Originalität und Authentizität

Hat meine GFK / CFK Karosserie Erstlack? In welchem Zustand befinden sich die Aggregate? Ist die Fahrgestellnummernprägung original? Ist der Motor sach- und fachgerecht überholt? Sind die Rohrabmessung am Rahmen herstellerkonform? Ist das Material der Epoche entsprechend “alt” (Karosserie / Rahmen) und somit echt? Wie Original ist mein Fahrzeug? Welchen Wert spiegelt der Zustand wieder? Die Schlagziffern der Prägekennzeichnungen (Motor-, Getriebe-, Fahrgestell- und Karosserienummer) sind diese herstellerkonform?

Does my GFK / CFK body have the first paint? What is the condition of the units? Is the embossing of the chassis number original? Has the engine been properly and professionally overhauled? Are the tube dimensions on the frame manufacturer-compliant? Is the material of the epoch “old” (body / frame) and therefore genuine? How original is my vehicle? What value does the condition reflect? The punch digits of the embossed markings (engine, transmission, chassis and body number) are these manufacturer-compliant?

Im Folgenden wollen wir Ihnen unsere verschiedenen forensischen und naturwissenschaftlichen Methoden zur Authentifizierung von Fahrzeugen vorstellen. Angefangen mit der Spectroscopy, über Ultrasound, MRI, Öl Analyse, Lacquer layer thickness measurement, 3D Scan and X-ray, Mikroskopie und unsere Motoren Untersuchungen.

In the following we would like to introduce our various forensic methods to authenticate vehicles for their originality. Starting off with spectroscopy, we move over to ultrasonic, the magneto optical method, oil analysis, paint thickness measurement, 3D-scanning and x-ray, microscopy and our engine examinations.

Mittels Spektroskopie (Optische-Emissions-Spektroskopie, OEM) wird die Materialzusammensetzung, also die Elemente aus denen das vorliegende Material prozentual zusammengesetzt ist, ermittelt. Anschließend lässt sich hierdurch das Alter des Materials, anhand der Elemente und dem Herstellungsprozess, bestenfalls bis auf ein Jahrzehnt genau bestimmen. Die Spektroskopie, als forensisch / naturwissenschaftliche Methode der Authentizitätsprüfung eines Fahrzeugs, wird in unserem Ingenieurbüro seit 1986 angewendet. Seit nunmehr 9 Jahren können wir die Ermittlung der Materialzusammensetzung, in der erforderlichen Qualität / Tausendstelbereich, nahezu zerstörungsfrei und mobil durchführen. Somit können wir inter- und national jeder Zeit eine entsprechende Untersuchung durchführen. Bis dato konnten wir an der West- und Ostküste von Nordamerika, Südamerika, Tokyo, Moskau, Norditalien, England, Belgien, Niederlande, Schweiz und in Österreich unsere Erfahrungen erweitern.

HINWEIS: Sie möchten XRF verwenden? Röntgenfluoreszenz ist eine Methode zur Analyse der Elementzusammensetzung von Materialien. XRF hat jedoch Einschränkungen hinsichtlich der Elemente, die gemessen werden können … Optische Emissionsspektroskopie (die Spektroskopie, die wir verwenden und die als einzige die Informationen liefert, die erforderlich sind, um das Material „datieren“ zu können) ist eine optische Methode, die dies kann verwendet werden, um fast alle Arten von Elementen zu erkennen, insbesondere diejenigen, die für unsere Analyse und „Datierung“ entscheidend sind -> die RFA kann diese Elemente NICHT erkennen! Die Informationen, die Sie erhalten, sind nicht sehr hilfreich! Der OEM ist zerstörungsfrei und auch tragbar, sodass absolut kein XRF erforderlich ist, der dann nicht die erforderlichen Informationen liefert. Seien Sie also hier bitte vorsichtig!

Spectroscopy is used to determine the composition of the material, including the elements in percentage that make up the material. Following the analysis it is possible to determine the manufacturing process and the decade it was produced in. Further are able to compare the analysis with our data from the archive and make a statement regarding the originality of the material (e.g. frame, chassis, body…). Spectroscopy, as a forensic and scientific method of checking the authenticity of materials, has been used in our engineering office since 1988. For 9 years now, we have been able to determine the composition of materials on sight, at the car, not needing to send material into a stationary laboratory. Therefore we are able to analyse the material in an almost non invasie way at any time, any where in the world. To date, we have been traveling across the world to inspect many cars from UK, Italy, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Austria, Spain, Portugal, over North and South America, South Africa, Russia, Japan and China.

NOTE: You want to use XRF? X-ray fluorescence is a method to analysis the elemental composition of materials. However, XRF has limitations on the elements that can be measured… Optical Emission Spectroscopy (the spectroscopy we use and is the only one providing the information necessary in order to be able to „date“ the material) is an optical method that can be used to detect almost all types of Elementes, especially the ones which are crucial for our analysis and „dating“ —> the XRF can NOT detect these elements! The information you‘ll gain is not very helpful! The OEM is non-destructive and Portable too so absolutely no need for an XRF which then doesn’t provide the Information needed – so please be careful here!

There are essentially 3 measuring methods to carry out non-destructive coating thickness measurements of, for example, frame material or car body sheet metal or paint thickness measurements on car bodies:

• The magnetic-inductive measuring method for measurements on ferritic substrates such as sheet metal
• The eddy current method for measurements on non-ferrous substrates such as aluminium
• Ultrasound for substrate-independent measurements or multilayer measurements.

The application of Ultrasound we use to determine the Material thickness, of both aluminium and steel sheet. We carry out this method regularly, especially in the body and frame area, and compare the values with the technical drawings of the vehicle manufacturer. The important thing here is that we can determine the sheet thickness without being disturbed by paint and filler build-up and, of course, non-invasively!

We can also determine the thickness of the paint layer or any type of material thickness. Ultrasound is used in particular for examining the paint thickness on GRP and CFRP, so we can also identify a first-paint vehicle here!

With the ultrasonic method, you are independent of the material in all cases! Layer thicknesses can also be measured on different substrates such as metals, plastics, wood or even GRP or CFRP! Furthermore, not only the total thickness, but also the individual layer thicknesses can be measured in only one measuring process - which is an enormous advantage compared to electromagnetic methods!

There are essentially 3 measuring methods to carry out non-destructive layer thickness measurements, for example of frame material or body sheet or paint thickness measurements on car bodies:
• The magnetic-inductive measuring method for measurements on ferritic substrates such as sheet metal
• The eddy current method for measurements on non-ferrous substrates such as aluminum
• Ultrasound for substrate-independent measurements or multi-layer measurements.

We use ultrasonic to determine the material thickness, including aluminum and steel sheet. In the body and frame area we use this method frequently to compare the material thicknesses with the technical drawings of the vehicle manufacturers. The important thing here is that we can measure the sheet metal skills without measuring lacquer, filler or other materials and of course in a non-invasive way! How does it work? The speed of sound of each material varies and therefore we can differenitate each material and measure the exact thickness using the speed of sound of the material in question, calibrating the ultrasonic machine and receiving a result in mm.

We can also determine the paint layer thickness or any type of material thickness. Ultrasound is used in particular to examine the thickness of the paintwork on glas and carfbon fiber, so we can also identify a first paint vehicle here!

With the ultrasonic method you are material independent in all cases! It can also be layer thicknesses on different substrates such as metals, plastics, wood or GRP or. Measure CFRP! In addition, not only the total thickness, but also the individual layer thicknesses can be measured in just one measuring process – which is an enormous advantage over electromagnetic methods!

The Magneto Optical method largely replaces the Fry etching method and is based on a resonance process using magnetic energy and helps us to determine the Embossing markings on a vehicle. Hidden numbers, double strokes, grinding marks and much more can be examined, because the invisible is made visible.

The magneto-optical method is used to replace the Fry etching method, an invasive acid method, in order to be able to examine the stampings on the car in a non-destructive way which can be performed continuesly. This resonance method is using magnetic energy and helps us to have the embossed markings on a vehicle analysed for hidden digits, double taxes, grinding marks and more. The unvisible is made visible

For almost 7 years we have been able to examine embossed markings on vehicles NON-INVASIVELY and in 95 % of the cases we have a meaningful result. Otherwise, we use the Fry etching method, which destructively allows us to determine further findings. An exciting method, despite the destruction! Here's an exciting case from early 2000 and the investigation of an "SSK" - check it out!  We have also used this method here.

For almost 7 years we have been able to NON-INVASIVE examine the embossed markings on vehicles and in 95% of the cases we have a meaningful result. Otherwise we use the Fry etching method, which allows us to determine further knowledge in a destructive manner. An exciting method, despite the destruction! This way to an exciting case from the beginning of 2000 and the investigation of an "SSK" - have a look! We used this method here too.

The Oil analysis we carry out on aggregates such as the engine, gearbox and differential in order to get a better overview of the aggregate condition. The analysis results are informative and can, for example, be an indication that the head gasket needs to be changed or that there is bearing damage.

We perform an oil analysis on units such as the engine, transmission and differential in order to get a better overview of the state of the units. The analysis results are meaningful and can e.g. be an indication that the head gasket has to be replaced or that there is bearing damage.

Analysis of the engine oil sample:

On the left the values of a fresh oil sample and on the right the engine oil sample of the test vehicle:

Iron is strongly elevated, but copper and aluminium are also slightly elevated. Lead/copper typical bearing materials. Silicon is high and indicates dust/dirt, which has an abrasive effect and thus promotes wear. Potassium/sodium is also elevated, which can come from the coolant, as it is often used as an additive in the coolant. Fuel is slightly elevated and not the primary problem here.

Analysis of the engine oil sample:

On the left the values ​​of a fresh oil sample and on the right the engine oil sample of the test vehicle:
Iron is greatly increased, but copper and aluminum are also slightly increased. Lead / copper typical bearing materials. Silicon is high and indicates dust / dirt, which has an abrasive and therefore wear-promoting effect. In addition, potassium / sodium increases what can come from the coolant, since it is often used as an additive in the coolant. Fuel is slightly increased and not the primary problem here.

By now a "must do" of every assessment! You get to know the car in detail in the superficial body area.

Mittels modernster Technologie, wie die Anwendung von Ultraschall,  sind wir in der Lage eine Lackschichtdickenmessung auf Aluminium und Stahl aber auch auf GFK und CFK durchzuführen.

A “must do” for every expertise! You get to know the car in detail in the superficial body area and can detect potential hidden accidents, replacement panels etc.

Using state-of-the-art technology, such as the use of ultrasound, we are able to measure the paint film thickness on aluminum and steel, but also on GRP and CFRP.

Originality examination of body and frame, verification of restoration / repair quality and damage assessment

• Originalitätsuntersuchungs mittels Abgleich originaler Fotos und vorliegender Karosserie, Rahmen …
• Mobile use at any time and anywhere in the world
• Dimensioning, restoration support, 3D model for production of frame model / spare parts, etc.
• We have been using 3D scanners, 3D X-rays and 3D models regularly since 2005!

Originality examination of body and frame, restoration / repair quality and damage assessments

• Originality check by comparing original photos and the existing body, frame …
• Mobile use anytime and anywhere in the world
• Dimensioning, restoration support, 3D model for the production of frame model / spare parts, etc.
• We have been using 3D scanners, 3D x-rays and 3D models regularly since 2005!