GME 60368 Determination of Abrasion Resistance of Artificial Leather

Developed by General Motors Europe (GME), the “GME 60368 Determination of Abrasion Resistance of Synthetic Leather” standard is a material testing standard that specifies a method for determining the abrasion resistance of synthetic leather used in automotive interiors. This standard helps manufacturers ensure that interior components maintain their appearance and functionality throughout a vehicle's lifespan by evaluating how well synthetic leather surfaces withstand repeated mechanical wear.

Artificial leather is commonly used in automotive seats, door panels, armrests, steering wheel covers, center consoles, and other decorative interior parts. Because these components are subject to frequent passenger contact, wear resistance is one of the most important performance characteristics.

The primary purpose of the GME 60368 standard is to provide a standardized laboratory procedure for measuring the abrasion resistance of synthetic leather surfaces. This test enables manufacturers to:

• To evaluate the durability of synthetic leather materials.
• Comparing different material formulations and surface coatings.
• Verify that the supplier complies with General Motors' material specifications.
• To support material selection during product development.
• Ensuring consistent quality across production batches.

Using a standardized method ensures that wear resistance results obtained by different laboratories can be directly compared.

The GME 60368 standard primarily applies to the following:

• PVC artificial leather
• Polyurethane (PU) synthetic leather
• Coated textile materials
• Decorative interior finishing materials
• Flexible polymer-coated fabrics used in vehicle interiors.

Although developed for General Motors Europe vehicles, the described test method is also accepted by independent automotive testing laboratories that conduct original equipment manufacturer (OEM) qualification tests.

In principle, the GME 60368 standard determines the abrasion resistance of an artificial leather sample by repeatedly rubbing its surface against a specific abrasive material under controlled laboratory conditions. During these tests,

• The sample is securely mounted.
• Under a specific load, a defined abrasive element makes contact with the surface.
• The sample is subjected to a predetermined number of abrasion cycles.
• The surface is periodically inspected for visible deterioration.

The amount of wear indicates the material's resistance to long-term mechanical use.

After testing, the sample is evaluated for changes. Typical evaluation criteria include:

• Surface wear
• Coating loss
• Reduced brightness
• color change
• Surface roughening
• Unveiling textile support
• Cracking
• Peeling or detachment

Acceptance criteria depend on the specific General Motors material specification applicable to the component being tested.

The equipment used in these tests generally includes the following:

• Linear or reciprocating wear testing device
• Standardized abrasive environment
• Sample holder
• Specified loading weights
• Cycle counter
• Visual inspection equipment

Modern wear testing equipment is generally configured to apply the GME 60368 standard along with related automotive wear standards.

In general, the testing process follows these steps:

• Artificial leather samples are prepared according to the specified dimensions.
• Samples are conditioned under controlled temperature and humidity.
• The sample is securely mounted.
• The specified abrasive material and load are applied.
• The required number of wear cycles are performed.
• The surface is inspected at specified intervals.
• The degree of wear is recorded and compared with acceptance requirements.

This standardized procedure minimizes variability between laboratories.

The GME 60368 standard is commonly used in the automotive industry for testing the following materials:

• Seat upholstery
• Door panel coverings
• Instrument panel trims
• Center console trim
• Armrests
• Steering wheel covers
• Internal storage compartments
• Decorative trim materials

These components are repeatedly touched by the vehicle's occupants throughout the vehicle's lifespan.

Wear resistance directly affects the customer's perception of vehicle quality. Poor performance materials can quickly lead to the following problems:

• Worn surfaces
• color change
• Surface cracking
• Coating loss
• Premature aging

Testing according to the GME 60368 standard helps manufacturers reduce warranty claims and increase long-term customer satisfaction by providing durable interior materials.

Using GME 60368 offers several advantages:

• Standardized and repeatable tests
• Objective comparison of artificial leather materials.
• Improved supplier quality control.
• Better prediction of service life.
• New material development support
• Increasing the durability of vehicle interiors.
• Consistent original equipment manufacturer quality assurance.

The GME 60368 standard complements many other automotive material testing standards that evaluate different performance characteristics, including:

• Scratch resistance
• Color fastness
• Chemical resistance
• UV resistance
• Flexibility
• Aging performance
• Surface durability

Together, these tests provide a comprehensive evaluation of artificial leather performance under automotive service conditions.

In conclusion, the GME 60368 standard is a crucial material testing standard for evaluating the abrasion resistance of synthetic leather used in automotive interiors. By providing a consistent laboratory method for assessing abrasion resistance, this standard helps manufacturers select durable materials, qualify suppliers, and maintain high-quality interior trim. Although it has undergone numerous revisions since its publication, its core objective remains the same: to ensure that synthetic leather components maintain their appearance and performance throughout the vehicle's lifespan.

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 60368 standard.