ARDL tests all types of windshield wiper blade systems and can supply any make or model test vehicle for your wiper blades. Testing includes, but is not limited to:
3D FEA Design
ARDL is experienced in
the design and analysis
of wiper blade structures
for optimum distribution
of wiping pressure on the
windshield surface.
ARDL uses state-of-the-art
experimental and
computational mechanics
tools to generate the best
designs for our Tier 1 and
OEM customers.
Computerized product
design and development
are used to aid in
decision making prior to
manufacturing.
Coefficient of Friction
The frictional
coefficients obtained are
used to predict wear,
chatter, squeal and
energy consumption, as
well as to compare
various surface
treatments. Please click here for ASTM method information.
Durability Testing
Durability testing to 1,500,000 cycles helps define the life prediction of your wiper blade, your
wiper blade's wipe quality and your super structure. Please click here for more information on durability testing.
Hinge Flex Force Testing
Two of the most common
problems with wiper
blades are squealing and
chattering of the blade in
the flexed position.
ARDL provides Hinge
Flex Force testing which
measures the elastic
modulus of the wiper
blade hinge.
Initial Wipe Grade
To test the initial wipe grade, wiper blades are tested on a specially constructed wiper test buck. A new glass windshield is used and is painted black on the inside to help enhance the viewing of any suface defects caused by a poor performing wiper blade. The wiper blades are graded on a scale of 1-10:
Grade |
Requirements |
10 |
• No visible water remaining on the wipe pattern
• No streaking
• No chatter lines visible |
9 |
• One or two minor streaks (each less than 3 mm wide), not remaining visible
for more than 3 seconds after the blade passes
• No chatter lines visible |
8 |
• Three or more minor streaks (each less than 3 mm wide), not remaining
visible for more than 3 seconds after the blade passes and/or smear that
evaporates in less than 1 second
• No chatter lines visible |
7 |
• Smearing of the wipe pattern that remains visible more than 1 second
but less than 3 seconds and/or one minor (less than 3 mm wide)streak
remaining for more than 3 seconds
• No chatter lines visible |
6 |
• Minor radial lines (each less than 6 mm wide) as evidence of chatter or a
single streak (from 3mm to 6mm wide) remaining more than 3 seconds
|
5 |
• A single band (less than or equal to 25 mm wide) or streaks
(each from 3 mm wide)
• Minor radial lines (each less than 6 mm wide) as evidence of chatter or a
single streak (from 3mm to 6 mm wide) remaining more than 3 seconds to
6 mm wide) remaining more than 3 seconds |
4 |
• A wide band of streaks or smearing (greater than 25 mm wide) that remains
more than 3 seconds after blade passes and/or major radial chatter lines
(each more than 6 mm wide) |
3 |
• Major streaks (each more than 6 mm wide) that remain 3 seconds after
blade
passes and major radial chatter lines (each more than 6 mm wide) |
2 |
• Unwiped areas or full pattern streaks or full pattern chatter lines |
1 |
• Mostly unwiped pattern and major streaks |
Mini DeMattia Testing
The Mini DeMattia
flex-life test determines
the durability of a
component and can be
used to measure the
change in durability as a
function of age.
A major benefit of
ARDL's newly developed
procedure is the ability
to perform the traditional
DeMattia test on scaled
down samples as thin as
0.020" that are prepared
from new or aged field
samples.
Ozone Testing
Ozone testing is done not
only to prove a product
passes ozone standards
but to provide a time line
of rubber deterioration
and determine if
premature rubber
cracking will occur. Please click here for ASTM method information.
Permanent Set Testing
Permanent set is the first
test a manufactured
wiper blade must pass
and is the most critical.
When sitting on a
windshield for an
extended period of time,
wiper blades can form a
permanent set. Wiper
blades must have a low
permanent set to
guarantee proper blade
flipping over the life of
the blade.
Salt Spray Testing
Salt spray testing is an advanced corrosion test that evaluates the durability of coatings on super structures,
fastener/clip integrity, paint and rubber integrity. Please click here for ASTM method information.
Super Structure Testing
Complete wiper blade
super structures can be
tested at temperatures
from -30°F to 120°F.
ARDL's super structure
testing can include
simulated snow and ice
slap testing, specular
gloss measuring on
surfaces and continuous
pressure pattern testing.
