Ford DVM-0055 Abrex Wear Test

The “Ford DVM-0055 Abrex Abrasion Test” standard, developed by Ford Motor Company (Ford), describes a test method used to evaluate the abrasion resistance of painted, coated, printed, and decorative automotive interior surfaces. This method simulates the repeated friction and contact created by occupants during normal vehicle use, such as touching buttons, switches, frames, trim panels, steering wheel controls, and other high-contact interior components.

This test uses the Abrex wear machine, a specialized device designed to more realistically replicate the mechanical movement of human fingertips and hands than traditional wear tests. The test helps determine whether coatings, graphics, symbols, and painted surfaces can maintain their appearance and functionality throughout the vehicle's lifespan.

The primary purposes of the Ford DVM-0055 standard are as follows:

• To evaluate resistance to surface abrasion and wear.
• To evaluate coating durability under repeated contact.
• To verify that the paint systems are not wearing out prematurely.
• Measuring the retention of color and gloss after exposure to abrasion.
• To ensure the long-term aesthetic quality of interior components.
• Verify material performance before production approval.

The Abrex system simulates human fingertip wear through a controlled sequence of movements:

• A compatible artificial fingertip makes contact with the surface under a specified load.
• The finger makes a rubbing or rolling motion over the sample.
• A textile medium may be present between the finger and the sample.
• This cycle is repeated thousands of times to reproduce years of real-world usage.

This technology has been specifically developed to mimic real human touch patterns and is based on the wear concepts described in the IEC/DIN EN 60068-2-70 standard, which addresses wear caused by fingers and hands.

While the exact requirements vary depending on the Ford material specification, this test generally checks for the following:

• Applied load
• Number of wear cycles
• Contact pressure
• Abrasive textile type
• Dry or wet test conditions
• Environmental conditioning
• Color and brightness evaluation criteria

Some Ford interior paint specifications allow high-contact areas to be tested up to 50 cycles and low-contact areas up to 30 cycles, with no paint abrasion permitted. Color change and gloss retention are also evaluated.

The Ford DVM-0055 standard is commonly used in the following areas:

• Painted plastic coatings
• Decorative interior coverings
• Printed symbols and text
• Switches and control panels
• Inner frames
• Metallic-look coatings
• Soft-touch coatings
• Decorative films and coatings

The following assessments are usually made after the test:

• Paint abrasion
• Coating peeling off
• Change in surface gloss
• color change
• Disappearance of printed markings
• Scratches or abrasions on the surface
• Exposure of the underlying layer
• Deterioration in visual appearance

A material generally passes the test when it shows minimal visual deterioration after a specified number of cycles and retains its functional and aesthetic properties.

Compared to traditional wear testing methods such as Crockmeter or Taber wear testing, Abrex wear testing offers the following:

• A better simulation of the human touch.
• More realistic wear patterns.
• Ability to evaluate surfaces with complex coatings.
• Better adaptation to real vehicle use.
• Better prediction of long-term indoor durability.

The Ford DVM-0055 standard is closely related to the following standards:

• Ford DVM-0019: Scratch resistance
• Ford DVM-0017: Contamination and Cleaning Behavior
• Ford DVM-0036: Sunscreen Resistance
• Ford DVM-0039: Insect repellent resistor.
• IEC 60068-2-70: Wear of finger and hand markings
• BMW GS97034 series: Abrex-based interior surface durability tests.

The Ford DVM-0055 standard is required because it evaluates how well the interior surfaces of a car withstand the repeated friction, contact, and use they are subjected to throughout the life of a vehicle. Interior components such as buttons, switches, steering wheel controls, center console trim, and decorative panels are touched thousands of times by vehicle occupants, making wear resistance a critical quality requirement.

• Ensures long-lasting appearance: Modern vehicles use painted, coated, printed, and decorative surfaces that need to maintain their appearance for many years. The Abrex test helps to verify this:
  • The paint will not wear off.
  • Decorative coatings remain intact.
  • Surface textures are preserved.
  • Brightness and color remain consistent.

Without adequate wear resistance, internal components can quickly appear worn and aged.

• It preserves functional markings: Many interior parts include:
  • Symbols on the keys
  • Climate control signs
  • Sound system icons
  • Backlit text
  • Safety-related labels

The Abrex test ensures these markings remain visible and legible after repeated use. If the symbols wear down, driving the vehicle can become more difficult and potentially less safe.

• Simulates real human contact: Unlike some traditional wear tests, the Abrex method is designed to simulate the movement and pressure of human fingers. This allows for more realistic wear patterns, better correlation with actual vehicle use, and better prediction of field performance. As a result, engineers can make more accurate durability assessments before production begins.
• Reduces warranty claims: Poor wear resistance can lead to peeling coatings, worn paint, missing graphics, and unsatisfactory appearance. With this standard, weak materials are identified during the development phase, reducing customer complaints, warranty costs, and replacement expenses.
• It supports material selection: Automotive suppliers often offer multiple coating and paint systems. Abrex testing allows for the following:
  • Comparing alternative materials
  • Verifying supplier quality
  • Choosing the most durable coating systems.
  • Defining consistent performance requirements.

In conclusion, the Ford DVM-0055 standard is an important durability standard as it verifies that interior trims, paints, and printed markings can withstand years of repeated human contact without excessive wear. By simulating realistic fingertip wear, the test helps ensure durability, functionality, appearance preservation, customer satisfaction, and compliance with quality requirements for automotive interior materials.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced team, 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 compliant with the Ford DVM-0055 standard.