The automobile was invented in Germany, as were the truck, the bus and the electric motor. The world's first computer, the Z1, was a motor-driven mechanical calculating machine built by Konrad Zuse in his parents' living room. Karl Otto Lilienthal paved the way for the "heavier than air" flight principle and the later breakthrough of commercial aviation with his flying machine and his first reproducible flight experiments. It is no wonder, then, that these industries are a dominant economic sector in Germany.
As a research partner and testing service provider, we are at your side with our materials expertise and technological know-how for interior, especially for vehicle construction, aircraft, ship and rail vehicle construction, not only in Germany but worldwide.
Our consulting services, support in material developments and the services of our accredited testing laboratory are based on many years of experience and a particularly good understanding of the needs of these industries.
Testing Laboratory Services in the Automotive and Vehicle Sector with Focus on the Interior
Our automotive and mobility testing services focus on the comprehensive evaluation of materials and components used in vehicle interiors, where the highest standards of quality, functionality, safety and comfort must be met. Modern vehicle interiors combine a wide range of materials—from leather, synthetic leather and textiles to plastics, films, coatings and complex composite materials. These materials not only define the appearance and tactile quality of a vehicle but also have a significant influence on comfort, durability and the overall perception of product quality.
The accredited FILK testing laboratory supports automotive manufacturers, suppliers and development partners in material selection, product development, quality assurance and approval testing of interior materials. Our testing services are tailored to the demanding requirements of the international automotive industry and include customer-specific specifications as well as the requirements of leading vehicle manufacturers such as Volkswagen, Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Ford, Stellantis, Toyota and many other OEMs and system suppliers.
Physical and Mechanical Testing of Interior Materials
A major focus of our laboratory is the testing of leather, synthetic leather and textile materials used in vehicle interiors. We evaluate seat upholstery, door trim, instrument panel materials, steering wheel coverings, headliners, carpets, interior trim parts and other interior components with regard to their mechanical, physical and functional properties. Our testing portfolio includes tensile strength, tear strength, seam strength, abrasion resistance, rub resistance, flexural behaviour, folding behaviour, scratch resistance, coating adhesion, colour fastness, rub fastness, light fastness, ageing resistance, and resistance to cleaning and care products.
Emission and odour testing plays a key role in the automotive industry. FILK evaluates materials and material assemblies for volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions, fogging behaviour, outgassing characteristics and odour properties. These tests support manufacturers and suppliers in the development of low-emission interior materials and in meeting demanding OEM specifications for vehicle interior air quality.
Chemical Testing
In addition, we perform chemical analyses and material characterisation to assess the composition, ageing behaviour and quality of materials. We investigate plastics, elastomers, leather, synthetic leather, textiles, coatings and adhesive systems with regard to relevant substances and material-specific properties. Our analytical services include the determination of regulated substances, material composition analysis, testing in accordance with legal requirements, REACH compliance testing, and customer-specific analytical investigations.
Failure Analysis and Complaint Investigation
Another important part of our services is the investigation of material failures, quality deviations and customer complaints. By combining microscopic examinations, chemical analysis and physical-mechanical testing, we identify damage mechanisms, determine root causes and support manufacturers and suppliers in optimising materials, manufacturing processes and product quality.
Materials Expertise for the Mobility of Tomorrow
In addition to conventional automotive applications, our materials expertise also supports other mobility sectors, including the aerospace, marine and railway industries. Our testing and analytical services contribute to the development and qualification of functional materials, advanced surfaces and flexible material systems. By combining materials research, chemical analysis and accredited testing, FILK provides a reliable basis for safe, durable and high-quality mobility solutions.
You can search directly for individual test methods and specifications or explore our testing services for manufacturers such as Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz/Dailmler, PSA, Tesla or Ford.
You can also access an overview of our testing laboratory..
Below you will find a list of our automotive related testing services:
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