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AUTOMOTIVE
ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING

AUTOMOTIVE
ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING

RELIABLE ENVIRONMENTAL SIMULATION FOR MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS

Automotive materials and components must withstand heat, cold, humidity, condensation, and changing climatic conditions throughout their service life.

imat provides professional automotive environmental testing for materials, components, assemblies, and electrical systems. Our testing services support product development, validation, quality assurance, failure analysis, and supplier qualification.

We test according to international standards, OEM specifications, and customer-specific requirements, including:

  • ISO 16750-4
  • DBL 5471
  • VW PV 1200
  • ISO 6270-2

 

RELIABLE ENVIRONMENTAL SIMULATION FOR MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS

Automotive materials and components must withstand heat, cold, humidity, condensation, and changing climatic conditions throughout their service life.

imat provides professional automotive environmental testing for materials, components, assemblies, and electrical systems. Our testing services support product development, validation, quality assurance, failure analysis, and supplier qualification.

We test according to international standards, OEM specifications, and customer-specific requirements, including:

  • ISO 16750-4
  • DBL 5471
  • VW PV 1200
  • ISO 6270-2
imat Environmental-Testing

REPRODUCE REAL-WORLD ENVIRONMENTAL STRESS UNDER CONTROLLED CONDITIONS

Automotive materials and components are exposed to widely changing environmental conditions throughout their service life. Manufacturing, transportation, storage, parking, and vehicle operation can subject them to extreme heat, freezing temperatures, high humidity, condensation, solar radiation, and repeated climate changes.

These influences can contribute to:

  • Cracking or embrittlement
  • Warping and dimensional changes
  • Blistering or coating damage
  • Delamination and loss of adhesion
  • Discoloration or gloss changes
  • Corrosion-related defects
  • Seal or material degradation
  • Electrical or functional malfunctions

Environmental simulation exposes a product to controlled and documented conditions so that potential weaknesses can be identified earlier.

Our automotive environmental testing services support material selection, design validation, supplier qualification, product release, benchmarking, failure analysis, and quality assurance.

Environmental testing does not replace every field evaluation or automatically predict an exact service life. It provides reproducible evidence of how a material, component, or assembly responds to defined environmental stresses.

 

IMAT_HERO_SHOOTING_3300x1860px_260114_V5b_Simon_Hormes_0073




BIG GOALS.
STRONG PARTNERS.

WITH US, VISION BECOMES REALITY.

The silent force behind safe mobility
At imat, we don't just test - we protect, strengthen and ensure the quality of your components.
With state-of-the-art testing technology, international accreditation and in-depth expertise, we are the
the invisible force behind reliable performance.

TRUSTED BY AUTOMOTIVE LEADING INDUSTRY

Blank text accreditations/certifications/test standards. Automobile manufacturers worldwide such as Volkswagen, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Porsche, Tesla & Co. as well as suppliers trust in our expertise and reliability.
  • 01 TEST STANDARDS
  • 02 ISO 16750-4
  • 03 DBL 5471
  • 04 VW PV 1200
  • 05 ISO 6270-2

Automotive Environmental Testing to ISO and OEM Requirements

Every component has a different installation location, operating condition, material structure, and risk profile. The correct environmental test program therefore depends on more than the name of the standard.

Before testing, we review the applicable specification, revision level, component drawing, installation environment, operating state, sample configuration, and acceptance criteria.

ISO 16750-4: Climatic Loads for Automotive Electronics

ISO 16750-4 addresses climatic loads for electric and electronic systems and components used in vehicles. Its scope includes relevant electric propulsion systems and components as defined by the standard.

The appropriate test selection depends on factors such as the mounting location, intended use, operating state, and customer requirements.

An ISO 16750-4 testing program may include defined temperature exposure, temperature changes, humidity, thermal stress, and other climatic loads required for the specific application.

Typical test objects include:

  • Electronic control units
  • Sensors and actuators
  • Connectors and electrical interfaces
  • Control modules
  • Switches and operating elements
  • Electronic housings
  • Powered assemblies
  • E-mobility components within the scope of the standard

The currently published edition is ISO 16750-4:2023. ISO describes it as applying to electric and electronic systems and components for vehicles and as specifying recommended tests and requirements based on the mounting location in or on the vehicle

DBL 5471 Testing for Automotive Interior Components

DBL 5471 is associated with trim and molded padded parts for vehicle interiors, particularly composite components and multi-material constructions.

Depending on the component, drawing, requirement, and applicable revision, a DBL 5471 test program may combine environmental conditioning with evaluations such as:

  • Visual appearance
  • Color and gloss
  • Dimensional stability
  • Cold resistance
  • Heat or solar exposure
  • Adhesion and peel strength
  • Delamination
  • Surface and material integrity

Because DBL 5471 is an OEM-controlled specification, the exact conditioning parameters, specimen configuration, evaluation methods, and acceptance criteria must be taken from the applicable project documentation.

Public accreditation documents identify DBL 5471 as a specification for trim and molded padded parts or composite components used in vehicle interiors.

VW PV 1200 Environmental Cycle Testing

VW PV 1200 is used to evaluate the resistance of vehicle parts to an environmental cycle involving changing temperature and moisture conditions.

The test can reveal changes such as:

  • Cracking
  • Deformation
  • Warping
  • Separation of composite materials
  • Delamination
  • Loss of adhesion
  • Changes in appearance
  • Reduced material integrity

Public accreditation descriptions identify VW PV 1200 as vehicle-part testing for resistance to an environmental cycle at +176°F and -40°F, corresponding to +80°C and -40°C.

The precise sequence, duration, humidity conditions, number of cycles, specimen configuration, and acceptance criteria are governed by the applicable VW specification revision and project requirements.

ISO 6270-2 Condensation Testing

ISO 6270-2 specifies general conditions and procedures for exposing coated test specimens to constant or alternating condensation-water atmospheres in a cabinet with a heated water reservoir.

The method is used to evaluate the resistance of coatings and coated surfaces to moisture and condensation. It can help identify:

  • Blistering
  • Discoloration
  • Loss of adhesion
  • Coating deterioration
  • Corrosion-related changes
  • Other humidity-induced defects

The standard defines the exposure conditions and procedures needed to support reproducible testing between laboratories. Specimen shape and preparation, exposure duration, and final assessment criteria must be defined separately by the relevant product specification or test plan.

The currently published edition is ISO 6270-2:2025.

MATERIALS AND COMPONENTS
WE TEST

Our automotive environmental testing services are suitable for:

  • Plastics and elastomers
  • Textiles and leather
  • Foams and laminates
  • Coatings and decorative surfaces
  • Adhesives and bonded components
  • Interior and exterior parts
  • Electrical and electronic components
  • Complete assemblies and modules

Testing can be combined with visual inspections, dimensional measurements, color and gloss measurements, adhesion testing, mechanical testing, and functional evaluations.

imat Environmental-Testing Materials and Components

WHY CHOOSE IMAT?

  • More than 30 years of automotive testing experience
  • Extensive expertise in materials and components
  • Testing according to international and OEM standards
  • Environmental chambers for small specimens and large components
  • Combined testing and evaluation from one source
  • Clear, structured test documentation
  • Personal support from test planning to final reporting
imat Environmental-Testing

NORM CONFORM. CLEAR. RELIABLE.
TESTS ACCORDING TO GLOBAL STANDARDS.

Our validation follows the standards that stand for safety, quality and reliability worldwide.

DIN, ISO, VDA and OEM specifications determine our testing processes - transparently documented and consistently compliant with standards.
Because the highest standards are the basis for lasting results.

  • 01 EMISSION CHAMBER
  • 02 FORMALDEHYD
  • 03 ODOR
  • 04 FOGGING
  • 05 MICRO CHAMBER
  • 06 THERMODESORPTION
  • 07 BAG CHECK

INVISIBLE EMISSIONS,
MEASURABLE RESPONSIBILITY

With our EMISSION CHAMBERS, we test materials, components and assemblies under realistic conditions - precisely, reproducibly and in accordance with OEM standards.

Emissionsprüfung-für-Gesamtfahrzeuge-ISO-12219-1-imat_260219

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT

  • Vehicle manufacturers demand clear limit values for VOCs, SVOCs and formaldehyde in the interior
  • Strict OEM specifications ensure air quality, brand image and customer satisfaction
  • Early testing prevents risks, complaints and delays in series production and comfort as a selling point

WHAT SETS US APART

  • Automotive standards: tests according to VDA 276, VW PV 3942, ISO 12219-4, BMW GS 97014-3, DBL 1000 (ISO 12219-4), PN 780 (ISO 12219-4)
  • Accreditation: DIN EN ISO 17025, certified according to ISO 9001 and TISAX®.
  • Globally consistent: Identical methods and test environments at all imat locations worldwide.
  • Holistic analytics: Combination of emission chamber, thermal desorption, odor and fogging analytics.
  • 35 years of experience: Trust based on competence, responsibility and quality.

SCOPE OF TESTING & PORTFOLIO

  • Emission chamber tests according to VDA 276, ISO 12219-4, BMW GS 97014-3
  • VOC, SVOC and formaldehyde analysis of materials, components and assemblies
  • Climatic simulation and sample evaluation under realistic conditions
  • Advice on results and support with material optimization

LET'S TALK ABOUT CLEAN AIR IN EVERY VEHICLE

Whether development testing or series release - we provide you with clear results, reliable decisions and tested quality in accordance with global automotive standards.

INVISIBLE, BUT CRUCIAL:
FORMALDEHYDE IN INDOOR AIR

FORMALDEHYD is one of the best-known volatile aldehydes - and is a key parameter for air quality and driving comfort in the automotive industry. Even low concentrations can cause odor, irritation or health effects.

VDA-275-Formaldehyd_260119

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT

  • Indoor air quality is increasingly becoming a distinguishing feature of modern vehicles.
  • Legal limits and OEM specifications are constantly being tightened.
  • Early emission tests prevent complaints, damage to image and additional costs.

WHAT SETS US APART

  • Experience & trust: Over 35 years of expertise in emissions and air quality testing.
  • Global standards: Tests according to 7-G2090, AA 0061, CVTC 54002, D40 3004, D40 5535, FLTM BZ 156-01, GMW 15635, PV 3925, SMTC 5 400 011, TS-INT-001, VCS 1027,2713, VCS 1027,2739, VDA 275
  • Accreditation: DIN EN ISO 17025, OEM-approved, ISO 9001 and TISAX® certified.
  • Innovative strength: Combination of thermal desorption, emission and odor evaluation for a holistic picture.
  • Global presence: Laboratories in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa for fast, consistent results.

SCOPE OF TESTING & PORTFOLIO

  • Formaldehyde emission test according to 7-G2090, AA 0061, CVTC 54002, D40 3004, D40 5535, FLTM BZ 156-01, GMW 15635, PV 3925, SMTC 5 400 011, TS-INT-001, VCS 1027,2713, VCS 1027,2739, VDA 275
  • Tests on materials, components and systems
  • Precise sample preparation as well as HPLC/UV detection and MS detection
  • Advice on material optimization and emission reduction

OUR STRENGTH: RESPONSIBILITY DOWN TO THE LAST DETAIL

Whether development testing or series release - we provide you with clear results, reliable decisions and tested quality in accordance with global automotive standards.

WHEN SMELL
BECOMES A MESSAGE

Smell is more than just a sensory impression - it determines trust, well-being and brand loyalty. In car interiors, it becomes a silent brand ambassador: it can arouse enthusiasm or trigger rejection.

imat_Geruchsprobe_Emissionen_260219

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT

  • Increasing customer expectations for comfort and quality
  • Strict OEM specifications
  • Focus on sustainability and new materials (e.g. recycled materials, biomaterials)
  • Faster development cycles and time-to-market pressure

A clear, neutral vehicle interior is no coincidence - it is the result of controlled material selection and careful testing.

with imat you ensure

  • brand confidence: Pleasant odor perception strengthens your perception of quality.
  • Compliance & approval: Testing according to BAS 455, CS-A0228, CVTC 54003, D10 5517, D49 3001, D49 3046, FLTM BO 131-03, GMW 17914-C, GMW 3205, GS 97014-4, LP-463KC-09-01, MS 300-34, NES M0160, PV 3900, Q/CC JT001, Q/JLY J7110538B, RNES-B-00096, RNES-B-00161, SES N 2405, SJ-NW-81, SMTC 5 400 012, STD 1027,2712, STD 429-0001, TPJLR 52.458, TSM 0505 G, VCS 1027,2729, VDA 270 and others for OEM approvals.
  • Root cause analysis: Chemical and sensory evaluation for targeted improvements.
  • Efficiency : Fast test cycles and reliable advice - ideal for tight development times.
  • Sustainability: Support with new materials, e.g. bio-based or recycled materials.

OUR APPROACH: PEOPLE WHO LIVE PRECISION

Behind every test report is a team that feels responsibility. Our experts combine over 35 years of experience with state-of-the-art testing technology and a global laboratory infrastructure - accredited to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 and specializing in the automotive industry.

WHEN TRANSPARENCY
BECOMES A QUESTION OF TRUST

FOGGING is more than just an optical phenomenon - it is a decisive quality factor for vehicle interiors, air quality and customer satisfaction. At imat, we test materials and components for volatile components that can be deposited on cooler glass surfaces in hot weather. This ensures that invisible emissions do not become visible complaints.

imat_Fogging_V2_260225

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT

  • OEM specifications require low-emission materials.
  • Panes with fogging scatter incident light so that the view outside becomes blurred. Critical in the dark and in incident light. Fogging not only affects the appearance, but also health, odor and well-being in the vehicle interior.

WHAT SETS US APART

  • Global standards: Tests according to CVTC 54004, D45 1727, DIN 75201, GMW 3235, ISO 6452, PV 3015, Q/CC JT146, Q/JLY J7110341B, RNES-B-00070, SAE J 1756, SMTC 5 400 010, TSM 0503 G, VCS 1027,2719
  • Accreditation & trust: DIN EN ISO 17025-compliant, OEM and supplier-approved.
  • Worldwide laboratories: In Europe, Asia, North America and Africa - with identical test procedures.
  • Innovative testing strategies: Combination of fogging, emission and odor analysis for holistic material evaluation.

SCOPE OF TESTING & PORTFOLIO

  • Reflectometric method according to DIN 75201-A "Glass plate test" and gravimetric method according to DIN 75201 B with aluminum foils
  • Gravimetric and optical evaluation
  • Optional: thermal desorption and GC/MS analysis (VOC, SVOC)
  • Consultative evaluation and material optimization

OUR STRENGTH: PEOPLE WHO LIVE PRECISION

Our specialists know that even the smallest amounts of substances can have a big impact.In our accredited laboratories, they analyze materials, components and systems for emissions and fogging effects - using state-of-the-art measurement technology and the experience gained from over 35 years of testing expertise.

WHEN THE SMALL
MAKES THE DIFFERENCE

MICROCHAMBER TESTING is the perfect tool for evaluating emissions from individual materials or components during the development process - fast, standardized and meaningful. At imat, we use microchambers to determine VOC, SVOC and aldehyde emissions under controlled conditions. This allows us to ensure material purity, compliance and brand quality before a vehicle is even built.

imat_Mikrokammer_V2_260225

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT

  • OEMs demand early approval for low-emission materials.
  • Shorter development times demand fast, reproducible results.

WHAT SETS US APART

  • Accredited procedures: Tests according to CS-13398, FLTM BZ 151-01, GMW 17082, TP-0000912, TPJLR 52.104
  • Global consistency: Standardized methods and calibration at all imat locations.
  • State-of-the-art analytics: Coupling with thermal desorption and GC/MS for highest sensitivity.
  • Holistic approach: Combination of microchamber, bag, odor and fogging analyses.
  • Experience & responsibility: Over 35 years of automotive know-how and ISO 17025-accredited laboratories.

OUR SCOPE OF TESTING (EXCERPT)

  • Microchamber testing according to VDA 278, ISO 12219-3, PV 3942
  • Analysis of VOC, SVOC and aldehydes
  • Thermodesorption-GC/MS coupling
  • Temperature and climate simulation
  • Interpretation of results & advice on material optimization

YOUR ADVANTAGE:

Fast, precise results - measurable, traceable, accredited.

THE INVISIBLE DIMENSION
IN VEHICLE QUALITY

With THERMODESORPTION ANALYSIS, imat precisely identifies volatile substances and evaluates their concentration in accordance with international standards and OEM specifications. In this way, we make the invisible visible - and ensure that your materials are convincing even where they cannot be seen.

imat_Thermodesorption_V1_260225

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT

  • VOC emissions are key quality and health criteria in the automotive industry.
  • Manufacturers are subject to strict standards and regulations on indoor air and material emissions.
  • Early material validation prevents complaints, rework and loss of time.

WHAT SETS US APART

  • Accredited methods: Thermal desorption GC/MS analyses according to D10 5495, D42 3109, GMW 15634, PPV 8042, VDA 278
  • Global standards: Identical test methods at all imat locations for consistent results.
  • Innovative measurement technology: Systems for detecting even the lowest VOC concentrations.
  • 35 years of experience: Expertise that creates trust - in laboratories on four continents.
  • Partnership approach: We don't think in terms of test numbers, but in terms of development goals.

TEST SCOPE & PORTFOLIO

  • Thermal desorption (TD-GC/MS) according to VDA 278, ISO 16000-6, EPA TO-17
  • Identification and quantification of VOC and SVOC
  • Material, component and vehicle component testing
  • Supplementary odor and fogging analysis
  • Advice on material optimization and reduction of emissions

OUR STRENGTH: PRECISION DOWN TO THE INVISIBLE

Our thermal desorption specialists see themselves as the silent heroes of analysis. They combine experience, meticulousness and state-of-the-art technology to reliably evaluate every sample - from raw materials to complex components.

BAG TESTING: OUR PROTECTIVE SHIELD
AGAINST INVISIBLE EMISSIONS

BAG TESTING is a key procedure for analysing volatile substances (VOC, SVOC, formaldehyde, odorous substances) before they can affect the air quality in the vehicle. At imat, we test materials, components or complete parts in specially conditioned test bags. This enables us to identify emissions at an early stage.

imat_Beutelprüfing_V2_260225

WHY THIS IS IMPORTANT

  • Strict OEM specifications regulate the interior air quality of modern vehicles.
  • New materials and recyclates pose new challenges because they also have to meet the existing requirements with the existing tests

WHAT SETS US APART

  • We test a range of standards: For example BAS 483, CS-A0229, CVTC 54072, D10 0003, DWG 0094Z, ES X83252E, FLTM BZ 108-01, GMW 17914-A, MS 300-55, NES M0402-01, NES M0402-02, Q/CC SY248, Q/CC SY349, Q/JLY J7110274B, RTS 1745, SES N 2403 and many more
  • Global consistency: Identical test environments at all imat laboratory locations worldwide.
  • Holistic analytics: Combination of bag, thermal desorption, fogging and odor evaluation.
  • Experience: Over 35 years of automotive expertise and partnership with leading OEMs.
  • Responsibility: We think beyond test numbers - in solutions, safety and trust.

OUR SCOPE OF TESTING (EXCERPT)

  • VOC, SVOC and aldehyde analyses
  • Emission assessment of materials, components and assemblies
  • Coupling with odor and fogging tests
  • Evaluation of results & advice on material optimization

YOUR ADVANTAGE: MEASURABLE SAFETY IN EVERY DEVELOPMENT PHASE

START YOUR ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING PROJECT

Whether you require testing according to ISO 16750-4, DBL 5471, VW PV 1200, ISO 6270-2, or a customer-specific requirement, our experts will help you define the right test setup.

Send us your specification, component information, sample dimensions, and required completion date.

 

FAQ

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT
ENVIRONMENTAL TESTING

What is automotive environmental testing?

Automotive environmental testing exposes materials and components to controlled conditions such as heat, cold, humidity, condensation, and temperature changes. It helps identify weaknesses before production or vehicle use. 

Can environmental testing be combined with functional testing?

Yes. Electrical and mechanical functions can be monitored during or after climatic exposure, depending on the component and test requirements. 

What information is needed for a quotation?

Please provide the applicable standard, specification revision, component description, sample dimensions, quantity, test conditions, and required evaluations. 

imat overall portfolio




BIG GOALS.
STRONG PARTNERS.

FULL SPEED AHEAD TO THE OVERALL PORTFOLIO.

 

The silent force behind safe mobility
At imat, we don't just test - we protect, strengthen and ensure the quality of your components.
With state-of-the-art testing technology, international accreditation and in-depth expertise,
we are the invisible force behind reliable performance.

TESTED QUALITY - YOUR ADVANTAGE THROUGH TRUST:


  • Safety - reliable materials and systems
  • Compliance - fulfillment of standards, laws & OEM specifications
  • Competitiveness - quality, durability and comfort as selling points

Our promise to you

We support companies along the supply chain in making materials, components and vehicles safe, sustainable and ready for series production for the mobility of the future. To this end, we offer independent testing and expert advice - backed by over 35 years of experience and a deep understanding of our customers' challenges. With a global presence, we support projects in all relevant markets, combine international standards with regional requirements and thus create real added value locally. imat services combine maximum reliability, efficient processes and market-driven prices with technical excellence.

Together, we create trust in innovative mobility solutions and make a measurable contribution to economic efficiency and ecological responsibility.

IMAT_HERO_SHOOTING_1200x1200px_260305_Michael_Holzwarth_0108

BIG GOALS.
STRONG PARTNERS.

FULL THROTTLE TO THE COMPLETE PORTFOLIO.

The silent force behind safe mobility
At imat, we don't just test - we protect, strengthen and ensure the quality of your components. With state-of-the-art testing technology, international accreditation and in-depth expertise, we are the invisible force behind reliable performance.

IMAT_HERO_SHOOTING_1200x900px_260305_V2a_Selina_Rudat_2_0066

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