Mercedes-Benz DBL 1262 Components Made of Thermoplastic Elastomers

The "Mercedes-Benz DBL 1262 Components Made of Thermoplastic Elastomers" standard, developed by the Daimler-Benz Automobile Company, applies to parts and components made of thermoplastic elastomers for motor vehicles with a modulus of elasticity of up to 500 MPa. For materials with higher modulus of elasticity, the corresponding standard for thermoplastic components must be used (e.g., DBL 1232 or DBL 1224 standards). Components from these standards are manufactured from single-component and multi-component injection-molded and extruded thermoplastic elastomers. Molded coatings, for example, are not included in the scope of this standard. The temperature is the maximum operating temperature. An overview of the type versions is shown in the tables "Overview of type versions for outdoor applications," "Overview of type versions for indoor applications," and "Overview of type versions for chassis and engine compartment applications."

The general requirements in this standard are described as follows:

• To ensure product safety and quality and to meet certification requirements, all relevant legal regulations and laws must be complied with. The relevant requirements of the Mercedes-Benz Group also apply.
• All materials, process engineering, component parts and systems must comply with all applicable legal requirements regarding components and recyclability.
• DBL 8585 and DBL 6714 standards must be followed.
• The requirements of standards DBL 5307 and DBL 1000 must be met for thermoplastic elastomers in indoor use.
• The maintenance product resistance requirements of standard DBL 1302 must be met for thermoplastic elastomers in the visible area of ​​the vehicle interior. For component parts that come into contact with painted surfaces, contact and migration discoloration must be tested in accordance with standard ISO 3865.
• For thermoplastic elastomers containing recycled material, the technical requirements that apply to plastics without recycled material generally apply according to the relevant type version.
• Sustainability features and material properties are included in the annex of this standard.

Test specimens should be produced from panels with a thickness of 2 mm plus or minus 0,2 mm in accordance with DIN ISO 23529 or ISO 813-2 standards. The specified values ​​can be obtained from a batch with a serial extruder. If the values ​​are determined perpendicular to each other, the direction of the lower value should be selected as the test direction and reported.

The following tests are performed only when necessary:

• Adhesion test according to ISO 813-2 standard (all type versions)
• Temporary resistance/resistance to chemicals and service products (different chemicals per area)
• Resistance to care products for thermoplastic elastomers in the visible area of ​​the vehicle interior

The required inspection features and test features are shown in the table titled “Inspection feature and test feature overview.” For example,

• Density: DIN EN ISO 1183-1 standard Method A, immersion method.
• Ash content: DIN EN ISO 3451-1 standard Method A, temperature range 950 degrees plus/minus 50 degrees.
• Shore A hardness: DIN ISO 48-4 standard, test time 15 sec.
• Shore D hardness (hardness at least 90 Shore A): DIN ISO 48-4 standard, test time 15 sec.
• Hardness microhardness (IRHD): DIN ISO 48-2 standard Methods M and CM, not for Shore D.
• E-module (Shore D): DIN EN ISO 527 standard (all parts), only for Shore D.

If additional requirements to the standard requirements must be met (e.g. due to the place of application), this must be stated in the component requirements specification.

General specifications and requirements for materials, raw materials, and delivery conditions can be found in the table titled "Technical data, type version requirements," and these requirements must be adhered to for material sampling. The target values ​​specified in the table refer to tests on plate material.

Target values ​​are minimum requirements that must be met regardless of the direction and location of test sample removal (e.g., parallel or perpendicular to the flow direction). The direction of removal must be stated in the test report. Individual values ​​must be determined and stated.

In short, the Mercedes-Benz DBL 1262 standard defines the basic and component-specific tests required for the validation and qualification of thermoplastic elastomer materials during sampling and initial production. It ensures compliance with material properties, processing performance, and long-term functionality in automotive environments.

As a basic requirement for material characterization, suppliers must submit a material performance form that includes:

• Density, ash content, Shore A/D hardness, microhardness, modulus of elasticity
• Tensile strength, elongation, tear strength, compression set, cold resistance
• Adhesion properties, visual assessment and stain resistance

These values ​​are required regardless of the location of the sample.

This standard includes additional tests for initial component qualification:

• Adhesion and resistance to chemical/care products
• Visibility of surface quality including trend and gloss
• Specific adhesion partner tests (manufacturer and brand defined)

The Mercedes-Benz DBL 1262 standard is important because it ensures that thermoplastic elastomers used in vehicles meet stringent quality, safety, and performance requirements. This standard is considered important for the following reasons:

• Ensures material consistency and reliability: Mercedes-Benz vehicles are manufactured in different factories and use parts from various suppliers. This standard ensures that thermoplastic elastomers, regardless of where or by whom they are manufactured, consistently deliver:
  • Having the same mechanical properties (such as elasticity, hardness and strength)
  • Demonstrate the same performance under extreme temperatures, UV exposure and chemical contact
  • Meeting the same visual and tactile quality expectations

This is critical to long-term durability and brand reputation.

• Supports component safety and function: Thermoplastic elastomers are used in many critical automotive parts, such as seals, interior trim, handles, and more. Material degradation can lead to:
  • Leaks or noise (caused by poor sealing)
  • Poor ergonomics or aesthetics
  • Deterioration under sunlight or chemicals (cleaning agents, fuels)

This standard outlines specific stress tests that help prevent premature failures or product recalls.

• Simplifies the approval and procurement process: Suppliers cannot offer just any thermoplastic elastomer. They must:
  • Passing material-level tests
  • Verify component performance
  • To be included in official approval records

This reduces risk in the supply chain and helps Mercedes-Benz ensure scalable quality.

• Increases supplier accountability: Every manufacturing facility, material formulation, and batch must be traceable, tested, and certified. This minimizes supplier diversity, ensures global compliance, and supports traceability for recalls in the event of a defect.
• Complies with other Daimler standards: This standard integrates with broader Mercedes-Benz material systems such as MBN 51000-2 (material qualification) and MBN 50300 (determination of tolerance values). This ensures cross-functional harmonization in the design, engineering, and procurement processes.

Ultimately, the DBL 1262 standard guarantees the quality of thermoplastic elastomers in vehicles. It protects the brand, the customer, and the supply chain by ensuring that materials not only look and feel premium but also have a long lifespan. It ensures consistency in material quality and performance across suppliers and manufacturing facilities.

Our organization, which has been supporting businesses across all sectors for years through a wide range of testing, measurement, analysis, and evaluation activities, has a strong team of employees who closely follow global developments in science and technology and are constantly improving themselves. In this context, we also provide testing services to businesses in accordance with the "Mercedes-Benz DBL 1262 Thermoplastic Elastomer Components" standard.