Fred Barwick: The Educator Who Helped Standardize Automotive Fog Testing
How one industry expert helped laboratories around the world perform more accurate, repeatable, and reliable fogging tests.
For today’s automotive testing laboratories, fogging testing is simply part of doing business. Whether evaluating instrument panel materials, seat fabrics, adhesives, foams, coatings, or plastic trim, engineers routinely perform photometric and gravimetric fogging tests to ensure volatile compounds do not condense on vehicle glass or interior surfaces.
Modern laboratories have highly standardized procedures defined by SAE J1756, DIN 75201, and ISO 6452, along with numerous OEM specifications. These methods are now so commonplace that it’s easy to forget they were once unfamiliar to many testing laboratories.
While Fred Barwick did not invent automotive fogging testing, few individuals did more to educate laboratories, improve testing consistency, and promote standardized testing practices than Fred E. Barwick, President of ATL, Inc.
His influence helped transform fog testing from a specialized laboratory procedure into a widely understood and consistently performed automotive materials test.
The Growing Need for Fog Testing
During the 1970s and 1980s, automotive manufacturers introduced increasing amounts of:
- PVC materials
- Polyurethane foams
- Interior coatings
- Adhesives
- Plasticizers
- Decorative films
- Elastomers
While these materials improved comfort, appearance, and durability, they introduced an unexpected problem.
At elevated temperatures, many interior materials released volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that condensed onto cooler surfaces inside the vehicle—especially the windshield.
Drivers noticed:
- Hazy windshields
- Reduced visibility
- Interior film buildup
- Difficult cleaning
- Customer complaints
Automakers quickly realized that this was more than a cosmetic issue. Windshield haze directly affected driver visibility and customer satisfaction.
This led European organizations to develop DIN 75201, followed by North American adoption through SAE J1756, first issued in 1994, providing standardized methods for evaluating fogging characteristics of automotive interior materials. (SAEMobilus)
A Test Method Is Only as Good as Its Execution
Developing a testing standard is only half the challenge.
Every laboratory must perform the procedure exactly the same way.
Small variations can significantly affect results:
- Glass cleaning techniques
- Specimen preparation
- Oil bath temperature
- Cooling plate temperature
- Test timing
- Sample conditioning
- Glass handling
- Gloss measurements
- Gravimetric weighing procedures
Without proper training, two laboratories could obtain noticeably different results while following the same written procedure.
Repeatability and reproducibility became just as important as the written standard itself.
This is where educators like Fred Barwick made an enormous impact.
Fred Barwick’s Role
As President of ATL, Inc., Fred Barwick became one of the automotive industry’s most recognized educators on materials testing.
Rather than simply selling equipment, he focused on teaching laboratories how to perform standardized testing correctly.
His presentations covered:
- Test specimen preparation
- Glassware preparation
- Proper equipment configuration
- Photometric fogging evaluation
- Gravimetric fogging evaluation
- Data interpretation
- Safety practices
- Common operator mistakes
One example was his presentation at the Automotive Materials and Testing Symposium, where he led technical sessions reviewing SAE J1756, including apparatus requirements, specimen preparation, photometric and gravimetric procedures, data compilation, and operator safety. (Fibre2Fashion)
This educational work helped laboratories produce more consistent results regardless of location.
Beyond Fogging
Fred Barwick’s expertise extended well beyond fog testing.
He presented technical training covering:
- SAE J369 flammability testing
- Automotive textile testing
- VOC testing
- Interior materials evaluation
- Automotive quality testing
His seminars combined practical laboratory experience with the technical requirements of SAE standards, making complex procedures easier for engineers and laboratory technicians to understand and implement. (Fibre2Fashion)
Recognition from SAE International
Fred Barwick’s contributions did not go unnoticed.
In 2010, SAE International honored him with its Technical Standards Board Outstanding Achievement Award, recognizing his outstanding service and contributions to SAE technical committee activities. (PR Newswire)
This award reflected years of dedication to improving industry standards and helping laboratories apply them correctly.
Why His Work Still Matters
Today’s fogging laboratories benefit from decades of accumulated knowledge.
Many of the testing practices now considered routine—careful specimen preparation, strict temperature control, standardized cleaning procedures, and consistent evaluation methods—became widespread because experienced educators demonstrated not just what the standards required, but how to implement them successfully.
That distinction remains important today.
A laboratory can own excellent equipment, but consistent results depend on knowledgeable operators who understand the nuances of the testing process.
The industry’s continued emphasis on repeatability and reproducibility owes much to professionals who devoted their careers to technical education.
Continuing the Tradition
At Schap Specialty Machine, we believe the value of a testing machine extends far beyond the hardware itself.
Accurate, repeatable testing comes from the combination of:
- Well-designed equipment
- Proper calibration
- Clear operating procedures
- Comprehensive operator training
- Compliance with international standards
This philosophy mirrors the educational approach championed by industry leaders such as Fred Barwick, whose efforts helped laboratories around the world achieve greater consistency in automotive materials testing.
As automotive materials continue to evolve—with new polymers, recycled materials, bio-based plastics, and advanced composites—the need for standardized testing and knowledgeable operators remains as important as ever.
The equipment may continue to improve, but the goal remains unchanged: producing reliable, repeatable data that automotive manufacturers can trust.
About Schap Specialty Machine
Schap Specialty Machine manufactures precision testing equipment for automotive, textile, aerospace, and industrial laboratories. Our fog testing systems are designed to meet the requirements of SAE J1756, DIN 75201, ISO 6452, and numerous OEM specifications, helping laboratories produce accurate and repeatable results for the next generation of vehicle interior materials.
