The “ Stellantis LP.7M106 Rubber testing methods (Stellantis compliant)” standard , published by Stellantis, a multinational automotive manufacturing company formed by the merger of Italian-American Fiat Chrysler Automobiles and the French PSA Group, describes general testing methods to be used for the analysis and characterization of rubber materials, tests on standard samples, and tests on samples obtained from finished parts. This standard shall be referenced in all material standards, laboratory procedures, or other documents that mention the testing of rubber parts. For additional details regarding the approval process, see “MS.90504 Rubber material approval process.”
This standard applies to compounds and parts made of vulcanized dense rubber, sponge rubber (open and closed-cell), and microcellular urethane and must be applied across all Stellantis operating regions. This standard describes the most common test methods used for rubber materials. Any deviations or additional requirements are addressed in the relevant material standards.
Test facilities and equipment for testing must be in good working order and have valid calibration documentation in accordance with the requirements of the region where the equipment is located. Test equipment with characteristics different from those described in the test methods listed here or the relevant material specifications may be used if they provide better test accuracy and repeatability and meet the minimum requirements. Alternative test equipment should be discussed with Stellantis materials engineering before commencing testing.
Laboratories using the standards described in this standard must be able to meet the requirements specified in ISO 23529, ISO 2393, ASTM D3182 or ASTM D3183 standards, as well as relevant international standards.
The test equipment used in these tests must be capable of meeting the requirements specified in relevant international standards, as well as the additional requirements specified in this standard. If equipment specified in this standard or other industry standards is not available, it may be substituted with other test equipment provided it is of equal or superior performance. The use of alternative test equipment should be discussed with Stellantis materials engineering before commencing any testing.
The test instrumentation specified in this standard must meet the requirements specified in relevant international standards as well as any other requirements specified in this standard.
The test article is the object on which physical testing will be performed. Samples can be obtained from any of the following:
The relevant material specification may include further details as required.
This standard describes common tests used to characterize elastomeric materials as described above. Additional tests may be required within the scope of the relevant material specification, in which case the test method is described here.
The manufacturing process conditions for test plates must be documented, described, and provided along with the submitted test results. Material approval will not be granted until these data are submitted.
The recommended molding method (compression, transfer, injection), mold curing time and temperature, and corresponding conditions (such as final curing) should be specified.
Where it is not possible to cut suitable test pieces from finished parts to test compressive hardness, the cure state should be determined by an alternative method agreed between the manufacturer and the customer (e.g. NMR, tensile hardness, swelling in solvents) to confirm that the test sheets can be cured to a similar state.
Laboratory environmental conditions are specified in international standards specified in this standard. Any deviations must be noted in the test report.
The test methods defined in this standard are:
Test application details are specified in the international standards cited in this standard. Any deviations must be reported in the test report.
In short, the Stellantis LP.7M106 standard focuses on evaluating the physical, mechanical, and environmental properties of rubber, ensuring reliability in components such as seals, gaskets, hoses, and vibration dampers. The primary objective of this standard is to provide a consistent framework for testing rubber materials to verify their suitability for automotive use.
This standard applies to both natural and synthetic rubbers, including vulcanized thermoset rubbers and thermoplastic elastomers used in Stellantis vehicles. This standard specifies test methods to evaluate properties such as tensile strength, hardness, compressive strength, aging resistance, and chemical compatibility, ensuring compliance with automotive industry requirements.
The purpose of the specimen tensile and elongation test under this standard is to measure the ability of rubber to withstand tensile forces and elongation before rupture. Similar to ASTM D412, specimens are subjected to controlled tension using a universal testing machine. Key measurements include tensile strength, ultimate elongation, and permanent deformation. This method ensures that rubber components, such as seals and hoses, can withstand mechanical stress without failure.
The purpose of hardness testing is to evaluate the durometer hardness of rubber materials. According to the ASTM D2240 standard, a durometer measures indentation depth under controlled conditions and compares the results to Shore hardness scales (e.g., Shore A or D). This method verifies the material's resistance to deformation, which is critical for gaskets and O-rings.
The purpose of the compression set test is to evaluate the ability of rubber to regain its original shape after prolonged compression. Specimens are compressed at specified temperatures and times and then measured for permanent deformation. This method ensures long-term performance under constant pressure in seals and vibration dampers.
The purpose of aging resistance testing is to evaluate the resistance of rubber to thermal and oxidative aging. Similar to the ASTM D573 standard, samples are exposed to high temperatures and oxidative conditions, and properties such as hardness and tensile strength are measured before and after exposure. This method verifies durability in high-temperature environments such as engine compartments.
The purpose of ozone resistance testing is to test rubber's resistance to ozone-induced cracking, which is critical for components exposed to environmental conditions. According to ASTM D1171, samples are exposed to controlled ozone concentrations under static or dynamic stress, and surface cracking is assessed. This method ensures the longevity of rubber parts such as weather strips and tires in outdoor conditions.
Ultimately, the Stellantis LP.7M106 standard is a comprehensive framework for evaluating rubber materials in automotive applications. By specifying the detailed testing procedures mentioned above, it ensures that rubber components meet the stringent requirements of modern vehicles. This standard plays a critical role in ensuring the reliability and safety of rubber components in Stellantis vehicles.
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 "Stellantis LP.7M106 Rubber Testing Methods (Stellantis Compatible)" standard.
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