VW 50190 Interior Trim Components - Metrological Assessment of Colour and Gloss Level - Visual Assessment of Chrome Surfaces

The standard "VW 50190 Interior trim components - Metrological assessment of color and gloss level - Visual assessment of chrome surfaces," developed by Volkswagen, describes the requirements for measuring and evaluating color deviations and the use of technical devices to determine color differences in vehicle interior trim components. This standard applies to the sampling and production monitoring of the following materials:

• Solid-colored and non-shiny textiles
  • Impact insensitive, structureless
  • Impact resistant, well built
  • Impact sensitive, structureless
• plastic parts
  • Those with patterned surfaces (leather pattern, fine structure, etc.)
  • Those with painted surfaces (soft touch paint, decorative paint, etc.)
  • Wet part, foam film, PU hard foam (dashboard area, sun visor)
• Painted metal parts (exception: parts painted in body color)
• Leather (genuine leather and faux leather)

In this standard, the requirements are defined as follows:

• Metrological tolerances are based on the plausibility testing of metrologically determined limits for visual acceptance, defined by the Volkswagen Group during advanced engineering studies. Revisions may be made during the production phase due to technical factors.
• The supplier is required to monitor the process using statistical process control.
• Components must be measured by the supplier without exception and submitted with the relevant report. Furthermore, the plausibility of the measured values ​​from a visual perspective must be checked (even if the metrological evaluation yields a satisfactory result).
• Without exception, all metrological and visual evaluations are carried out under both D65 (daylight) and F11 (artificial light) standard illuminants. The values ​​must be recorded appropriately in test reports and measurement reports.
• In all cases, colorimetric assessments are made taking into account the relevant brightness levels. These levels must also be entered in the test and measurement reports.
• For colorimetric evaluations of unpainted plastic parts, a semi-crystalline sample standard is always used as a reference, regardless of the material.
• For colorimetric evaluations of leather, the artificial leather variant is always used as a reference.
• The fluctuation range of color values ​​obtained from 10 separate measurements should not exceed plus/minus 0,15 CIELAB units.
• In principle, the assessment is subject to visual acceptance in the installed position.
• The standard tolerance values ​​specified in this standard are used as target values ​​at the beginning of the sampling phase. Different values ​​are possible depending on the material and color variant. If different tolerance values ​​exist, they are specified in the relevant standard, drawing, or sample standard, or communicated to the test parties. If no other tolerance values ​​are agreed upon, the specifications in this standard apply.
• If a color standard does not contain the relevant texture, it is recommended to use alternative textures from the table for colorimetric evaluation.

When preparing samples, visual inspection should be performed to ensure uniformity of texture and gloss. The surface should be free of foreign matter. Damaged areas not intentionally created for testing purposes (e.g., scratches, stress bleaching) should be excluded from the measurement. Plastic parts and painted parts do not require special preparation for testing.

Impact-sensitive textiles should be brushed before measurement: first once against the pile direction (the sample appears darker), then 10 times against the pile direction (the sample appears lighter and the structure appears more homogeneous). A garment brush with polyester bristles approximately 18 mm long and 0,3 mm thick should be used.

For needle-punched non-woven fabrics, it is sufficient to brush the fabric by hand, first 1 time against the pile direction (the sample appears darker), then 10 times against the pile direction (the sample appears lighter and the structure appears more homogeneous), making sure that the hand is clean and oil-free.

No preparation is required for textiles that are not sensitive to impact.

Possible staining in multi-colored fiber systems must be ignored.

Even if technical measurements are successful, components must be measured by suppliers, records kept, and visual inspections performed.

VW 50190 standard test methods focus on evaluating the color, gloss, and overall visual appearance of interior trim components under controlled, standardized conditions. These methods ensure that the components meet strict tolerances for visual integrity.

The main testing methods used are:

• Spectrophotometric color measurement
• Luminance measurement
• Visual comparison (subjective evaluation)
• Texture and surface comparison
• Documentation and statistical analysis

In short, VW 50190 is a Volkswagen standard dedicated to the colorimetric and visual evaluation of vehicle interior trim components, including elements such as color consistency and gloss levels. It ensures that components meet both objectively measured values ​​and subjective visual criteria.

The tests involve multi-angle color and brightness measurements under standardized lighting to ensure that all interior materials, especially finishes like chrome or wood-like finishes, maintain their visual consistency. The interior is covered by a range of VW standards related to material requirements, emissions, weather resistance, and more.

The VW 50190 standard is important because it ensures visual and quality consistency across all Volkswagen vehicle interior trim components. The main reasons for its importance are:

• Consistent appearance = Perceived quality: Customers expect a vehicle interior to look flawless and uniform. This means:
  • All plastics, leathers, woods, metals must be compatible in terms of color, gloss and texture, even if they come from different suppliers or materials.
  • Without a standard, slight differences in color tone or finish can make a brand new vehicle's interior look cheap or poorly assembled.

For example, if you have a dashboard with two plastic panels, one slightly redder or shinier than the other, this disrupts visual harmony and lowers perceived value.

• Supplier quality control: Modern vehicle interiors are sourced from multiple suppliers across different regions. This standard
  • Defines precise measurement methods and tolerances (e.g. using spectrophotometers and gloss meters).
  • It serves as a common language for quality control between VW and suppliers.
  • It prevents incompatibilities between components manufactured in different factories or countries.
• Repeatability in mass production: This standard helps ensure:
  • Whether 10 or 10 million vehicles are produced, the hardware is always compatible.
  • Manufacturing processes (injection molding, painting, coating) are controlled and repeatable.
• Reduces rework, waste and costs: Failure to comply with this standard:
  • Part rejections lead to remanufacturing or assembly line delays.
  • It may result in warranty claims or customer dissatisfaction after purchase.

Therefore, strict adherence to the standard saves VW and its suppliers time, money and reputation.

• Supports brand identity: Volkswagen's interior design philosophy is based on precision and clean aesthetics. This standard reinforces the brand's commitment to design integrity. It ensures that vehicles across regions and trim levels meet Volkswagen's global standards.

Ultimately, the VW 50190 standard is crucial for ensuring every interior component looks and feels like it belongs, regardless of where or how it's manufactured. It protects both the customer experience and the manufacturing process, making it a key standard in automotive quality assurance.

Our organization, which has been serving for many years and meticulously following global developments in science and technology, employs a skilled team and extensive infrastructure to conduct testing, measurement, and analysis in a wide range of areas for businesses across all sectors. In this context, we also provide testing services in accordance with the "VW 50190 Interior trim components - Metrological assessment of color and gloss level - Visual assessment of chrome surfaces" standard.