1、 FORD LABORATORY TEST METHOD BN 102-02 Date Action Revisions Rev 02 2011 04 20 Revised See summary of revisions S. Stanciu, FNA / J. Williams FoE 2001 09 17 Revised Editorial no technical change A. Cockman 1990 04 10 Printed copies are uncontrolled Page 1 of 7 Copyright 2011, Ford Global Technologie
2、s, Inc. FLEX TEST FOR POLYMERIC COATED FABRICS AND GENUINE LEATHERS Application This procedure is used to determine the resistance to flexing of automotive trim materials such as polymeric coated fabrics and genuine leathers. Scope A sample mounted in a cylindrical shape is flexed in cycles consisti
3、ng of alternate compression by a load applied along the axis of the cylinder and return to the position at start of compression. Apparatus Required Flexing Machine A “W“ Flex Tester, or equivalent device, which will flex the cylindrical shaped sample 12.7 mm along its vertical axis at a rate of 450
4、cycles per minute. Plugs Metal plugs approximately 25.4 mm O.D. and approximately 45 mm long are inserted in each end of the cylindrical test specimen. The projecting ends of the plugs have holes for attachment to the flex testing machine. Clamps Hose clamps 16 mm in width and having a 26 mm I.D. ar
5、e required for clamping the specimen to the plugs. Magnifier Light A 61x magnifier light may be required for examination of the test specimen upon completion of the prescribed number of flexing cycles. Holding Jig A small jig for accurately spacing the metal plugs while mounting the samples may be o
6、f some assistance. The spacing may also be accomplished with the assembly in position on the flex tester. Mandrel A 12.5 mm mandrel is required for samples evaluation. Chemicals, materials, parts, and equipment referenced in this document must be used and handled properly. Each party is responsible
7、for determining proper use and handling in its facilities. FORD LABORATORY TEST METHOD BN 102-02 Page 2 of 7 Copyright 2011, Ford Global Technologies, Inc. Conditioning and Test Conditions All test values indicated herein are based on material conditioned in a controlled atmosphere of 23 +/- 2 C and
8、 50 +/- 5 % relative humidity for not less than 24 h prior to testing and tested under the same conditions unless otherwise specified. Procedure 1. Cut a 63 x 79 mm test specimen with the long dimension parallel to the filling or width (for vinyls only - other materials as specified in the Engineeri
9、ng Materials Specifications) of the material and not closer than 10 % of the full width of the material to an edge or selvage. 2. Roll the test specimen into a cylindrical shape, coating or face side out, with the short dimension along the length of the cylinder. (See attached sketch showing mounted
10、 assembly.) 3. Slip a loosened hose clamp over one end of the test specimen and insert a metal plug 25 mm inside the sample. Do the same for the other end of the sample. 4. Tighten the hose clamps around the specimen and plugs. The openings of the clamps shall be over the joint in the cylindrical sp
11、ecimen to prevent wrinkling. The metal plugs shall be positioned so that a 19 mm length of the specimen is left between the plugs free for flexing. 5. Place the mounted sample in its proper position on the flex tester between the fixed and movable plates opened to their fullest extend, both plugs be
12、ing seated evenly together on threaded studs to avoid stretching or distortion of the specimen. Fasten the plugs by means of wing nuts. 6. Start the machine and flex the test specimen for the number of cycles required by the relevant Engineering Materials Specification. Each cycle consists of a down
13、ward compression stroke of 12.7 mm and return to the original position. 7. Examine and report any failure in the test specimen as stipulated by the relevant Engineering Materials Specification. FORD LABORATORY TEST METHOD BN 102-02 Page 3 of 7 Copyright 2011, Ford Global Technologies, Inc. FLEX TEST
14、 FOR POLYMERIC COATED FABRICS AND GENUINE LEATHER Fig. 1 - Sketch Showing Method of Mounting Sample for Flex Test Evaluation Criteria The specimens should be wrapped over a 12.5 mm dia mandrel and then reviewed under 6x1x magnifications. Rating: 1 No damage (see Figs. 2 & 3) 2 Discoloration or thin
15、cracks in the top finish coat only (see Figs. 4 & 5) 3 Cracks into base coats (see Fig. 6) 4 Cracks large enough to see the fabric/leather substrate below (Fig.7) 5 Finish cracks and peels back or flakes off (Fig. 8). All pictures were taken at approx. 6x magnifications. If one out of 3 specimens pe
16、r orientation is borderline to the pass/fail criteria, two additional specimens should be evaluated and the ratings reported. Summary of revisions: Removed woven fabrics from method scope Added evaluation criteria Added pictures for Ratings 1 through 5 (Figs. 2 through 8) FORD LABORATORY TEST METHOD
17、 BN 102-02 Page 4 of 7 Copyright 2011, Ford Global Technologies, Inc. EXAMPLES OF RATING 1 Fig. 2 Rating 1 on PVC coated fabric Fig. 3 Rating 1 on leather FORD LABORATORY TEST METHOD BN 102-02 Page 5 of 7 Copyright 2011, Ford Global Technologies, Inc. EXAMPLES OF RATING 2 Fig. 4 Rating 2 on PVC coat
18、ed fabric Fig. 5 Rating 2 on leather Surface cracks Surface cracks FORD LABORATORY TEST METHOD BN 102-02 Page 6 of 7 Copyright 2011, Ford Global Technologies, Inc. EXAMPLE OF RATING 3 EXAMPLE OF RATING 4 Fig. 6 Rating 3 on PVC coated fabric Fig. 7 Rating 4 on PVC coated fabric Cracks through PVC layers Backing fabric visible FORD LABORATORY TEST METHOD BN 102-02 Page 7 of 7 Copyright 2011, Ford Global Technologies, Inc. EXAMPLE OF RATING 5 Fig. 8 Rating 5 on PVC coated fabric
