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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.

PRECISE TESTING FOR OPTICAL QUALITY

Color and gloss measurements are essential test methods in the automotive industry for objectively evaluating surfaces. These tests support suppliers and manufacturers in meeting the requirements of car manufacturers and documenting consistent quality.

  • Gloss measurement
  • Color measurement
  • Areas of application

Objective evaluation of light reflection

Gloss describes how strongly a surface reflects light. Gloss measurement makes it possible to objectively determine this degree of reflection by shining a light beam onto the surface at a defined angle (e.g. 20°, 60° or 85°) and measuring the reflected light.

Areas of application for gloss measurement

  • Testing the optical properties of coatings and paints.
  • Testing plastic and metal components indoors and outdoors.
  • Documentation of the results for evaluating production and supplier quality.

Gloss measurement provides standardized results that are independent of subjective perceptions.

Accuracy at the highest level

Objective color measurement is indispensable in the automotive industry, as the human eye is often unable to reliably detect the finest color differences. Colorimetric methods (colorimetry) record the color effect of a sample using numerical values, independent of the subjective color impression.

Areas of application for colorimetry

  • Testing of painted components such as bumpers or trim strips.
  • Analysis of plastics, textiles and leather in vehicle interiors.
  • Documentation of color deviations after environmental simulation tests such as UV and aging tests.

Color measurements enable a precise assessment of chromaticity (color effect) and ensure that color deviations remain within specified tolerances.

Typical areas of application

Our tests are used for a wide range of materials and components:

  • Painted surfaces: Body parts, bumpers, mirror caps.
  • Plastics: door panels, center consoles, dashboards.
  • Textiles and leather: interior trim, seat covers.
  • Coated metals: trim strips, exterior mirrors.

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Test methods

  • DIN EN ISO 11664-4 (CIE 1976)
  • VW 50190 (Color)
  • VW 50190 (Gloss)
  • DIN EN ISO 2813
  • Ford FLTM BI 110-01
  • DIN 67530
  • BMW AA-0101 / DIN EN ISO 2813
  • 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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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.
Do you have further questions?

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FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT MECHANICAL TESTING

Why is gloss measurement important?

Gloss measurement provides objective results on the reflection of light on surfaces and helps to ensure the consistency and quality of painted and coated materials.

What is tested during color measurement?

When measuring color, color differences are analyzed using numerical values in order to document color deviations between different components or after load tests.

Is imat-uve approved for surface testing?

Yes, imat-uve is accredited, released and approved for various tests.

Find out more about our accreditations & approvals 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.

Disclaimer
The information provided is based on many years of experience and is for general information purposes only. No guarantee is given for the correctness, completeness or topicality of the contents. Warranty claims cannot be derived from this information and the rights of third parties remain unaffected. Details on sampling, sample preparation, test equipment, test methods and the performance and evaluation of test results can be found in the current versions of the underlying standards.