Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA
Surfaces and materials
Testing laboratory for paints, coatings and materials
When it comes to testing coated plastics and metals or other materials, or testing for paint-wetting impairment substances (PWIS), we will be delighted to offer you our independent testing laboratory with its highly qualified staff and many years of experience in all issues. As a system provider in the testing of substrates and coatings, we operate state-of-the-art laboratories with extensive equipment.
Specifications and standards are playing an increasingly important role in our industrial research and development (R&D) processes. They are the basis for a reproducible design and implementation of testing in conjunction with the outsourcing of particularly important development tasks. If the steps in the development process in closely linked and complex industry issues are to be protected, what is needed is a repetitive and reproducible activity. We support external customers and internal partners when it comes to all issues relating to testing technology in the surfaces and materials business segment.
Our testing laboratory, which is accredited in accordance with DIN EN ISO 17025:2018, conducts testing of coated and uncoated metals and plastics and offers testing for paint-wetting impairment substances (PWIS).
What makes us special:
- Independent testing laboratory
- Impartiality, confidentiality and objectivity
- International recognition
- Interdisciplinary team with maximum customer focus
- Specialist advice, continuous support and collaboration as partners
- Statements of conformity, taking account of measurement uncertainty
- Continuous development of the QM system and of the expertise of technical personnel
- Integration of the latest research findings into testing technology development
You will find an overview of the research units and analytics in our catalog.
Our experts in testing services will be happy to advise you and answer your questions. We look forward to receiving your call or inquiry by e-mail.
Tabbed contents
Coated plastics
Our testing laboratory will support you during initial sampling and system sampling on coated plastics in order to evaluate the coating quality in accordance with applicable standards and delivery specifications from various automobile manufacturers.
We are a certified testing laboratory that holds approval in accordance with OEM specifications from Mercedes-Benz Group AG based on WEB 2020+, Volkswagen AG (Porsche, Audi, Skoda, Seat), BMW AG and other OEMs.
- Mercedes-Benz specification, including DBL 5425, DBL 5428, DBL 7384 or 1302, DBL 7402, DBL 1302
- VW specification, including TL 226, TL 211
- BMW specification, including GS 94007
In addition to offering common test procedures, such as the multi-impact stone-chipping test, laboratory car wash test (Amtec-Kistler) and various (artificial) weathering and climatic test chambers, our extensively equipped laboratory also features an automated pressure water jet system for up to 30 samples as well as approval for emissions testing (e.g., odor testing, fogging).
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Coated metal components on the test bench for Mercedes-Benz TIER1 suppliers
Initial material sampling is the final hurdle before series production can begin. In the automotive industry in particular, it is subject to strict requirements. Our testing laboratory is qualified to carry out testing services in accordance with DBL 7381.10 as part of the initial material sampling process (WEB 2020+) at Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
Both the testing technology and the assessment and evaluation of the coated components by our experts meet the specifications and requirements of Mercedes-Benz AG.
Our testing services as part of DBL 7381.10 cover organically coated metal components for use on the vehicle exterior, underbody and engine.
Scope of testing services in accordance with DBL 7381.10
- Visual inspections
- Technical and mechanical testing
- Climatic testing
- Resistance to chemicals, test mixtures and test concentrates
- Analytical testing
PWIS
Paint-wetting impairment substances (PWIS) can cause major coating faults when applying paints (craters, swelling, paint-wetting impairment and much more) and are associated with high costs relating to reworking, fault-finding and repair.
Some potential paint-wetting impairment substances include silicone, oil, grease, softeners and separating agents.
However, these substances do not necessarily cause paint-wetting impairment, and so do not always need to be proscribed from use in paint. All substances and components used in the paint processing environment should therefore be tested in advance to identify any paint-wetting impairment substances.
At Fraunhofer IPA, testing for paint-wetting impairment substances are conducted in accordance with VDMA 24364, MBN 10494-3 and, where necessary, other specifications. Testing on compatibility with cathodic dip coatings (CDC) can also be completed.
In order to achieve maximum traceability and reproducibility, Fraunhofer IPA has obtained accreditation for testing paint compatibility from the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS) in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC17025.
Corrosion testing
The corrosion testing laboratory offers an extensive range of testing procedures. We carry out corrosion testing for many different industries, from mechanical and plant engineering to construction equipment and agricultural machinery, as well as the automotive industry, rail vehicle industry and general steel and metal construction. Our focus is DIN EN ISO 12944, an international standard relating to corrosion protection of steel structures with protective paint systems.
Choose from the following procedures:
- Resistance to condensation/condensation test DIN EN ISO 6270-1, DIN EN ISO 6270-2, DIN EN ISO 6988
- Corrosion resistance of coatings to constant condensation-water atmosphere with a temperature gradient (“Haagen test”)
- Salt spray test DIN EN ISO 9227-NSS, AAS and CASS, ASTM B 117 quoted in DIN EN ISO 12944-6
- Cyclic corrosion test DIN EN ISO 11997-1, ASTM B 117, ASTM B 368, ISO 1456, VW PV 1210, VDA 621-415
- Cyclic corrosion test for multi-metal (steel, zinc and aluminum) for automotive applications DIN EN ISO 11997-3, DIN 55365, VDA 233-102, VDEh SEP 1850
- Filiform corrosion DIN EN 3665; DIN EN ISO 4623-1,-2
- Test with sulfur dioxide under general moisture conditions (Kesternich test) DIN EN ISO 6988, DIN 50018
- Other tests available on request
Material testing
The quality of painted plastic parts depends on both the material used and the coating itself. This is why plastics are regularly tested in conjunction with the coating. The testing laboratory therefore sees itself as a system provider. In addition to the tests that are used for coatings, such as climatic testing and resistance testing, we also give you the opportunity to examine the properties of the materials. The following tests are available for this purpose
- Determining the tensile properties in accordance with DIN EN ISO 527-1/-2 on a universal testing machine
- Determining the Charpy impact properties in accordance with DIN EN ISO 179-1 on an impact testing machine.
- Determining the ash in accordance with DIN EN ISO 3451-1
- Determining the density in accordance with DIN EN ISO 1183-1 and DIN EN ISO 1183-1
- Other procedures available on request