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.
Application
The tester is used for abrasion performance evaluation of interior floor materials, including but not limited to:
Automotive interior carpets for accelerator, brake, and clutch pedal areas
Tufted carpets, needle-punched felts, and pile floor coverings
Rubber-backed and composite floor materials
Material comparison during product development and process optimization
Incoming inspection and type testing for automotive OEMs and suppliers
Dry and wet abrasion condition studies for vehicle interior applications
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
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 |
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 |
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) |
