Tests for Volvo – Requirements for materials and components in vehicle interiors
Our test laboratory performs testing according to Volvo specifications for materials and components used in the automotive interior. Volvo STD, VCS and other manufacturer-specific test methods are used in particular for material qualification, component approval and quality assurance of materials and surfaces for vehicle interiors.
The test portfolio ranges from physical testing and chemical analysis to the comprehensive assessment of emissions and odour. Materials tested include leather and leather fibre materials, coated textiles and artificial leather, textiles, plastics, elastomers, films, foams and composites, as well as components manufactured from these materials.
Main areas of Volvo testing:
Emissions of volatile substances: These include the determination of formaldehyde emissions using the modified bottle method as well as the analysis of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and total carbon emissions / TVOC by means of headspace gas chromatography. Depending on the method, GC-FID and mass-spectrometric evaluation may be used.
Fogging and odour: Fogging tests assess the tendency of condensable material emissions to form deposits on cooler surfaces. Depending on the Volvo method, the evaluation is carried out reflectometrically or gravimetrically. In addition, the odour behaviour of interior materials is assessed sensorially after defined temperature and humidity exposure.
Light, heat and ageing resistance: Volvo specifications include tests for light fastness, high-temperature light fastness and accelerated light ageing of interior materials. Colour changes and visible ageing effects are assessed after defined light and temperature exposure. Further methods evaluate ageing and material fatigue under specified climatic and thermal conditions.
Colour fastness and surface properties: Fastness tests include, among other things, examinations of colour transfer and the resistance of surfaces to mechanical stress. Specific Volvo methods assess, for example, dye transfer from jeans fabric. In addition, the soiling behaviour and cleanability of interior surfaces can be investigated.
Flammability: Testing of flammability and burning behaviour is used to assess the fire behaviour of materials and components used in vehicle interiors.
Chemical material and surface assessment: In addition to emission testing, specific chemical properties are investigated. This includes, for example, Volvo testing for leachable or releasable nickel from surfaces.
Volvo tests are particularly relevant for seat and upholstery materials, seat covers, door and side trim, instrument panels, centre consoles, headliners, textile interior trim and other decorative and functional surfaces in the vehicle interior. By combining emission analysis, sensory testing, physical material testing and chemical analysis, both material properties and the behaviour of complete components can be assessed comprehensively.
Below you will find the Volvo STD, VCS and other Volvo test methods offered by the FILK test laboratory. The individual test pages provide further information on test principles, procedures and relationships to related methods. Individual tests are performed within the accredited scope. Please also contact us regarding further Volvo specifications and specific test requirements.
Here you will find an overview of publishers of standards, specifications and regulations – including numerous automotive manufacturers – whose requirements are covered by testing in the FILK test laboratory.
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