The chemistry is right – or is it?
Imagine this: after elaborate engineering and development, a field recall of your electronic control units follows. The reason? The electronics fail under chemical influences such as oils, fuels, or cleaning agents that no one tested for beforehand. Sounds like a nightmare, right? To avoid exactly these kinds of scenarios, there are standards like ISO 16750-5. It clearly defines how you can test electronic components for chemical resistance. An ISO 17025 laboratory like Enveon supports you with advice, action, and a bit of lab magic.
Chemical influences – the underestimated enemy of your electronics
Admittedly, temperature tests and vibration tests make an impression in any technical presentation. But chemical tests are often overlooked. Yet they are just as crucial for robust electronics in the automotive sector. Here are the classics from the ISO 16750-5 standard that can make life difficult for your electronics:
- Fuels (gasoline, diesel, etc.): What effect do splashes or leaks have on plastic housings or seals?
- Engine, transmission, and hydraulic oils: Do connectors, grommets, and housings withstand these aggressive oils in the long term?
- Brake fluids: Corrosive fluids can permanently damage cable insulation or solder joints.
- Salt spray test or road salt: Corrosion is nasty and lasting – and the lifespan is drastically reduced.
- Cleaning agents, practical chemicals: From car wash fluid to antifreeze – real-world use often holds unpleasant surprises.
Testing in practice – this is how it works under ISO 16750-5
As an accredited ISO 17025 laboratory, we at Enveon ensure that your tests are valid, reproducible, and industry-compliant. Here are typical work steps from our chemical test professionals:
Step 1: Test planning and sample selection
Based on your series setup, we help you define products or material test pieces and create a realistic test concept.
Step 2: Performing the chemical resistance test
In the lab, we specifically simulate the daily life of your electronics and components:
- Immersion and drip tests with aggressive fluids
- Salt spray tests according to DIN EN 60068-2-x and automotive standards like MBN 10306, GS 95024-3-1, or VW 80000
- Aging simulation with cleaning agents or vehicle chemicals
Step 3: Da
mage assessment and result interpretation
Proven to pass – and not just visually but also functionally – that’s what our experienced testers ensure, with clear, traceable reporting.
Step 4: Lessons learned & improvement measures
And don’t worry: if your product doesn’t quite convince yet, we help with practical solutions instead of just waving bureaucratic forms around. Our goal is clear: to make sure your electronics survive both chemistry and real-world conditions without issues.
Why the ISO 17025 trump card counts at labs like Enveon
Especially in the automotive field, trust is good, but certified competence is priceless. Our ISO 17025 accredited laboratory means in concrete terms:
- Reliable results, recognized by automotive OEMs and supply chains
- Reduced risk of complaints and recall actions
- Faster approval process and smooth release procedures
- Fewer headaches and more confidence when facing SOP deadlines
Practical example: Chemical resistance as a success factor
An automotive supplier recently came to Enveon with a plastic housing for electronic components. At first, everything seemed fine. But in the road salt test, fatal cracks and material failures appeared after just a few days. Thanks to early ISO 16750-5 testing, the customer was able to switch to more suitable material combinations in time. The result? The production launch went off without a hitch, the OEM was happy, and we had the great feeling of having spared the customer some real headaches.
Conclusion & do the practical test at Enveon
The chemical stresses defined in ISO 16750-5 are tougher than you think – so don’t forget them in your planning. Especially if SOP deadlines, recalls, or your internal crisis management are close to your heart.
Are you looking for an accredited testing laboratory for chemical stresses on your automotive electronics and want to ensure long-term reliability? At Enveon, you’re in the right place. Start your practical test now – contact us at enveon.de and let’s make sure together that chemistry stays exactly where it belongs: on the list of your successfully passed tests.
