Stellantis PF.90131 Functional Performance Specifications for Interior Hard Coatings

Stellantis PF.90131 Functional Performance Specifications for Interior Hard Coatings

The “Stellantis PF.90131 Functional Performance Specifications for Interior Hard Trim” standard, developed by Stellantis, a multinational automotive manufacturing company formed by the merger of Italian-American Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) and the French PSA Group, covers environmental, physical, electrical, mechanical, functional, regulatory, and durability requirements for hard interior trim components in sedans, SUVs, minivans, and light commercial vehicles. The standard illustrates typical hard trim component groups used in passenger cars, sport utility vehicles, light commercial vehicles, and minivans.

Stellantis PF.90131 Functional Performance Specifications for Interior Hard Coatings

To ensure the characteristic quality, performance, and behavior of parts produced by injection molding, the plastic thickness must be at least 2,5 mm (excluding grain, coating, and the like). For wrap-around parts, the substrate thickness can range from 2,35 mm (suede) to 2,75 mm (fabric). For parts requiring greater thickness to meet functional requirements, the criteria sections and design practices should be consulted (e.g., A-column 2,75 mm, friction 3,0 mm).

When manufacturing products covered by this standard for hazardous materials control, specific rules must be followed regarding the health and safety of workers and customers, the use of hazardous materials, recycling, and monitoring of environmental impacts.

The mandatory or recommended tests specified in this standard are intended to ensure conformity to the specification, but do not relieve the responsible party of the obligation to ensure that the component or system meets all environmental, physical, electrical, mechanical, functional, regulatory and durability requirements.

A test plan agreement made by Stellantis does not relieve the responsible organization of its obligation to ensure that the component or system meets all environmental, physical, electrical, mechanical, functional, regulatory and durability requirements, including all applicable system interface requirements, within its area of ​​responsibility, as described in the standard, for the specified service life.

Unless otherwise specified, all tests in this standard shall be performed using a fixture that securely mounts the hard casing or components in the housing position. All housing connection points must be present and all housing fasteners must be used.

When non-hardened components (such as cabling, modules, and seat belts) are located behind the hardened cladding, these components must be incorporated into the fixture.

The test fixture must be designed and manufactured to incorporate vehicle boundary conditions that may restrict sample movement, but must not affect test results. Test fixtures containing sheet metal intended for manufacturing must be approved by Stellantis before commencing any testing.

The default test tolerances should not be applied to actual test results. The hard coating in this standard represents genuine commercial-grade products.

Stellantis suppliers and first-tier manufacturers (e.g., plastic molding companies) must verify materials and parts according to the Stellantis PF.90131 standard to obtain approval for use in their production equipment. Advanced laboratories offer accredited testing according to this specification. These include, but are not limited to, the following tests:

  • Thermal cycling exposure test: This test evaluates how materials respond to repeated temperature changes. Typical procedures include:
  • Alternating exposure to high and low temperatures
  • Multiple cycles that simulate seasonal temperature changes.
  • Inspection for cracking, deformation, discoloration, or mechanical failure.

Thermal cycling is important because automotive parts can be subjected to extreme changes, such as engine temperature after winter cold.

  • Moisture aging exposure test: Moisture aging tests evaluate the durability of materials in high-humidity environments. Key elements include:
  • Controlled humidity rooms
  • Prolonged exposure to high humidity levels
  • Assessment of swelling, corrosion, adhesive degradation, or loss of strength.

This test is especially important for indoor materials and electronic enclosures that are exposed to moisture.

  • Flammability test: This standard also includes flammability requirements for vehicle materials. The aim is to ensure that the materials have the following properties:
  • Not easily flammable
  • It exhibits slow flame spread.
  • Compliance with vehicle interior fire safety regulations.

This requirement is crucial for passenger safety in the event of electrical failures or fire hazards.

  • Exposure to artificial light
  • Impact resistance
  • Cold impact resistance

After environmental exposure tests, the components are evaluated according to the following criteria:

  • Visual inspection (cracks, deformation, discoloration)
  • Preservation of mechanical properties.
  • Dimensional stability
  • Surface appearance
  • Functional performance

If significant deterioration is observed in the materials, they will fail the qualification process.

Incompatibility may lead to part rejection, quality issues, or warranty claims.

This standard is part of Stellantis’ broader quality ecosystem (including the former FCA and PSA norms harmonized after the merger). It is widely referenced in automotive testing and certification contexts.

In short, the Stellantis PF.90131 standard evaluates how automotive materials or parts perform when exposed to thermal, humidity, and flammability conditions, with a particular focus on environmental durability testing. This specification applies primarily to interior and exterior vehicle components, plastics, polymers, textiles, adhesives, and assemblies that must maintain their performance under harsh automotive environmental conditions.

The primary objective of this standard is to ensure that the materials and components used in Stellantis vehicles meet the following requirements:

  • Maintaining their mechanical and physical integrity while exposed to environmental influences.
  • To resist temperature fluctuations and aging caused by humidity.
  • Meeting safety requirements such as flammability limits
  • Remaining reliable throughout the vehicle's lifespan.

Automotive components are exposed to extreme environmental changes such as heat, cold, humidity, and repeated temperature cycles. This standard ensures that materials can withstand these stresses without degradation that could compromise vehicle safety or quality.

The Stellantis PF.90131 standard applies to a wide range of vehicle components, including:

  • Plastic inner lining parts
  • Polymer bodies
  • Foam materials
  • Adhesives and sealants
  • Insulating materials
  • Interior fabrics and composites

This standard can be used in the following situations:

  • Material qualification test
  • Supplier verification
  • Component approval
  • Production quality control

Manufacturers and suppliers must demonstrate compliance with this standard in order for parts to be approved for use in Stellantis vehicles.

The Stellantis PF.90131 standard plays a vital role in ensuring the durability and safety of vehicles. This standard supports the following:

  • Long-term reliability of automotive components.
  • Consistency in supplier materials.
  • Compliance with vehicle safety regulations.
  • Improved resistance to environmental stress.

Because modern vehicles use large amounts of polymers, composites, and electronic components, environmental testing standards like this one are crucial for maintaining quality and durability.

In summary, the Stellantis PF.90131 standard is an environmental durability testing specification used to evaluate automotive materials and components under conditions such as thermal cycling, moisture exposure, and flammability. By simulating real-world environmental stresses, this standard ensures that materials used in vehicles remain safe, durable, and reliable throughout their service life.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced team, 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 Stellantis PF.90131 standard.

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