ISO 20566 Wheel Hub Scratch Resistance Laboratory Simulated Car Wash Testing Machine

ISO 20566 Wheel Hub Scratch Resistance Laboratory Simulated Car Wash Testing Machine is a specialized testing apparatus designed to evaluate the scratch and scuff resistance of wheel hubs and associated coating systems under laboratory-scale car wash conditions. The equipment simulates the scrubbing, rinsing, and abrasive effects of actual car washing through controllable washing brushes, spray systems, and reciprocating motion platforms. It evaluates changes in surface performance of coating systems under prolonged washing conditions.

Application

ISO 20566 Wheel Hub Scratch Resistance Laboratory Simulated Car Wash Testing Machine  is suitable for testing and comparative evaluation of the scratch resistance of various coating systems and product surfaces using laboratory car wash methods. Typical applications include but are not limited to:

Automotive wheels and wheel surface coatings

Automotive exterior components and their surface coatings

Pigmented paint and clearcoat systems

Metal and alloy surface coatings

Functional and decorative coatings

Comparative durability testing of novel coating materials

Coating formulation screening and process validation during R&D

Laboratory quality control and type testing

Standards

ISO 20566:2020 Paints and varnishes - Determination of scratch resistance of coating systems by laboratory car wash
ISO 20566:2021 Paints and varnishes - Determination by laboratory scale car wash
ISO 13076 Visual assessment of coating surface appearance

ISO 2813 - Determination of gloss of coatings

ISO 13803 - Determination of haze of coatings

ISO 7724 - Colorimetry and evaluation of color difference

PV 3.3.3 - Specification for Scratch Resistance Testing of Automotive Interior/Exterior Surface Materials

MBN 10494-5 - Scratch Durability Testing of Automotive Materials - Part 5

Parameters

Features

Laboratory-scale car wash structure realistically simulates actual brushing and spraying conditions during vehicle washing

X-shaped brush assembly with controllable bristle parameters and excellent repeatability

Stable brush rotation speed and test panel movement velocity meet standard requirements for motion consistency

Stainless steel nozzle design ensures spray angles and flow rates comply with relevant standards

Nozzles operate in opposite direction to test panel movement, effectively enhancing scrubbing and rinsing effects

Suitable for scratch resistance comparison testing across multiple coating systems

Supports multiple cycles and comparative testing as specified by standards

Enables pre- and post-treatment analysis of coating appearance, gloss, haze, and color changes

Accessories

Test Principle

The device employs a combination of rotating scrubbing brushes and nozzles spraying washing suspension to repeatedly scrub the surface of specimens fixed on test plate holders under controlled speed and pressure conditions. The scrubbing brushes rotate in the opposite direction to the test plate's movement, creating a stable, repeatable mechanical abrasion environment under the action of the spray medium. Through a specified number of reciprocating washing cycles, it simulates the scraping, flushing, and abrasion effects on coated surfaces during actual car washing processes. This evaluates the scratch resistance and surface appearance changes of coating systems.

Test Procedures

Operating Instructions
Sampling and Preparation:

Select representative test products in accordance with ISO 15528

Inspect and prepare specimens according to ISO 1513

Test Panel Requirements:

Test panels shall be flat and free of deformation

Substrate and dimensions shall comply with relevant specifications

Test panel thickness shall be 0.5 to 5 mm

For panels of other thicknesses, adjust the test panel support height to ensure the washing brush operates at the required depth and angle

Test Conditions:

Conduct tests at room temperature between 20 and 30°C
Maintain washing suspension temperature between 15 and 30°C
Continuously agitate the washing suspension during testing to prevent silica precipitation

Test Procedure:
Install the washing brush assembly onto the equipment's rotating shaft and ensure secure mounting

Adjust the relative height and contact depth between the washing brush and test panel

Prepare the washing suspension containing silica powder at the specified ratio, maintaining continuous agitation

Perform a pre-run without test panels, completing 10 washing cycles (10 bidirectional operations) to ensure uniform distribution of the suspension within the system

Install the test panel onto the panel holder and confirm secure fixation.

Set the brush rotation direction, nozzle spray pattern, and test panel feed speed according to standard requirements.

Conduct formal washing tests within the specified test area.

After testing, evaluate the test panel for appearance, gloss, haze, and color changes.

Record and compare test results before and after the experiment.

FAQ

1. What components can you test using this machine?

You can test wheel hubs, automotive exterior components, and coated panels representative of wheel and exterior coating systems.

2. Why is silicon dioxide powder used in the washing suspension?

Silicon dioxide provides controlled abrasive action that simulates real car wash contamination and mechanical wear.

3. Can you adjust the test parameters for different standards?

Yes. Brush speed, feed speed, suspension composition, and test cycles can be set according to applicable standards.

4. How do you evaluate coating performance after testing?

You assess appearance, scratch visibility, gloss reduction, haze increase, and color difference using standardized methods.

5. Is this equipment suitable for comparative material testing?

Yes. The controlled laboratory conditions make it ideal for comparing scratch resistance across different coating systems.