Components, Semi-Finished Products, and Materials in the Vehicle Interior
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We offer VW 50180 testing in our accredited laboratory – fast, standard-compliant, and reliable – for the evaluation of the emission behavior of materials, semi-finished products, and components in the automotive interior.
The standard VW 50180 is a key standard of the Volkswagen Group and defines the requirements for the emission behavior of materials, components, and assemblies used in vehicle interiors. The purpose of this standard is to ensure that all materials provide high interior air quality through low VOC emissions, minimal condensate formation, and neutral odor behavior.
Testing according to VW 50180 includes several analytical and sensory procedures that address the main sources of emissions in the vehicle interior:
Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) – according to PV 3341 using GC-MS analysis, to determine the TVOC content (Total Volatile Organic Compounds) and the chemical composition of the emissions.
Condensable substances – according to PV 3015 (Fogging Test), to assess the deposition of volatile substances on cold surfaces (e.g., windshields).
Formaldehyde emissions – according to PV 3925, to quantify potential aldehyde release from materials and assemblies.
Odor testing – according to PV 3900 (analogous to VDA 270), for the sensory evaluation of odor characteristics of materials after defined conditioning.
This combination of chemical and sensory analysis enables a comprehensive assessment of the emission characteristics of materials and components – a critical aspect in the development and approval of low-emission interior components.
VW 50180 testing is performed on a wide range of materials typically used in the automotive interior, including:
Plastics (e.g., polypropylene/PP, ABS, polycarbonate/PC, PVC), polyurethane/PU and polyethylene/PE foams, textiles, fabrics, nonwovens, carpet materials, leather and synthetic leather, adhesives and sealants, paints, coatings and surface / decorative films, insulation and acoustic materials, composite materials, rubber/elastomers, thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), and wood-based materials for decorative elements.
Our testing lab at FILK Freiberg Institute is equipped with modern testing technology and has extensive experience in VOC, fogging, odor, and formaldehyde analysis. We support you in VW 50180 testing, in the interpretation of results, and in assessing material compliance according to the relevant OEM specifications.