Ford CETP 00.00-L-3190 Automotive Cyclic Corrosion Test Standard

The “Ford CETP 00.00-L-3190 Automotive Cyclic Corrosion Test Standard,” developed by Ford Motor Company (Ford), is a test standard used globally for accelerated cyclic corrosion testing, particularly for painted aluminum panels. This standard is part of Ford’s corrosion/durability testing suite.

In the high-risk world of automotive manufacturing, ensuring the longevity and reliability of vehicle components is paramount. To this end, a series of rigorous testing protocols have been developed. Among these, the Ford CETP 00.00-L-3190 standard stands out as a cornerstone in evaluating corrosion resistance. The aim of this standard is to highlight the critical role of the methods used in maintaining vehicle durability.

Ford uses the Ford CETP 00.00-L-467 standard as another cyclic corrosion test for general parts. The L-3190 version is more specific (to aluminum panels) compared to the 467 version, which has a wider range of applications. The L-3190 test is relatively newer.

The method is referred to in the corrosion literature for aluminum as a 6-week (42-day) accelerated corrosion test (used in metallographic evaluation).

The Ford CETP 00.00-L-3190 standard includes a cyclical corrosion testing method. Cycles of salt spray/moisturizing/drying phases are used to accelerate the corrosion effects. Generally, the cycles include the following phases:

• Wet phase (salt spray): At approximately 25 degrees Celsius, in a high humidity environment (95% relative humidity), for approximately 6 hours.
• Transition phase: Ramp temperature (e.g., from 25 degrees to 40 degrees with high relative humidity, then from 40 degrees to 50 degrees with a decrease in relative humidity) for approximately 2,5 hours.
• Rinsing/soaking phase: At a constant temperature of approximately 50 degrees Celsius and 70% relative humidity, for approximately 15,5 hours.
• Weekend/rest phase: Approximately 50 degrees Celsius with 70% relative humidity, 48 hours (i.e., constant)

Post-test measurements may include corrosion assessment (white rust, red rust), metal loss, blistering, edge effects, and similar characteristics, depending on the coating and material.

The Ford CETP 00.00-L-3190 standard primarily includes the following information:

• The exact duration of each cycle (e.g., how many wet/dry transitions per week)
• Ramp speeds or humidity ramp profiles
• How many cycles (weeks) should a test run?
• Temperature, relative humidity variations, spray homogeneity, and salt concentration tolerances.
• Acceptance and pass/fail criteria (e.g., maximum allowed passes, blistering, etc.)
• Sample assembly, spacing, fixture, nozzle geometry.
• Data logging/instrumentation requirements
• Any proprietary additives (e.g., for edges, seams, adhesives)

Essentially, the Ford CETP 00.00-L-3190 standard is very similar to the “Ford CETP 00.00-L-467 Accelerated Cyclic Corrosion Test” standard. This standard is said to have revolutionized automotive corrosion testing. It is used to develop and qualify new corrosion products, and to develop new pretreatment and finishing processes.

The key specifications of the Ford CETP 00.00-L-467 standard are as follows:

• Total duration: 6 weeks (42 days) for the full testing campaign (frequently referred to in the literature as L-3190).
• Basic structure: Repeating 7-day profiles consisting of a 5-day weekday cycle followed by a 2-day weekend phase (common structure used in cyclical methods).
• Typical 5-day weekday cycle:
• Wet (salt spray/mist) phase.
• Transition/rise phase.
• Hot/humid holding phase.
• Weekend phase (2 days):
• Assessment: After testing is complete (or at intervals), panels are inspected for white rust, red rust, blistering, intergranular corrosion (for aluminum), and metallographic sections are typically used in aluminum to measure metal loss and pitting. The L-3190 standard uses metallography for welded/doped parts.

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 "Ford CETP 00.00-L-3190 Automotive cyclic corrosion test standard".