universal conversion. Instead, we recommend placing your material in a 1-gallon (approximately 4 L) airtight plastic or tin container, which is the ideal shipping size.
Shipping Instructions
Please contact us before shipping your samples. Not all samples can be tested, so please contact us first to discuss your project. We look forward to assisting you with your self-heating testing project ©
