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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 a haze or fogging 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.
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Odor

Odorevaluation for the highest quality indoors

Accredited odor assessment

SENSORY EVALUATION OF MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS

 

The smell of a vehicle plays a decisive role in the perception of quality and comfort. Our sensory tests ensure the high standards of the automotive industry by identifying and minimizing unpleasant odours at an early stage.

We evaluate materials and components from the vehicle interior using a trained test panel. Standardized procedures such as VDA 270 and OEM-specific guidelines are used. These ensure that your products meet the demanding requirements of your customers.

Our services at a glance:

  • Material testing: Plastics, textiles, leather, foams and adhesives
  • Complete assemblies: Dashboards, door panels, seat structures
  • Assessment methods: point scales from neutral to highly unpleasant
  • Standard-compliant tests: e.g. in accordance with VDA 270, ISO 16000-28 and specific specifications

Our experts combine state-of-the-art testing technologies with decades of experience in automotive testing. With our service, we support you in ensuring the highest quality and satisfaction for your customers.

Let's work together to improve the quality of your products!

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Test methods
Odor

  • VDA 270
  • PV 3900
  • ISO 12219-7
  • 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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CONTACT OUR EXPERTS

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  • 01 Purpose of odor tests
  • 02 Test procedure

Purpose of odor tests

  • Assessment of the odor behavior of materials and individual parts or chamber or vehicle air
  • Identification of odor qualities that are atypical for vehicle interiors
  • Testing products for their suitability for use in vehicle interiors against the background of the possible introduction of unpleasant odors

Test procedure

a) Material testing type VDA 270
  • Weighing or loading of the sample containers with defined specimens
  • Conditioning of the specimens in the containers for a defined time at a specified temperature
  • If necessary, cooling the test air to below a defined temperature threshold
  • Human sensory evaluation of the test air according to specified evaluation criteria
  • If necessary, qualitative description of the odor impression

Chamber or vehicletest
ISO 12219-7 type
  • Performance of the "main test" (emission chamber test or whole vehicle emission test )
  • Extraction and collection of the test air in air sampling bags using suitable sampling technology, i.e. passive sampling of the chamber exhaust air or active sampling using a sampling device for vehicle tests
  • Provision of the air sample bags in presentation devices (working according to the lung principle )
  • Human sensory evaluation of the test air according to specified evaluation criteria
  • qualitative description of the odor impression , if applicable

TYPICAL MATERIALS THAT ARE TESTED

The odor test in automotive testing examines various materials that are used in vehicle interiors. The most important materials that are subjected to this test are
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Plastics
Plastics

Various types of plastics, for dashboards, consoles and other interior components

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Leather
Leather

Especially for seat covers and steering wheel covers

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Textiles
Textiles

Fabrics used for seat covers, headliners and other interior trims

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Synthetic leather
Synthetic leather

As an alternative to genuine leather for various interior components

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Elastomers
Elastomers

Rubber-like materials that are used in various vehicle parts

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Adhesives
Adhesives

Used to connect various components in the vehicle interior

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Coatings
Coatings

Various surface inspections for interior parts

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Foams
Foams

Especially for upholstery and insulation

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Composite materials
Composite materials

Combinations of different materials used in the vehicle interior

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Biomaterials
Biomaterials

Newer, environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional plastics

Do you have further questions?

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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.
FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ODOR TESTING

How is the odor intensity of materials assessed? The odor intensity is assessed by a trained panel using a point scale, often from 1 (neutral/no odor) to 6 (strongly unpleasant odor). The samples are tested in a controlled environment, e.g. an odor chamber, under defined temperature and humidity conditions.
What norms and standards apply to odor testing? There are established test methods in the automotive sector, such as DIN 10955, VDA 270 or OEM-specific requirements. These standards define how the samples are to be conditioned and evaluated, including the evaluation by trained test panels.
Why is odor testing important in the automotive industry?

The odor test ensures that materials and components in the vehicle interior do not emit any unpleasant or unpleasant odors that could impair the driving experience. A pleasant smelling environment is a decisive factor for customer satisfaction and the quality image of a vehicle.

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.