The 6,000 square foot laboratory in Reston, Virginia was established for determining important performance properties of hardwood plywood and other materials. Throughout the years, HPVA has developed a series of specialized services available on a commercial basis. HPVA, working with the Composite Panel Association, helped develop the ASTM D 5582 Two-Hour Desiccator Test for Small Scale Testing and the ASTM E 1333 Large Chamber for Formaldehyde Testing. The laboratory fire testing capability is based on ASTM test standards. Our specialized testing services include general flammability, smoke, gas analysis, and rate of heat release.
Products tested include wood, paper, plastics, metal, textiles, masonry, and composite materials.
As part of an industry testing, inspection, and product listing program, HPVA s field inspectors visit plants nationwide to verify flame spread performance, formaldehyde emission, and structural properties of hardwood plywood panels. Products that conform to requirements can earn HPVA s nationally recognized verification stamp. HPVA frequently provides input to government agencies that develop or modify regulations. The technical staff, which has often played a significant role in shaping industry policy, meets periodically with other associations and regulatory agencies. To keep members informed of critical developments, the Association publishes technical research studies and prepares position papers that are submitted to organizations considering regulatory actions.