The light metal surface technology department of the fem Forschungsinstitut Edelmetalle + Metallchemie in Schwäbisch Gmünd has successfully passed the extensive laboratory qualification of the Daimler Group. The great advantage for suppliers and customers of fem: The test results determined at the research institute are recognized by Daimler, further qualifications are no longer necessary.
Following the inclusion of a large number of new test procedures in the scope of accreditation and the successful participation in several round robin tests over the last 24 months, the competencies of the employees in the Light Metal Surface Technology department have now been tested and fully confirmed as part of a method review by the Daimler Group's global materials sampling department.
The fem is now authorized to carry out numerous quality tests and the initial sampling of components in accordance with Mercedes-Benz standards (MBN) and Daimler-Benz delivery specifications (DBL). These tests are used to determine the quality of a wide range of coating variants depending on the substrate: from wet paint and powder coating to cathodic dip coating.
The qualified procedures include technological-mechanical tests such as pressure water jet, crockmeter and multi-impact tests as well as chemical resistance tests (including VDA 621-412). Furthermore, corrosion tests such as the neutral salt spray test (NSS) and the copper-accelerated, acetic acid salt spray test (CASS), climate change and corrosion climate change tests (including DIN EN 11997-1) as well as weathering tests, e.g. hot light ageing in accordance with CAM 180.
"The Daimler laboratory qualification is an important milestone in the further development of our range of quality testing services," emphasizes Christof Langer, Head of the Light Metal Surface Technology department at fem. "We are delighted that we can now offer our customers the entire package from consulting to initial sampling from a single source."
