DIN 75220 Solar Simulation Testing | Automotive Aging Lab
What Is DIN 75220 Testing?
DIN 75220 is a German standard that specifies procedures for weathering and heat storage testing of automotive components and materials inside vehicle interiors using a solar simulation system. The standard simulates the thermal and radiative conditions a vehicle interior experiences when parked under direct solar radiation — commonly known as the “hot car” scenario.
Interior materials, including seat fabrics, dashboards, door trim panels, headliners, carpets, and adhesive bonds, are subjected to intense simulated solar radiation and elevated temperatures to assess their durability, colour fastness, dimensional stability, and outgassing behaviour.
What Is a Solar Simulation System?
A solar simulation system generates artificial radiation that closely replicates the spectral power distribution of natural sunlight, including ultraviolet (UV), visible (VIS), and near-infrared (NIR) components. For DIN 75220, the simulator must meet class B or better spectral match requirements, producing irradiance levels representative of peak solar conditions in central Europe (approximately 1000 W/m²).
High-quality solar simulators use xenon arc lamps with appropriate optical filters to achieve the required spectral output. The test chamber also maintains controlled temperature and humidity to reproduce realistic vehicle interior thermal environments.
DIN 75220 Test Procedure
The test involves placing specimens or complete components in a standardised solar simulator chamber under defined conditions:
- Solar irradiance: 1000 W/m² (or as specified)
- Black panel temperature: Up to 100–120°C
- Test duration: Typically 2 to 18 hours, depending on the test cycle
- Evaluation criteria: Colour change (ΔE via CIELab), dimensional change, surface degradation, mechanical property retention, and VOC/odour emission
Multiple test cycles may be applied to simulate cumulative exposure over the vehicle service life.
Materials Evaluated Under DIN 75220
Interior automotive materials evaluated include polymer foam seat cushions, thermoplastic instrument panels, woven and non-woven textile facings, natural and synthetic leather, painted and coated trims, adhesive films, and glass bonding agents.
Industrial Significance of DIN 75220 Testing
DIN 75220 compliance is a mandatory requirement for automotive OEM material approvals in the German automotive supply chain, including BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Audi, and their Tier 1 suppliers. Materials failing DIN 75220 cannot be used in passenger vehicle interiors sold in European markets.
Beyond compliance, DIN 75220 testing provides critical data for material selection, product design, and quality benchmarking in the automotive interior materials industry.
Connection to Broader Automotive Environmental Testing
DIN 75220 is one component of a broader suite of automotive environmental tests that includes UV weathering (ISO 4892-2), colour fastness to light (ISO 105-B06), heat ageing (ISO 188), and volatile organic compound (VOC) emission testing (VDA 275, VDA 278). Comprehensive automotive material qualification typically requires several of these tests to be performed in combination.
Conclusion
DIN 75220 testing is a critical automotive standard for evaluating the durability and performance of interior materials under simulated solar radiation and high-temperature conditions. By replicating real-world “hot car” environments, it enables manufacturers to assess colour stability, material integrity, and emission behaviour, ensuring that components meet strict OEM requirements. Compliance with DIN 75220 not only guarantees product reliability and passenger comfort but also supports material qualification for use in demanding automotive interior applications.
Why Choose Infinita Lab for DIN 75220 Testing?
Infinita Lab provides DIN 75220 solar simulation testing through our accredited laboratory network, supporting automotive component manufacturers and material suppliers with comprehensive interior material qualification services. Our team ensures accurate spectral matching, temperature control, and thorough evaluation reporting.
Looking for a trusted partner to achieve your research goals? Schedule a meeting with us, send us a request, or call us at (888) 878-3090 to learn more about our services and how we can support you.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is DIN 75220 Solar Simulation Testing? DIN 75220 is a standardized test that tests the ability of the materials used in the interior of the vehicle to withstand the effects of long-term exposure to the sun and high temperatures in the vehicle.
Why is DIN 75220 testing important for automotive materials? Automotive interiors can reach very high temperatures when exposed to sunlight. DIN 75220 testing ensures that materials such as plastics, foams, textiles, and coatings maintain their colour, shape, and structural integrity under these conditions.
What types of materials are tested under DIN 75220? The materials that are commonly tested in the DIN 75220 test include plastics, vehicle interior materials, vehicle trim materials, dashboard materials, seat materials, foams, laminates, coatings, adhesives, and many more.
How does solar simulation testing work? Samples are placed in a solar simulation chamber equipped with high-intensity lamps that replicate natural sunlight. The chamber controls temperature and radiation levels to simulate real vehicle cabin conditions.
What properties are evaluated in DIN 75220 testing? The test evaluates color changes, surface degradation, deformation, cracking, odor emissions, and overall material durability after exposure to simulated solar radiation.
