FORD FLTM BO 040-01 Short-Term Environmental Cycle and Long-Term Heat Exposure

The “FORD FLTM BO 040-01 Short-Term Environmental Cycle and Long-Term Heat Exposure” standard, developed by Ford Motor Company (FORD) , describes two test methods for determining the results of short-term environmental cycles and long-term heat exposure cycles.

When performing tests, movement at each measurement point should be recorded in two directions:

• From the observer's view in the x/y plane
• In the z-dimensional direction, from the observer's view toward the x/y plane or outward from the x/y plane.

The observer's vision must remain consistent at all times when looking at the front of the part. Room temperature is defined as 23 degrees plus/minus 2 degrees. If the preliminary evaluation or evaluation is made outside the room temperature range, the temperature of the room must be recorded on the test report.

In preparing the sample, all components packaged in the medium, including speakers, hardware, wiring, and similar components, must be completely cut out and mounted on actual or simulated production support bases. This includes not only all attachment points, but also any boundary conditions that may restrict movement unless otherwise specified by the responsible materials engineer. Retention methods, connections, and supporting trim patterns must be the same as those recommended for production.

Measurements shall be made at the points of greatest movement between the twenty-centimeter marks along the outer edges of the part and the internal openings, or as defined by the materials engineer. Some parts may have specific measurement locations as required by the materials engineer, which will invalidate the required 20 cm. Part-specific measurement locations shall be approved by the materials engineer prior to testing. Unique requirements are specified in the applicable performance specification.

The procedures described in this standard are as follows:

• Procedure A: Short-term heat, humidity and cold cycling

Before testing begins, the part is visually inspected. Any defects in the component are noted prior to testing. The part is then measured and data is recorded at all specified locations at room temperature before cycling onto the production support base or test fixture. Any visual defects or imperfections should be noted on the test report and approved by materials engineering for compliance.

Test chambers with automatic programmable test cycles are used for the test conditions listed below. It should be noted that the stages do not include ramp times for transitions from level to level. Each sample may have different size, geometry, density and similar properties, which affect the ramp times, therefore the duration of each transition period varies.

The hopper is programmed as follows:

• 30 hours in minus 2 degrees plus/minus 5 degrees environment
• 23 degrees plus/minus 2 degrees temperature and 50 percent relative humidity for 30 minutes
• 2 hours in a temperature environment of plus/minus 5 degrees determined according to the vehicle position in the material or performance specification (if the temperature is not specified, the values ​​in the table given in the standard are used)
• 23 minutes at 2 degrees plus/minus 50 degrees and 30 percent humidity
• 50 hours in a temperature of 2 degrees plus/minus 95 degrees and a relative humidity of 5 percent plus/minus 2 percent
• 23 minutes at 2 degrees plus/minus 50 degrees and 30 percent relative humidity
• 30 hours in minus 2 degrees plus/minus 5 degrees environment
• 23 minutes at 2 degrees plus/minus 50 degrees and 30 percent humidity
• 2 hours in a temperature environment of plus/minus 5 degrees determined according to the vehicle position in the material or performance specification (if the temperature is not specified, the value in the table given in the standard is used)

The results are evaluated according to the evaluation method.

• Procedure B: Prolonged heat exposure/sunload

The part is visually inspected prior to testing. Any defects in the component are noted prior to testing. The part is measured and data is recorded at all specified locations at room temperature prior to testing on a production support foundation or test fixture. Any visual defects or imperfections should be noted on the test report and approved by materials engineering for compliance.

It is programmed according to the temperature and time given to the room using the temperature specified in the material or performance specification and the time in the table given in the standard. (If not specified in the material or performance specification, the temperature in the table is used).

The results are evaluated according to the evaluation method.

Cut assemblies will be relatively unaffected by exposure cycles during and after the tests, as shown below:

• Visual evaluation: Must be performed according to ISO 105-A02 AATCC Procedure 1. Additionally, there should be no excessive stickiness, loss of surface texture or surface color, yellowing, wrinkling, distortion, swelling, delamination, browning, fogging, milking, staining, waviness or other objectionable visual appearance.
• Functional assessment: There should be no bending or distortion that would affect normal functional operations.
• Dimensional evaluation: There shall be no movement from the original installation position exceeding that required by the material engineering drawing during or after testing.

The test report should include:

• Procedure
• Test condition
• Visual rating
• Functional rating (pass/fail)
• Dimensional measurements (before and after)

Our organization, which has been trying to support businesses from every sector with its testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies carried out in a wide range for years, has a strong staff that closely follows the developments in the world in the field of science and technology and constantly improves itself. In this context, testing services in accordance with the "FORD FLTM BO 040-01 Short-term environmental cycle and long-term heat exposure" standard are also provided to businesses.