In the automotive industry, every detail matters. And in surface treatments, OEM standards play an absolutely crucial role. Surface quality is not just a matter of aesthetics – it directly affects the durability, functionality, and safety of the entire component. That’s why OEM manufacturers set strict requirements – from the type of material and application process to the final resistance. The Czech company Automotive Painting Partners (APP) meets even the most demanding certifications across global carmakers.
OEM Standards – a foundation for partnership and trust
To enter the supply chain, companies must comply with these core standards:
- IATF 16949 – sets the requirements for a quality management system and ensures the standardisation of all processes in the automotive industry.
- ISO 14001 – focuses on environmental management and defines how companies should control their impact on the environment.
- TISAX – defines the protection of sensitive data. Although not yet required by all OEMs (e.g., Škoda Auto), at APP we already comply with TISAX, protecting data according to the strictest criteria.
OEMs, however, often require their own certifications with even stricter conditions. ‘At Automotive Painting Partners, we not only meet the general standards, but also comply with the specific requirements of leading global brands. For some carmakers, we are listed as an ‘A Supplier’, which confirms our high level of quality and reliability’, says Jan Kysela, Quality Manager at APP.
Why are OEM standards for surface treatment so important?
OEM certifications clearly define how a surface treatment must perform – from appearance to performance under extreme conditions. They typically specify:
- Durability in real-world conditions: Defining the required protection against corrosion, UV radiation, chemicals, mechanical damage, and more. Parts must, for example, withstand hundreds of hours in corrosion chambers simulating real use.
- Consistent appearance and compatibility: Colours, textures, and gloss level must match seamlessly with other parts, even if supplied by different manufacturers. OEM standards therefore unify shades, surface textures, and gloss level.
- Functionality and safety: Certain coatings must ensure electrical conductivity, reduce friction, or dissipate static electricity. Failure to meet these standards can compromise vehicle safety, and damage the reputation of the entire supply chain.
From audit to testing: how we ensure compliance with standards at APP
At Automotive Painting Partners, OEM standards are fully integrated into our daily operations at every level.
- Internal audits are conducted according to each customer’s specific requirements – including annual system and process audits, as well as product audits for each part. These verify whether requirements are applied in practice, covering aspects such as correct cycle times, coating thickness, and alignment with internal processes.
- Employee training ensures that our teams understand the requirements of each standard and know how to apply them directly on the shop floor.
- Quality tests play a key role in the approval process for surface treatments. At APP, we perform essential tests such as coating thickness measurement, cross-cut adhesion testing, and the IBM test, which verifies paint polymerisation using a special solvent.
- The most critical step is the validation test in the corrosion chamber, where part undergoes accelerated ageing under simulated real-world conditions. This includes alternating cycles of fog, condensation, road salt exposure, and gravel impact. The full test runs up to 600 hours, and the results clearly determine whether a part has passed and is ready to be released into production.
OEM standards as our competitive advantage
At APP, we view even the strictest regulations as an opportunity – a way to enhance quality, safety, and customer trust. We are not limited to a single type of part or material. As a job coater, we process a wide range of conductive materials (steel, stainless steel, aluminium, alloys). In cathodic dip coating (KTL), we rank among the largest players in Central Europe. Our lines are capable of handling up to 10 million square meters of surface area annually, and can process multiple material types simultaneously.
Our processes, technologies, and team consistently meet the demanding requirements of leading global automotive companies. Get in touch with us.
