The “FCA LP-463LB-12-01 Humidity, Heat and Cold Cycle Resistance Test of Plastics and Trim Materials” standard, developed by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), an Italian-American automotive company, describes a test method used to determine the behavior of trim materials when exposed to heat, humidity, and cold temperature cycles. This test method is an accelerated procedure to determine the effects of humidity, heat, and cold on interior and exterior trim materials and components. This method is applicable to both interior and exterior trim materials.
Three different test methods are offered in this standard:
Test equipment used in these tests includes:
Test samples must be representative of the material being evaluated and have a surface area of 127 x 127 mm2.
As preparation for the test, a sample (127 x 127 mm2) is first cut from the material to be tested. Cut edges should follow the warp direction (machine direction) and fill (along machine direction) of the material.
The test results stated herein are based on material conditioned in a controlled atmosphere of 24 plus/minus 23 degrees and 2 percent plus/minus 50 percent relative humidity for at least 5 hours prior to testing and tested under the same conditions unless otherwise stated.
When applying Method A, the sample is subjected to visual inspection for color and similar aspects. All data is recorded in detail. If possible, keep a duplicate sample on hand for control. If the part to be tested is connected to other parts in production, the sample is assembled and securely fixed to simulate real conditions. Unless stated otherwise, the sample is placed in a non-condensing humidity chamber for 16 hours. The sample should be protected from direct spray of steam or water used to maintain humidity. The sample is then removed from the humidity chamber, subjected to visual inspection, and changes recorded. Unless otherwise stated, the sample is kept in a circulating air oven at 79 degrees plus/minus 2 degrees for 24 hours. Once removed from the oven, changes are noted and kept in the cold room at minus 29 plus/minus 2 degrees for 6 hours unless otherwise stated. The sample is then removed from the cold room and changes are noted. This process is repeated once more. The sample is then removed from the cold room, allowed to return to room temperature, and evaluated in comparison with the data recorded in the first step and the replicate sample.
When applying Method B, the sample is subjected to visual inspection for color and similar aspects. All data is recorded in detail. If possible, keep a duplicate sample on hand for control. If the part to be tested is connected to other parts in production, the sample is assembled and securely fixed to simulate real conditions. Unless stated otherwise, the sample is placed in a non-condensing humidity chamber for 16 hours. The sample should be protected from direct spray of steam or water used to maintain humidity. The sample is then removed from the humidity chamber, subjected to visual inspection, and changes recorded. The sample should still be wet when moving to the next step. Unless stated otherwise, the sample is placed in a cold room with a temperature of minus 29 degrees plus/minus 2 degrees. The sample is then removed from the cold room and changes are noted. Then, unless otherwise stated, the sample is kept in a circulating air oven at 79 degrees plus/minus 2 degrees for 24 hours. The sample is removed from the oven and changes are noted. This process is repeated once more. The sample is then removed from the oven, allowed to return to room temperature, and evaluated in comparison with the data recorded in the first step and the duplicate sample.
When applying Method C, subject the sample to visual inspection for surface defects. All data is recorded in detail. If possible, keep a duplicate sample on hand for control. If the part to be tested is connected to other parts in production, the sample is assembled and securely fixed to simulate real conditions. Unless stated otherwise, the sample is placed in a non-condensing humidity chamber for 16 hours. The sample should be protected from direct spray of steam or water used to maintain humidity. The sample is then removed from the humidity chamber, subjected to visual inspection, and changes recorded. The sample should still be wet when moving to the next step. Then, unless otherwise stated, the sample is placed in a cold room at minus 6 degrees plus/minus 29 degrees for 2 hours. The sample is then removed from the cold room and changes are noted. Unless otherwise stated, the sample is kept in a circulating air oven at 140 degrees plus/minus 2 degrees for 24 hours. The sample is removed from the oven and changes are noted. This process is repeated for five cycles. It is then evaluated in comparison with the data recorded in the first step and the duplicate sample.
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