Evaluation of Upholstery Materials After Accelerated Xenon Arc Exposure to Ford FLTM BN 117-03

The “Ford FLTM BN 117-03 Evaluation of Upholstery Materials After Accelerated Xenon Arc Exposure” standard, developed by Ford Motor Company (Ford), describes a test method used to evaluate the durability and appearance of automotive interior upholstery materials after accelerated weathering in a controlled radiation, water-cooled xenon arc testing machine. This standard primarily applies to textiles, fabrics, coated materials, and other interior upholstery components that are exposed to sunlight during vehicle use.

The purpose of this test is to simulate prolonged exposure to sunlight, heat, and environmental conditions within a compressed laboratory timeframe. By exposing materials to xenon arc radiation, engineers can assess whether a material will retain its mechanical properties and surface appearance throughout the expected lifespan of the vehicle.

The Ford FLTM BN 117-03 standard focuses on evaluating upholstery materials after accelerated aging caused by exposure to xenon arc light. This test measures the effect of exposure on:

• Maintaining tensile strength.
• Surface fiber integrity
• Material appearance
• Long-lasting durability
• Resistance to damage due to photodegradation and fading.

The test methods described in this standard are:

• Method A - Post-aging tensile strength (retained tensile strength): This method determines how much tensile strength remains in the material after it has been subjected to accelerated xenon arc aging. Test specimens are exposed to controlled radiation and then subjected to a tensile test. The retained strength is compared to that of the original unaged material.

This method focuses specifically on tensile strength after aging. Simply put, it determines whether the material still retains its strength after being exposed to simulated long-term sunlight.

This method typically evaluates the following:

• Original tensile strength (percentage)
• Loss of flexibility or bendability
• Signs of fragility or weakness

If a material loses too much strength after being exposed to UV rays, it can lead to the following:

• It can tear more easily in real vehicle use.
• It can malfunction at seams or stress points (seat edges, door panels, etc.).
• The vehicle may not meet durability expectations throughout its lifespan.

In short, Method A is a post-aging durability test that ensures automotive interior materials not only look good but also remain mechanically reliable after exposure to sunlight.

• Method B - Surface fiber degradation: This method evaluates the visual and physical changes that occur on the material surface after xenon arc exposure. Particular attention is paid to fiber breakage, fuzzing, clumping, and surface damage that may negatively affect the vehicle's appearance.

Typical observations include:

• Fiber degradation
• Surface roughness
• Hair growth formation
• Color and texture changes
• General aesthetic deterioration

Method A focuses on strength, while Method B focuses on how the material looks and feels after aging. Essentially, this method determines whether the material still maintains acceptable surface quality after prolonged exposure to sunlight.

Method B typically looks for the following:

• Fading or discoloration
• Fiber degradation or surface abrasion
• Linting and clumping (small fiber balls on the surface)
• Surface roughness or texture change
• Cracking or visual deterioration (in coated materials)
• Overall loss of appearance compared to the original condition.

Depending on the specification, the assessment may include:

• Visual grading according to a standard scale.
• Side-by-side comparison with the original material.
• Instrumental measurements (e.g., color difference, surface analysis)
• Even if a material retains its strength (Method A), it may fail in the customer's eyes under the following conditions:
• It looks worn.
• He/She is breathing irregularly.
• It becomes hairy or rough.

Method B ensures that interior materials look new even after years of UV exposure, which is critical for perceived vehicle quality.

Xenon arc welding closely reproduces the spectral characteristics of natural sunlight, making it one of the most realistic accelerated weather exposure methods used in the automotive industry.

The Ford FLTM BN 117-03 standard is commonly used in the following areas:

• Upholstery fabrics
• Ceiling tiles
• Door trim panels
• Luggage tray materials
• Interior textile laminates
• Synthetic leather materials
• Decorative interior fabrics

The Ford FLTM BN 117-03 standard is important because it protects one of the areas in vehicles most at risk of failure: interior materials exposed to prolonged sunlight and heat.

Inside a car, fabrics, upholstery, and synthetic surfaces are constantly exposed to sunlight streaming through the windows. Over time, this leads to fading, weakening, and surface damage. This standard exists to ensure these materials are tested in a controlled and accelerated manner before going into production.

The main reasons why this standard is considered important are as follows:

• Prevents premature material failure: Without this test, upholstery fabrics or coverings can become brittle, tear easily, or lose their strength much sooner than expected.
• It ensures appearance quality over time: Customers expect interiors to look like new for years to come. The standard ensures the material looks acceptable even after aging by controlling fading, pilling, clumping, and surface deterioration.
• It simulates years of real sunlight exposure: Instead of waiting years under real conditions, the xenon arc test compresses sunlight exposure into days or weeks, making development much faster and more reliable.
• Reduces warranty and durability risks: If a material deteriorates too quickly in actual use, it leads to warranty claims and customer dissatisfaction. This standard helps catch these problems early.
• It standardizes supplier approval: Automotive manufacturers can fairly compare different suppliers using the same testing method, ensuring consistent quality across materials and global production.

In short, this standard is a quality control and durability assurance that ensures interior materials can withstand real-world UV radiation without loss of performance or appearance.

In conclusion, the Ford FLTM BN 117-03 standard is a critical weather resistance and longevity standard for automotive interior materials. Through accelerated xenon arc exposure, the test evaluates both preserved tensile strength (Method A) and surface fiber degradation (Method B), helping Ford ensure that its interior trim materials remain durable, attractive, and functional throughout the vehicle's lifespan.

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 117-03 standard.