Ford FLTM BN 107-02 Friction Test - Instrumental Evaluation

The “Ford FLTM BN 107-02 Friction Test - Instrumental Evaluation” standard, developed by Ford Motor Company (Ford), describes a test method used to evaluate the color transfer (friction resistance) of automotive interior upholstery materials using an instrumental measurement approach. This standard belongs to a broader series of standards focusing primarily on interior textiles, coated fabrics, leathers, and upholstery materials used in vehicle seats and cabin surfaces.

Friction refers to the transfer of a material's color (dye or pigment) to another surface due to friction or abrasion. In automotive and textile testing, this is a key indicator of color fastness and surface durability. When combined with instrumental evaluation, this means the assessment is performed using measuring devices rather than relying on human visual judgment.

In instrumental evaluation, instead of simply looking at how stained the test strip appears, the result is measured using instruments such as:

• Spectrophotometers (measure color intensity numerically)
• Colorimeters
• Digital image analysis systems

These tools measure the following:

• Amount of color transferred
• Degree of staining
• Color difference (ΔE values)

This makes the results more objective, more repeatable, and less dependent on human interpretation.

Paint abrasion occurs in the following situations:

• If the paint hasn't fully settled into the material
• If the surface coating is weak or unstable
• If friction releases pigment particles

Typical real-world examples include:

• Jeans rubbing against car seats
• Repeated contact with the armrests
• Wet or sweaty clothing increases the risk of dye transfer.

The primary purpose of the Ford FLTM BN 107-02 standard is to define the following:

• How much paint or pigment a material transfers as a result of friction.
• Color fastness under mechanical friction.
• The performance of interior materials in real-world use (e.g., seat contact, clothing wear)

This standard, unlike the Ford BN 107-01 standard (which is typically a more visual or manual friction assessment), focuses on instrumental assessment, increasing repeatability and reducing human subjectivity.

This testing method simulates real-life friction conditions such as those listed below:

• Passenger clothing rubbing against the seat fabric.
• Repeated friction on armrests, door panels, and seats.
• Pressure and motion contact under controlled laboratory conditions.

During the test, a sample of material is rubbed under standardized conditions, and the degree of color transfer is measured using instruments rather than solely through visual evaluation.

A typical assessment includes the following:

• Quantitative determination of staining on a reference fabric or substrate.
• Measuring color change using instrumental color measurement systems (e.g., spectrophotometry)
• Comparing the results with the defined acceptance limits.

This standard generally applies to the following:

Automotive seat fabrics (woven, knitted, nonwoven)

• Coated textiles
• Artificial leather (PVC, PU based)
• Natural leather (indoor grade)
• Laminated flooring materials
• Vinyl surfaces used in vehicle interiors.

This test generally follows these steps:

• Conditioning of test samples (temperature and humidity control)
• Rubbing the sample with a standardized friction medium.
• Application of controlled pressure and motion cycles.
• Measuring the color transfer on the scouring pad.
• Instrumental color analysis and reporting.

The differences between this standard and the Ford FLTM BN 107-01 standard are as follows:

• Evaluation method:
  • Ford FLTM BN 107-01 standard visual grading.
  • Ford FLTM BN 107-02 standard instrument measurement.
• Output:
  • Ford FLTM BN 107-01 standard grayscale grading.
  • Ford FLTM BN 107-02 standard quantitative color data.
• Repeatability:
  • Ford FLTM BN 107-01 standard medium
  • Ford FLTM BN 107-02 high standard.
• Subjectivity:
  • Ford FLTM BN 107-01 high standard.
  • Ford FLTM BN 107-02 standard is low.

In automotive engineering, the Ford FLTM BN 107-02 standard is typically used in the following stages:

• Material development (R&D phase)
• Supplier verification
• Pre-production approval
• Quality assurance audits

This standard is particularly important for premium interior vehicles where aesthetic durability is a key selling factor.

The Ford FLTM BN 107-02 standard is important because it controls a type of defect that is very visible and sensitive to the customer in vehicle interiors: color transfer (friction). Even small amounts of paint transfer can quickly become a noticeable quality problem. The main reasons why this standard is important are as follows:

• It preserves the customer's perception of quality: If the upholstery or leather shows stains or scuff marks, customers will immediately perceive the vehicle as low-quality, even if everything else is fine.
• It ensures real-world durability: Vehicle interiors are constantly exposed to friction:
  • Sitting down and getting up from the seats
  • Clothes rubbing against the upholstery
  • Repeatedly touching the armrests and door panels.

This standard enables problems to be identified before production by simulating these conditions.

• It avoids costly warranty and compensation issues. Paint transfer complaints often lead to:
  • Interior component replacements
  • Customer dissatisfaction claims
  • Supplier cost penalties

Testing at an early stage helps avoid large later-stage costs.

• Improves supplier consistency: Because this standard uses instrumental measurement, results are less subjective than visual grading. This helps Ford compare suppliers fairly and implement stricter quality control.
• Global original equipment manufacturers support quality requirements: Automotive manufacturers rely on consistent material performance across regions and suppliers. This standard helps align material approval with global durability expectations.

In conclusion, the Ford FLTM BN 107-02 standard defines an instrument-based friction (color transfer) test used to evaluate how resistant automotive interior materials are to paint transfer under friction. It improves accuracy, repeatability, and supplier comparability compared to purely visual friction methods.

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 FLTM BN 107-02 standard.