Thermo Fisher Scientific has launched the Thermo Scientific Horizon FTS (fogging test system).
The system is designed to enhance manufacturers' ability to define suboptimal materials prior to vehicle completion, reducing the potential for legal and safety issues following vehicle release into the market.
The Horizon FTS boosts workflow and productivity by allowing rapid testing of materials in the design phase, reducing vehicle production time and increasing cost effectiveness.
Two models, AC-FTS and PC-FTS, maintain consistent, accurate and repeatable test conditions, producing results that fulfil the requirements of the Deutsches Institute fur Normung (DIN), Society of Automotive Engineers and International Organization for Standardization for testing the out-gassing of materials in motor vehicles.
The fogging test is used to assess the evaporation of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from the soft PVC, leather and textiles used in vehicle manufacture.
Extreme temperatures can cause the release of VOCs, which condense on the windshield and windows and can obscure a driver's vision, creating a dangerous driving condition.
In accordance with DIN 75201, Thermo Fisher developed the Horizon FTS to measure VOC condensation by reflectometric (deposition on glass) and gravimetric (weight of material deposited) methods, making it a complete system for these vital safety tests.
