The FORD FLTM BI 113-01 standard developed by Ford Motor Company (FORD) describes a test method for determining the resistance of painted surfaces on metal and plastic parts to water and soap stains.
Water and soap stains on the paint are stains that can damage the paint. These stains can be caused by rain, sprinklers, puddles, car washes, children's spray guns, in short, almost any water that has not been filtered to remove minerals. These seemingly innocuous spots can erode the paintwork, permanently damaging, for example, car paint. These tiny white spots on paint or glass can happen just about anywhere water comes in contact with car paint.
Unfiltered water contains salts, impurities and minerals, especially calcium and magnesium carbonates. When water is left to dry, it leaves behind minerals and abrasives. Slowly but surely this creates a small crater in the paint. Over time, future water finds the same spot and makes the crater larger. This process is also known as etching, which happens when damage to the paint has occurred.
If the water spots are not cleaned and the paint is neglected, then things will go bad. Especially in summer, these spots, which are scorched by the sun, damage the paint. Over time, repeated exposure to hard water without removing the paint will make these stains difficult or even impossible to remove.
Especially in the automotive industry, the painting of plastic parts has a number of properties compared to other materials such as steel or aluminium. Less weight, less consumption and emissions, many design options and good thermal or acoustic insulation performance are just a few of them.
In general, plastics used in the automotive industry are highly elastic and flexible. These parts have the feature of restoring their original shape without being deformed or broken. However, water and soap stains that will remain on these parts turn into serious problems over time.
Our organization also provides water and soap staining test services for paint within the scope of FORD FLTM BI 113-01 standard, with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment, among the numerous test, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies it provides for businesses in various sectors.
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