VW 50190
VW 50190
Issue 2011-01
Class. No.: 50202
Descriptors: colorimetrics, interior trim, color constancy, color difference, sample standard, original standard, gloss
level, chrome surface
Previous issues
VW 50190: 2000-11, 2006-10
Changes
The following changes have been made compared with VW 50190: 2006-10:
– Standard completely revised
Verify that you have the latest issue of the Standard before relying on it.
This electronically generated Standard is authentic and valid without signature. Page 1 of 18
The English translation is believed to be accurate. In case of discrepancies, the German version is alone authoritative and controlling.
Numerical notation acc. to ISO convention.
1 Scope
This standard defines the requirements for color deviations and the measurement and evaluation
conditions for the use of technical instruments to determine color differences on components of the
vehicle interior trim. It applies to the sample and production monitoring of the following materials:
Solid-colored and non-luminescent textiles
– Insensitive to stroking, without structure
– Insensitive to stroking, with structure
– Sensitive to stroking, without structure
Plastic parts
– With grained surfaces (leather grain, fine structure, etc.)
– With painted surfaces (soft-touch paint, decorative paint, etc.)
– Slush part, foam film, PU hard foam (dashboard area, sun visor)
2 Definitions
2.9 Structures
Structures are embossments and consistent seam contours that create different pile heights in places,
thus producing visually discernable contrast differences.
3 Description
Color constancy according to VW 50190.
4 Requirements
For colorimetric evaluations of unpainted plastic parts, the semi-crystalline sample standard is always
used as a reference, irrespective of the material.
For colorimetric evaluations of leather, the leatherette variant is always used as a reference.
The fluctuation range of the color values from 10 individual measurements must not exceed
± 0,15 CIELAB units (exception: ΔL*).
On principle, the evaluation is subject to visual acceptance in as-installed position.
The standard tolerance values specified in this standard serve as a target value at the start of the
sampling phase. Different values are possible depending on the material and the color variant. If there
are deviating tolerance values, they will be noted in the appropriate Technical Supply Specification
(TL), drawing, or sample standard, or communicated to the testing parties. If no deviating tolerance
values have been agreed upon, the specifications in this standard apply.
If a color standard does not feature the relevant grain, use of the alternative grains from Table 1 is
recommended for the colorimetric evaluation.
Table 1
Non-available 1st Alternative 2nd Alternative
grain
K43 K31 -
K86 K31 -
K30 K31 -
K41 K31 -
K24 K31 -
K64 K09 K9A
K8A K09 K9A
K9A K09 -
K08 K09 K9A
K3A K09 K9A
K2G K09 K9A
K2K K09 K9A
K50 K09 K9A
K77 K85 -
K3D K85 -
For the Audi brand, the color tolerances are always indicated on the back of the color sample stan‐
dards (see Appendix A for examples). The gloss specifications must be obtained from the I/GQ-33
representative in charge of the component ("Gloss list"). Depending on material and installation po‐
sition, exceptions can be agreed upon with the I/GQ-33 representative in charge of the component if
this is required for the visual acceptance. The visual impression in installed position takes precedence
over the measurement in any case.
Hence, the tolerances indicated in Section 4.2 are not binding for Audi AG.
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4.2.1 Tolerances for sampling of textiles that are insensitive to stroking with and without structure
(e.g., headliner decoration, solid-colored upholstery materials)
See Table 2.
Table 2
"OK " range (1) "Conditionally OK " range (3) "Not OK " range (6)
|ΔL*| ≤ 0,7 0,8 ≤ |ΔL*| ≤ 0,9 |ΔL*| ≥ 1,0
|Δa*| ≤ 0,3 0,4 ≤ |Δa*| ≤ 0,5 |Δa*| ≥ 0,6
|Δb*| ≤ 0,3 0,4 ≤ |Δb*| ≤ 0,5 |Δb*| ≥ 0,6
4.2.2 Tolerances for sampling of textiles that are sensitive to stroking without structure (e.g.,
load compartment trim, carpets)
See Table 3.
Table 3
"OK " range (1) "Conditionally OK " range (3) "Not OK " range (6)
|ΔL*| ≤ 0,9 0,8 ≤ |ΔL*| ≤ 1,2 |ΔL*| ≥ 1,3
|Δa*| ≤ 0,3 0,4 ≤ |Δa*| ≤ 0,5 |Δa*| ≥ 0,6
|Δb*| ≤ 0,3 0,4 ≤ |Δb*| ≤ 0,5 |Δb*| ≥ 0,6
4.2.3 Basic tolerance for the sampling of non-textile components or components with non-textile
surfaces (color grouping according to interior trim colors)
4.2.3.1 Black colors (e.g., Satin Black; Titanium Black; Anthracite) and brown colors (e.g., Natural
Brown; Walnut; Tobacco; Sevilla, Buffalo)
See Table 4.
Table 4
"OK " range (1) "Conditionally OK " range (3) "Not OK " range (6)
|ΔL*| < 0,35 0,35 ≤ |ΔL*| ≤ 0,45 |ΔL*| > 0,45
|Δa*| < 0,25 0,25 ≤ |Δa*| ≤ 0,35 |Δa*| > 0,35
|Δb*| < 0,25 0,25 ≤ |Δb*| ≤ 0,35 |Δb*| > 0,35
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4.2.3.2 Gray colors (e.g., Art Gray; Pearl Gray; Classic Gray; Moon Rock; Seashell; St. Tropez)
See Table 5.
Table 5
"OK " range (1) "Conditionally OK " range (3) "Not OK " range (6)
|ΔL*| < 0,45 0,45 ≤ |ΔL*| ≤ 0,55 |ΔL*| > 0,55
|Δa*| < 0,25 0,25 ≤ |Δa*| ≤ 0,35 |Δa*| > 0,35
|Δb*| < 0,25 0,25 ≤ |Δb*| ≤ 0,35 |Δb*| > 0,35
4.2.3.3 Beige colors (e.g., Pure Beige; Sun Beige; Corn Silk; Latte Macchiato; Nougat; Nutria
Beige) and blue colors (e.g., Navy Blue; Petrol)
See Table 6.
Table 6
"OK " range (1) "Conditionally OK " range (3) "Not OK " range (6)
|ΔL*| < 0,45 0,45 ≤ |ΔL*| ≤ 0,55 |ΔL*| > 0,55
|Δa*| < 0,25 0,25 ≤ |Δa*| ≤ 0,35 |Δa*| > 0,35
|Δb*| < 0,35 0,35 ≤ |Δb*| ≤ 0,45 |Δb*| > 0,45
Table 7
"OK " range (1) "Conditionally OK " range (3) "Not OK " range (6)
|ΔL*| < 0,45 0,45 ≤ |ΔL*| ≤ 0,55 |ΔL*| > 0,55
|Δa*| < 0,35 0,35 ≤ |Δa*| ≤ 0,45 |Δa*| > 0,45
|Δb*| < 0,25 0,25 ≤ |Δb*| ≤ 0,35 |Δb*| > 0,35
4.2.3.5 Red colors (e.g., Grenadine, Teak, Sioux; Deep Red: Truffle; Furioso, Terra Brown)
These are colors that are evaluated with the parameters Chroma "C*" and hue "H*" due to their
position in the CIELAB color space.
See Table 8.
Table 8
"OK " range (1) "Conditionally OK " range (3) "Not OK " range (6)
|ΔL*| < 0,35 0,35 ≤ |ΔL*| ≤ 0,50 |ΔL*| > 0,50
|ΔC*| < 0,40 0,40 ≤ |ΔC*| ≤ 0,55 |ΔC*| > 0,55
|ΔH*| < 0,25 0,25 ≤ |ΔH*| ≤ 0,35 |ΔH*| > 0,35
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4.2.4 Tolerances as a function of the installation position, surface structure, and material group
The releasing party can assign a factor to the base tolerances specified in Tables 2 to 8, depending
on the installation position and the surface of the component under test.
The following factors can be applied:
– Mold-integrated transitions in a directly visible area = base tolerance × 1
– Non-mold-integrated transitions as well as components in an area that is not directly visible =
base tolerance × 1,5
– For components that are produced from an amorphous material, the base tolerance for param‐
eter ΔL* can be multiplied by the factor 2,5, if comparison was made against the semi-crystalline
color specification. This method can also be used when comparing leather and leatherette, pro‐
vided that the leather sample has been compared against the leatherette specification.
– For painted components with a gloss level > 20,0 GU, the base tolerance for parameter ΔL* can
be multiplied by the factor 2,5.
4.2.5 Tolerances and target values for the surface gloss (GU)
4.2.5.1 Scope: unpainted plastic parts in the interior area with grains K08 / K09 / K8A / K9A / K63 /
K2G / K3D / K85
See Table 9.
Table 9
Trim color Target value (GU) OK tolerance
Titanium Black, Satin Black, Anthracite, Latte Macchiato,
2,0 ± 0,2
Natural Brown, etc.
Pearl Gray, Classic Gray, Moonrock, Art Gray, Seashell,
2,2 ± 0,2
St. Tropez, etc.
Pure Beige, Corn Silk, Desert Beige, Light Beige, etc. 2,8 ± 0,3
4.2.5.2 Scope: unpainted plastic parts in interior area with grains K31 and K77
See Table 10.
Table 10
Trim color Target value (GU) OK tolerance
Titanium Black, Satin Black, Anthracite, Latte Macchiato,
2,4 ± 0,3
Natural Brown, etc.
Pearl Gray, Classic Gray, Moonrock, Art Gray, Seashell,
2,6 ± 0,3
St. Tropez, etc.
Pure Beige, Corn Silk, Desert Beige, Light Beige, etc. 2,8 ± 0,3
4.2.5.3 Scope: unpainted plastic parts in the interior area with grain K29
See Table 11.
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Table 11
Trim color Target value (GU) OK tolerance
Titanium Black, Satin Black, Anthracite, Latte Macchiato,
3,4 ± 0,3
Natural Brown, etc.
Pearl Gray, Classic Gray, Moonrock, Art Gray, Seashell,
3,6 ± 0,3
St. Tropez, etc.
Pure Beige, Corn Silk, Desert Beige, Light Beige, etc. 4,2 ± 0,4
Table 12
Description GU (60° angle)
High gloss 70 to 100
Satin gloss 45 to 70
Satin matt 20 to 45
Matt < 20
4.3 Color matching: Color evaluation of component groups and finished part samples (ASSYs
such as steering wheels, overhead consoles)
Component groups and finished part samples must always have a visually harmonious overall im‐
pression.
In addition, the following applies to the finished part samples of the Volkswagen brand:
The maximum deviation between surfaces made of the same material must not exceed the base
tolerance. This does not apply to areas not directly adjoining each other. In this case, it must be
ensured that a maximum deviation of |ΔL*| 1,2 among all the materials is not exceeded. The individual
materials must be visually acceptable according to the sample standard.
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5 Test
To check the sample standard, a regular comparison measurement with respect to the L*, a*, b*
values stored in the device, which were determined after receiving the sample standard, must be
taken. The data must be logged accordingly.
All measurements required for calibration and inspection of test equipment must be carried out in the
standard room climate.
If deviating values are determined, appropriate measures must be taken (equipment inspection or
creation of a new sample standard).
For textile sample standards with 45°/0 geometry, 10 individual measurements must be taken (see
Figure 3) and the mean value must be determined. When using a device with a spherical shape, the
specimen must be turned 90° 3 times each to determine one measured value (see Figure 4). In this
case, the mean value is determined from 5 measured values.
During the evaluation of a specimen, sample standards will not be constantly re-measured, as errors
can be carried over from the handling of the sample standard, including soiling, to the evaluation of
the specimen. A repeated measurement only serves as a quality check of the sample standard.
Figure 1 – Sample standard sheet with one de‐ Figure 2 – Sample standard sheet with several
fined surface fields of defined surfaces
6 Requirements for styling release samples, original standards, and sample standards for
the Volkswagen brand
The original standards and sample standards must correspond to the styling release sample.
The sample standards must be stored within a protective sleeve in a dark, dry, cool place in order to
avoid visual changes. The visually relevant side must be covered with a sheet of rough, neutral gray
recycling paper (e.g. Cycloprint®) inside the protective sleeve.
The cover design and the labeling of the Volkswagen sample standards must comply with the re‐
quirements of the Volkswagen Corporate Design in order to make them clearly identifiable as Volks‐
wagen sample standards.
The sample standards of Audi AG must comply with the design shown in Appendix A:
Figure A.1 Measurement on structure
Figure A.2 Measurement on smooth surface
Figure A.3 Sample standard cover DIN A5 format
Unless otherwise agreed, all original samples and sample standards must bear a label that specifies
the following: sample standard, color code, color name, date of issue.
The measurement conditions (in the form of details on the measurement system used) and the de‐
viation of the color coordinates according to CIELAB of the respective sample standard from the
styling release sample/original standard must be documented within the framework of a laboratory
test.
Minimum dimensions:
– for painted plastics without grain: DIN A6 format
– for painted and unpainted plastics with grain: DIN A5 format
– for all other materials (films, leatherette, leather, textiles): DIN A4 or DIN A5 format.
The specified tolerance limit for sample standards is approximately 1/3 of the specified production
tolerance valid for these materials.
7 Evaluation
The specimens are evaluated for color, gloss, structure, and surface, as well as for their workmanship.
The color is evaluated metrologically (according to DIN 6174) and comparing the results against the
measured data of the original standard.
The gloss level is tested by measuring the reflectometer value at a testing angle of 60° according to
DIN EN ISO 2813 and documented in the test report. Unless otherwise agreed, the reference defined
for the surface to be tested applies (see Section 4.4).
8 Non-measurable parts
Visual evaluation against the sample standard according to Test Specification PV 3965 is performed
following prior agreement or in case of components that are not measurable due to their shape.
In case of visual evaluations, the deviation of the sample standard from the original standard must
be taken into account.
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Figure 5
Figure 6 – Not OK The reflection is distinctly Figure 7 – OK Matt. Only a "blurry" reflection is
visible = component is too glossy visible
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10 Test report
For colors with chroma value C*ab < 5, the absolute values L*, a*, b* and the difference values ΔL*,
Δa*, Δb*, and ΔE*ab must be documented in the measurement report as the mean value of the ab‐
solute values of the individual measurements based on the measured values of the original standard.
For colors with a chroma value C*ab > 5, the absolute values C*ab, hab and the difference values
ΔC*ab and ΔH*ab must also be documented as the mean value of the absolute values of the individual
measurements based on the measured values of the original standard.
The computed Δ values for L*, a*, b* or for L*, C*, H* must remain within a specified tolerance range
according to this standard.
The reflectometer values of the specified reference must be documented in the test report as target
values and those of the measured specimen as actual values.
Gloss values are specified as absolute values in 1/10 GU (gloss units).
In addition, the following information must be included in the test report:
– Company name
– Test device including the name of the manufacturer and the type designation
– Measurement geometry and observer angle
– Name (color code), number and date of issue of the original standard, sample standard, and
styling sample used
– Precise material details and batch number for newly developed materials
– Part designation and part number for first sample parts
– Additional observations and changes, such as color deviations on warp and/or weft threads,
differences in structure and feel; deviating grain depth; shiny areas
– Agreed upon conditions that deviate from this standard
PV 3965 Decorative Surfaces on and in the Vehicle; Visual Color Matching accord‐
ing to DIN EN ISO 3668
DIN 5033-4 Colorimetry; spectrophotometric method
DIN 5033-7 Colorimetry; measuring conditions for object colours
DIN 6172 Special metamerism-index for pairs of samples at change in illuminant
DIN 6174 Colorimetric evaluation of colour coordinates and colour differences ac‐
cording to the approximately uniform CIELAB colour space
DIN EN ISO 2813 Paints and varnishes - Determination of specular gloss of non-metallic
paint films at 20°, 60° und 85°
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