FORD WSS-M15P4-I Part Performance, Hard Mold-Colored Interior Parts

The “FORD WSS-M15P4-I Part performance, rigid molded-color interior parts” standard, developed by Ford Motor Company (FORD), specifies the minimum durability and performance requirements for rigid, molded-color interior trim panels, moldings, ceiling and floor consoles, and rigid instrument panels that are assembled from various materials to form a trim assembly with decorative and functional features.

This standard was originally published for colored, non-visible interior trim parts molded in plastic. Specifically, moldings, solid instrument panels, instrument panel components, and door panels, center and overhead consoles, quarter panels, and pillars A, B, C, and D. This standard does not apply to fully decorated (e.g., painted, veneered, appliquéd, filmed) or wrapped parts.

Non-resin components within the performance specifications are graded according to the relevant system-level requirements and are excluded from the scope of this specification. Some examples include, but are not limited to:

• Soft dashboards and wrapped parts (WSS-M15P45 standard)
• Packing trays (WSS-M15P6 standard)
• Steering wheels (WSS-M98P12 standard)
• Ceiling tile groups (WSS-M15P27 standard)

Colored molded components with additional coatings added to a portion of the surface must be tested according to this standard in addition to the properties of the additional coating. The tests may be combined at the discretion of the materials engineer.

This standard is performance based and does not have certified sources.

All test values ​​are based on the material or part being conditioned in a controlled environment of 23 degrees Celsius plus or minus 2 degrees Celsius and 50 percent relative humidity plus or minus 5 percent for at least 24 hours prior to testing. Testing of the material or part shall be conducted in the conditioned environment or immediately after removal.

Design verification/production verification tests must be performed in accordance with program milestones unless otherwise specified by Ford. The tables provided in the standard for these tests must be followed.

Unless otherwise specified by Ford, the testing of molded colored components and the testing of non-visible components are detailed in these tables. Tests should be performed on parts unless the part geometry allows it. In this case, suitable plates with the production texture and color, as agreed upon with Ford, may be used.

For valid material color and durability conformity certificate test plans and procedures, the “Color property and test table” given in the standard must be followed.

Developed by Ford Motor Company, the FORD WSS-M15P4-I standard is a critical engineering materials specification focused on the assembly performance of rigid, molded color interior components used in automotive applications. This standard includes minimum durability and performance requirements for various interior trim components, ensuring they meet Ford's stringent quality, safety, and aesthetic standards.

This standard applies to rigid, molded colored interior trim panels, moldings, ceiling and floor consoles, and rigid instrument panels. These components combine a variety of materials to provide decorative and functional features within the vehicle interior. The standard is performance-based and does not specify approved material sources. This allows flexibility in material selection as long as the performance criteria are met. Components covered by other specifications, such as soft instrument panels, interior soft upholstery, and wrapped parts, are not covered by this standard.

The WSS-M15P4-I standard defines rigorous testing and performance criteria to ensure the durability and functionality of internal components. Key requirements include:

• Material Conditioning: All test values ​​are based on materials conditioned for at least 23 hours in a controlled environment at 23 degrees Celsius plus/minus 2 degrees Celsius and 50 percent relative humidity plus/minus 5 percent. To ensure accurate results, tests should be performed in the conditioning environment or immediately after removal.
• Durability and performance tests:
  • Short- and long-term heat exposure: Components are tested for resistance to heat exposure to ensure they do not exhibit staining, color tone changes, cracking, fissuring, or other forms of deterioration. For example, components must maintain a minimum rating of 4 after exposure to specific energy levels (e.g., 3609,6 kJ/m2 for light-exposure components such as floor consoles).
  • Impact resistance: Components are evaluated for impact resistance at room temperature to ensure they can withstand physical stress without damage, especially for rough parts.
  • Scratch and scratch resistance: Tests are performed to evaluate scratch and scratch resistance, with specific requirements for the flat surfaces of the parts. This includes micro-scratch testing for high-gloss surfaces.
  • Soiling and cleanability: Components must be resistant to soiling and easily cleanable when exposed to standard dirt, grease, and coffee grounds, and must receive a minimum score of 4 according to AATCC assessment procedure 2.
  • Abrasion resistance: Materials are tested for tackiness and other degradation after exposure to weathering to ensure long-term durability in various environmental conditions.
• Reference standards: The WSS-M15P4 standard references several international and Ford-specific standards to provide comprehensive testing. For example,
  • ISO 868 Plastics and ebonite - Determination of indentation hardness by means of a durometer (Shore hardness)
  • ISO 3795 Road vehicles, tractors and agricultural and forestry machinery - Determination of combustion behavior of interior materials
  • ISO 105-A02 Textiles - Tests for colour fastness - Part A02: Grey scale for assessing colour change
  • FORD FLTM BO 116-01 Indoor weather resistance
  • FORD FLTM BN 112-08 Soiling and cleanability test for interior trim materials
  • FORD FLTM BO 061-01 Determination of adhesiveness of interior materials
• Restricted Substance Management: Suppliers must comply with the annually updated standard "FORD WSS-M99P9999-A1 Restricted Substance Management." Compliance is monitored through reporting through the International Material Data System or the Global Material Approval Process. Any changes to approved materials must be submitted to Ford for supplier engineering approval.
• Sample storage: Samples tested for design validation, production verification, and production part approval should be stored until full production begins. This ensures traceability and quality control throughout the development process.

WSS-M15P4 compatibility testing is typically performed on production parts or wafers that have the same resin, grain, and color as the final components. Key considerations include:

• Sample size and color: Testing requirements vary by color and component type. For example, the darkest and lightest colors are tested for contamination and cleanability, while new color-certified resins may use data from the material and color development control center.
• Production tools: Tests should use production tools to ensure that results reflect real-world performance.
• Third-party testing: Accredited organizations provide testing services to verify compliance with this standard and ensure that components meet Ford's quality requirements.

As a result, the WSS-M15P4 standard plays a vital role in ensuring the quality and longevity of interior components in Ford vehicles. By establishing stringent durability, performance, and safety requirements, it helps maintain consistency, safety, and customer satisfaction in automotive interiors. The standard's focus on molded color components supports cost-effective production by eliminating the need for additional painting or coating processes while meeting aesthetic and functional expectations.

This standard is a comprehensive guide to ensuring the quality and performance of rigid, molded color interior components in Ford vehicles. Suppliers and manufacturers must comply with these requirements using referenced standards and compliance processes to meet Ford's high standards.

Our organization, which has been operating for many years and meticulously follows global developments in science and technology, conducts testing, measurement, and analysis in a wide range of areas for businesses across all sectors with a skilled team and extensive infrastructure. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the "FORD WSS-M15P4-I Part Performance, Hard Molded Colored Internal Parts" standard.