Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA
Paint and paint-related approval tests according to OEM specifications
Are you looking for someone to assist you with sampling and approving your products and processes in accordance with current automotive industry standards and specifications? An independent partner with experience in carrying out tests on paint materials or painted components? Then you've come to the right place. With a well-established team, digital laboratory methods and an accredited testing laboratory according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025, we are in an ideal position to respond promptly and flexibly to your requirements and to sample your products reliably.
Our test laboratory staff are well-versed in performing tests on paint materials and the coated surfaces of interior and exterior automotive parts. We are your partner for improving productivity, sustainability and quality in the coating process chain. Get in touch with us!
OEM specifications (automotive)
Mercedes-Benz AG
The Department of Coating Systems and Painting Technology boasts over 20 years of expertise in conducting numerous test procedures on coated plastic and metal substrates in accordance with Mercedes-Benz AG factory test specifications, e.g. DBL 5425, DBL 7384 and DBL 7381. For many of the tests, Fraunhofer IPA also has a comparable test procedure accredited in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 on the basis of a normative document approved by DAkkS, the national accreditation body of the Federal Republic of Germany, for the flexible scope of application. We also provide assistance when it comes to developing and optimizing test specifications for current coating systems. We have proof of compliance with the requirements according to Mercedes Benz AG WEB 2020+ and the list in the WEB V100 document.
Download Certificate A-Laboratory (no longer required)
VW AG
Volkswagen AG (Materials Engineering) has approved the organizational units “Applied Coating Technology” and “Painting Process Engineering” to carry out selected Volkswagen test specifications. For many of the tests, Fraunhofer IPA also has a comparable test procedure accredited in accordance with DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 on the basis of a normative document approved by DAkkS, the national accreditation body of the Federal Republic of Germany, for the flexible scope of application.
BMW AG
The Department of Coating Systems and Painting Technology is authorized to conduct numerous test procedures on coated plastic substrates in accordance with BMW AG factory test specifications, e.g. GS 94007. We also provide assistance when it comes to developing and optimizing test specifications for existing coating systems.
Key services offered by our test laboratory
Climate and corrosion tests / weathering tests
- Behavior of coatings under the influence of moisture and/or temperature, cyclic climate test
- Resistance of coatings to artificial light and artificial weathering
Physicotechnical tests
- Estimation of the adhesive strength of coatings on a substrate (e.g. pressure water jetting test, multi-impact stone chip test)
- Resistance of coatings to abrasion and scratching caused by brushes, sponges or other materials
- Resistance of coatings to a mechanical action/load/stress (hardness)
Layer thickness measurements
Burning behavior tests
Analytical methods
Testing for substances that impair paint wetting
Resistance tests
- Resistance of coatings to various test substances/chemicals
- Crockmeter tests
- Tests with a laboratory car wash
Determination of fogging and odor behavior
- Behavior of materials towards condensation
- Odor characteristics under the influence of temperature and climatic conditions
Determination of optical properties
- Degree of gloss of a coating
- Color of a coating
- Haze and appearance of a surface