GMW 15793 Window Seals and Trim - Ice Scraper Damage Test

The “GMW 15793 Window Seals and Trims – Ice Scraper Damage Test” standard, developed by General Motors Worldwide (GMW), is designed to evaluate the resistance of automotive window seals, gaskets, and moldings to damage from ice scraping. This standard is particularly important for vehicle components that operate in cold weather conditions and where drivers may use ice scrapers to remove ice or frost from windows. Repeated or improper scraping can damage sealing surfaces, create visible defects, or reduce the functional performance of the component.

The primary purpose of the GMW 15793 standard is to determine whether a glass seal or mold can withstand contact with an ice scraper without unacceptable damage. This test helps to evaluate the following:

• Scratch and abrasion resistant
• Surface durability
• Resistance to cutting or gouging.
• Damage to sealing surfaces
• Changes in appearance
• Potential degradation of the sealing function.

This provides a controlled laboratory method for evaluating the durability of a component, rather than relying solely on field experience.

The GMW 15793 standard specifically addresses window seals and trim. These components may include rubber, elastomeric, thermoplastic, or other materials used around vehicle windows. Typical applications may include:

• Door and window airtight strips
• Window seals
• Exterior window frames
• Sealing profiles
• Decorative or functional window sills

This test is particularly important for components located where the ice scraper might come into contact during normal winter maintenance.

The basic principle in the tests is to subject the test component to the damaging impact of an ice scraper under controlled conditions. An ice scraper is placed in contact with the relevant surface and moved across the test area according to the described procedure. The controlled application allows for the comparison of different materials and designs under consistent conditions. After the test, the component is examined for signs of damage.

Depending on the requirements of the applicable vehicle program, the assessment may include the following observations:

• scratches
• cuts
• cavities
• Surface tearing
• Material loss
• Deformation
• Cracks
• Other visible deteriorations

The specific equipment, sample preparation, test conditions, cycle/stroke count, and acceptance criteria are detailed in the GMW 15793 standard.

Window seals and moldings serve both functional and aesthetic roles. Therefore, damage caused by an ice scraper can have consequences beyond simple cosmetic deterioration. A damaged weather seal strip can potentially affect:

• Water isolation
• Wind noise performance
• Window operation
• Long-lasting durability
• View
• Customer's perception of vehicle quality

Tests conducted according to the GMW 15793 standard allow manufacturers and suppliers to identify critical materials or designs before vehicle production begins.

In general, the testing process follows these steps:

• Sample preparation: Window seal or mold sample is prepared according to the relevant specification.
• Initial examination: The sample is examined and its initial condition is recorded.
• Ice scraper exposure: The specified ice scraper procedure is applied to the test surface.
• Post-test examination: The sample is examined for visible or functional damage.
• Evaluation: Results are compared against the relevant admission requirements.
• Reporting: Test conditions and observations are documented.

Since GMW 15793 is a controlled automotive original equipment manufacturer (OEM) test standard, actual test parameters should not be inferred from general descriptions.

The GMW 15793 standard is an example of application-specific durability testing. Instead of evaluating a material under a general abrasion or scratch test, it reproduces a specific real-world vehicle usage condition: scraping ice off a window. This is important because conventional abrasion tests may not be able to reproduce the intense mechanical action produced by a hard ice scraper.

Consequently, a material may perform well in a general abrasion test but still be vulnerable to localized scratch damage.

This standard is also described by testing laboratories as an ice scraper damage test for window seals and moldings.

The GMW 15793 standard is found to be useful in various stages of automotive development for the following reasons:

• Material development: Suppliers can compare different elastomers, coatings, surface treatments, and formulations to identify those that provide better resistance to ice scraper damage.
• Component development: Testing can help evaluate design characteristics that may affect profile geometry, surface quality, hardness, and abrasion resistance.
• Verification: During vehicle development, testing can provide evidence that window seals and moldings meet the required durability expectations.
• Supplier quality: The method can also support supplier verification and production quality control where compliance with the relevant General Motors engineering specification is required.

In conclusion, the GMW 15793 standard includes a test method used to evaluate the resistance of automotive window seals and trims to damage from ice scraper contact. The importance of this standard stems from its reproduction of a realistic winter usage condition that could cause scratching, cutting, gouging, tearing, or other deterioration of window seals and trim components. By subjecting components to a controlled ice scraper test, automotive manufacturers and suppliers can identify unsuitable materials or designs and improve the durability, appearance, and functional reliability of vehicle window systems.

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 in accordance with the GMW 15793 standard.