In the automotive industry, the reliability and durability of interior materials are crucial for vehicle safety and user comfort. In cold climates, soft decorative materials such as synthetic leather and textile fabrics can easily crack or break under low temperatures. To evaluate their resistance to such damage, the Low Temperature Flex Tester is an essential laboratory instrument used to assess material flexibility and cold resistance.
1. What is a Low Temperature Flex Tester?
The Low Temperature Flex Tester is designed to evaluate the low-temperature crack resistance of automotive interior materials. It simulates real-world bending and flexing conditions under extreme cold, determining whether materials can maintain their flexibility and integrity in such environments.
This equipment complies with LP-463KB-28-01 Method A and Chrysler test standards, ensuring that test results meet international automotive material specifications.
2. Why Perform Low Temperature Flex Testing?
Soft trim materials in vehicles are constantly exposed to temperature variations. In freezing conditions, materials become brittle and may crack or lose elasticity. Conducting a low-temperature flex test helps to:
Determine material suitability for cold weather applications
Evaluate changes in flexibility and structural integrity under low temperature
Optimize material formulation and improve manufacturing quality
Ensure compliance with OEM standards such as Chrysler LP-463KB-28-01
3. Working Principle
The test system consists of a cold chamber, test platform, motor drive unit, and digital counter. During the test:
Samples are mounted according to Chrysler specifications.
The motor drives the test platform to perform reciprocating flex motions at a constant speed.
A proximity switch records each cycle through the counter.
Once the preset number of cycles is reached, the test stops automatically for specimen inspection.
The design allows for easy operation: the control box is placed outside the cold chamber, while the test bench operates inside. Both parts are connected via supplied cables. The motor runs reliably even under extremely low temperatures without performance loss.
4. Key Features
Standards: LP-463KB-28-01 Method A / Chrysler Specification
Temperature Range: Adjustable according to test requirements (e.g., -30°C, -40°C, etc.)
Automatic Counting and Stop: Ensures accurate control of test cycles
Rugged Construction: Stainless steel and aluminum alloy structure, corrosion- and cold-resistant
Precise Motion Design: Vertical test plane and horizontal movement for consistent results
5. Applications
The Low Temperature Flex Tester is widely used in:
Automotive OEM and supplier laboratories
Synthetic leather, textile, and soft plastic manufacturers
R&D centers for vehicle seats, door panels, dashboards, and interior trims
Third-party testing organizations and universities
