Top 10 Lab Instruments for Automotive Interior Testing

Automotive interior materials are critical to vehicle safety, comfort, durability, and air quality. From seats and dashboards to headliners, plastic trims, and foams, every component must meet strict global regulations. These materials face daily exposure to abrasion, UV light, temperature fluctuations, chemical emissions, and mechanical stress. To ensure quality and safety, manufacturers rely on advanced automotive interior material testing instruments that simulate real-world performance.

This guide introduces the Top 10 Automotive Interior Material Testing Instruments, including key functions, applications, and international standards (FMVSS, ISO, ASTM, SAE, GB).

1. Horizontal & Vertical Burning Tester (FMVSS 302 Flammability Tester)

Function & Applications

The burning tester evaluates how interior materials react to fire by measuring ignition, flame spread speed, and afterflame duration. It is essential for all automotive OEMs.

Application Scenarios:

Seat fabrics, leather, synthetic leather

Dashboards and center consoles

Door panels & headliners

Interior foams and composite plastics

Standards Compliance:

FMVSS 302, ISO 3795, GB 8410, DIN 75200

2. Taber Abrasion Tester

Function & Applications

Simulates real-life wear using rotating abrasive wheels, widely used to evaluate material durability.

Application Scenarios:

Steering wheel coverings

Gear shift materials

Seat upholstery

Plastic decorative panels

Standards:

ASTM D4060, ISO 5470-1, GB/T 9867

3. Crockmeter / Rubbing Fastness Tester

Function & Applications

Tests colorfastness under dry/wet rubbing. Ensures interior trim, leather, and fabrics maintain appearance after repeated contact.

Application Scenarios:

Seats, armrests, headrests

Door panels

PU & PVC synthetic leather

Standards:

ISO 105-X12, ASTM D6279, GB/T 3920

4. Xenon Arc Aging Tester

Function & Applications

Simulates full-spectrum sunlight and environmental exposure to evaluate colorfastness, aging, and weathering resistance.

Application Scenarios:

Dashboards & steering wheels

Door panels and headliners

Plastic trims, functional films

Standards:

ISO 105-B02, ASTM G155, SAE J1885/J2412, GB/T 8427

5. VOC / Odor Test Chamber

Function & Applications

Measures volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions and odor intensity to ensure interior air quality.

Application Scenarios:

Dashboard plastics

Carpets & seat foam

Adhesives, composite materials

Standards:

VDA 270, VDA 278, ISO 12219 series, GB/T 27630

6. Universal Tensile Tester (UTM)

Function & Applications

Evaluates tensile strength, elongation, tear resistance, and peel performance of interior materials.

Application Scenarios:

Leather and synthetic leather

Fabrics

Plastic trims

Automotive foam materials

Standards:

ISO 527, ISO 3377/3379, ASTM D412, GB/T 1040/529

7. Fogging Tester

Function & Applications

Measures condensation of volatile substances that may fog up vehicle windshields—critical for safety and air quality.

Application Scenarios:

Dashboard plastics

PU, PVC, adhesives

Leather & synthetic leather

Standards:

DIN 75201, ISO 6452, SAE J1756, GB/T 35188

8. Low Temperature Flex Tester

Function & Applications

Evaluates flexibility, cracking resistance, and ductility of materials under cold conditions.

Application Scenarios:

Leather & PU surfaces

Sealing strips

Dashboard trims

Seat and headrest foams

Standards:

ISO 4675, ASTM D1790, GB/T 11254

9. Plastic Impact Tester

Function & Applications

Tests impact resistance of plastic parts used in the automotive interior using pendulum or cantilever impact methods.

Application Scenarios:

Door panel frames

Center console plastics

Dashboard & trim components

Standards:

ISO 179, ISO 180, ASTM D256, GB/T 1043

10. Air & Moisture Permeability Tester

Function & Applications

Evaluates comfort-related properties such as breathability and vapor transmission for automotive interior textiles.

Application Scenarios:

Seat fabrics & leather

Headliners

AC filter materials

Door trims

Standards:

ISO 9237, ISO 11092, ASTM D737, GB/T 5453

Why Automotive Interior Testing Is Essential

Safety

Flammability tests ensure materials meet FMVSS and international fire safety requirements.

Fogging and VOC tests guarantee clear visibility and healthy in-cabin air.

Comfort & Durability

Abrasion, rubbing, and permeability tests ensure long service life and enhanced passenger comfort.

Aesthetic Stability

UV and xenon aging tests maintain colorfastness and appearance over years of use.

Compliance With Global Standards

Testing instruments ensure manufacturers meet FMVSS, GB, ISO, ASTM, and SAE regulations for different markets.

Professional Automotive Interior Material Testing Solutions

We specialize in designing and manufacturing automotive interior material testing instruments, covering:

Flammability testing

Abrasion & rub resistance

Aging & weathering

VOC & fogging emission testing

Mechanical & tensile testing

Low-/high-temperature performance

Breathability and comfort testing

Our equipment is widely used by:

Automotive OEMs

Tier-1/Tier-2 suppliers

Interior material factories

Research laboratories

Testing institutions

All instruments comply with FMVSS, ISO, ASTM, SAE, GB, and other international standards.