Testing acc. to VDA 230-216: Test Methods for Leather in the Automotive Industry
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Our test laboratory performs testing according to VDA 230-216 for the characterization of leather used in the automotive industry. The test matrix covers basic mechanical properties, durability and wear, ageing, fastness and resistance tests as well as emission, comfort and performance characteristics.
VDA 230-216 brings together typical test procedures for leather. The specific material requirements are defined in the respective customer's technical delivery specifications and are not part of the VDA recommendation itself.
Applications of the tests
VDA 230-216 serves as an overarching test matrix for leather used in automotive applications. It enables a test programme to be compiled according to the material and application and covers physical and mechanical properties, surface resistance, ageing, emissions and further performance characteristics.
Depending on the relevant technical delivery specification, individual tests or more extensive combinations of tests can be selected from the matrix. Deviations from the specified test conditions are to be agreed and documented.
Content of VDA 230-216
Basic properties include sampling and conditioning as well as mass per unit area, thickness and surface coating thickness according to DIN EN ISO 17186. Mechanical characterization includes tensile strength and elongation according to DIN EN ISO 3376, tear load according to DIN EN ISO 3377-1, permanent elongation, softness according to DIN EN ISO 17235 and adhesion of finish according to DIN EN ISO 11644.
For the assessment of bending properties, the matrix specifies VDA 230-209 and DIN EN ISO 14087. Durability and wear testing includes flex resistance according to DIN EN ISO 5402-1, abrasion resistance according to VDA 230-211 and scratch resistance according to VDA 230-218. VDA 230-216 also includes low-temperature resistance and hydrolytic ageing according to VDA 230-208.
Material ageing also includes heat ageing, climatic change testing, hot-light fastness and hot-light ageing. For perforated leather, Section 5 contains an additional test for the light fastness of hole edges.
Fastness and resistance tests listed in the matrix include fastness to rubbing according to DIN EN ISO 11640, fastness to perspiration, fastness to water spotting, oil repellency, resistance to hand cream and sun lotion, resistance to insect repellent and colour fastness to migration. In addition, Section 5, Remark 2 describes a water/alcohol drop test for water-repellent leather.
Environmental and emission properties include fogging according to DIN 75201, emission testing according to VDA 277 and VDA 278, odour assessment according to VDA 270 and formaldehyde testing according to VDA 275. Flammability testing according to FMVSS 302 is also included in the matrix.
Further properties listed include water vapour permeability according to DIN EN ISO 14268, stick-slip behaviour according to VDA 230-206, friction behaviour, soiling and cleanability according to VDA 230-212, the loose grain effect according to VDA 230-205, air permeability of perforated leather and heat build-up characteristics according to VDA 230-215.
Further testing procedures in the testing laboratory
Further methods can be found in the overview of VDA tests and specifications for automotive interiors. You can also search for further standards and test methods in the FILK accredited testing laboratory.
