EDAG PVE.4.03.01.0001 Scratch Resistance

The "EDAG PVE.4.03.01.0001 Scratch resistance" standard, published by the EDAG Group, one of the world's largest independent engineering partners for vehicles and smart factories, describes a test method for determining the scratch resistance of painted and unpainted components. For this purpose, the surface is subjected to external mechanical abrasion in the form of scratching.

The tests use a scratch tool and a drawing pin with clamped and appropriately secured scratch pins. The scratch tool is a 430P scratch hardness tester manufactured by Erichsen. The scratch pin has a 1 mm diameter carbide tip; the test tip of the Model 318 hardness tester manufactured by Erichsen is most suitable.

The tests also use a spectrophotometer that meets the general requirements of DIN 5033-1, ISO/CIE 11664-3, ISO/CIE 11664-4 and DIN 5033-7 standards, 45 degree / 0 degree or 0 degree / 45 degree geometric measurements in accordance with the DIN 5033-7 standard, visual evaluation under light in accordance with DIN 6173-1 and DIN 6173-2 standards, and D65 standard light.

The test sample is placed flat on the sample holder and the measuring device's support table. Visual assessment is performed. The gloss value is determined according to CIELab. Test parameters are tracking force and scratch rate.

During testing, an automatically guided scratch pin scratches a grid pattern on the painted or unpainted surface with a line spacing of approximately 2 mm. Each scratch is scratched only once in a single direction. For evaluation, the color deviation compared to the unstressed surface is determined with a colorimeter.

Test pieces should be cut from finished parts. The shape and size of the specimen holder and measuring device should be designed to provide a flat support and allow for a single-direction scratching motion of at least 40 mm across the specimen surface. Furthermore, the test and support surfaces should be parallel to each other.

When preparing the sample, the sample surface must be smooth and free of dirt. Testing should be performed with clean, oil-free hands. Samples should be stored for at least 48 hours under standard environmental conditions (23°C and 500% relative humidity) as per ISO 554.

The test is performed at room temperature. A grid pattern is created using a scriber. A minimum of 20 scratches are made with 2 mm spacing between the grid lines. The scratches are repeated perpendicular to the existing lines, creating a grid pattern. The scratches are applied in one direction only.

The test parameters are as follows:

• Pursuit force:
  • 5 N/10 N for unpainted components (tracking force depends on mounting location on vehicle and component requirements)
  • 10 N for painted components
• Scratch speed: 1000 mm/min.

The target results are as follows:

• The maximum brightness value is 1,5.
• The characteristic value of the visual evaluation is at most 2B. The evaluation should be based on the criteria given in the tables).
• Light scars from stress are permissible.
• Damaged or destroyed surfaces with irreparable effects such as chipping of paint are not allowed.

The evaluation is done as follows:

• Visual assessment of the stressed surface according to the evaluation criteria listed in the tables.
• For metrological evaluation, the difference in brightness value between the unplotted and plotted areas of the measured value determined colorimetrically is given (measured value = average of at least 5 separate measurements).
• Measurement method in accordance with ISO/CIE 11664-3 standard.
• Colour space in accordance with ISO/CIE 11664-4 standard.
• Illuminator: D65 / 10 degrees.
• Measuring area diameter: At least 7 mm.
• Furthermore, the correspondence of the measured values ​​to the visual impression must be checked (even in the case of appropriate metrological evaluation).
• Creating the test report in accordance with the ISO/IEC 17025 standard and the requirements specified in the relevant standard and test specifications.
• Once a print becomes easily recognizable, the surface should be evaluated according to the second table.

According to the table titled “Evaluation of the visibility of a print (without magnification)”:

• 1 = No visible trace (no change in the surface)
• 2 = Small / light scars
• 3 = Significant traces are visible

According to the table titled “Assessment of surface change (6x to 8x magnification)”:

• A = Only brightness and/or color change (light/dark contrast)
• B = Deformed surface (pit)
• C = Damaged surface (damaged surface with irreparable damage to the coating/top coat/substrate etc.)

In short, the EDAG PVE.4.03.01.0001 standard specifies requirements and procedures for the visual inspection of exterior painted surfaces on automotive components. This standard is part of a suite of protocols designed to ensure high-quality results on vehicle exteriors, focusing on the consistency, aesthetics, and durability of painted surfaces.

This standard addresses the visual characteristics of painted exterior components, ensuring they meet predetermined quality criteria. It is designed for use in automotive manufacturing and quality control processes to evaluate the surface appearance of painted parts such as body panels, bumpers, and other exterior elements.

The objectives of this standard are to:

• To define uniform criteria for evaluating surface quality, including gloss, color consistency, and texture.
• Ensuring that painted components meet aesthetic and functional requirements.
• To provide guidelines for visual inspection under standard conditions to minimize subjectivity.

This standard specifies several critical issues for the inspection of painted surfaces:

• Test setup and conditions: To ensure consistent evaluation, inspections should be conducted under controlled lighting conditions. This standard specifies the use of specific lighting angles and intensities to highlight surface imperfections. Environmental factors such as temperature and humidity are controlled to avoid affecting inspection results.
• Visual inspection criteria: Surfaces must present a uniform appearance throughout the component and be free from defects such as orange peel, bleeds, or inclusions. This standard emphasizes the importance of matching the surface to approved reference samples for color, gloss, and texture.

The following are noted in visual features:

• Color consistency: To ensure that the painted surface conforms to the specified color standard.
• Gloss level: Measurement of reflectance quality to ensure the surface meets the required gloss units.
• Surface texture: Evaluation of the smoothness and homogeneity of the painted surface.

• Accept conditions:
  • Components must meet predefined tolerances for surface imperfections.
  • Deviations such as scratches, dust particles or uneven coating must be within acceptable limits defined by the standard.
  • This standard refers to relevant protocols, such as the ISO 2409 standard for cross-cut testing, if necessary for additional assessment of coating adhesion.

The EDAG PVE.4.03.01.0001 standard is widely used by automotive manufacturers and suppliers to provide high-quality exterior coatings. This standard is applied in the following processes:

• Production quality control: Ensuring that painted components meet aesthetic and functional standards before assembly.
• Supplier audits: Verifying that third-party suppliers comply with EDAG quality requirements.
• Prototype development: Evaluating the surface quality of prototype components to improve manufacturing processes.

Providing clear guidelines for visual inspection, the PVE.4.03.01.0001 standard helps automotive manufacturers achieve:

• Consistency: A uniform appearance across all painted parts enhances brand quality.
• Customer satisfaction: High-quality surfaces that meet consumer vehicle aesthetic expectations.
• Cost efficiency: Early detection of surface defects, reducing rework and warranty claims.

Consequently, the EDAG PVE.4.03.01.0001 standard plays a critical role in ensuring the quality of exterior painted surfaces in the automotive industry. By defining rigorous inspection criteria and procedures, it helps manufacturers deliver visually appealing and durable components. As part of the EDAG Group's comprehensive approach to automotive engineering, this standard emphasizes the importance of precision and consistency in achieving high-quality vehicle surfaces.

Our organization, which has been operating for many years and meticulously follows global developments in science and technology, conducts testing, measurement, and analysis in a wide range of areas for businesses across all sectors with a skilled team and extensive infrastructure. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the "EDAG PVE.4.03.01.0001 Scratch Resistance" standard.