Chrysler PF-10938 Scratch and Abrasion Resistance of Molded Colored Plastic Parts

Stellantis, an American automobile brand and division of Chrysler, developed the “Chrysler PF-10938 Scratch and Abrasion Resistance of Molded Colored Plastic Parts” standard, an internal engineering standard that defines minimum requirements for evaluating and accepting the scratch and abrasion resistance of molded colored plastic parts used in automotive applications.

The primary purpose of this standard is to ensure that molded plastic parts, such as interior trim, exterior trim, frames, or other visible parts, maintain their aesthetic appearance over time. This standard aims to:

• To produce plastic parts that are resistant to scratches, abrasion, or surface damage, which could diminish the overall quality and visual appeal of the vehicle.
• To verify that the molding process itself does not create residual stresses that negatively affect the material's resistance to scratching and abrasion damage.

This is especially important for plastics that are colored during molding (not subsequently painted or coated), as these parts lack additional protective layers and must withstand daily wear, contact, or tear without showing visible deterioration.

The Chrysler PF-10938 standard applies to molded colored thermoplastic components used in automotive interior or exterior applications where appearance is critical. It establishes acceptance criteria for engineering approval, focusing on performance after the molding process.

The Chrysler PF-10938 standard refers to, or conforms to, a procedure that typically uses a multi-finger (five-finger) scratch and wear testing device. This device simulates linear scratching with multiple weighted fingers equipped with interchangeable tips (e.g., 1,0 mm or 7,0 mm hemispherical tips for scratch and wear simulation).

This testing method is closely related to the Chrysler LP-463DD-18 standard procedure, which details determining scratch and abrasion resistance via a single-pass, linearly oriented multi-finger scratching device, and is generally performed using the same equipment.

The key aspects of this testing method are as follows:

• To simulate different force levels, controlled loads are applied (e.g., through weights ranging from 2N to 20N or more).
• To assess surface damage visually or through measurement (e.g., change in gloss, depth of marks, or subjective rating scales).
• It evaluates resistance to both scratches (narrow, deep marks) and abrasion (wider, shallower surface degradation).

The Taber multi-finger scratch/wear tester (Model 710 or equivalent) is the most commonly cited device compliant with the PF-10938 standard, as it conforms to the device described in the Chrysler/Daimler specifications.

The Chrysler PF-10938 standard is among the legacy FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles) standards and continues to be referenced by test laboratories, material suppliers, and automotive first-tier manufacturers for quality control and product development. Similar standards from other original equipment manufacturers include:

• Ford BN 108-13 or BO 162-01
• General Motors GMN 3943 or GMW 14698
• Nissan NES M0159

These standards help ensure consistent durability in plastic components in vehicles.

The Chrysler PF-10938 standard is required because plastic parts that are directly pigmented during the molding process (not subsequently painted or coated) lack an additional protective surface layer. This makes them naturally more vulnerable to visible damage from everyday contact, which can quickly compromise a vehicle's perceived quality and long-term appeal.

The main reasons why this standard is considered necessary are as follows:

• Maintaining aesthetics and perceived quality: Scratches, blemishes (shallower surface imperfections), or abrasions visible on interior trim (e.g., instrument panels, door panels, consoles), exterior trim, frames, or other unpainted parts can cause the vehicle to appear worn or of poor quality much sooner than expected. The clear aim of this standard is to produce molded plastic parts that are scratch and stain resistant and therefore do not impair the vehicle's aesthetics or detract from its quality appearance. In a competitive automotive market, first impressions and long-term like-new appearance greatly influence customer satisfaction, brand perception, and resale value.
• Simulating real-world wear without protective coatings: Painted or coated plastics benefit from an extra barrier against wear, but MIC parts are entirely dependent on material formulation and molding process. Everyday scenarios—fingernails, keys, rings, cleaning tools, clothing abrasion (e.g., knees rubbing against door panels) or assembly/handling damage—can cause visible marks. Without strong intrinsic resistance, these issues lead to complaints. This is reflected in broader industry research, where scratch/marking-related defects account for a significant portion of consumer issues (e.g., over 50 percent in some quality surveys regarding coating damage).
• Self-validation of the molding process: This standard also verifies that residual stresses from injection molding do not impair the surface performance of the material. Poor molding can create internal stresses that make the plastic more susceptible to cracking, whitening, or visible damage under load, even if the base resin appears suitable. The Chrysler PF-10938 standard prevents post-production surprises by ensuring the final molded part meets durability criteria.

In conclusion, the Chrysler PF-10938 standard exists to meet the demand for vehicles that maintain their superior appearance for years of use through cost-effective, unpainted plastic designs. This standard establishes objective, repeatable acceptance criteria so that suppliers and original equipment manufacturers can consistently deliver parts that withstand real-world conditions without relying on secondary coatings. Similar requirements are seen in other original equipment manufacturers for the same reasons. Maintaining appearance is a significant factor in the overall perception of vehicle quality.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its customers, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services compliant with the Chrysler PF-10938 standard.