FORD FLTM BI 157-06 High Performance Stone Scratch Resistance Test New Rating Scale

The standard “FORD FLTM BI 157-06 High-performance stone scratch resistance test new rating scale” developed by Ford Motor Company (FORD) describes a procedure for evaluating the performance of single and multi-layer paints and similar coatings when subjected to stresses induced by low-mass, high-velocity impacting objects (such as those encountered on highway and rail vehicles and traffic equipment).

Stone chip resistance testing is widely used in the automotive industry to determine the resistance of coatings subject to cracking caused by stones. Stone chip testing is a test used to determine how resistant the coatings on the exterior of vehicles are to cracking when struck by objects such as gravel and stones at high speeds. These tests are performed on exterior mirrors, rims and similar coated metal and plastic parts. This test is largely performed by automotive manufacturers and suppliers.

High-performance coatings are a type of protective coating designed to extend the life of industrial surfaces and components. These coatings are formulated with advanced chemistry that provides superior protection against a variety of environmental factors, including extreme temperatures and corrosive elements. High-performance coatings are applied in a thicker layer than conventional coatings, providing extra protection where it's needed most.

High-performance coatings are specially formulated paints designed to protect industrial surfaces from corrosion, extreme temperatures and harsh conditions. They have superior durability than traditional coatings and offer a variety of other benefits for industrial maintenance.

Stone chip resistance of automotive coatings, i.e. the ability to withstand impact from stones with minimal damage, is considered one of the important characteristics during service. Modern automotive coatings are applied as multilayer systems.

The study of chipping resistance requires sophisticated testing and analysis equipment. Therefore, it is useful to know the relationship between chipping resistance and other mechanical properties, especially in the early stages of coating development. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis is a well-established method for characterizing polymeric materials. It is frequently used to derive structure-property relationships and, more specifically, to study the effects of coating formulation, curing schedule, and abrasion on the mechanical properties of coatings.

Stone chips are a common feature in car paintwork, usually on the bonnet or bumper. They cause small, deep and very localized damage to the paintwork. Stone chips on bonnets are usually the result of gravel and road debris being thrown into the vehicle from the tires of the vehicles in front. The debris is more likely to be thrown, especially due to the high speed of the vehicles in front. At high speeds, small stones can leave a chip or small mark in the paintwork.

These tests often use a gravelometer machine, which uses compressed air to spray gravel or other media onto the test specimen, simulating different degrees of damage caused by stone and sand hitting the surface of the vehicle's outer casing during road driving. Through gravel impact simulation, the test piece is subjected to different degrees of impact (such as various types of gravel, air pressure requirements, impact time, temperature treatment) to investigate the adhesion of the coating.

Gravelometer test equipment is suitable for cohesive failure tests of external coatings, cohesive failure tests between different layers in coating systems, brittle thickness of hard glass materials, optimum film thickness for peeling resistance, peeling resistance of plastics and glass, anti-collision, anti-wear tests and other related tests.

Multi-test gravelometer is mainly used in the automotive industry to perform relevant detection tests on the coatings of automobile bodies. It is a comprehensive evaluation of the mechanical properties of the entire coating system. Gravelometer machine can reflect the flexibility of the coating, the adhesion and compatibility between layers, and is also one of the most important test items to evaluate the secondary mechanical properties of the coating.

Among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses and evaluation studies that our organization has carried out for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides testing services defined in the “FORD FLTM BI 157-06 High performance stone scratch resistance test new rating scale” standard with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.