Ford FLTM BO 162-01 Scratch and Abrasion Resistance

The “Ford FLTM BO 162-01 Scratch and Abrasion Resistance” standard, developed by Ford Motor Company (Ford), describes a test method used to evaluate the scratch resistance, abrasion resistance, and whitening behavior of plastic and coated surfaces used in automotive applications. This standard is widely applied to interior and exterior vehicle components where surface appearance and durability are critical requirements.

The primary purpose of the Ford FLTM BO 162-01 standard is to determine how well a material resists the following:

• Surface scratches caused by contact with hard objects.
• Wear (minor surface damage that alters shine or appearance)
• Whitening or stretching marks that become visible after scratching.
• Cosmetic deterioration during normal vehicle use and maintenance.

This method is applicable to plastics, painted plastics, decorative trim materials, and other automotive surfaces.

Ford developed this testing method to ensure that visible vehicle surfaces maintain their appearance throughout the vehicle's lifespan. This standard is commonly used in the following areas:

• instrument panels
• Door trim panels
• Center consoles
• Pole coverings
• Decorative interior components
• Painted plastic parts
• External plastic cladding parts

This procedure allows Ford engineering teams to define acceptance criteria based on the component's intended use and customer visibility.

In principle, this testing method involves applying a controlled scratch or damage procedure to the sample surface under standardized conditions. After the test, evaluators examine the surface from the following perspectives:

• Scratch depth and visibility
• Surface whitening
• Brightness change
• Permanent surface damage
• General appearance deterioration

The results are compared to the predefined Ford performance requirements for the specific vehicle program.

Materials are generally evaluated according to the following criteria:

• Scratch visibility: Visual rating.
• Whitening effect: Degree of color change.
• Surface gloss preservation: Visual or instrumental assessment.
• Scratch resistance: Surface appearance after abrasion.
• Acceptability: Passed/failed according to Ford specifications.

Acceptability limits may vary depending on the component's location and customer exposure.

This standard is commonly used in the following areas:

• Automotive interior plastics
• Thermoplastic olefin (TPO)
• ABS plastics
• Polycarbonate blends
• Painted polymer surfaces
• Decorative films and coatings
• Soft-touch coatings
• Textured interior upholstery materials

The Ford FLTM BO 162-01 standard is often used in conjunction with other Ford durability standards, such as those listed below:

• Ford FLTM BO 115 series: Weather resistance
• Ford FLTM BO 116 series: Environmental durability.
• Ford FLTM BO 151-01: Low temperature impact resistance.
• Ford FLTM BO 160-04: High pressure cleaning resistance.

Together, these tests confirm that automotive materials maintain their long-term durability and appearance.

The test method described in the Ford FLTM BO 162-01 standard helps manufacturers in the following areas:

• Improving perceived vehicle quality
• To reduce warranty claims.
• To verify new materials and coatings.
• Comparing supplier materials consistently
• To ensure durability under real-world usage conditions.
• To maintain the interior and exterior appearance over time.

According to the Ford FLTM BO 162-01 standard, a material that performs well is more likely to be resistant to visible wear from fingernails, keys, cleaning, luggage, and daily customer interaction.

The Ford FLTM BO 162-01 standard is important because it helps maintain the appearance and functionality of a car's interior and exterior surfaces throughout its lifespan. Modern vehicles contain numerous plastic and coated components that are frequently touched, cleaned, and subjected to wear. Even minor scratches or surface damage can significantly impact a customer's perception of vehicle quality. This standard is considered necessary for the following reasons:

• Maintaining the vehicle's appearance: Many vehicle components are highly visible to passengers and consumers. Instrument panels, center consoles, door panels, decorative trim pieces, and exterior plastic moldings must remain attractive despite daily use. This standard helps manufacturers maintain the vehicle's appearance over time by evaluating whether these surfaces are resistant to scratches and abrasion.
• Improves customer satisfaction: Customers typically assess vehicle quality based on the condition of visible surfaces. Scratches, whitening marks, and loss of shine can make a new vehicle look prematurely worn. Compliance with this standard helps ensure that materials provide the following:
  • They remain visually appealing for longer.
  • They are resistant to damage under normal use.
  • They have a superior appearance.
  • They meet customer expectations in terms of durability.
• Supports material selection: Automotive suppliers are constantly developing new plastics, coatings, and decorative surfaces. This standard provides a standardized method for objectively comparing materials.
• It simulates real-world use: vehicle surfaces encounter numerous potential sources of damage, including fingernails, keys, rings and jewelry, transported cargo, cleaning tools and cloths, and daily passenger contact. By evaluating how materials react to these conditions, this standard provides confidence that they will perform adequately in actual service.
• Ensures consistent quality among suppliers: Automotive manufacturers source components from multiple suppliers worldwide. A standardized scratch resistance test ensures all suppliers meet the same performance requirements.
• It supports premium interior design trends: Modern vehicles increasingly use the following materials:
  • Piano black finishes
  • Metallic-look coatings
  • Soft-touch surfaces
  • High-gloss decorative coatings

These coatings can be particularly susceptible to scratches and abrasion. This standard helps verify that such premium materials remain durable enough for automotive use.

In short, the Ford FLTM BO 162-01 standard is a specialized automotive surface durability test that evaluates a material's resistance to scratch damage, abrasion, and whitening. It plays a vital role in qualifying plastic and coated automotive components and helps Ford ensure that vehicle surfaces maintain their appearance and customer appeal 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 BO 162-01 standard.