GM 7400
GM 7400
GM 7400
Specification GM7400M
Plastics
Plastic Parts
XX Oxidative Stability (GM9059P) Note: The above does not include cases where
blends or alloys are used, consult ISO 11469 for the
Z Other Characteristics correct symbol to use.
3.2.2 Mechanical Requirements. Not applicable. Example: AH2657 = After 72 h at 175 C, there
3.2.3 Physical Requirements. shall be no more than ± 25 % change in tensile
strength and ± 40 % change in elongation.
3.2.3.1 Suffix Requirements. See Table 1 for a
summary of the suffix symbols. Table 2 is a listing of AH9557 = After 4 h at 120 C, there shall be no
symbols for tolerances, unless otherwise indicated more than ± 25 % change in tensile strength and ±
under an individual property. 40 % change in elongation.
3.2.3.1.1 Suffix AH – Heat Aging Followed by 3.2.3.1.2 Suffix AM – Humidity Aging Followed
ASTM D638. Suffix AHS – Heat Aging Followed by ASTM D638. AMS – Humidity Aging Followed
by ISO 527. Tensile test specimens cut from parts by ISO 527. Tensile test specimens cut from parts
shall be exposed in an air-circulating oven (described shall be exposed at 95 to 100 % RH for the time and
in GM9059P) for the time and temperature indicated temperature as designated by the first and second
respectively by the first and second numerals follow- numerals following the suffix AM or AMS-symbol (see
ing the suffix AH or AHS-symbol (see Table 3). After Table 3). After the exposure period, the maximum
the exposure period, the maximum change in tensile change in tensile strength and elongation allowed
strength and elongation allowed when measured when measured according to ASTM D638 or ISO 527
according to ASTM D638 or ISO 527 shall be as shall be as indicated by the third and fourth numerals
indicated by the third and fourth numerals following following the suffix AM or AMS-symbol (see Table 3).
the suffix AH or AHS-symbol (see Table 3). Test Test specimens shall be sealed in a moisture proof
specimens shall be conditioned after the exposure container and allowed to cool overnight before the
period for the same time period and at the same tem- tensile and elongation tests are performed.
perature and relative humidity used for determining
initial tensile and elongation.
Table 3: Heat Aging; Humidity Aging
Characteristics Numeral Designation
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Exposure Time 7 h 72 h 96 h 1 wk 2 wks 3 wks 4 wks 16 Other
(First Numeral) wks (Note 1)
(Second Numeral)
Tensile Strength ± 5 ± 10 ± 15 ± 20 ± 25 ± 30 ± 40 ± 50 Not
Change, max, % Speci-
(Third Numeral) fied
Elongation Change, ± 5 ± 10 ± 15 ± 20 ± 25 ± 30 ± 40 ± 50 Not
max, % Speci-
(Fourth Numeral) fied
Example: BT0930 = No fracture when flexed CR4 = Resistance to unleaded gasoline. Parts or
around a mandrel 9 times the part thickness after portions of parts shall be immersed in the specified
4 h at −30 C. reference fuel 10 times for 10 s with a 20 s evapo-
ration period between each dip. The reference fuel
Note: Table 4 gives examples of the relation be-
shall consist of 45 % by volume toluene and 55 %
tween the induced stress and the mandrel diameter,
by volume 9981062. After exposure, there must be
where T represents the actual part thickness.
no indication of discoloration, delamination, stress
Table 4: cracking, or other detrimental appearance or func-
tional effects.
Constant (X) Mandrel dia Stress CR5 = Resistance to corrosion, parts with metal-
[1/(X+1)] lized plastic laminate. The portion of the part con-
04 4T 20.0 % taining the metallized film, end or edge, will be im-
mersed in a 10 % solution of sodium hydroxide for
09 9T 10.0 % 60 minutes at (22 ± 3) C. Immediately upon re-
19 19T 5.0 % moval of the part from the solution and rinsing in
water, the part will be examined. There must be no
Note: The painted surface of the specimen or the evidence of discoloration, delamination, or loss of
highest stressed surface of the specimen shall be metallizing.
the surface having the greatest formed radius when 3.2.3.1.6 Suffix CS – Compressive Strength
flexed. Followed by ASTM D695. CSS – Compressive
3.2.3.1.4 Suffix CL – Color. The part color shall Strength Followed by ISO 604. As determined by
be indicated by the numeral following the CL-symbol. ASTM D695 or ISO 604, the compressive strength
This section is not intended to serve as a color match. shall be no less than the numeral value following the
suffix CS or CSS-symbol expressed in MPa.
CL1 = Black CL4 = Gray CL7 = Red Example: CS20 = 20 MPa minimum
CL2 = Blue CL5 = Green CL8 = White 3.2.3.1.7 Suffix DS – Dimensional Stability. Af-
ter 4 h exposure in an oven, parts shall conform to
CL3 = Brown CL6 = Natural CL9 = Yellow the dimensions and tolerances shown on engineering
drawings. The oven shall be set at the temperature,
3.2.3.1.5 Suffix CR – Chemical Resistance. Parts in degrees Celsius, indicated by the numerals follow-
or portions of parts shall be subjected to the expo- ing the suffix DS-symbol. Where appropriate, parts
sures indicated by the amended suffix CR-symbol. shall be held during measuring and heating in a man-
CR1 = Resistance to 24 % ethyl acetate in ner similar to that encountered during actual use of
methanol (recommended for polycarbonate only). the part.
The surface of the part must be free of cracks, Example: DS85 = 4 h at 85 C
scratches and imperfections as received and after
3 minutes immersion in a solution of (24 ± 1) % by When the letter F follows the numerals, parts shall
volume of ethyl acetate in methanol. be held/fixtured during measuring and heating in a
manner to replicate the vehicle installation.
CR2 = Resistance to 33 % ethyl acetate in
methanol (recommended for polycarbonate only). Example: DS85F = 4 h at 85 C fixtured to replicate
The surface of the part must be free of cracks, vehicle installation.
scratches and imperfections as received and after 3.2.3.1.7.1 Where 4 h exposure is not appropriate,
3 minutes immersion in a solution of (33 ± 1) % by other exposure periods may be specified by amend-
volume of ethyl acetate in methanol. ing the suffix DS-symbol as follows:
CR3 = Resistance to windshield washer solvent.
Parts or portions of parts shall be immersed for 1 h DSA = 1 h DSD = 16 h
in a room temperature solution of GM windshield
DSB = 2 h DSE = 24 h
washer solution 9985129. After exposure, there
must be no indication of discoloration, stress crack- DSC = 8 h
ing, or other detrimental appearance or functional
effects. Example: DSC85 = 8 h at 85 C
3.2.3.1.8 Suffix EL – Elongation Followed by the hardness value while the tolerance shall be
ASTM D638. ELS – Elongation Followed by indicated by the letter immediately preceding the
ISO 527. The elongation shall be determined by numerals (see Table 2). Unless otherwise specified,
ASTM D638 or ISO 527. The test speed shall Shore A readings shall be taken as an instantaneous
be indicated by the first letter following the EL or maximum while Shore D readings shall be taken
ELS-symbol. Whether the elongation is measured at following a 15 s delay.
yield or ultimate shall be indicated by the second let-
Examples: HAA80 = 80 minimum (Shore A);
ter following the EL-symbol. The percent elongation
HDS40 = (40 ± 5) (Shore D)
shall be no less than the numeral value following the
amended suffix EL or ELS-symbol. 3.2.3.1.13 Suffix HE/HK/HL/HM/HR – Rockwell
Hardness. The hardness shall be determined by
A = 5 mm/minute U = Ultimate the test method described in ASTM D785 using the
Rockwell scale indicated by the amending letter.
B = 50 mm/minute Y = Yield The numerals following the amended H-symbol shall
C = 500 mm/minute indicate the hardness value while the tolerance shall
be indicated by the letter immediately preceding the
Example: ELBY40 = 40 % minimum at 50 numerals (see Table 2).
mm/minute at yield Example: HMA90 = Rockwell 90 M minimum
3.2.3.1.9 Suffix FL – Flexural Modulus, Secant 3.2.3.1.14 Suffix MP – Melting Point per GM9094P.
Followed by ASTM D790. FLS – Flexural Modu- MPS – Melting Point per ISO 3146. The melting
lus, Secant Followed by ISO 178. Secant modulus point shall be determined by GM9094P at a rate of
of elasticity shall be determined as specified by 10 C/minute or by ISO 3146 Methods A, B or C. The
ASTM D790 at 22 C and 2.5 mm deflection or numerals following the amended MP or MPS-symbol
ISO 178. The value so determined shall be no less shall indicate the melting point value in degrees Cel-
than the numeral value following the suffix FL or sius while the tolerance shall be indicated by the letter
FLS-symbol. immediately preceding the numerals (see Table 2).
Example: FL2500 = 2500 MPa minimum, secant Examples: MPA82 = 82 C minimum; MPB88 = 88
method. C maximum; MPR85 = (85 ± 3) C
3.2.3.1.10 Suffix FM – Flexural Modulus, Tan- 3.2.3.1.15 Suffix MV – Vicat Softening Point Fol-
gent. The flexural modulus shall be determined by lowed by ASTM D1525. MVS – Vicat Softening
ASTM D790, Method I, Tangent, using a deflection of Point Followed by ISO 306. The vicat softening point
2.5 mm and a test speed indicated for the appropriate shall be determined per ASTM D1525 at a rate of 2
thickness and span. The flexural modulus shall be C/minute or ISO 306 at 50 C/h. The softening point
no less than the numeral value following the suffix shall be no less than the numeral value following the
FM-symbol in MPa. suffix MV or MVS-symbol expressed in degrees Cel-
Example: FM2000 = 2000 MPa minimum sius.
3.2.3.1.11 Suffix FS – Flexural Strength Followed Example: MV105 = 105 C minimum
by ASTM D790. FSS – Flexural Strength Followed 3.2.3.1.16 Suffix PL – Parting Line. For parting
by ISO 178. The flexural strength shall be determined lines that are visible when the part is in the vehicle
at 22 C as specified by ASTM D790 or ISO 178. The installed position or will be handled during vehicle op-
flexural strength shall be no less than the numeral eration, the finished molded part shall have an accept-
value following the suffix FS or FSS-symbol in MPa. able offset when evaluated as described in GM9684P.
Example: FS37 = 37 MPa minimum 3.2.3.1.17 Suffix PR – Impact Resistance. Parts
3.2.3.1.12 Suffix HA/HD – Hardness, Shore A or shall show no evidence of cracking when impact
Shore D Followed by ASTM D2240. HAS/HDS tested at point or points indicated on the engineering
– Hardness, Shore A or Shore D Followed by drawing. If no points are indicated on the drawing,
ISO 868. The hardness shall be determined by the this test shall be omitted. Tests shall be conducted
test method described in ASTM D2240 or ISO 868 according to GM9032P immediately following ex-
using either the Shore A or Shore D scale as indi- posure of the part to one of the conditions listed in
cated by the amending letter. The numerals following Table 5 (as specified by the first numeral of the suffix
the amended H-symbol or HS-symbol shall indicate PR-symbol), while the part is at test temperature,
and utilizing a minimum energy (as indicated by the Table 5: Impact Conditioning
second, or second and third numeral of this symbol)
1= Subject to (23 ± 1.5) C for 4 h
times the factor 0.1 J.
2= Cool to (−30 ± 1.5) C for 4 h
Example: PR120 = Subject part to 23 C for 4 h,
impact at 2 J per GM9032P. 3= Expose per suffix AH-symbol,
followed by 4 h at (23 ± 1.5) C
3.2.3.1.18 Suffix PS – Multi-Axial Instrumented
Impact Test. The impact resistance shall be defined 4= Expose per suffix AH-symbol,
as the Total Energy under the Curve when tested subject to (23 ± 1.5) C for
using a multi-axial instrumented impact tester per approximately 2 h and to
ASTM D3763. Test panels shall be (2.5 ± 0.2) mm (−30 ± 1.5) C for 4 h
thick by a minimum of 100 mm diameter or 100 mm
square. Parts with thicknesses other than 2.5 mm 3.2.3.1.20 Suffix RF – Reinforcement And/Or
shall be indicated using a Z-suffix. The impact speed Filler. The reinforcement and/or filler, expressed
shall be 6.7 m/s or 2.2 m/s (indicated by the first letter as mass percent, shall be specified by one or two
following the PS-symbol); the impact probe shall numerals following the suffix RF-symbol. See Ta-
have a 12.7 mm diameter; and the clamping rings ble 6. The tolerance shall be indicated by the first
shall have a 76.2 mm inner diameter. The test shall letter following the amended suffix RF-symbol (see
immediately follow exposure of the part to one of the Table 2). The method used to determine the percent
conditions listed in Table 5 (as specified by the first of reinforcement/filler is found in the appropriate
numeral of the suffix PS-symbol), while the part is at GMP.XXX.000, GMN or GMW specification. If no
test temperature, and utilizing a minimum energy (as method is listed, a method shall be determined that
indicated by the second, or second and third numeral is agreed to by both the supplier and the Engineering
of this symbol) times the factor 0.1 J. Department.
Table 6: Fillers and Reinforcements
A = 2.2 m/s (exterior parts)
AS Aluminum Silicate
B = 6.7 m/s (interior parts)
BS Barium Sulfate
Example: PSB120 = Subject part to 23 C for 4 h,
impact at 2 J at 6.7 m/s per ASTM D3763. CB Carbon Black
Example: WA35 = 3.5 % maximum weatherometer per GM9125P. The first letter fol-
lowing the suffix WW-symbol shall indicate the black
3.2.3.1.31 Suffix WM – Moisture Stabilization.
panel temperature. The numerals following the suffix
The moisture content shall be determined using
WW-symbol shall indicate the total number of h expo-
ASTM D789. When the suffix WM-symbol is spec-
sure. Parts or portions of parts must show no indica-
ified, the minimum moisture content shall be 1.7
tion of surface deterioration, bubbling, delamination,
% and the maximum moisture content shall be 3.0
increase in hardness, crazing, chalking, objectionable
%. These percentages are based upon the percent
color or gloss change, or any other change that affects
polymer in the compound (i.e., if the compound has
appearance or performance.
40 % filler, only 60 % of the formulation is resin;
therefore, the required moisture content is 1.02 % or A = 70 C Black Panel Temperature
60 % of 1.7).
B = 90 C Black Panel Temperature
3.2.3.1.32 Suffix WQ – Accelerated Weather Re-
sistance, QUV/UVCON. Samples taken from a fin- Example: WWB300 = 300 h exposure at BP of 90
ished part, specimen size 75 x 300 mm approximately, C
shall be exposed in the QUV Cyclic Ultraviolet Weath-
ering Tester or the Atlas UVCON per ASTM G53 for 3.2.3.1.34 Suffix WXA and WXB – Accelerated
the total number of h indicated by the numerals fol- Weather Resistance, Xenon Arc Weatherometer.
lowing the WQ-symbol. The exposure shall be run in
3.2.3.1.34.1 WXA Exterior Requirement. Parts
cycles consisting of 8 h ultraviolet humidity exposure
shall be exposed to 2500 kJ/m2 per GM9327P.
at (70 ± 3) C followed by 4 h of 100 % condensing
(Exposed parts shall not exhibit surface tackiness,
humidity exposure at (50 ± 4) C. Following the spec-
embrittlement, change in hardness, blooming, blis-
ified exposure, the glossmeter reading taken on the
tering, or other factors which might affect the function
exposed specimens shall be no less than the value
or appearance or the part.) Color changes shall
indicated by the letter following the WQ-suffix symbol.
not exceed a E of 3.0 units when measured per
See Table 9. In addition, the samples shall show no
SAE J1545 (CIELAB color space, 10 observer, Il-
objectionable appearance change, such as yellowing,
luminant D65, specular component included). Visual
bronzing, checking, water spotting or tackiness.
evaluation of color change shall override the E
Example: WQF400 = 400 h exposure with a mini- results. Samples shall be washed and/or polished as
mum reading of 80. appropriate to the GMP.XXX.000 procedure for the
type of material.
Table 9: Accelerated Weather Resistance
Designation Min Reading 3.2.3.1.34.2 WXB Interior Requirement. Test
for color fastness to light per SAE J1885 (Interior
YA 40 Exposure Procedure). The requirements may vary
YB 50 depending on the base polymer. Refer to the appro-
priate material specification for the level of exposure
and color change ( E). Exposed parts shall not
YC 60 exhibit surface tackiness, embrittlement, change
in hardness, blooming, blistering, or other factors
YD 70 which might affect the function or appearance or the
part. Color changes shall not exceed a E of 3.0
units when measured per SAE J1545 (CIELAB color
YE 75 space, 10 observer, Illuminant D65, specular com-
YF 80 ponent included). If no material specification is used
on the engineering drawing, the exposure level and
E requirement shall be specified on the engineering
YG 85 drawing by using a suffix. The exposure level (units
of kJ/m2) will immediately follow the specification
YH 90 number, and the E requirement (maximum value)
shall follow the exposure level.
3.2.3.1.33 Suffix WW – Accelerated Weather Re-
sistance, Carbon Arc Weatherometer. The sam- Example: WXB601.6 - 3 = Exposure level of 601.6
ples shall be exposed in a twin enclosed carbon arc kJ/m2 and E requirement of 3.0 maximum
3.2.3.1.35 Suffix XS – Oxidative Stability Followed - The regrind must be clean and dry, free of contam-
by ASTM D3012. XSS – Oxidative Stability Fol- ination.
lowed by ISO 4577. Specimens taken from a molded
- The regrind must be blended proportionately with
part and exposed to ASTM D3012 or ISO 4577, Test
the virgin.
for Thermal Oxidative Stability, for the period of time,
in days, indicated by the numeral of the suffix XS or Examples:
XSS-symbol, shall not become crazed and friable in
RE50 = 50 % maximum regrind
appearance and shall not become brittle. (Brittleness
shall be determined by removing specimens from test RE20HS = 20 % maximum Home Scrap only
apparatus, placing on a flat surface, and subjecting to
3.4.4.1.1 When this specification and RE suffix does
a light compressive force.)
not appear on the part print, no regrind is approved
Examples: XS1 = 1 day; XS14 = 14 days for use.
3.2.3.1.36 Suffix XT – Oxidative Stability, 3.4.4.1.2 No painted, laminated or plated regrind may
GM9059P. When the suffix X-symbol is appended be used without the written approval of the Engineer-
by the letter T, then GM9059P, Test for Thermal-Ox- ing Department.
idation Stability Characteristics of Plastics, shall be
used. 3.4.4.1.3 To specify a regrind material, please consult
the following specifications: Appendix in GM502M,
3.2.3.1.37 Suffix Z – Other Characteristics. Other GM Recycling Design Guidelines for the definition
characteristics shall be specified by the purchaser. of regrind; GM503S, Procedures for Creating, Re-
Note: The symbol Z appended to the specification vising, and Approving Compounds to GMP Speci-
number indicates the existence of requirements other fications. Use the GM7400M RE call-out to specify a
than those designated by symbols explained in the regrind material if a line call-out is the chosen method
tabulation above. These are normally shown in the of specification.
body of engineering drawings under the heading Sup-
plementary Material Requirement. 4 Manufacturing Process
3.2.4 Additional Requirements. Not applicable. Not applicable.
3.3 Performance Requirements. Subparagraphs
were not applicable. 5 Rules and Regulations
3.4 Requirements on other Stages during Life Cy- 5.1 Legal Regulations. For use of this material the
cle. valid laws and other regulations and recommenda-
tions in the country of usage shall be followed.
3.4.1 Chemical Requirements. Not applicable.
5.2 Language. In the event of any conflict between
3.4.2 Mechanical Requirements. Not applicable.
the English and domestic language regarding this
3.4.3 Physical Requirements. Not applicable. document, the English language will take prece-
dence.
3.4.4 Additional Requirements.
5.3 Restricted and Reportable Substances for
3.4.4.1 Suffix RE – Regrind. The percent regrind
Parts (GMW3059). All materials supplied to this
allowed per part shall not exceed the numeric value
specification must comply with the requirements of
following the suffix RE-symbol. If Home Scrap regrind
GMW3059 Restricted and Reportable Substances
as defined in GM502M (scrap that is reused back into
for Parts.
the same part) is the only type to be specified for use,
the letters HS should follow the numeric regrind value. 5.4 Inspection and Rejection. All shipments of ma-
The use of regrind must not preclude the part from terials or parts under contract or purchase order man-
meeting the other specified characteristics of part per- ufactured to this specification shall be equivalent in
formance. Furthermore, in any case, every respect to the initial samples approved by engi-
neering. There shall be no changes in the formulation
- The maximum regrind content shall be limited to
or manufacturing process permitted without prior no-
the % that was validated and submitted for PPAP.
tification and approval by engineering. Lack of notifi-
- The type of regrind must be of the same material cation by the supplier constitutes grounds for rejection
that was validated and submitted for PPAP. of any shipment. While samples may be taken from
incoming shipments and checked for conformance to 6.1 Source Shipment Responsibility. It will be the
this specification, the supplier shall accept the respon- responsibility of the supplier to insure that the material
sibility for incoming shipments meeting this specifi- is not exposed to temperatures during shipment which
cation without dependence upon the purchaser’s in- would cause the material to fail to meet any of the
spection. requirements of this specification.
5.5 Initial Source Approval. No shipments shall be
made by any supplier until representative initial pro- 7 Coding System
duction samples have been approved by Materials This material specification shall be referenced in other
Engineering as meeting the requirements of this spec- documents, drawings, VTS, CTS, etc. as follows:
ifications.
GM7400M
5.6 Material Safety Data Sheets. Completed copies
of the Material Safety Data Sheets, consistent with
ISO 11014-1 standard, meeting GM information 8 Release and Revisions
requirements must be submitted with any new sub- 8.1 Release. This standard was originated by the
missions or whenever a composition change has Plastics Committee in June 1987.
occurred.
8.2 Revisions.
6 Approved Sources Rev. Date Description (Org.)
Engineering qualification of an approved source is re-
quired for this specification. Only sources listed in the I FEB 2000 Added ISO procedures – See Ta-
GM Materials File (i.e., MATSPC) under this specifi- ble 1. (Plastics Committee)
cation number have been qualified by engineering as
meeting the requirements of this specification. J JUN 2001 Reformatted revision (GM)