Abrasion Test of Leather by Means of a Ball Plate (replacement for AA-N 070)
Material
Our test laboratory performs testing in accordance with the BMW standard AA-0412 under accredited procedures. This Martindale abrasion test on leather using a ball plate is a standardized method for determining the abrasion and wear resistance of leather and leather fiber materials in automotive applications. The test methodology is designed to evaluate the mechanical durability and service performance of leather materials used in vehicle interiors, such as seats, trim components, or steering wheel covers, where they are subject to daily mechanical stress.
During testing according to BMW AA-0412, standardized leather specimens are examined under defined test conditions. In contrast to purely manual rubbing tests, a ball plate is used to generate uniform abrasion movements on the leather surface, thereby assessing the material’s resistance to repeated mechanical stress. The specimen is subjected to a defined number of abrasion cycles under a specified load. The resulting wear and surface changes are systematically recorded and subsequently evaluated according to the standard’s assessment criteria.