FCA LP-463PB-31-01 Liquid Resistance Test (Stellantis Compatible)

The “FCA LP-463PB-31-01 Fluid Resistance Test (Stellantis compliant)” standard, developed by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) (now Stellantis), an Italian-American automotive company, describes various test methods for determining the resistance of coated surfaces and films to global commercial fluids. This standard does not propose material-based fluid resistance test requirements. Requirements are determined by the specification of the relevant product material. For example, the MS.50519 standard applies to interior coatings. This specification includes limitations for testing thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and other rubber families. The company should be consulted for applicable test conditions.

The test methods were determined as follows:

• Method A Hot-dip test: The painted test panel is immersed in the test liquid until 75% of the panel is submerged. The test should be performed at a temperature of 82°C. If the test liquid is highly volatile, this process should be carried out in a closed container. Flammable materials should not be heated with an open flame. The immersion time is as specified in the applicable material standard. If no immersion time is specified, 2 hours is used. The panels are inspected after a 4-hour recovery period.
• Method B Point test: Prepare 3 pairs of plotted panels labeled for 5, 18, and 24 hours. Each plotter draws a 25,4 mm X-shaped line through all coating layers down to the substrate of the sample. Test liquid is applied drop by drop to the center of each X until a 25,4 mm point diameter is achieved without dripping. Immediately after the appropriate time interval (5, 18, and 24 hours), any remaining liquid is wiped away, and the panels are examined. Before storing, any residue on the panel is wiped away with a dry or damp cloth.
• Method C Immersion test: This method should only be used with volatile liquids. The center of a painted panel is scored. The scorer draws a 25,4 mm X-shaped line through all coating layers down to the substrate. The test panel is immersed in the test liquid (the specified material specification defines the liquid) for 15 seconds, with 75% of the panel covered. The entire X must be submerged. It is removed and allowed to dry for 2 minutes. The immersion cycle is repeated 10 times. After a 30-minute recovery period, the test samples are examined.
• Method D Sunscreen test: Three samples should be taken for each condition. A terracotta cloth is placed on the painted panel. Approximately 0,18 to 0,20 g of sunscreen is placed on the permeable terracotta cloth. The fall and terracotta cloth are covered with an aluminum panel. A 500-gram weight is placed directly on the fall area. The panel is placed in an oven at 75-80 degrees. After 1 hour, the panel is removed from the oven, and the weight and aluminum plate are removed. The terracotta cloth is peeled off, the panels are allowed to cool to room temperature for 15 minutes, and the panel is graded according to the following scales:
• A. The pottery cloth is examined to check for any color transfer and graded using scale C.
• B. The side of the fingernail is passed over the sample area four times at different points, applying moderate pressure, and graded using the P scale.

Before storing, wipe off any remaining sunscreen residue from the panel with a dry or damp cloth.

This standard also defines the following methods:

• Method E Diesel fuel test
• Method F: Water and soap stain test
• Method G: Warm water immersion for metal parts.
• Method H: Acid or alkaline stain test
• Method 1 Acid stain test - Hydrochloric acid solution in a sunlamp cabinet.
• Method J Solvent wiping resistance - Friction test
• Method K Room fragrance resistance
• Method L: Immersion in water for painted plastic surfaces.

Unless otherwise specified in the material specification, tests should be performed in triplicate. If automotive components are to be tested, approval must be obtained from the responsible materials engineer prior to testing. The coating must be fully cured, and the thickness of each layer must be within the paint supplier's guidelines, unless otherwise specified by the materials engineer.

In the fast-paced automotive industry, ensuring the longevity and aesthetic integrity of vehicle coatings is paramount. Paint systems on cars, trucks, and SUVs must withstand not only weather conditions but also everyday exposure to substances such as road chemicals, cleaning agents, and personal care products. The FCA LP-463PB-31-01 standard plays a crucial role in quality assurance, helping manufacturers verify that coatings reliably perform in real-world conditions.

Essentially, the FCA LP-463PB-31-01 standard evaluates how paint films react to various liquids through a series of targeted methods, each simulating different exposure scenarios. Panels coated with the test paint are subjected to controlled liquid applications, followed by visual and performance evaluations. This standard offers multiple sub-methods providing flexibility for different applications, such as under-hood components or exterior panels. These tests are conducted at controlled temperatures (typically 23 degrees plus/minus 2 degrees) and humidity, for durations ranging from 1 hour to 7 days. Acceptance is based on minimum visual defects (e.g., no more than 2 percent of the affected area) and quantitative measurements such as preservation of film thickness (micrographic analysis). For plastic surfaces, additional pretreatment may be required, as specified in the FCA's MS.90089 standard.

Paint degradation can lead to costly recalls, warranty claims, and reputational damage. The FCA LP-463PB-31-01 standard ensures suppliers' coatings meet stringent criteria, reducing problems such as faded trim from sunscreen or cracked surfaces from liquid spills.

As Stellantis moves towards sustainable paints (e.g., water-based systems), future updates to this standard may include eco-friendly liquid simulators, complying with EU regulations on volatile organic compounds.

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 to businesses in accordance with the "FCA LP-463PB-31-01 Liquid resistance test (Stellantis compliant)" standard.