The standard "Volvo STD 423-0019 Test method - Scratch resistance of topcoats in car washes," developed by Volvo Cars, describes a test method for evaluating the resistance of topcoats to scratches caused by abrasive particles (dirt) in automatic car washes using brushes. This method aims to simulate this effect using a laboratory-scale car wash and standardized dirt (quartz dust).
The test pieces in this standard are defined as follows:
After rinsing the hopper, pump, and hose system with clean tap water, prepare an abrasive liquid in a mixing vessel. The recommended amount is 50-80 liters. Add 1,5 g of quartz powder to each liter of water. A motorized propeller stirrer is used to keep the slurry in constant motion (no settling) to ensure even distribution of the quartz powder.
The equipment is conditioned by running it without sampling for at least seven cycles to ensure the brushes receive even moisture and an even dirt coating.
For the test surface, samples are placed in the approved test area according to the scheme provided in the standard. Furthermore, samples should be placed as close to the center of the test bench within the approved test area as possible.
Equipment can be calibrated to ensure that test conditions are consistent over time. Tests performed without prior calibration should be reported as such and should include comparisons between test pieces tested only under a specific condition.
Test samples must be conditioned in accordance with STD 1021,1. Conditioning can be done after aging (indoor or outdoor). Before testing in a car wash, gloss must be measured using equipment complying with STD 423-0023. However, the actual measurement differs from the standard in that at least three measurements are taken along the centerline along the scratch direction.
Furthermore, regardless of whether the post-scratch gloss values are less than 60 units when measured at a 60-degree angle, the gloss should be specified for a 20-degree measurement angle. This is a necessary deviation from the standard to ensure consistency between pre- and post-scratch gloss measurements. The average value is specified as the initial gloss. Panels should be protected from dirt and scratches that are not part of the test.
Before performing tests, the need for calibration should be verified. The recommended number of test specimens for each material type is four (four replicates). Testing is performed by placing all test panels on the test surface as described above (after conditioning the equipment). Test specimens should be held flat on the test bench with a magnetic coating or by taping them in contact with the test surface. If tape is used, only the edges should be taped, and the specimens to be evaluated should not be taped. The specified number of test cycles should be performed.
Scratched test samples should be rinsed in warm water (not more than 35°C) and dried with a polyester microfiber cloth lightly moistened with alcohol (ethanol, isopropanol) or a mixture of household detergent and low-aromatic white spirit. The washing solution should not damage the paint film. The samples should be dried sufficiently to remove any brush residue from the test sample surface but to prevent further scratching. If rinsing is necessary to remove the washing solution, this should be done with warm water, followed by wiping the test sample and drying it with a microfiber cloth to remove any water spots or traces of the washing solution.
After the scratching and cleaning processes are completed, the gloss is measured as for preparing the test samples, except that five measurements are taken from the center of the test pieces instead of three. Measurements made within two hours of the test (during this period, the samples should not be stored above 25°C at room temperature) should be reported as the gloss after scratching. If the measurements are made after the samples have been in an oven at 70°C for two hours (after scratching and cleaning), they should be reported as the gloss after reflowing.
The gloss ratio after drawing and the gloss ratio after reflow are calculated as specified in the standard.
In short, the Volvo STD 423-0019 standard is a vehicle wash scratch resistance test applied to topcoats. This test evaluates how resistant the paint surface is to mechanical wear and micro-scratches caused by brushes and materials commonly used in automatic car washes. The test is performed to ensure that painted surfaces are resistant to visible minor scratches resulting from automatic car wash systems. Tests typically involve simulating brush and water cycles under controlled pressure to mimic repeated car wash exposure.
This standard is considered important for the following reasons:
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