Mercedes-Benz MBN 51000-2 Polymer-Based Materials, Material Systems and Semi-Finished Products - Part 2: Approval Processes

Mercedes-Benz MBN 51000-2 Polymer-Based Materials, Material Systems and Semi-Finished Products - Part 2: Approval Processes

The Mercedes-Benz Group standard "Mercedes-Benz MBN 51000-2 Polymer-based materials, material systems and semi-finished products - Part 2: Approval processes" describes the approval processes for polymer-based materials, material systems and semi-finished products. These processes cover:

Mercedes-Benz MBN 51000-2 Polymer-Based Materials, Material Systems and Semi-Finished Products - Part 2: Approval Processes

  • Plastics (thermosetting plastics and thermoplastics)
  • Thermoplastic elastomers (TPE)
  • Elastomers (rubber materials)
  • Surface products (textile, film, artificial leather, leather, etc.)
  • foams

This standard also describes the upstream approval processes leading to listing or base material approval.

To ensure product safety and quality and 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.

Material approval for commercial types of components and parts occurs during initial sampling. The following approval processes are available:

  • Process A: No approval process before initial sampling
  • Process B: Mandatory approval process before initial sampling
  • Process C: Optional listing before initial sampling

In all processes, full compliance with the requirements of this standard is a prerequisite for component-part material approval as part of the initial sampling process.

Material-specific test procedures, minimum requirements, and, if applicable, preflow test procedures (Processes B and C) are described in the relevant standard. This standard also specifies when the supplier must make test results available (Processes B and C).

Each standard product version is assigned an approval process (A, B, or C). The supplier must check which approval process is specified for the relevant product version. The supplier must also check whether a product already listed by the Mercedes-Benz Group can be used (process C).

The Mercedes-Benz MBN 51000-2 standard is part of a comprehensive suite of materials testing standards. This standard focuses specifically on the testing of polymer-based materials, material systems, and semi-finished products used in automotive applications. It defines detailed requirements and test methods to ensure the quality, durability, and performance of these materials in Mercedes-Benz vehicles.

This standard is designed to evaluate the physical and mechanical properties of polymer-based materials, including thermoplastics, elastomers, and composites. These materials are widely used in a variety of vehicle components, including interior trim, exterior parts, and functional systems. The primary objective is to ensure reliability and consistency in manufacturing by ensuring these materials meet the stringent quality and safety requirements for automotive applications.

This standard is part of a larger series of MBN 51000 standards, each addressing different aspects of materials testing. For example, MBN 51000-8 covers analytical testing, MBN 51000-4 focuses on thermal testing, and MBN 51000-7 focuses on resistance testing. Together, these standards provide a robust framework for materials qualification in the automotive industry.

The MBN 51000-2 standard specifies a set of test procedures to evaluate the performance of polymer-based materials under various conditions. Some of the key test methods include:

  • Density rest (DIN EN ISO 1183-1 standard): Measures the density of plastics to ensure the material's consistency and suitability for specific applications.
  • Ash content analysis (DIN EN ISO 3451-1 standard): Determines the inorganic content of plastics, which is critical for understanding the material composition and quality.
  • Moisture absorption test (DIN EN ISO 62 standard): Evaluates how materials absorb moisture, which can affect dimensional stability and performance in humid environments.
  • Bending tests (DIN EN ISO 178 standard): Evaluate the flexibility and strength of materials under bending stress, ensuring that they can withstand mechanical loads.
  • Resistance to stress cracking (MBN 51000-7 standard): Tests the resistance of unpainted plastic components to stress-induced cracking, a critical factor for long-term reliability.

These tests ensure that materials can withstand harsh automotive usage conditions such as temperature changes, mechanical stress and environmental factors.

The MBN 51000-2 standard applies to a wide range of polymer-based components used in Mercedes-Benz vehicles, including passenger cars, trucks, and buses. These components include interior elements such as dashboards and seats, exterior parts such as bumpers, and functional components such as gaskets and seals. By adhering to this standard, manufacturers can be confident that their materials meet the high quality and performance standards expected by Mercedes-Benz.

The MBN 51000-2 standard is closely related to other Mercedes-Benz Group standards, such as MBN 51000-8, which focuses on analytical testing methods such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) to evaluate the behavior of elastomers at low temperatures. It also complements standards such as DBL 1224, which addresses thermoplastic materials for vehicle interiors, providing a consistent approach to materials testing across different areas.

Suppliers working with Mercedes-Benz must comply with the MBN 51000-2 standard to ensure their materials meet the required specifications. Deviations from these requirements are only permitted if explicitly agreed upon in the specification book between the supplier and Mercedes-Benz. Compliance with this standard is critical to obtaining source of supply approval and ensuring materials are suitable for mass production.

Consequently, the Mercedes-Benz MBN 51000-2 standard plays a vital role in ensuring the quality and reliability of polymer-based materials used in automotive applications. By defining rigorous testing methods for properties such as density, moisture absorption, and mechanical strength, it helps maintain the high standards associated with Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Compliance with this standard is essential for suppliers and manufacturers to deliver materials that meet the stringent requirements of modern automotive production.

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 "Mercedes-Benz MBN 51000-2 Polymer-based materials, material systems, and semi-finished products - Part 2: Approval processes" standard.

WhatsApp