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Vehicle interior-car-interior

Fogging

Determination of the fogging behavior of materials used in vehicle interiors

FOGGING TEST IN THE
AUTOMOBILE INTERIOR

The fogging test is an essential test for materials used in vehicle interiors. It ensures that your components do not release unwanted volatile substances that could deposit on windows or other surfaces. The fogging test is an essential test for determining the outgassing of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from materials in the vehicle interior. It ensures that emissions, which can appear as fog or mist on cold surfaces such as windscreens, are minimized to ensure driver visibility and safety. These deposits can not only impair visibility, but also reduce the perceived quality and comfort in the vehicle.
Adhesion tests

Adhesion tests

Reliable adhesion and protection for automotive paintwork

Accredited corrosion tests

PRECISE ADHESION TESTS FOR THE HIGHEST QUALITY

In the automotive industry, paintwork is much more than just an aesthetic element. They play a decisive role in the protection and durability of vehicle components. Coatings protect against corrosion, weathering and mechanical stress. To ensure that this protective function is maintained even under extreme conditions - such as high temperatures, moisture or mechanical stress - it is essential that the paintwork adheres strongly to the underlying surface.

Adhesion tests are therefore a central component of quality control. They ensure that the paint layer is firmly bonded to the bodywork or other vehicle parts and can withstand external influences such as stone chipping, detachment or cracking. Poor adhesion can not only lead to aesthetic defects, but can also impair corrosion resistance and thus the structural integrity of the components.

Our adhesion tests determine whether your coatings adhere firmly even under the harshest conditions and do not lose their protective function. By using precise test methods, we give you the certainty that your vehicles are optimally protected.

The tests are carried out in accordance with strict industry standards, such as DIN EN ISO 2409 (cross-cut test). This involves mechanically testing the adhesion of the paintwork to ensure that it meets the requirements of the automotive industry. One of the main methods is the cross-cut test, in which adhesion is assessed by scratching a defined grid.

Our tests are used in numerous areas of application. Body parts such as doors, hoods and fenders are tested for paint adhesion, as are interior fittings such as plastic and metal parts. Chassis components that are exposed to particularly high mechanical loads, such as shock absorbers, axles or underbody parts, also benefit from the tests.

To ensure that the tests can be carried out precisely and reliably, the samples must be delivered in a clean and undamaged condition. Shockproof packaging helps to avoid damage during transportation. Detailed information on the coating, such as the coating system, drying method and material composition, is also required. Additional samples for repeat or comparative tests are recommended to maximize the significance of the results.

The tests take into account manufacturer-specific minimum requirements for adhesive strength and define maximum permissible peeling or cracking after mechanical stress. Our test conditions simulate real-life application scenarios to ensure that your coatings can withstand a wide range of environmental conditions.

Contact us to find out more about our test procedures!

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Adhesion test methods

  • ASTM B571, § 13 Scribe-Grid Test
  • and much more.

Fogging test methods

  • DIN 75201-A (reflectrometric)
  • DIN 75201-B (gravimetric)
  • PV 3015 (Volkswagen)
  • GMW 3235-A (General Motors Worldwide)
  • PSA D45 1727
  • and much more.
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  • 01 Purpose of the adhesion test
  • 02 Test methods

Purpose of the adhesion test

  • Ensuring adhesion: Ensuring that coatings are firmly bonded to the surface and can withstand external influences.
  • Corrosion protection: Avoiding detachment that could impair the protective function of the paintwork and the structural integrity of the components.
  • Quality control: Checking the durability and reliability of paintwork under realistic conditions.
  • Avoidance of aesthetic defects: Ensuring that paint finishes are free from cracking, peeling or other visual degradation.
  • Compliance with standards and specifications: Ensuring that paint finishes comply with automotive industry requirements, such as DIN EN ISO 2409.
  • Optimization of materials and processes: Identifying weak points and improving paint coating systems and their application.

Test methods

Cross-cut test (cross-cut test)
Using a special cutting tool, a grid of parallel and perpendicular cuts is scratched into the paint layer.

The adhesion of the paintwork is assessed by the number and size of detachments at the cut edges.
This method is carried out in accordance with the DIN EN ISO 2409 standard and is frequently used in the automotive industry.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions about the fogging test

What is the fogging test? The fogging test measures the release of volatile substances from materials that can form deposits on surfaces such as windows.
How long does a fogging test take? As a rule, you will receive the results within a few days, depending on the complexity of the materials.
What do I do if the exam is negative? We offer you comprehensive advice and recommendations to take appropriate measures and find alternative materials.
What sample quantities are required for a fogging test?

The sample quantities required for a fogging test depend on the standard and the test method used. Here are the general guidelines:

1. standard DIN 75201 (type A and type B)

  • Type A (glass plate method):
    A sample quantity of 10 cm² is typically required. The sample is placed on a heated plate in a sealed chamber and the volatiles released condense on a glass plate above.

  • Type B (aluminum foil method):
    Similar to type A, a sample volume of approximately 10 cm² is used. However, the volatile substances condense on a cooled aluminum foil.

2. standard ISO 6452 (international standard)

  • Sample quantity:
    Again, a sample size of about 10 cm² is typically required to evaluate the amount of volatiles released at elevated temperature.

3. other specific requirements

Depending on the specific requirements of the customer or OEM standards, sample quantities may vary. It is important to check the respective standards or test requirements carefully.

What is the difference between the reflectometric and gravimetric test method according to DIN 75201?

Method A - Reflectometric method:

  • Principle: This method measures the change in reflectivity on a glass plate on which volatile components from the material sample are deposited.
  • Procedure: A material sample is heated in a beaker while a glass plate above it is cooled to 21°C. The temperature difference causes the volatile components to condense on the glass plate. The reflectance index of the fogged glass plate is then measured to determine the amount of condensed material.
  • Application: This method is particularly suitable for materials for which an exact determination of the optical fog effect is required.

Method B - Gravimetric method:

  • Principle: This method measures the weight of condensed volatiles on an aluminum foil.
  • Procedure: The material sample is heated in a beaker while an aluminum foil disc is cooled to 21°C. After 16 hours, the amount of condensed material on the foil is weighed.
  • Application: This method is ideal for an accurate quantitative determination of the amount of condensed volatiles.
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FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ADHESION TESTING

Why are adhesion tests important? Adhesion tests can be used to check whether paintwork is firmly bonded to the underlying surface. They check whether paint coatings can withstand mechanical stress, weathering and road dirt, which protects both the aesthetic and functional integrity of the components.
Which test method is used for adhesion tests? The most common method is the cross-cut test in accordance with DIN EN ISO 2409, in which a grid is scored into the coating layer to assess adhesion based on the size and number of detachments at the cut edges.
Which samples are required for adhesion tests?

The samples must be clean and undamaged so as not to falsify the results. In addition, information on the coating, such as the coating system, material composition and drying method, should be included so that the test parameters can be precisely determined.

Do you have any further questions? Our experts will be happy to answer your questions about various laboratory tests. Please feel free to contact us here. We look forward to processing your inquiry and helping you further.