Skip to content
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.

Accredited condensation tests

The condensationwater test, also known as the condensation water constant climate test (KK)with alternating humidity and temperature or condensation water test, is an essential test procedure in the automotive industry to evaluatethe corrosion resistance of components with coatings under humid conditions.

  • Test execution
  • Application examples

Test execution

  • Temperature: constant approx. 40°C
  • Relative humidity: almost 100%

The chamber contains a base tray with heated, demineralized water. The water vapor continuously condenses on the surface of the test specimens (condensation). The test samples are exposed to these conditions for a defined period of time in order to evaluate the behavior of the coated components under extremely humid conditions.

Application examples

The condensation test is carried out to assess the resistance of vehicle paintwork and add-on parts to high humidity, for example. It helps to identify possible weak points in materials or coatings at an early stage and to ensure that the tested components can withstand the demands of humid or changeable environments.

Selina_Rudat_quer_mit_Logo_01

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.

Test methods / specifications

  • DIN EN ISO 6270
  • BMW AA-0213
  • Ford FLTM BI 104-02
  • Jaguar TPJLR.52.351
  • VinFast VFDST00044800
  • and much more.
Search Suggestions
Frequently requested tests

CONTACT OUR EXPERTS

Description. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consetetur sadipscing elitr, sed diam nonumy eirmod tempor invidunt ut labore et

  • Tab Title
Marco-Theunissen_600x800px_240320
NAME Job Title
Christoph_Bücken_600x800px
NAME Job Title
Ronald_Althoff_cross_2_1
NAME Job Title
saglamme_quer_07_600x800px_240320
NAME Job Title
Simon_Zander_cross_2_1
NAME Job Title
Nicole_Nienhaus_600x800px
NAME Job Title
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 deposit 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.
Do you have further questions?

CONTACT US

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT CORROSION TESTING

What types of condensation tests are there?

There are different types of condensation tests that simulate different environmental conditions:

Condensation constant climate (CH)

  • Test under constant high humidity and stable temperature.
  • Used to simulate permanent exposure to moisture.

Condensation water alternating climate with alternating humidity and temperature (AHT)

  • Dynamic test with changing humidity and temperature.
  • Simulates realistic environmental conditions with varying climatic loads.

Alternating condensation climate with changing air temperature (AT)

  • Test with varying air temperature at constant humidity.
  • The aim is to evaluate the resistance to temperature changes under the influence of humidity.
What do the designations CH, AHT and AT mean for condensation test climates? The designations stand for different types of condensation test climates that simulate specific ambient conditions:
  • CH (condensation atmosphere with constant humidity)
    (English: condensation atmosphere with constant humidity)
  • AHT (condensation atmosphere with alternating humidity and temperature)
    (English: condensation atmosphere with alternating humidity and air temperature)
  • AT (condensation atmosphere with alternating humidity and air temperature)
    (English: condensation atmosphere with alternating air temperature)
Is imat accredited, certified and approved for condensation testing?

Yes, we carry out tests in accordance with national and international standards and OEM-specific requirements. imat is accredited for the most important tests. Find out more about our accreditations here.

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.