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Automotive Analytical services for automotive suppliers Extract of our services From spinning process to coating – from raw material to damage analysis Raw material and polymer analysis Specification of polymers Moisture content according to Karl Fischer Solution viscosity Melt flow index Extractions Thermal properties Measurement of carboxyl end groups ​ Analysis of excipients Incoming inspection of preparations or finishes Chemical characterization of spinning baths Product analysis Mechanical strength (also under temperature) Color measurement emission Exposure, climate and weathering tests Abrasion resistance (Martindale) Colour fastness Soiling and cleaning behaviour Penetration behaviour of the coating into the thread composite Damage and process analysis Lint analysis on bobbins or fabrics Sieve filter analyses Surface structure of thread guides and godets Contamination on fabrics Tissue damage to airbag fabrics Analysis of competitive products Her EXPERT Erika Schuster Mail erika.schuster@aso-labor.de phone +49 6022 81 2140 Application examples Nozzle hole geometry of spinnerets Tensile tests under temperature Airbag damage analysis Spin filter analysis Solution viscosity Stability of emulsions Loss of strength after light fastness test Abrasion resistance according to Martindale Silicone coating of fabrics Cleaning cloth with stains Fabrics damage analysis Do you have questions? Our experienced team is available to meet your individual requirements and provide you with high-quality analytical solutions. Contact

Automotive Analytical services for automotive suppliers Thanks to our extensive experience in the chemical and physical analysis of paints, as well as our many years of expertise in operating our own coating systems using various plasma processes and vapor deposition techniques for metallization, we are your reliable partner in the field of paint technology. ​ Our wide range of services covers a variety of requirements. These include paint tests, which are particularly important in the automotive sector for approval processes required, as well as precise damage analysis in the event of paint defects. Rely on our expertise and sophisticated methods to achieve the highest To ensure quality and precision in paint technology. Complete solutions for release testing from environmental simulation to damage analysis YOUR EXPERT Rainer Ziel Mail rainer.ziel@aso-labor.de phone +49 6022 81 2645 Test standards Initial sample testing according to automotive standards. Colour & Shine The assessment of color and gloss is often done visually by comparing it to a reference sample or standard. Correct lighting is crucial to detect additional irregularities such as blistering or paint peeling. Alternatively, color and gloss measuring devices enable the quantitative recording of color changes when changing batches or due to environmental influences. The measuring geometries used are standardized to ensure comparable results. Liability The cross-cut test evaluates the adhesion of paints to substrates and their resistance to damage. The painted surface is scratched in a cross shape and the adhesion is then checked using a peel test. The quality of adhesion is assessed according to the standards DIN EN ISO 2409 (GT0 to GT5) or ASTM D 3359-02 (5B to 0B). These paint adhesion tests (cross-cut and grid cut tests) are carried out both before and after climatic storage. Scratch test Scratch resistance tests, or scratch tests for short, are carried out on plastics to test the quality of the adhesion of paints and coatings to plastics. To do this, a needle is moved over the surface with increasing pressure and it is tested how long the surface can withstand this load. Environment- simulation and weathering The cross-cut test evaluates the adhesion of paints to substrates and their resistance to damage. The painted surface is scratched in a cross shape and the adhesion is then checked using a peel test. The quality of adhesion is assessed according to the standards DIN EN ISO 2409 (GT0 to GT5) or ASTM D 3359-02 (5B to 0B). These paint adhesion tests (cross-cut and grid cut tests) are carried out both before and after climatic storage. Chemical resistance During everyday use, paint comes into contact with a variety of chemicals. These are typically sweat, hand cream, sunscreen, various solvents, cleaning and disinfectants, and depending on the application, also cola or fuel. Chemical resistance is usually tested by direct contact with the test medium. The test may be made more stringent by simultaneous friction or temperature stress. The changes in the paint are evaluated according to specific criteria. Abrasion resistance, rub fastness or colour fastness Mechanical contact with a painted surface can lead to a change in the surface (abrasion). The Crockmeter test is a test procedure for painted surfaces that is common in the automotive industry. This abrasion test is based on the DIN EN ISO 105-X12 standard. At the end of the test, the fabric is visually examined for possible discoloration and the painted surface for premature wear. A crockmeter test is also suitable for simulating a combined effect of water or other media during mechanical resistance testing, thus significantly accelerating the aging of a surface. ​ Painted buttons or printed control elements, on the other hand, are preferably tested with an Abrex device. The actuation is simulated by a silicone finger with defined contact pressure and lateral displacement, whereby there is always a fresh friction fabric between the silicone finger and the surface to be tested. This fabric can also be exposed to a test medium. Rockfall testing The resistance of vehicle paintwork to stone chips is of particular interest to the automotive industry. In a stone chip test, sharp-edged impact bodies of a defined size and shape are fired at the paint surface using compressed air to simulate stone chipping. The type of impact body, the working pressure, the firing time and the angle of impact are specified in the relevant standards. The assessment of stone chip resistance is carried out by means of a visual comparison with images. Steam jet test The steam jet test according to DIN EN ISO 16925 is used to assess the adhesive strength of paints and coatings. For the test, the paint is first scratched or milled into the substrate in the shape of a St. Andrew's cross. The edges of the St. Andrew's cross are then treated with a pressurized water jet under defined conditions. The defect pattern after the steam jet test is assessed by comparing it with image panels showing different levels of damage. Salt spray testing The salt spray test according to DIN EN ISO 9227 is used for painted metal parts. It simulates both the influence of salty air near the sea and the stress on a component caused by road salt. A pH-neutral salt solution (NSS) is sprayed in a special chamber. This settles on the component and covers the surface with a corrosive salt water film. After the salt spray test, which lasts several days, the component is rinsed with distilled water to remove loose residues. It can then be checked whether the corrosion protection effect of a paint is fulfilled on all parts of a component or whether red rust is visible on the surface. The salt spray test is well suited to compare the corrosion protection effect of different protective coatings. Test standards Initial sample testing according to automotive standards. Blistering Bubbles or blisters, which are pronounced as local elevations, are often caused by inclusions in the paint layer. These inclusions can, for example, come from contamination on an unpainted component or from foreign materials in the paint system. Possible causes are unclean working conditions during painting or the inclusion of gases. For a precise analysis, the area usually has to be exposed by targeted preparation (cross-section). Subsequently, analysis techniques such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX) or microspectroscopic methods (IR / Raman) are used to precisely analyze the composition in the area of the unevenness. Paint craters Paint craters represent a local depression in the paint and are often a result of wetting problems. The paint is pushed outwards in the defect area and thus reduced in the crater area. The effect can range from a slight reduction in layer thickness to paint-free areas on the component surface. If the cause of the paint crater is a particle in the crater center, similar analyses are used as for bubbles . If no inclusions are visible, it is often still possible to analyze the paint crater. Release agents, grease or oils can often be detected on the paint surface using very surface-sensitive analysis methods. In addition, mechanical damage in the underlying paint layers (flaking) or in the unpainted component (dents or scratches) can also lead to paint craters. Paint adhesion problems Paint adhesion problems can be caused by contamination of the component surface, similar to wetting problems. Sometimes unsuitable paint systems are used which are not compatible with the material of the component. Many plastics require surface activation such as flame treatment, fluorination or plasma treatment. If this is not carried out properly, paint adhesion can also be reduced. Special surface analysis or paint analysis is required for analysis in order to be able to detect the usually thin changes to the surface or the boundary layer. Chalking Chalking is a form of damage to paints caused by aging or external chemical influences. Pigment and filler particles are exposed in the area close to the surface due to the degradation of the paint's organic binding agent. The increased light reflection on the rougher surface creates a brighter and more matte appearance. Chalking must be distinguished from the fading of pigment particles, which has very different causes. Do you have questions? Our experienced team is available to meet your individual requirements and provide you with high-quality analytical solutions. Contact

Search results 28 items found for "" Industries | ASO Tailor-made solutions for your industry Analytics for various industrial sectors More than 1000 customers from a wide range of industries use our wide range of services. Our clients deal with a wide range of tasks such as product development, process optimization, production, quality assurance, basic research or technical marketing. ​ The broad expertise of Analytik Service Obernburg enables you to receive optimal support. Below you will find an overview of our main areas. In case your industry is not listed here, we still offer you comprehensive support. Our experienced team is available at any time to provide you with individual advice. Industry Overview Automotive Tailor-made analysis solutions for the automotive industry. Our experts use the latest technologies to precisely characterize materials and components and support automobile manufacturers and suppliers in quality assurance and product development. More Medical technology Specialized medical device processes to precisely characterize materials and devices. Our experts help customers ensure the safety, quality and performance of their medical device products. ​ More Paints High-precision analysis methods for paints to characterize their composition and properties. Our experts support customers in optimizing paints and achieving the highest quality standards. More Fibres & Fabrics State-of-the-art analytical techniques for the characterization of fibers and fabrics . Our broad range of methods enables precise investigations for a wide variety of applications and needs. ​ More Health & Hygiene Supporting the health and hygiene industry with high-precision analytical services. Our expertise ensures quality assurance and compliance with strict standards for products and materials in this important area. More Plastics First-class analytical services for the characterization of plastics. We use the latest technologies to enable accurate and comprehensive analysis of a wide range of plastic materials. More Do you have questions? Our experienced team is available to meet your individual requirements and provide you with high-quality analytical solutions. Contact Automotive | ASO Automotive Analytical services for automotive suppliers Complete solutions from release testing from environmental simulation to damage analysis There are separate pages specifically for automotive suppliers in the areas of plastics, paints and coatings, as well as chemical fibers and textiles, with typical questions relating to these key areas. We also examine other materials such as glass surfaces, friction linings, electronic components such as switches and circuit boards and much more. ​ As part of the automotive initial sample testing, our raw material and product analysis department carries out an identification test and specification test in accordance with your OEM specifications. Accordingly, we also test the resistance of your samples during various environmental simulation tests. We are happy to create your individual analysis package. ​ We can also analyze the composition of competitor products for you. It is precisely when things get difficult, namely when investigating cases of damage or complaints, that our damage analysis can help you. We are happy to act as an independent consultant and provide you with professionally prepared test reports that you can forward directly to your suppliers. If a complaint indicates process problems or if you are planning process optimization, we will be happy to support you. ​ IATF 16949, which is common in the automotive industry, requires the commissioning of ISO 17025 accredited testing laboratories for analyses. We have been meeting this requirement for many years. We offer you a comprehensive and fast analytical service from a single source. ​ Further Information: Testing Standards Testing Areas Authorizations YOUR EXPERT CHRISTOPHER WOLF Mail christopher.wolf@aso-labor.de phone +49 6022 81 2964 Examples of Use Bubbles in the paint layer Paint adhesion Solar simulation Emissions from vehicle interior Damage analysis on circuit board after climate test Test standards Initial sample testing according to automotive standards. If you need a quote for automotive approval tests, please fill out the form and send it to us. Form Test standards Initial sample testing according to automotive standards. Chemical resistance Various resistance tests are used to determine how a material reacts to external influences at an accelerated rate. We carry out tests according to many common standards and OEM regulations. Stress crack resistance according to DIN EN ISO 22088-3 Soiling behaviour and cleaning behaviour Corrosion test / salt spray test (condensation test) Abrasion & wear Abrasion and wear tests are of great importance for the automotive industry. These tests subject vehicle components to various stresses in order to evaluate their resistance to abrasion and wear. Scratch test / scratch test Abrasion resistance, rub fastness or colour fastness (Crockmeter test according to DIN EN ISO 105-X12 l Testing with Abrex device according to DIN EN 60068-2-70 l Martindale method according to DIN EN ISO 12947) Stone chip test according to DIN EN ISO 20567-1 Steam jet test according to DIN EN ISO 16925 Environmental Simulations Technical products are exposed to various environmental influences that can affect their function and/or appearance and thus shorten their service life. Climatic tests artificially simulate long-term behavior under more severe conditions in order to qualify products for specific environmental conditions. Hot and cold storage Temperature change test Humidity storage l Condensation water constant climate test Hot water test l Hydrolysis ageing Lightfastness test I UV resistance I Hot light ageing Sunlight simulation test Weathering Emissions testing Plastics can release undesirable, disruptive or toxic chemical compounds. Car manufacturers have therefore started to regulate the type and quantity of emissions. Depending on the OE, the regulations for automotive suppliers stipulate various tests that must be carried out under precisely defined conditions. Odour test (VDA 270) Fogging test (DIN 75201-A, DIN 75201-B) Emissions testing (VDA 275, VDA 277, VDA 278 Burning tests Car manufacturers must ensure that the materials used in the vehicle do not burn at all or at most at a defined rate. To ensure this, determining the horizontal burning rate is often part of the scope of automotive approval tests. Test chamber for combustion testing (ISO 3795, DIN 75200, GMW 3232, GB 8410, TL 1010, GS 97038, DBL 5307) Burning tests according to DIN EN ISO 9773 Testing with the glow wire according to DIN EN 60695-2-11 Edge or surface flame treatment according to DIN 53438-2 I DIN 53438-3 Identity verification Identity tests are often part of automotive testing to rule out material mix-ups. This involves not only simple polymer characterization, but also filler content (e.g. glass fibers) or the detection of prohibited additives or auxiliary materials. Infrared spectroscopy (IR) Glass fiber content Mechanical tests Mechanical testing evaluates the performance of materials and components throughout their life cycle. It identifies potential weak points and determines performance limits through tensile strength, flexural strength, hardness and other tests. These tests ensure that products meet the requirements of real-world operating conditions. Tensile test (destructive material testing) according to DIN EN ISO 527-1 Bending test according to DIN EN ISO 178 Impact test I Notched bar impact test (tests according to Charpy DIN EN ISO 179-1 and IZOD DIN EN ISO 180) Compression set DIN EN ISO 1856 Tear propagation test (test according to DIN ISO 34-1 on elastomers for seals and according to DIN EN ISO 8067 on foams) Adhesive force and peel strength (roller peel test according to DIN EN 1372 with 90° peel angle or DIN EN 1464 with approx. 60° peel angle) Physical tests Physical tests are of central importance for the automotive industry. These tests subject vehicle components to various physical stresses in order to evaluate their robustness and reliability. Targeted test procedures simulate the reaction of the components to external influences. Roughness using a phertometer Vickers hardness or Rockwell hardness (for metals) Shore hardness A and D for elastomers and plastics DIN ISO 48-4 Colour & Shine The assessment of changes to a component through testing is usually initially carried out purely visually. The surface is compared with the initial state or an original sample under standardized lighting conditions. Evaluation tables or a gray scale are often taken into account in the assessment. Abnormalities such as blistering or paint peeling are also noted in the report. Visual assessment (evaluation board, grey scale) Gloss measurement (measurement range from deep matt to high gloss) Color measurement (CIE Lab color space or spectral curves) Test standards Initial sample testing according to automotive standards. OEM Listing The ASO testing laboratory is accredited according to ISO 17025 and has been approved by numerous automobile manufacturers (OEMs). We have approvals from various OEMs. Please refer to the respective document for the relevant scope of the listing. BMW HC Approval Ford Approval Excerpt Opel / GM Lab Approval VW Approval 2025 VW Approval 2027 In addition to the requirements of DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 (or VDA 250), many OEMs have developed their own criteria for testing laboratories regarding automotive release tests. Based on accreditation according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025, test laboratories are approved/recommended by the OEMs for certain test procedures (e.g. emissions according to VW 50180, emissions (formaldehyde) according to BMW AA-0061, emissions according to Ford WSS–M99P2222, emissions according to GMW). The criteria of the OEMs are very different and range from accreditation itself (including ring tests, etc.), participation in ring tests organized by the OEM (VW/Audi regarding emissions tests), on-site expert assessment (Opel), to the classification of release tests for the initial sampling of supplied parts (Mercedes Benz Group). The lists of approved laboratories are available in the OEM-specific B2B portals and enable the supplier to select an approved testing laboratory. Do you have questions? Our experienced team is available to meet your individual requirements and provide you with high-quality analytical solutions. Contact Fibers and fabrics | ASO Automotive Analytical services for automotive suppliers Extract of our services From spinning process to coating – from raw material to damage analysis Raw material and polymer analysis Specification of polymers Moisture content according to Karl Fischer Solution viscosity Melt flow index Extractions Thermal properties Measurement of carboxyl end groups ​ Analysis of excipients Incoming inspection of preparations or finishes Chemical characterization of spinning baths Product analysis Mechanical strength (also under temperature) Color measurement emission Exposure, climate and weathering tests Abrasion resistance (Martindale) Colour fastness Soiling and cleaning behaviour Penetration behaviour of the coating into the thread composite Damage and process analysis Lint analysis on bobbins or fabrics Sieve filter analyses Surface structure of thread guides and godets Contamination on fabrics Tissue damage to airbag fabrics Analysis of competitive products Her EXPERT Erika Schuster Mail erika.schuster@aso-labor.de phone +49 6022 81 2140 Application examples Nozzle hole geometry of spinnerets Tensile tests under temperature Airbag damage analysis Spin filter analysis Solution viscosity Stability of emulsions Loss of strength after light fastness test Abrasion resistance according to Martindale Silicone coating of fabrics Cleaning cloth with stains Fabrics damage analysis Do you have questions? Our experienced team is available to meet your individual requirements and provide you with high-quality analytical solutions. Contact Services | ASO Service spectrum From standard tests to damage case analyses As an independent and accredited testing laboratory, we offer you accompanying analytics, from basic research to quality assurance and technical marketing. Our analysis spectrum ranges from simple routine analytics (standard tests) to individually prepared damage case analyses. We support you with our analytics in research and development projects, testing your raw materials and auxiliary materials as well as finished products. As part of initial sample testing for automotive, we confirm the tests required by the manufacturer. In addition to contract analysis, we also offer seminars on damage analysis and surface analysis. RAW MATERIAL ANALYTICS More PRODUCT ANALYTICS More DAMAGE ANALYTICS More SEMINARS More Climate- optimised services ASO is committed to climate protection. Since 2021, we have been offering our analytical services in a reduced climate manner. Ask for our possibilities! Contact ASO Analytik Service Obernburg | Prüflabor ASO Analytik Service Obernburg Welcome to ASO, your trusted partner in analytical precision. With a dedicated team of 50 experts, we combine in-depth industry knowledge in the automotive and medical technology sectors with state-of-the-art analytical technology. Your vision is our focus. Our expertise guarantees tailor-made solutions based on trust and reliability to overcome your specific challenges. ​ Discover how we can make a difference for your business with accurate data and clear insights. Industry solutions Customized solutions for your industry. More on this Methods Overview: Chemical and physical test methods. More on this Services From basic research to technical marketing. More on this Do you have questions? Our experienced team is available to meet your individual requirements and provide you with high-quality analytical solutions. Contact Contact | ASO We look forward to hearing from you! Where to find us. Our testing laboratory is centrally located in Germany, on the edge of the Rhine-Main area, about 50 km southeast of Frankfurt am Main. If you are arriving by car or train, use our map and report to the plant security (Gate 4). If there are problems with the delivery of samples by courier, please use the alternative address Glanzstoffstraße 1 in 63906 Erlenbach. Contact Industrial Center Obernburg 63784 Obernburg +49 6022 81-2668 info@aso-labor.de First Name Last Name E-Mail Company Country Code Phone Message File upload Upload supported file (max. 15MB) I have taken note of the privacy policy. Data protection Send Thank you very much! We will get back to you as soon as possible. Directions Optical tests | ASO Optical tests Methods and areas of application Color measurement A color measurement can be carried out using colorimeters or spectrophotometers under various standardized lighting or detector geometries. One obtains either color values in the CIE Lab color space or spectral curves. ​ application areas Quality control Quantification of color deviations Metamerism Colour constancy checks after environmental simulation tests Gloss measurement Gloss measurement determines the directional portion of the reflection of a surface. Various standardized measuring geometries are available for the measurement (20°, 60° and 90°). The reflectometer value is related to a standard (black polished glass plate). application areas Quality control Determination of the degree of gloss or gloss deviations after durability tests Light microscopy Light microscopy enables the optical examination of small structures. ​ field of use Damage analysis Laser particle size measurement Particles in a suspension scatter the laser light. The size distribution can be calculated based on the intensity distribution in the diffraction pattern. ​ application areas Quality control Particle size distribution Droplet size in emulsions UV-Vis spectroscopy In molecular spectroscopy, the incoming light is absorbed or scattered. This is characteristic of certain molecular fragments. The recorded spectra show specific bands for certain molecular components, which can be used to identify organic materials in particular. ​ application areas Analysis of organic components Polymer characterization Damage analysis Stains and dirt Analysis of competitive products Do you have questions? Our experienced team is available to meet your individual requirements and provide you with high-quality analytical solutions. Contact Surface analysis and microscopy | ASO Surface analysis and microscopy Discover our possibilities. Electrons microscopy (REM-EDX) The scanning electron microscope (SEM) is a device for imaging surface structures. It produces images with high resolution and depth of field. In addition, the distribution of different materials can be visualized. Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) can also be used to analyze the local elemental composition of the various sample areas. ​ application areas Structure and composition of components Damage analysis Stains and dirt Analysis of competitive products surfaces Analytics (ESCA) Electron spectroscopy for chemical analysis (also XPS) analyzes (semiquantitatively) the elemental composition of the uppermost nanometers (10-15 atomic layers) of solids. The method also provides information about the bonding states of the elements. The removal of the layers by sputtering allows the measurement of the depth distribution of elements (depth profile). ​ application areas Liability Wetting problems Paint peeling Surface and interface characterization Corrosion protection Reactivity of catalysts Raster force microscopy (AFM) AFM (Atomic Force Microscopy) is a microscopic technique in which the surface of a sample is scanned with a fine needle. This provides complete three-dimensional information about the topography of the surface. With suitable samples, atomic resolution is achieved. The measurements can be carried out in air or in liquids. ​ application areas Analysis of microroughness Measuring the smallest height differences Visualization of the local distribution of chemical information on the surface molecule Spectroscopy (IR/Raman/ UV-Vis) In molecular spectroscopy, the incoming light is absorbed or scattered. This is characteristic of certain molecular fragments. The recorded spectra show specific bands for certain molecular components, which can be used to identify organic materials in particular. ​ application areas Analysis of organic components Polymer characterization Damage analysis Stains and dirt Analysis of competitive products Roughness Measurement Using a phertometer, the surface of the sample is scanned with a needle of defined geometry and standardized roughness parameters are calculated. ​ application areas profile Waviness and roughness medium roughness Bearing ratio Roughness depth Do you have questions? Our experienced team is available to meet your individual requirements and provide you with high-quality analytical solutions. Contact Klimaneutralitätszuschlag | ASO Automotive Analytical services for automotive suppliers Our commitment In order to make our commitment to climate protection transparent, we follow the standards of the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. ​ Direct emissions These come from our own or controlled sources, such as the operation of our laboratory equipment and company vehicles. Indirect emissions from purchased energy These emissions arise from the production of the energy we use, such as electricity and heat. Further indirect emissions along the value chain These include emissions from business travel, our employees’ commuting and the production of consumables. For detailed information and guidelines, please refer to the Greenhouse Gas Protocol , an internationally recognized institution in the field of greenhouse gas accounting. Our profile We have carried out a comprehensive analysis of our emissions in our analytical laboratory with 50 employees, which specializes in chemical, physical and other non-destructive analyses. As a traditional chemical site with a 100-year history, there are a number of promising measures available. Here are the main results: ​ power consumption Our laboratory equipment and the air conditioning of our premises are the main sources of Scope 1 and 2 emissions. By investing in more energy-efficient equipment and switching to renewable energy, we aim to reduce these emissions by 30% in the next few years. Business trips and commuting Business trips and the daily commute of our employees contribute significantly to Scope 3 emissions. We encourage the switch to public transport, offer incentives for carpooling and increasingly use digital communication tools to minimize the need for travel. ​ Material consumption The consumption of chemicals and other laboratory materials is another significant emission factor. We focus on efficient use of resources and sustainable waste management. financing For years, ASO has relied on co-financing with customers to finance the measures presented. The high level of approval from our customers for investments in reducing climate impact confirms our approach. ASO offers an optional 5% surcharge on the services offered. The customer can deselect this package at any time if desired. measures The ASO has carried out a climate impact analysis, which is reviewed and updated annually by the management. New measures are outlined, budgeted and prioritized at the same time. The success of the measures is checked using the QM system accredited according to ISO17025. The measures implemented and those planned for the current year can be requested from the ASO management. Every contribution counts! Your support enables us to finance these internal projects and sustainably improve our climate impact. Together we are creating a better future for all of us. Contact now! Thermal analysis and thermal tests | ASO Thermal analysis and thermal tests Discover some of our methods. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and differential thermal analysis (DTA) The DTA and the DSC are used to measure the amount of heat given off or absorbed by a material as a function of temperature. ​ application areas Determination of glass transition temperatures Enthalpies of fusion Degree of crystallization Heat capacity Decomposition point Thermo- gravimetry (TGA) In TGA, the change in mass of a substance or a mixture of substances is measured as a function of temperature and time. ​ application areas Determination of the weight change of a material when the temperature increases due to evaporation, decomposition, reduction or oxidation Determination of material proportions in mixtures Heat resistance and softening temperature according to Vicat The heat resistance and softening temperature are a measure of the thermal resilience of plastics. The temperature at a given edge fiber extension or at a defined softening of the material is measured. ​ application areas The measured values provide information on the practical long-term use limit of thermoplastics Do you have questions? Our experienced team is available to meet your individual requirements and provide you with high-quality analytical solutions. Contact Plastics | ASO Automotive Analytical services for automotive suppliers Our plastics laboratory has numerous microscopic and spectroscopic methods available to determine the cause of contamination or injection molding defects, for example, as part of a plastics damage analysis . The experts in our plastics laboratory also have extensive experience in analyzing problems during the further processing of plastics, such as galvanization or painting, or when unexpected changes occur to the plastic component due to external influences. ​ Our plastics testing laboratory checks the specifications of an injection-molded part and/or the polymer. Component tests include, for example, mechanical, thermal, optical or rheological properties, but also geometry, density, paint layer thickness, electrical resistance, etc. In addition, our chemical laboratory offers you polymer characterization through chemical analysis of the plastic used with regard to polymer type, additive and filler content, moisture, solution viscosity and many other parameters, or we analyze the emissions emanating from the component. ​ In a test laboratory specially designed for the automotive industry , plastic products are tested for their quality. Environmental simulation allows the influence of light, temperature, humidity, harmful gases or salt mist to be reproduced in the laboratory. In addition, the chemical resistance of the plastic surface to various media (sweat, oils, sunscreen, solvents, etc.) can be tested and the abrasion resistance examined. ​ We would be happy to provide you with a non-binding offer for plastics testing that is optimized to your requirements. Feel free to contact us! YOUR EXPERT Dr. André Muthig Mail andre.muthig@aso-labor.de phone +49 6022 81 2451 Test standards Solution viscosity Viscosity number and intrinsic viscosity Solution viscosity measures the average molecular weight of plastics by measuring the viscosity number VN. This enables the monitoring of processing and usage properties as well as the investigation of aging, chemical effects and weathering. Standards such as DIN EN ISO 307 for polyamides and DIN ISO 1628-5 for polyesters regulate the process. Other parameters such as relative viscosity and specific viscosity describe the change in the solvent caused by the polymer. The intrinsic viscosity (also called limiting viscosity) is estimated by series of measurements or approximate methods such as that of Billmeyer. Melt flow index Volume flow rate and mass flow rate The melt flow index is often referred to by the English abbreviations MFI (melt flow index) or MI (melt index). It is used to characterize the flow behavior of a thermoplastic and thus its degree of polymerization. Through comparative measurements, the MFI is suitable for detecting material contamination and processing defects. Therefore, the melt flow index is used as standard in quality assurance or damage analysis. ​ A distinction is made between the volume flow rate (MVR, melt volume-flow rate) and the mass flow rate (MFR). Both are linked to each other via the melt density; the measurement method is described in DIN EN ISO 1133 and is a routine procedure in plastics analysis. Soxhlet extraction Extraction by organic solvents DIN EN ISO 6427 describes a variety of possible processes for a wide range of plastics and solvents. The method to be used depends on the material and the question. The extracts enable statements to be made regarding the dissolved monomers and oligomers, plasticizers, non-crosslinked resin components, emulsifiers and more. Moisture content of polymer granules The residual moisture is an important parameter in the further processing of plastics. Excessive moisture leads to injection molding defects or even polymer degradation during further processing. Using the Karl Fischer method described in DIN EN ISO 15512, the water content is specifically determined quantitatively by titration. Other emissions when heating the granulate are not included in the measurement. The plastic sample is heated in an airtight sealed vessel and the released moisture is transferred to the titration unit via a carrier gas stream. Ignition residue and ash content The ignition residue describes the residual mass of an organic substance after combustion and continuous heating at high temperatures until constant mass is reached. It is a measure of the content of inorganic components in the polymer, such as glass fibers. DIN EN ISO 3451-1 describes several methods for determining this residual mass, called ash or sulfate ash (depending on the process). Melt flow index Volume flow rate and mass flow rate The melt flow index is often referred to by the English abbreviations MFI (melt flow index) or MI (melt index). It is used to characterize the flow behavior of a thermoplastic and thus its degree of polymerization. Through comparative measurements, the MFI is suitable for detecting material contamination and processing defects. Therefore, the melt flow index is used as standard in quality assurance or damage analysis. ​ A distinction is made between the volume flow rate (MVR, melt volume-flow rate) and the mass flow rate (MFR). Both are linked to each other via the melt density; the measurement method is described in DIN EN ISO 1133 and is a routine procedure in plastics analysis. Melt flow index The melt flow index is often referred to by the English abbreviations MFI (melt flow index) or MI (melt index). It is used to characterize the flow behavior of a thermoplastic and thus its degree of polymerization. Through comparative measurements, the MFI is suitable for detecting material contamination and processing defects. Therefore, the melt flow index is used as standard in quality assurance or damage analysis. ​ A distinction is made between the volume flow rate (MVR, melt volume-flow rate) and the mass flow rate (MFR). Both are linked to each other via the melt density; the measurement method is described in DIN EN ISO 1133 and is a routine procedure in plastics analysis. Automotive Application examples Solution viscosity Recycling of plastic windows Particle size analysis Test standards Injection molding defects During injection molding, various molding defects can occur, such as streaks, sink marks, blistering, weld lines, shiny spots, dull spots, warping, etc. Some affect the optical appearance and can lead to complaints, while others deteriorate the mechanical properties and can even lead to premature failure. This can also negatively affect further processing, such as galvanization. ​ The damage analysis of injection molding defects begins with the classification of defects based on characteristics on the component surface or cross-sectional examinations. By identifying various defect characteristics, the physical causes can be narrowed down. An analysis of the influencing factors provides information on how to reduce defects or avoid them by adjusting the processing parameters. Our specialized testing laboratory for plastics analyzes cases of damage to injection molded parts. Errors in the plastic galvanization Nowadays, PC/ABS materials are mostly used for plastic electroplating. The quality of electroplated plastic surfaces is also influenced by the manufacturing conditions of the plastic parts themselves. Increased reject rates often occur due to spots, specks, bubbles or insufficient layer adhesion. The causes of these defects can be found in both the injection molding process and the electroplating. Injection molding defects on the raw part are usually also visible on the finished galvanized component. However, hidden defects that were not observed on the raw part can also be amplified by the galvanizing process and thus become visible. In addition, there are defects that can be traced back to deposition defects in the galvanization process, over-aging of the baths or unsuitable galvanization conditions. A systematic, microscopic analysis of the finished part and the raw part helps to determine the cause of defects in galvanized plastic parts and reduce scrap rates. Contamination of components Contamination can occur at any stage of the process, from raw materials to transportation. Various spectroscopic and microscopic methods are used to analyze damage depending on the type of contamination. ​ For liquid raw materials, NMR spectroscopy is recommended for the detection of organic contaminants, while XRF spectroscopy is suitable for trace inorganic contaminants. ​ In the case of surface contamination, scanning electron microscopy and IR spectroscopy are used to analyse the defects. The composition and morphology of the contamination provide clues as to its origin. Some contamination is invisible but can cause problems during further processing. Specially adapted examination methods are required here. ​ A systematic damage analysis enables the characterization and determination of the cause of contamination on plastic parts, which helps to reduce scrap rates. Our damage analysis tailored to your requirements can help with this. Application examples Flow line analysis injection molding Galvanization of plastic Fiber optic orientation Defect analysis Raman spectroscopy Do you have questions? Our experienced team is available to meet your individual requirements and provide you with high-quality analytical solutions. Contact Training | ASO Training Practical training on damage analysis and product optimization As a long-standing analytical service provider, we offer intensive seminars on selected analysis topics. In our seminars, you will learn practical concepts for damage analysis and product optimization, including established and innovative analytical methods. Practical examples from development and quality assurance, particularly for error detection and clarification, are discussed in detail. Events in Obernburg also include a laboratory tour with the latest analysis equipment. Our speakers have extensive specialist knowledge and experience in this area. In-house seminar We also conduct in-house events in your company tailored to your needs on the topics of damage analysis or surface analysis. Inquire now YOUR Trainer Rainer Ziel Mail rainer.ziel@aso-labor.de phone +49 6022 81 2645 Thats what our customers say Petra Sporrer, Wilden AG "Concentrated knowledge well conveyed, understandable and varied presentation style, super organization." Previous 1 2 3 Next