Testing acc. to VDA 237-101: Handle indentation depth of foam films (Sec. 4 in conjunction with Sec. 5, Comment 2)
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Our test laboratory performs the test according to VDA 237-101 for determining the handle indentation depth of foam films. The test is used for the quantitative assessment of the softness and haptic properties of foam films for automotive interiors. It allows the compliance behaviour of different foam films and material constructions to be compared objectively.
The test is listed in VDA 237-101 – Testing Procedures for Semi-Finished Film Products in the Automotive Industry in Section 4 and described in Section 5, Comment 2.
Testing according to VDA 237-101
During the test, the foam film is subjected to a centric mechanical load using a cylindrical stamp. The measured parameter is the handle indentation depth. Differences in indentation depth indicate differences in the compliance and handle behaviour of the foam film.
The method is defined directly within VDA 237-101 and does not have a separate test standard of its own.
Applications of the test
The test is suitable for foam films used as soft surfaces in vehicle interiors, for example in instrument panels, door trim or other soft-touch surfaces.
The handle indentation depth can be used to quantify differences between foam formulations, foam densities, layer constructions or material variants. The test therefore complements subjective haptic assessment with a reproducible measured value.
Related standards
Closely related is the determination of compression stress-strain characteristics according to DIN EN ISO 3386-1 for low-density flexible cellular materials.
As a supplementary assessment of behaviour after compressive loading, the compression set according to DIN EN ISO 1856 can also be determined. These methods, however, characterize different material properties from the handle indentation depth according to VDA 237-101.
