GME 60351 Determination of Moisture Content, Water Absorption and Thickness Swelling of Fiberboards, Particle Boards and Cardboards

Developed by General Motors Europe (GME), the “GME 60351 Determination of Moisture Content, Water Absorption and Thickness Swelling of Fiberboard, Particleboard, and Cardboard” standard is a material testing standard that includes procedures for determining the moisture content, water absorption, and thickness swelling of fiberboard, particleboard, cardboard, and similar cellulose-based materials. These materials are commonly used in automotive interiors, including door panels, luggage trays, luggage linings, seat back panels, and insulation components. This standard provides manufacturers with a consistent method for evaluating how these materials respond to moisture exposure.

The primary purpose of the GME 60351 standard is to evaluate the dimensional stability and moisture resistance of sheet metal materials used in automotive applications. Since many interior components are exposed to varying humidity and occasional water contact during manufacturing, transportation, or vehicle servicing, understanding these properties is crucial for ensuring long-term durability. This standard helps engineers determine:

• Initial moisture content of the material
• The amount of water absorbed after being submerged.
• Increase in material thickness caused by exposure to water (thickness swelling)

These measurements allow engineers to compare different materials and verify compliance with General Motors material specifications.

The GME 60351 standard primarily applies to the following:

• Fiberboards
• Particle boards (particle boards)
• Cardboard sheets
• Wood-based composite panels
• Similar porous sheet materials

Although developed for the automotive industry, the test principles can also be applied to materials used in furniture, packaging, and construction applications.

The key characteristics assessed by this standard are as follows:

• Moisture content: Moisture content represents the amount of water naturally present in the material before testing. Excessive moisture can affect:
  • mechanical strength
  • Dimensional accuracy
  • Adhesive bonding
  • Coating performance

Maintaining consistent moisture content is important for repeatable production processes.

• Water absorption: Water absorption measures how much water a material absorbs after being immersed in water under specific conditions. High water absorption can lead to:
  • Reduced mechanical strength
  • Weight increase
  • Mold or mildew formation
  • Material degradation
  • Loss of dimensional stability

Materials designed for humid environments should exhibit relatively low water absorption.

• Thickness swelling: Thickness swelling measures the percentage increase in the thickness of a material after exposure to water. Excessive swelling can cause:
  • Poor component compatibility
  • Surface degradation
  • Layer separation
  • Assembly challenges
  • Squeaking and rattling noises inside.

Thickness expansion is often one of the most critical acceptance criteria for automotive fiberboard materials.

The following steps are generally followed in the tests:

• Samples are prepared in the specified dimensions.
• Samples are conditioned under controlled temperature and humidity.
• The initial mass and thickness are measured.
• The samples are submerged in water for the specified time.
• Excess water on the surface is removed.
• The final mass and thickness are measured.
• The following are calculated:
  • Moisture content
  • Water absorption percentage
  • Thickness swelling percentage
• The results are then compared to the acceptance limits defined in the relevant General Motors material specification.

The GME 60351 standard is widely used in the automotive industry for evaluating materials used in the following areas:

• Door panel underlays
• Luggage racks
• Luggage compartment floor panels
• Seat backs
• Instrument panel support panels
• Interior insulation panels
• Loading floor systems
• Luggage compartment components

These components must maintain their dimensions and structural integrity throughout the vehicle's lifespan.

Automotive engineers use the GME 60351 standard to compare candidate materials before production. This standard helps in:

• Material availability
• Supplier approval
• Product development
• Quality control
• Troubleshooting
• Design validation

This standard provides standardized measurements, allowing different suppliers to evaluate materials using the same methodology.

Implementing the GME 60351 standard offers several advantages:

• Standardized evaluation of moisture-sensitive materials.
• Better consistency among suppliers.
• Better prediction of long-term resilience.
• Reducing the risk of dimensional instability.
• Improving the quality of internal components.
• GM supports material approval processes.

The GME 60351 standard is one of several material testing methods developed by General Motors Europe that cover the physical performance of automotive interior materials. It is often used in conjunction with the following standards:

• Density measurement
• mechanical strength
• Surface durability
• Environmental aging
• Dimensional stability
• Thermal performance

Together, these standards provide a comprehensive assessment of material suitability for automotive applications.

In conclusion, the GME 60351 standard includes a crucial test method for evaluating the moisture-related performance of fiberboard, particleboard, cardboard, and similar materials used in vehicle interiors. By measuring moisture content, water absorption, and thickness swelling under controlled conditions, this standard helps manufacturers select durable materials that maintain structural integrity and dimensional stability throughout the vehicle's lifespan. Its standardized approach promotes consistent quality, reliable supplier competence, and improved long-term performance of automotive interior components.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, 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 compliant with the GME 60351 standard.