Automotive Materials, Systems and Components Testing

Automotive materials, systems, and components form the foundation of vehicle design and manufacturing, encompassing everything from raw substances to intricate assemblies. Materials such as metals (steel, aluminum, magnesium, and titanium), polymers, composites, ceramics, and elastomers are selected for their specific properties like strength, lightweight, and durability. These materials are integral to various parts of a vehicle, including structural components, interior trims, tires, and high-performance elements.

Automotive systems are groups of interconnected components that perform essential functions. The powertrain system generates and transmits power, while the chassis system provides structural support and safe handling. Electrical and electronic systems, including batteries, sensors, and control units, manage power and connectivity, whereas the thermal management system ensures optimal operating temperatures. Fuel and exhaust systems handle energy delivery and emissions, safety systems like airbags and ABS enhance passenger protection, and infotainment systems provide navigation and entertainment features.

The individual components, such as pistons, gears, doors, windows, and lighting systems, combine to create functional and efficient vehicles. Modern automotive design emphasizes weight reduction for better fuel efficiency, durability for reliability, sustainability through recyclable materials, and cost-effectiveness to balance quality and affordability. Together, these elements determine the functionality, performance, safety, and aesthetics of a vehicle.

Intertek's Solutions for Materials, Systems and Components Testing

Automotive Materials Testing

Intertek operates dedicated and independent Automotive Materials Testing Labs, offering expertise according to international, customer specific and OEM standards.

Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA)

Intertek offers Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (FMEA) to ensure potential problems and actual errors are considered and addressed throughout your development cycle

Automotive Materials Weathering Testing

For the Automotive Materials industry, it is important to understand the reaction of materials and components against the influence of weather. Intertek can help

Automotive Plastics and Polymer Testing

Intertek offers Automotive Polymers and Plastics Testing supporting development, innovation, processing and performance of polymer materials, compounds and components

Automotive Material Qualification and End Product Testing

From raw materials and components to full assemblies, Intertek tests and certifies the materials that will make it to the end stage of every automotive product, interior or exterior.

Automotive Plastics Perceptivity Testing

Intertek laboratories determine the perceptive properties of a polymer, plastic or compound materials used in the automotive industry.

Production Part Approval Process (PPAP)

Intertek offers comprehensive Production Part Approval Process (PPAP) solutions for verification of material acceptance in the Automotive Industry

Automotive Plastics Processing Testing

Analytical testing facilities Intertek's Advanced Automotive Test Centre provides testing in order to determine the processing characteristics of automotive polymers, plastics and compounds.

Automotive Plastics Functionality Testing

Intertek provides plastics functionality tests in order to determine the mechanical properties of polymers, plastics and composite compounds used by the Automotive Industry.

SEM/EDS - Scanning Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive Spectroscopy

Intertek offers Chemical Elemental Composition and Mapping for your Automotive Materials utilizing the SEM/EDS Microscope System with magnification up to 300,000x

From prototype development through final production, our experts work with you to improve the performance, quality, efficiency and safety of your interior and exterior materials, components, compounds, plastics, polymers, and textiles manufactured for the automotive industry. We support the continuous improvements in safety and quality reflected in modern materials, helping you meet consumer expectations and the requirements of regional and national (VOC) emissions standards.