DIN 75220 Ageing of Automotive Components in Solar Simulation Units

The standard "DIN 75220 Aging of automotive components in solar simulation units," developed by the German Institute for Standardization (DIN), describes a test method for determining the aging behavior of polymer automotive components in their original mounting positions and assembly methods. This method is applicable to complex assemblies or entire vehicles and is therefore particularly suitable for demonstrating interactions between different materials or multiple components within a component.

Compared to the DIN 75202 standard, this standard is expanded and evaluates changes in all usage-related properties such as shape, colour, gloss, feel, strength and the consequences of thermal expansion under the influence of artificial spherical radiation, heat/cold and humidity.

The DIN 75220 standard defines a method for testing the climatic resistance of components used in road vehicles. This is particularly important for components exposed to changing environmental conditions, such as temperature changes, humidity, and solar radiation. The aim of this standard is to ensure that components maintain their functionality, safety, and performance in a wide range of climatic conditions. This is a particularly critical issue in the automotive industry, where vehicles operate in diverse environments worldwide.

This standard provides a climate stress test cycle intended to simulate real-world environmental exposure over a short period of time. It is commonly used in the qualification testing of materials and components, including:

• Exterior coatings
• Lighting components
• Plastic enclosures
• Electronic control units
• Seals and gaskets

By subjecting parts to accelerated aging, manufacturers can identify potential failures before mass production, increase product reliability, and reduce warranty claims.

This standard outlines a cyclic test procedure that includes the following changes:

• Temperature: Typically ranges from minus 40 degrees to plus 85 degrees (or more extreme depending on the application).
• Humidity: High humidity phases (e.g., 95 percent relative humidity) are included.
• Solar radiation simulation: Exposure to light and heat that mimics the effects of sunlight.
• Condensation phases: To simulate dew and moisture accumulation.

A typical test cycle lasts 24 hours, and components are exposed to this repeated stress for a specific number of cycles (e.g., 10 to 30 cycles) depending on the desired severity and product requirements.

The main advantages of this test are:

• Accelerated verification: Helps compress years of environmental exposure into days or weeks.
• Early failure detection: Reveals problems such as material degradation, cracking, corrosion or warping.
• Enhanced durability: Contributes to the design of components that can withstand long-term exposure in extreme climates.
• Standardized criteria: Provides consistency in testing procedures, ensuring manufacturers and suppliers align on quality expectations.

The DIN 75220 standard plays a key role in the automotive qualification process, particularly for exterior and electronic components subject to environmental exposure. Because vehicles are expected to operate reliably across continents—from arctic cold to desert heat—this standard helps ensure that automotive components are climate-resistant, safe, and high-performing throughout their service life.

The DIN 75220 standard is important because it helps ensure that automotive components can withstand real-world environmental stresses throughout a vehicle's lifespan. This standard is considered important for the following reasons:

• Ensures reliability in harsh conditions: Vehicles operate in dramatically changing environments, such as hot deserts, freezing winters, high humidity, coastal salt air, and more. This standard simulates extreme climatic conditions to test how components perform under such stress. This ensures that parts do not fail prematurely, even in harsh climates.
• Prevents safety risks: Failing components, such as cracked plastics, worn connectors, or weakened seals, can lead to safety issues, especially if they involve lighting, electronics, or structural parts. By testing for durability, this standard helps prevent failures that could compromise vehicle safety.
• Reduces warranty claims and costs: Field failures lead to costly recalls, repairs, and damage to brand reputation. Catching weaknesses during the development phase through this standardized testing helps reduce the risk of post-sale issues and lowers manufacturers' overall lifecycle costs.
• Supports standardization and supply chain compliance: Original equipment manufacturers and suppliers often operate in global supply chains. This standard provides a standardized testing method that ensures everyone evaluates parts against the same environmental criteria and improves communication and consistency among suppliers.
• Accelerated lifecycle simulation: Real-world weathering takes years, but this standard uses accelerated testing to replicate the same aging effects in weeks. This speeds development and helps manufacturers bring better products to market faster without sacrificing durability.
• Applicable to multiple component types: From headlights and plastic trim to sealing systems, this standard applies to a wide range of interior and exterior parts, making it a versatile tool for ensuring environmental durability.

Ultimately, the DIN 75220 standard is important because it provides a robust, efficient and standardised way to ensure that automotive components are climate-resistant, reliable and safe, no matter where the vehicle is used.

Our organization, which has been supporting businesses across all sectors for years through a wide range of testing, measurement, analysis, and evaluation activities, has a strong team of employees who closely follow global developments in science and technology and are constantly improving themselves. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the DIN 75220 "Aging of automotive components in solar simulation units" standard.