In current practice, companies belonging to the ‘Fachverband galvanisierte Kunststoffe e.V.’ (FGK) are increasingly encountering different – and in some cases widely varying – in-house standards designed to ensure the quality of genuine metal surfaces. Although these tests often address the same basic requirements, they sometimes differ considerably in the details, such as the duration of tests or the number of test cycles. These developments present challenges for suppliers, particularly when excessive requirements are not only difficult to meet but are also unnecessary for ensuring the quality and reliability of real metal surfaces in the field.

We therefore aim, with this guide, to highlight industry-standard testing criteria and provide recommendations on how to deal with problematic test results. The aim is to create a transparent basis for cooperation and to ensure that testing requirements are designed in a practical, efficient and effective manner. In principle, the FGK would welcome greater standardisation of requirements and the opportunity for suppliers to become more involved through relevant working groups (VDA).

Guidance on the Testing of Plastic Parts with Real Metal Surfaces

Guidance on the testing of plastic parts with real metal surfaces, English