Overview - ISO 3917:2016 (safety glazing test methods)
ISO 3917:2016 specifies standardized test methods for safety glazing materials used in road vehicles, focused on their resistance to radiation (UV), high temperature, humidity, fire and simulated weathering. The standard applies to all types of safety glazing-glass or plastic-used in vehicle windscreens, side windows and other glazing components, and defines test conditions, specimen preparation and criteria for evaluating performance and durability.
Key topics and technical requirements
- General test conditions
- Ambient laboratory conditions typically: 20 °C ± 5 °C, atmospheric pressure 86–106 kPa, relative humidity (60 ± 20) %.
- Not all tests are required for every glazing type; applicability depends on material and use.
- Radiation (UV) resistance
- Objective: detect decreases in luminous transmittance and discoloration after exposure.
- Typical apparatus: medium‑pressure mercury arc lamp with UV filter (300–450 nm energy measured); rotation device for even exposure.
- Specimen size: 76 mm × 300 mm; exposure temperature ~45 °C ± 5 °C; example exposure time: 100 h for specified lamp.
- High temperature resistance
- Objective: check for visual degradation (bubbles, defects) after heat exposure.
- Procedure: heat specimens (≥300 × 300 mm) to 100 °C for 2 h, then cool; alternative for inorganic surfaces: immersion in boiling water (with care).
- Humidity resistance
- Objective: assess effects of prolonged moisture and elevated temperature.
- Procedure: keep specimens (≥300 × 300 mm) vertically for two weeks at 50 °C ± 2 °C and 95 % ± 4 % RH (no condensation).
- Evaluation: visual inspection for separation, loss of transparency (ISO 3538 referenced).
- Fire resistance / burning behaviour
- Objective: determine horizontal burning rate for materials with at least one plastic surface.
- Typical sample: three specimens 150 mm × 13 mm; test setup uses Bunsen burner and gauze per method (ISO 3795 referenced).
- Simulated weathering
- Uses laboratory light sources (xenon‑arc or specified alternatives per ISO 4892‑1/‑2) to simulate combined light, temperature, moisture cycles; includes evaluation and reporting requirements.
Practical applications and users
- Who uses ISO 3917:2016
- Automotive glazing manufacturers (glass, laminated, toughened, polycarbonate glazing)
- OEMs and component suppliers for type‑approval and quality control
- Independent testing laboratories and conformity assessment bodies
- Regulatory agencies developing vehicle safety rules
- R&D teams assessing material durability and lifecycle performance
- Why it matters
- Ensures glazing retains optical clarity, mechanical integrity and fire behaviour under real‑world stresses (UV, heat, humidity, weathering), supporting safety, occupant visibility and regulatory compliance.
Related standards
Open preview (PDF)Road vehicles — Safety glazing materials — Test methods for resistance to radiation, high temperature, humidity, fire and simulated weathering