WORLDWIDE Material Specification

ENGINEERING GMW14664
Finish
STANDARDS

Powder Coat Finish

Type B: Body Inner, only for passenger

1 Scope compartments, such as partition grille, brackets.
1.1 Material Description. Powder coatings for the • Area I: Direct sunlight
purpose of this specification shall be defined as • Area II: Indirect sunlight
organic resin material in a finely powdered state, Type C: Engine Compartment and Underbody
for application to suitably prepared ferrous or Components
nonferrous metallic surfaces, followed by heat cure
(to develop the desired characteristics in the • All Locations
finished film). Generally, a specific material • Part type and location must be specified on the
requirement and color will be shown on the engineering drawing.
engineering drawing, otherwise any powder • This specification is not applicable for the body
coating may be used, provided that the test itself and body elements (such as doors, hood,
requirements of the specifications are met. and tailgate).
1.1.1 These coatings are intended to insure • Certain types of powder coatings e.g. Epoxy,
adequate protection against corrosion on surfaces when exposed to UV radiation, show a
of both external and internal parts of passenger tendency to “chalk”. However, this feature does
and commercial vehicles. not affect the service performance of the
1.1.2 In order to meet the requirements of this material. These powder coat finishes are
specification it is necessary for components to unsuitable for Type B in direct sunlight exposure
undergo a suitable cleaning process/removal areas.
operation (including scale or other oxide layers). 1.4 Remarks Not applicable.
Cleaning is to be followed by an appropriate pre-
treatment before powder coat application.
2 References
1.1.3 The pretreatment (e.g., low zinc, 3-cations-
phophating) shall ensure good adhesion. Iron Note: Only the latest approved standards are
phosphate is prohibited by GME for type C. It is not applicable unless otherwise specified.
preferred but is permitted by GMNA. Primer may 2.1 External Standards/Specifications.
be used if specified on the engineering drawing. ASTM D870 SAE J1960
1.1.4 These coatings may be applied by ISO 105-A02 SAE J2412
electrostatic spray or fluidized bed techniques. ISO 15184 SAE J2413
1.2 Symbols. Not applicable. SAE J1885 SAE J2527
1.3 Typical Applications Parts with a coating 2.2 GM Standards/Specifications.
according to this specification can be classified into
one of the following categories. B 040 0900 GMW3286
Type A: Body Outer Decorative parts such as roof EMS 09.309.574 GMW3417
rails, guide rails, and decorative moldings. GM4465P GMW14162
Requirements for these components are specified GM6094M GMW14333
by GMW3005 “Topcoat – Generic Qualification” GM9071P GMW14334
(Table 2, Topcoat Type: Type B Rigid Parts GM9163P GMW14669
(Outsourced Non Assembly Plant Materials))”. GM9538P GMW14700
Type A parts must also meet the requirements for
GM9900P GMW14701
corrosion resistance as specified by GMW14669,
“Organic Coating/Finish Performance for Exterior GME 60202 GMW14729
and Interior Metallic Materials”. GME 60402 GMW14829
GME 60403 GMW14872

© Copyright 2007 General Motors Corporation All Rights Reserved

January 2007 Originating Department: North American Engineering Standards Page 1 of 8

GMW14664
GMI 60266 GMW15357
GMW3001 HN 0270
GMW3005 HN 0283
GMW3059
3 Requirements
3.1 General
3.1.1 Coatings shall be free of Chrome VI.
3.1.2 Chrome VI used as adhesion promoter is not
permissible.
3.1.3 Post-treatments. Post-treatments, if
performed, shall be Chrome VI free.
3.2 Test Samples. Use test pieces and number of
test pieces as specified in the appropriate test
methods. In instances of powder coating being
applied to castings of ferrous or non ferrous
metals, coated cast test panels or parts shall be
used. Test pieces shall be tested in the as received
condition (i.e., without any pre-conditioning,
irrespective of conditioning requirements of
specified test methods). Wait a minimum of 72 h
after bake before commencing test. These
conditions apply to all components to be tested per
this specification.
3.3 Appearance. The powder coating finish on the
component shall be smooth and free from any
surface blemishes prejudicial to serviceability or
appearance.
3.4 Coating Thickness. The coating thickness
shall be determined by using an apparatus based
on eddy current or ferromagnetic principles to
within ± 2 µm.
Required for all types: 50 to 100 µm or as specified
on the engineering drawing.
3.5 Hardness. The hardness of the coating can be
examined by using test method 3.5.1 or 3.5.2.
3.5.1 Erichsen Hardness Test (Rod type 318).
Perform scratch resistance according to GME
60402-rating 1 in the as received condition.
3.5.2 Pencil Hardness. The paint hardness shall
be between 1H and 3H per ISO 15184.
3.6 Cross-Hatch Test. Perform Tape Adhesion
Test according to GMW14829 in delivery
conditions and after high humidity exposure
according to GMW14729 (for exposure times see
3.7). Painted parts types B and C are allowed to
have a rating of 0 or 1.
3.7 High Humidity Environment. Painted parts
must be exposed to a high humidity environment
per GMW14729 / GME 60202-C or –D / GM4465P
(for GMNA) with no evidence of blistering,
corrosion, or any other change in appearance. The
exposure times are:
© Copyright 2007 General Motors Corporation All Rights Reserved
Page 2 of 8
GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS
• 96 h for Type B
• 144 h for Type C
3.8 Corrosion test. The determination of the
resistance of the organic coating to corrosion has
to be done by a salt spray fog test or by a cyclic
corrosion test.
3.8.1 Salt Spray Fog Testing. (Required for GME,
GM Holden and GM-LAAM/Mercosur). 144 h (Type
B) and 336 h (other types) shall be done according
to GMW3286. No corrosion (except along scribe
lines), blistering, or other appearance changes are
allowed. Total scribe creepback determined per
GMW15282 shall be 6 mm maximum for zinc
coated steel and 3 mm maximum for all other
substrates. (The evaluation of scribe creepback
can be determined by scrape and blow off with
compressed air per GMW15282 or by using tape
adhesion per GMW14829 sections 5.3.5 through
5.3.7).
Note: Slight rust at edges is permitted for type C,
but shall not exceed 20% of the length of exposed
edges.
3.8.2 Cyclic Corrosion Test. (Required for
GMDAT, GMNA and PATAC). A cyclic corrosion
test, per GMW14872 is required for validation on
normally processed parts, or on representative
sections of parts. Refer to the Table A2 in
Appendix A for specific details associated with
required test exposures for specified test class
suffix, vehicle area, and mounting location.
Requirements:
For Type B: Corrosion rating of 8 or better per
GMW15357
For Type C: Corrosion rating of 8 or better per
GMW15357
3.9 Resistance to Stone Impact. Stone impact
resistance shall be tested according to
GMW14700.
Requirements:
For Type C: Method C: >rating 7 (GM7).
3.10 Resistance to Fuel and Oil.
3.10.1 Fuel Resistance. Fuel resistance shall be
tested according to GMW14333 for Type C. A
rating of 2 is required.
3.10.2 Oil Resistance. Oil resistance must be
performed for Type C parts only, for first sample
approval of paint and painted components which
may have contact with oil.
3.10.2.1 Immerse test piece in engine oil, e.g.,
B 040 0900 (for GME), EMS 09.309.574 (for
GM LAAM) or in GM6094M and expose for
+24 ± 1 h in a drying oven at 100 ± 3°C.
3.10.2.2 Evaluate after cooling to +23 ± 5°C.
January 2007
GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS
Note: Deviations from the specified test standards
shall be agreed upon with the responsible
Materials Engineer.
3.11 Resistance to Color Change. (This test is
required for GME only). Parts may exhibit no color
change when tested with Fuel Oil Soot per
GMW14701.
3.12 Resistance to Cleaning Agents. Type B
must attain rating 2 per GMW14334, GMI 60266
and GM9900P: No swelling, no discoloration no
dissolution are allowed.
3.13 Weather Resistance. Sections 3.13.1 and
3.13.2 apply to topcoat systems only, for initial
(paint) sample approval only. Note: These
requirements were not intended for use in routine
quality testing.
Deviation from the stated requirements is subject
to arbitration between the supplier and the
appropriate GM Materials Engineer.
3.13.1 Natural Weathering. Natural weathering is
required for the validation process of a powder
paint material itself. These requirements are for
Type B Parts, for the regions indicated below.
(Please refer to Appendix B for Specific Test
Methodologies).
The following are the regional requirements:
• AP/GM Holden: No appreciable color change
or loss of adhesion. Loss of gloss ≤ 20%.
• LAAM/Mercosur: Gloss change after test
≤ 20%. Color change after test: CIELAB color
scale, dE* ≤ 3.0 (D65 illuminant, 10° observer,
45° geometry) or no visually perceived color
change.
3.13.2 Accelerated Weathering. These
requirements are for Type B Parts only. If a
supplier shall be able to prove a positive result of 2
years natural weathering test, the accelerated
weathering test is not required. (Please refer to
Appendix B for Region Specific Test
Methodologies).
The following are the evaluation requirements:
No cracking, blistering, loss of adhesion or other
surface destruction. Color change after test:
CIELAB color scale, dE* ≤ 3.0 (D65 illuminant,
10° observer, 45° geometry), with visual approval
is preferred.
Maximum unpolished gloss loss shall be ≤ 40%,
Maximum gloss loss on polished shall be ≤ 20%.
For Type B parts that cannot be measured for
gloss, after exposure parts must fulfill value 3 or
more per the ISO 105-A02 grey scale. No cracking,
blistering or other surface destruction are allowed.
© Copyright 2007 General Motors Corporation All Rights Reserved
January 2007
GMW14664
3.14 Water Soak Test per ASTM D870 (Required
for GM Holden only).Test with Deionized Water at
38 ± 1°C. Check GM9071P X-cut adhesion.
• Type B: 2 h exposure (+15/-0) minutes.
No defects or metal corrosion are allowed.
Permissible loss of adhesion is 1% max after 13 to
15 minutes recovery. No chipping or flaking
(brittleness) during X-cut is allowed.
• Type C: 2 h exposure +15/-0 minutes.
No defects or metal corrosion are allowed.
Permissible loss of adhesion is 5% max after
1 minute recovery.
3.15 Mar Test per GMN3943. (Required for GM
Holden only). Perform using a 13 N weight and
1 mm stylus.
• Type B: A subjective Rating 1 to 5 is required.
Slight marring is acceptable. Check the test
part against an approved control.
• Type C: Mar test is not required.
3.16 Chemical Spot Test per GMW14701
(Required for GM Holden only). Use 10%, 1.0% &
0.1% solutions by weight of Analytical Reagents -
Acetic, Hydrochloric, Sulfuric acids and Sodium
Hydroxide per GMW14701.
• Type B: Not required.
• Type C: Required where specified (e.g.,
battery tray). 8 minimum rating with 0.1%,
1.0%, & 10% solutions.
3.17 Temperature Resistance Test. (No method
available. Required for GM Holden only). Bake the
test panel at 100 ± 2°C for 24 ± 1 h, unless
specified otherwise.
• Type B: Test is not required.
• Type C: No detrimental effects indicating film
breakdown are allowed.
3.18 Coating Bake Evaluation Method. (No
method available. Required for GM Holden only).
Place 1 drop of Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) on a
suitable area of the test panel. After 30 seconds
remove any remaining MEK by wiping with dry
cotton wool. Test the area for hardness by thumb
nail vs. original surface.
• Type B: Slight softening is acceptable.
Considerable softening and/or partial removal
of the coating indicates under-baking and is
cause for rejection.
• Type C: Test is not required.
4 Manufacturing Process
Not Applicable.
Page 3 of 8
GMW14664
5 Rules and Regulations
5.1 All materials supplied to this specification must
comply with the requirements of GMW3001, Rules
and Regulations for Material Specifications.
5.2 All materials supplied to this specification must
comply with the requirements of GMW3059,
Restricted and Reportable Substances for
Parts.
6 Approved Sources
Engineering qualifications of an approved source is
required for this specification. Only sources listed
in the GM Materials File (i.e., MATSPC) under this
specification number have been qualified by
engineering as meeting the requirements of this
specification.
For other GM locations, the responsible
engineering group should be contacted to obtain
the approved source in that individual country.
7 Notes
7.1 Glossary.
CIELAB The standard short-form is defined in SAE
J1545 and SAE J1767 to explain color terminology.
CIE stands for Commission International de
l'Eclairage. LAB is the short-form to indicate the
color values on the three-dimensional axes, L*, a*
and b*. This is usually, very simply, denoted as
CIELAB, in the Uppercase and by omitting the
asterisk, as shown.
Delta E (dE*). A resultant color change calculated
by the equation:
dE* = (dL*2 +da*2 +db*2)1/2
L*A*B* Color System. A color measurement
system using orthogonal coordinates to describe
color. The L* axis is the white-black (light-dark)
axis with a large L* = light and a small L* = dark.
The a* axis is the red-green axis where a “+a*” =
red and a “-a*” = green. The b* axis is the yellow-
blue axis where a “+b*” = yellow and a “-b*” = blue.
Langley. A traditional unit of measure for natural
light energy defined as 1 g-cal/cm2. A Langley is
equivalent to 0.04184 MJ/m2.
Note: The Langley is restricted by definition to the
expression of natural light energy. The MJ/m2 is a
more universally recognized unit of energy
measurement. However, for the purposes of this
© Copyright 2007 General Motors Corporation All Rights Reserved
Page 4 of 8
GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS
specification, it is not appropriate to compare
natural light exposure energies (measured over the
total solar or the UV radiation wavelength ranges)
and usually expressed in MJ/m2 with artificial light
exposure energies (measured over a very narrow
wavelength range) and usually expressed in kJ/m2.
Specular Gloss. The ratio, expressed as a
percent, of the quantity of light reflected from a
surface to the quantity incident on the surface in
the specular (mirror reflected) direction.
% Gloss loss =
{(initial gloss-final gloss)/initial gloss} x 100}
Temperature Normalized Radiation (TNR). Total
solar radiation measured under test fixture glazing
and adjusted both to relate the various limit
temperature fixtures to a common reference
temperature and to account for the difference in
time spent at the fixture limiting temperature during
the various seasons. This allows testing throughout
the entire year with comparable results.
Total Solar Radiation. Natural light less than
3000 nm in wavelength.
Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation. Natural light less
than 400 nm in wavelength.
7.2 Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Symbols.
h hour(s)
MEK Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK)
TNR Temperature Normalized Radiation
8 Coding System
This standard shall be referenced in other
documents, drawings, VTS, CTS, etc. as follows:
“Powder coated, black F785 to GMW14664 - B”
Where:
Powder coated, black F 785 = Designation of
coating
B = Type of paragraph 1.3
Material per GMW14664
9 Release and Revisions
9.1 Release. This standard originated in October
2005, replacing GME 00202. It was first approved
by GM Global Metallic Materials Engineering in
August 2006. It was first published in January
2007.
January 2007
GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS GMW14664

Appendix A
Table A1: Requirements for Corrosion Test (GME, GM Holden & GM-LAAM/Mercosur)
Type B Type C
Specification Test to GMW3286
h Exposure 144 336
Required
Acceptance No corrosion (except along scribe lines), blistering, or other appearance changes are
Criteria allowed.
Specification Test Total scribe creepback per GMW15282

3 mm maximum for all substrates except zinc, and 6 mm maximum for zinc coated and
Acceptance
plated steel. The evaluation of scribe creepback can be determined by scrape and blow
Criteria
off with compressed air per GMW15282 or by using tape adhesion per GMW14829
sections 5.3.5 through 5.3.7.
Note: Slight rust at edges is permitted for type C, but shall not exceed 20% of the length of exposed edges.

© Copyright 2007 General Motors Corporation All Rights Reserved

January 2007 Page 5 of 8

GMW14664 GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS

Table A2: Requirements for Cyclic Corrosion Test (GMNA, AP/GMDAT, AP/PATAC)
Test Class Suffix Type B Type C
Vehicle Area Interior Underhood or Underbody
Mounting All (Area I & Area II) All
Location
Method SH SH
Cyclic Corrosion & Scribe Creepback per GMW14872 & GMW15282
Exposure Exposure C Exposure B
Required (a) (b) (c) (a) (b) (d)
Gravelometer & Cyclic Corrosion per GMW14700 & GMW14872
Exposure Not Applicable Exposure A
Required (b)(e)
For All Types & Locations: Mass loss targets are defined in GMW14872 Appendix A, Table A1.
(a) Acceptance Criteria: Maximum allowable creepback is 6 mm on bare steel and cast iron substrates and 3 mm creepback on all other
substrates
(b) Acceptance Criteria: Corrosion rating of 8 or better per GMW15357
(c) Test per GMW14872 Table A1 Interior “Low” mount location.
(d) Test per GMW14872 Table A1 Underhood, “All” (Low, Mid, or High) mount locations
(e) Test per GMW14872 Table A1 Underbody, “All” mount locations.

© Copyright 2007 General Motors Corporation All Rights Reserved

Page 6 of 8 January 2007

GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS GMW14664

Appendix B: Regional Requirements for Natural and Accelerated Weathering

Table B1: Natural Weathering Note 1
Region Specification Location/ Test Method Requirement
Instrument

AP/GM HN 0283 Allunga, For Type B

Holden Queensland, Exposed due north
Australia 20 degrees from horizontal No cracking, blistering, loss of
under glass (southern adhesion or other surface
GM Black hemisphere). destruction.
Box Fixture Area I (in direct sunlight): Color change after test: CIELAB
110 000 Langleys color scale, dE* ≤ 3.0 (D65
illuminant, 10° observer, 45°
geometry), with visual approval
Area II (not in direct
is preferred.
sunlight): 55 000 Langleys
Maximum unpolished gloss loss
shall be ≤ 50%, Maximum gloss
GM LAAM/ GMW3417 Cruz Alta For Type B: Expose the loss on polished shall be ≤ 20%.
Mercosur Code L5 Note 1 Proving panels 20 degrees facing
Ground north under glass by Area:
Exposure Area (I): 110 000 Langleys
GM Black Area(II): 25 000 Langleys
Box Fixture

AP/GMDAT Type B parts do not have any Natural Weathering requirements.

AP/PATAC,
GME,
GMNA
All Regions: Type C parts do not have any Natural Weathering requirements.
Deviations from the above standards shall be agreed upon with the responsible Materials Engineer.
Note 1: Test Fixture, Glass Type, and High Temperature Limits per GMW3417 are regional requirements. Consult with GM Materials
Engineering for the specific regional requirements.

© Copyright 2007 General Motors Corporation All Rights Reserved

January 2007 Page 7 of 8

GMW14664 GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS

Table B2: Accelerated Weathering

Region Specification/Test Method Requirements:
Type B Type C
GME GMW14162 (B), 300 Not No cracking, blistering, loss of adhesion or other
to 400nm, applicable surface destruction. Color change after test: CIELAB
Area I = 28 MJ, color scale, dE* ≤ 3.0 (D65 illuminant, 10° observer,
45° geometry), with visual approval is preferred.
Area II = 14 MJ
Maximum unpolished gloss loss shall be ≤ 50%,
Maximum gloss loss on polished shall be ≤ 20%.
For Type B parts that cannot be measured for gloss,
after exposure parts must fulfill value 3 or more per
ISO 105-A02 grey scale.
AP/GM Holden Test to SAE J1885 No cracking, blistering, loss of adhesion or other
Not surface destruction. Color change after test: CIELAB
applicable color scale, dE* ≤ 3.0 (D65 illuminant, 10° observer,
Area I = 720 kJ/m2
45° geometry), with visual approval is preferred.
(in direct sunlight)
Maximum unpolished gloss loss shall be ≤ 50%,
Maximum gloss loss on polished shall be ≤ 20%.
Area II = 360 kJ/m2 For Type B parts that cannot be measured for gloss,
(not in direct sunlight) after exposure parts must fulfill value 3 or more per
ISO 105-A02 grey scale.
LAAM/Mercosur, Area I = 1240.8 kJ/m2 No cracking, blistering, loss of adhesion or other
GMNA, per SAE J1885 Not surface destruction. Color change after test: CIELAB
applicable color scale, dE* ≤ 3.0 (D65 illuminant, 10° observer,
AP/GMDAT,
45° geometry), with visual approval is preferred.
AP/PATAC Area II = not required
Maximum unpolished gloss loss shall be ≤ 50%,
Maximum gloss loss on polished shall be ≤ 20%.
For Type B parts that cannot be measured for gloss,
after exposure parts must fulfill value 3 or more per
ISO 105-A02 grey scale.

© Copyright 2007 General Motors Corporation All Rights Reserved

Page 8 of 8 January 2007