DBL 5348 Compact Artificial Leather Supply Specification

The “DBL 5348 Compact Artificial Leather Supply Specification” standard, developed by Daimler, the owner of the Mercedes-Benz brand, describes the requirements, material properties, test methods, and quality criteria for foamed (expanded/foamed) and compact artificial leather (synthetic leather) used in vehicle interiors. These materials are commonly used in automotive upholstery components such as seat covers, door panels, instrument panels, armrests, headliners, and other interior surfaces where a leather-like look, feel, durability, and resistance to environmental stresses are required.

The DBL 5348 standard typically includes detailed tables listing various types/versions of synthetic leather and specifies the following:

• Surface types and finishes (e.g., grain patterns, smooth or textured)
• Area weight
• Thickness requirements
• Basic materials and compositions (e.g., PVC, PU-based or other textile-backed polymers)
• Application examples in Mercedes-Benz vehicles.
• References to cross-linked test standards (e.g., for aging and wear)

The features typically tested include:

• Physical properties: Thickness (including microscopic layer determination, e.g. § 7.4), mass per unit area, tensile strength, tear resistance.

DBL 5348 § 7.4 generally addresses abrasion resistance (surface abrasion resistance). This section defines the requirements and test method used to assess how well artificial leather resists surface abrasion caused by friction and mechanical friction. Automotive interior materials are subjected to repeated sliding motion, garment friction, entry/exit abrasion, and prolonged mechanical stress. This standard ensures that the surface coating and decorative layer remain intact throughout the vehicle's lifespan.

• Surface behavior: Adhesion-slip (creaking/noise generation during friction), friction behavior (especially comparison between synthetic leather and synthetic leather or other materials).
• Durability and resistance: Abrasion, scratch resistance, flexural crack resistance.
• Environmental resistance: Lightfastness / xenon aging, heat aging, moisture resistance, fogging (emissions), combustion behavior.
• Chemical resistance: Resistance to cleaning agents and maintenance products (e.g., § 9.3 specifically tests compatibility with indoor cleaners).

DBL 5348 § 9.3 generally refers to resistance to cleaning and maintenance products (chemical resistance). This section evaluates how the artificial leather surface behaves when exposed to cleaning agents and maintenance products typically used in vehicle interiors. Automotive seat and upholstery materials are regularly exposed to interior cleaners, disinfectants, maintenance lotions, mild solvents, and water-based cleaning agents. This standard guarantees that the decorative surface layer will not discolor, become sticky, or soften or crack.

• Other: Seam strength, color fastness, odor, soiling/cleanability.

These tests ensure the material meets the stringent requirements of automotive interiors: long-term durability, low emissions (volatile organic compounds/fogging), pleasant tactile feel, and compliance with original equipment manufacturer quality standards.

Mercedes-Benz DBL 5348 and similar standards are mandatory for first-tier suppliers producing interior trim parts. Compliance is verified through initial sample approval and ongoing quality controls. Failure in critical tests (e.g., adhesion-slip resulting in disturbing interior noises) may lead to rejection.

This standard has evolved over time to reflect advances in synthetic leather technology (shifting to more sustainable PU-based or low-emission formulations) and stricter environmental regulations.

In short, the DBL 5348 standard is a supply specification standard published for foam and compressed synthetic leather, primarily used in the automotive industry. This standard defines material requirements, test methods, and delivery quality conditions for these materials when supplied to vehicle manufacturers or component manufacturers. This standard focuses specifically on foam or compressed synthetic leather.

The DBL 5348 standard outlines detailed technical requirements for artificial leather (including mechanical properties and behavior under normal conditions of use), ensuring the material performs as expected in vehicle interiors.

The basic requirements are:

• Dimensional stability: The material should not change by more than approximately 1 percent in the longitudinal or transverse direction during storage or transport.
• Manufacturing quality: The synthetic leather must be free from defects that impair its appearance or performance.
• Processing capability: It must be able to be sewn and welded with a high-frequency weld seam without cracking or structural problems.

These requirements help ensure that materials supplied to automotive manufacturers are consistent, durable, and suitable for production processes.

This standard includes numerous tests and measurement criteria used to evaluate artificial leather. These include:

• Mechanical properties such as tensile strength, elongation, tear resistance, stiffness, and flexural behavior.
• Surface and visual properties such as scratch resistance and abrasion resistance.
• Environmental resistance such as resistance to heat and cold, as well as resistance to light and aging.
• Cleanability and chemical resistance, including behavior under cleaning and maintenance products.
• Color stability and staining tests, such as color change in specific amine atmospheres.

Each test has specific conditions and acceptance criteria that materials must meet before being approved for use.

The DBL 5348 standard serves as a reference standard for suppliers and quality engineers throughout the automotive value chain.

• It provides a standardized evaluation of artificial leather from different manufacturers.
• It provides benchmarking criteria for product development, quality control, and contract specifications.
• Daimler's internal quality system ensures compliance with environmental protection, safety, and industrial requirements.

In practice, automotive original equipment manufacturers and suppliers rely on DBL standards (including DBL 5348) to ensure consistency in quality expectations and test methods for materials used in internal components.

The DBL 5348 standard is considered important because it ensures consistency and performance. By defining strict requirements and test methods, this standard helps foam and compact synthetic leather to meet the following criteria:

• It delivers reliable performance in demanding automotive environments.
• Suitable for manufacturing processes such as sewing and welding.
• It maintains the appearance and durability of the vehicle throughout its lifespan.

This results in better final product quality, fewer production errors, and higher customer satisfaction for the vehicle manufacturer.

In conclusion, the DBL 5348 standard is a detailed supply specification regulating the quality and testing of foam and compact synthetic leather used in automotive interiors. By establishing clear criteria for mechanical, physical, and processing properties, it ensures that materials meet the rigorous standards required in the automotive industry.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced team, has been understanding the needs of its clients, 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 DBL 5348 standard.