Automotive Interior Testing
Abrasion and Wear
Abrasion and wear resistance testing for automotive interior components ensures materials can withstand the repeated stresses they face in daily use, maintaining durability, appearance, and functionality. These tests are essential for materials like fabrics, leathers, plastics, and coatings, as they assess a material's resistance to surface damage, such as scratching, scuffing, or pilling, that can occur over time due to contact with passengers, cargo, or other surfaces.
Automotive interior components such as seat upholstery, carpets, steering wheels, door panels, and center consoles benefit from abrasion and wear testing to ensure durability and long-lasting performance. This testing typically involves subjecting materials to controlled rubbing, scraping, or contact with abrasive surfaces using specialized equipment.
Testing equipment manufacturers produce specialized equipment for performing standard abrasion tests. Some examples include Martindale Abrasion Tester, Taber Abraser, ABREX Abrasion Tester, and Crockmeter. Parameters such as speed, cycles, load, and abrasive standard materials are carefully controlled to replicate expected usage scenarios. Results are measured in terms of visible wear, material degradation, or loss of functionality, ensuring the materials meet durability and quality standards.
Common Test Methods and Standards
ASTM D4060 Standard Test Method for Abrasion Resistance of Organic Coatings by the Taber Abraser
ASTM D6279 Standard test method for rub abrasion mar resistance of high gloss coatings
ASTM F1319 Standard test method for determination of abrasion and smudge resistance of images produced from business copy products (Crockmeter Method)
BMW GS 97034-1 Surface test of motor vehicle interior materials – Manual abrasion test (ABREX)
BMW GS97034-3 Surface test of motor vehicle interior materials – Shoe sole test
BMW GS97034-4 Surface test of motor vehicle interior materials – Color abrasion behaviour (Test procedure A: Abrex method)
BMW AA-0471 Abrasion Resistance Using the Abrex Test Equipment
BMW AA-P 296 Abrasion resistance (dry + test media acc. to GS 97045)
BMW PA-P 315 Abrasion Resistance (dry + test media according to BMW AA-P 077)
DIN EN 60068-2-70 Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Test Xb: Abrasion of markings and letterings caused by rubbing of fingers and hands-Abrex
Ford BI 108-10 Crockmeter scuff test
Ford BN 108-02 Resistance to Abrasion: Taber Abraser
Ford BN 108-04 Resistance to Scuffing
Ford FLTM BN 155-01 Surface test of motor vehicle interior materials – Shoe sole test
Ford WSS-M2P188- A1 Surface test of motor vehicle interior materials – Shoe sole test
General Motors GMW3208 Rotary Abrasion Test, Taber Type
General Motors GMW15487 Determining the Resistance to Abrasion of Organic Coating
GB/T 2423.53 Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Test Xb: Abrasion of markings and letterings caused by rubbing of fingers and hands
GB/T 43818 Leather – Determination of Abrasion Resistance – Part 1: Taber Method
IEC 68-2-70 Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Test Xb: Abrasion of markings and letterings caused by rubbing of fingers and hands-Abrex
ISO 7784 Paints and Varnishes – Determination of Resistance to Abrasion
ISO 12947 Textiles – Determination of the Abrasion Resistance of Fabrics by Martindale Method
ISO 17076 Leather – Determination of Abrasion Resistance – Part 1: Taber Method
JIS C 60068-2-70 Environmental testing – Part 2: Tests – Test Xb: Abrasion of markings and letterings caused by rubbing of fingers and hands
Peugeot Citroen PSA D14 1055 Organic Materials and Coatings - Rubbing Wear
Peugeot Citroen PSA D44 1221 Resistance to Scuffing
Peugeot Citroen PSA D42 1775 Inside and Outside Parts Resistance to Scratching by Abrasion
Peugeot Citroen PSA D24 5011 Paint Coatings Resistance to Dry Abrasion Method with Abrasive Material
Peugeot Citroen PSA D24 5020 Coatings for decorative interior plastic components – Abrasion resistance – Abrex Test Method
FCA/Stellantis LP.7M069 Wear Resistance of Interior Organic Coatings
FCA/Stellantis LP-463PB-54-01 Crock Mar Resistance
Volvo STD 1024,7134 Test Method: Abrasion, Organic Materials
Volkswagen PV 3906 Non-Metallic Planar Materials, Testing of Abrasion Behavior
Why is testing necessary for automotive interior components?
Types of Materials Commonly Tested
Seating •Leather (natural and synthetic) •Fabric upholstery •Foam padding •Seat frames and mechanisms •Stitching and thread •Heated/ventilated seal components Dashboard •Plastics (ABS, PVC, polyurethane) •Soft-touch coatings •Plated plastic trim •Displays •Vents and HVAC controls •Adhesive layers and bonding materials Instrument Panel •Cluster displays •Buttons, knobs, and switches •Touchscreen surfaces •Backlighting components •Haptic feedback mechanisms Center Console and Door Panels •Plastic trim and bezels •Leather or synthetic coverings •Cup holders, storage compartments •Electronic components (USB ports, chargers) •Armrest materials and padding Wood, metal, or carbon fiber accents •Window switchgear and buttons •Interior door handles and lock mechanisms Steering Wheel •Leather wrapping or synthetic materials •Metal and plastic structural elements •Control buttons •Heated steering components •Airbag cover materials Flooring and Mats •Carpet fibers •All-weather rubber mats •Sound-dampening materials •Floor insulation layers Roof Liner •Fabric liners •Sunroof or panoramic roof trim •Insulation and soundproofing materials Interior Lighting •LEDs and backlighting modules •Ambient lighting strips •Dome and reading lights