Automotive Interior Testing
Colorfastness
Colorfastness testing of automotive interior components is is used to determine whether materials like seats, carpets, and trim retain their color and appearance when exposed to various environmental and usage conditions. Different types of colorfastness tests include lightfastness (resistance to fading under UV light (Click to Learn More) crocking (resistance to color transfer when rubbed), and resistance to chemicals or cleaning agents.
Testing typically involves exposing the material to simulated conditions such as UV light, abrasion, or chemical exposure in controlled environments. The results are measured by comparing the color before and after testing, using visual assessments or colorimetric instruments. These tests help manufacturers select durable materials that withstand real-world use.
Common Test Methods and Standards
AATCC Test Method 8 Colorfastness to crocking
AATCC Test Method 165 Colorfastness to crocking: textile floor coverings
ASTM D2053 Standard test method for colorfastness of crocking of leather
ASTM D5054 Standard test method for colorfastness of zipper tapes to crocking
ASTM D2096 Standard Test Method for Colorfastness and Transfer of Color in the Washing of Leather
ASTM D5053 Standard Test Method for Colorfastness of Crocking of Leather
BS 1006 Methods of test for colour fastness of textiles and leather DIN 54012 Tests for colour fastness of textiles
Ford FLTM BN 107-01 Crocking test
Ford FLTM BN 107-02 Crocking – instrumental evaluation
GB/T 6151 Textiles – Tests for Color Fastness – General Principals of Testing
GB/T 8424.3 Textiles – Tests for Colour Fastness – Calculation of Colour Differences
GB/T 35256 Textiles – Tests for Color Fastness – Artificial Weathering – Exposure to Filtered Xenon Arc Radiation GB/T 39366 Leather – Tests for Colour Fastness – Colour Fastness to Crocking IEC 60791-1-2 Colorfastness to crocking: textile floor coverings ISO 105-D02 Textiles – Tests for Colour Fastness – Part D02: Colour Fastness to Rubbing: Organic Solvents ISO 105-X12 Textiles – Tests for Colour Fastness – Part X12: Colour Fastness to Rubbing ISO 20433 Leather – Tests for Colour Fastness – Colour Fastness to Crocking JIS K6547 Testing method for colour fastness to rubbing of leathers JIS L0849 Test methods for colour fastness to rubbing D45 1010 Materials and Parts in Polymer Passenger Compartment – Inner and Outer – Colour Fastness to Rubbing MS-JP-1-3 Color Durability of Interior Materials STD 423-0037 Colour Fastness to Rubbing STD 1026, 8434 Colour Fastness to Rubbing
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