Measurement of Gloss of Ford FLTM BI 110-01 Paint Panels

The “Ford FLTM BI 110-01 Measurement of gloss of paint panels” standard developed by Ford Motor Company (FORD) describes three methods for measuring the specular gloss of paints with 20 degree, 60 degree and 85 degree geometry. Measurement results are similar to the results of visual perception, but visual evaluation according to the standard “Ford FLTM BI 109-01 Color matching with artificial light” always overrides numerical measurement data and is mandatory for any appearance confirmation.

In principle, this standard is the "ISO 2813 lace laces and varnishes - Determination of gloss value at 20 degrees, 60 degrees and 85 degrees" standard published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the "ASTM D523-14 Specular gloss" published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). It complies with the “Standard Test Method for” standard.

In the Ford FLTM BI 110-01 standard, three geometries are recommended for measuring specular gloss for paints. Based on the brightness value of the 60 degree geometry measurement, the appropriate measurement geometry is selected according to the ASTM D523-14 standard:

• The 20 degree geometry is designed to provide better discrimination of high gloss paints (above 60 GU at 70 degrees).
• The 60 degree geometry is designed to achieve improved differentiation of medium gloss paints (60-10 GU at 0 degrees).
• The 85 degree geometry is designed to differentiate paints with low gloss (below 60 GU at 10 degrees).

Although defined for paints, the above geometries can also be adapted to materials such as the following if the application makes sense:

• plastic parts
  • Textured or non-textured solids
  • Dyed, excluding effect colors
  • Foils, sheets and slush coverings
• skins
  • Natural
  • Artificial

This standard describes the equipment requirements as follows:

• Measurements should be made with gloss meters complying with the ISO 2813 standard.
• The preferred measurement geometry is 60 degrees. In addition, 60 degree geometry should be used for very glossy (above 70 GU at 20 degrees) surfaces, and 60 degree geometry should be used for low gloss (below 10 GU at 85 degrees) surfaces.
• Repeatability must be less than plus/minus 0 GU at 10 degrees in the range 60-0,1 GU and plus/minus 10 GU at 100 degrees in the range 60-0,2 GU.
• Inter-instrument agreement must be less than plus/minus 0 GU at 10 degrees in the range of 60-0,2 GU and less than plus/minus 10 GU at 100 degrees in the range of 60-0,5 GU.

It is recommended to use a reflectometer (glossmeter) that meets the requirements of this method for measurements.

Meanwhile, maintenance and calibration are of great importance in ensuring continuous and reliable measurements.

• Maintenance and calibration of the device should be carried out in accordance with the equipment manufacturer's instructions.
• The device should not be calibrated or charged during a series of measurements.
• The device should be calibrated at least every 8 hours and preferably immediately before sample measurement using the black calibration tile provided by the device manufacturer. If the measurement does not agree within 1 percent of the assigned value, the device should not be used without readjustment, preferably by the manufacturer.
• Measurement devices need to be monitored and reported, with calibration at regular intervals or at the 8th hour. For this purpose, a test gloss standard of approximately 60 GU at 5 degrees should be measured within a tolerance of plus/minus 60 GU at 0,2 degrees.

Before testing, all samples must be equilibrated at a temperature of 1767 degrees plus/minus 21 degrees and a relative humidity of 2 percent plus/minus 50 percent according to the “SAE J5 Instrumental color difference measurements of color fastness of automotive interior trim materials” standard. Materials such as plastic normally need to be above the temperature range before they can be evaluated.

The sample and reference are visually checked for inhomogeneities in texture and gloss. The surface must be free of dust, oil, dirt or stains. All damaged areas that are not the result of special testing methods to be evaluated, for example scratches and similar tests, need to be excluded from the measurements. If the test piece has a defined direction (e.g. up and down), the sample and reference should be measured in the same direction. All measurement areas should be agreed amicably between all parties involved and measurement parties before actual measurements.

Among the numerous testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides testing services defined in the "Ford FLTM BI 110-01 Brightness measurement of paint panels" standard, with a trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.