VW 50123 Thermoplastic Elastomers - Quality Requirements

The “VW 50123 Thermoplastic elastomers - Quality requirements” standard, developed by the Volkswagen automotive company, describes the quality requirements for materials based on thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) and designed for motor vehicle parts. Technical supply specification TL 52697-C applies to the use of F-TPV (thermoplastic elastomer made of ethylene-tetrafluoroethylene copolymer hard phase and fluorocarbon rubber soft phase) as the inner layer of elastomer hoses for diesel particulate filter applications. TL 52706-B, C or D applies to the use of F-TPV as the inner layer of elastomer hoses designed for fuel transport.

Thermoplastic elastomers are elastomers that exhibit flow transition at temperatures above their application range. These elastomers are multiphase materials containing rigid and soft segments in blocks in the main chain, or rigid segments grafted as side chains onto flexible base chains. The soft segments form the mobile areas necessary for the elasticity of the rubber. The cross-linked areas of these materials separate relatively easily through heat, thus limiting the characteristic rubber-elastic application at high temperatures. Thermo-reversible cross-linking of TPEs allows for thermoplastic-like processing.

The general requirements in this standard are determined as follows:

• Initial delivery confirmation and modifications must comply with VW 01155 standard.
• Material conformity must be according to VW 91101 standard.
• Tests should be performed on samples taken from finished parts. If tests cannot be performed on the part due to geometry, data sheets or measurements taken on test panels can be used.
• The properties measured in finished parts may differ from standard properties. Deviations should be determined in agreement with the buyer and, if necessary, added to the drawing. This should be given particular consideration when making comparative measurements between finished part samples and test panels for blow-molded parts.
• All individual measurement values ​​in a measurement series must meet the minimum requirement.
• When using an elastomer with an electrical/electronic component, in addition to compliance with the VW 80808-1 standard, the effect of the elastomer on the current-carrying elements of the component, if any, must also be considered.
• The surface of the finished parts must be free from voids, cracks, cold closures, or similar defects resulting from the manufacturing process. The parts must allow for flawless assembly. There must be no functional risk or risk of injury to assembly workers due to loose burrs, chips, or particle debris. The color must be defined in the drawing.
• The materials are designed for injection molding or blow molding processes. If switching to this specific method results in a deviation from the properties specified here, this should be taken into account and indicated in the drawing.
• The use of homogeneous re-ground material from the first stage of the same production process is permitted. The amount of re-ground material added must be agreed upon with the buyer and specified in the drawing. The parts must be verified against the expected maximum percentage of re-ground material.
• The use of recycled materials (i.e., raw materials obtained from non-process sources) is only permitted after consultation with the buyer and must be clearly indicated in the drawing. The VW 50026 standard applies to the classification of granular material.
• Parts subjected to dynamic loads must be free of recycled materials.

In the high-risk world of automotive manufacturing, where every component must withstand extreme temperatures, corrosive fluids, and relentless vibration, material standards are unquestionable. This is where the VW 50123 standard comes in, a fundamental specification that sets the bar for thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) used in motor vehicles. This standard is a driving force, ensuring that seals and interior trim in a vehicle not only look good but also perform under pressure.

Unlike traditional rubbers, which are thermosets and cannot be reshaped after curing, thermoplastic elastomers are thermoplastic: they soften when heated and harden when cooled, allowing for efficient recycling and processing. This hybrid structure (elastic like rubber, processable like plastic) makes thermoplastic elastomers ideal for automotive parts requiring flexibility, durability, and ease of manufacturing.

Common types of thermoplastic elastomers include:

• TPO (thermoplastic olefin): Due to its weather resistance, it is ideal for outdoor applications such as bumpers.
• TPU (thermoplastic polyurethane): Excellent for high-wear areas such as gaskets.
• TPS (thermoplastic styrene): Cost-effective for indoor use.
• TPC/TPA (thermoplastic copolyester/polyamide): High-performance options for under-hood applications.

The continuously updated VW 50123 standard specifically defines these materials and quality criteria for Group brands. This standard provides a comprehensive framework that ensures thermoplastic elastomers meet the challenges of global vehicle production.

Thermoplastic elastomers are used in everything from door seals (to prevent water ingress) to instrument panel mats (to reduce noise). The VW 50123 standard ensures these parts contribute to safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

• Safety first: Compliant thermoplastic elastomers reduce the risk of failure in critical areas that must withstand leaks, such as fuel lines.
• Cost and efficiency: Recyclable thermoplastic elastomers reduce production costs by 20-30% compared to thermosets, aligning with VW's circular economy goals.
• Innovation driver: With the rise of electric vehicles, the VW 50123 standard is evolving to test thermoplastic elastomers for battery thermal management and weight reduction. Recent updates emphasize low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions for cabin air quality.

In conclusion, the VW 50123 standard powers safer, more environmentally friendly, and more reliable vehicles by enforcing stringent quality requirements for thermoplastic elastomers.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, 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 to businesses in accordance with the "VW 50123 Thermoplastic elastomers - Quality requirements" standard.