1. Function and Application
The VW Heel Abrasion Tester is designed to evaluate the wear resistance of floor covering materials subjected to repetitive mechanical stress from heel contact. The test simulates the load exerted by a rubber shoe heel in vehicle interior areas, particularly around the accelerator, brake, and clutch pedals.
This method helps determine the durability, pile retention, and visual appearance of carpet and flooring materials under dry and wet abrasion conditions, following automotive test practices.
2. Test Principle
During testing, the specimen is positioned beneath a rubber heel (smooth side used for abrasion) and fixed securely. The heel is then lowered and loaded to a total of 5.6 kg. The machine moves the heel in a reciprocating motion, simulating one complete double stroke per forward and reverse cycle.
The visual wear assessment includes evaluating the abraded area for:
Loss of pile or useful layer
Torn-out tufts or fibers
Overall change in surface appearance
3. Test Conditions
| Parameter | Dry Test | Wet Test |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 20 mm stroke at (40 ± 10) rpm | Same as dry |
| Load | 5.6 kg total | 5.6 kg total |
| Moisture | None | Water applied to heel area |
| Water Quantity | — | Up to 600 g/m² pile weight: 5 ml; Over 600 g/m² pile weight: 10 ml |
| Test Start | Immediately | When water has fully penetrated into the pile |
4. Technical Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Test Method | Simulated heel abrasion for vehicle carpet and floor coverings |
| Abradant | Rubber heel (smooth side) |
| Applied Load | 5.6 kg total |
| Motion Type | Longitudinal reciprocating stroke (1 double stroke = 1 forward + 1 reverse) |
| Stroke Speed | 20 mm, 40 ± 10 rpm |
| Evaluation Criteria | Visual inspection for pile loss, tearing, or surface deformation |
| Applicable Test Mode | Dry and wet |
| Water Addition (Wet Mode) | 5–10 ml depending on pile weight |
| Construction | Non-corrosive aluminum and stainless steel |
| Finish | Durable powder coat and anodized aluminum |
| Safety | Enclosed test area with operator protection |
| Power Supply | 110V / 220V, 50–60Hz (to be specified) |
5. Applicable Test Standards
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| VW TL 226 | Volkswagen test method for abrasion resistance of textile and carpet materials |
| VW PV 3908 | Determination of abrasion resistance using the heel abrasion test method |
| DIN 53516 (reference) | Determination of abrasion resistance of rubber and elastomer materials |
| ISO 4649 (reference) | Rubber, vulcanized or thermoplastic — Determination of abrasion resistance |
| Internal OEM Methods | Custom variants based on VW, Audi, and other OEM-specific durability evaluations |
6. Evaluation Criteria
After test completion, the abraded area is assessed for:
Reduction in useful layer or pile height
Fiber or tuft damage
Surface appearance change due to abrasion
Visual grading according to standard reference samples or OEM-specific criteria
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