FCA MS.90089 Performance Requirements for Organic Coatings Applied to Under-Bonnet and Chassis Components

The standard “FCA MS.90089 Performance requirements for organic coatings applied to under-hood and chassis components”, developed by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), an Italian-American automotive company, describes the global FCA organic coating performance requirements for under-hood and chassis components. The performance requirements are divided into stages of the FCA product creation process. These stages include:

• Engineering development
• Design validation
  • Materials engineering level
  • Product engineering level
• Production verification / production part approval process
• Continuous compliance

Coating systems validated against this process and standard shall provide acceptable durability, cosmetic appearance and color match. Requirements for each phase are summarized in the material performance requirements section of this standard. Production verification samples shall meet statistical capabilities for the machine and production processes. This standard is used in all FCA programs and replaces MS-PZ-3-1 and 9.55842.

This standard specifies the performance requirements for organic coatings applied to under-bonnet or chassis finished parts that are integral to the design of the aesthetic and corrosion resistant surfaces defined in the table provided in the standard. Materials engineering and product engineering develop the appropriate class level. This standard does not include an engineering approved source list, this information can be obtained by referring to the individual specifications as described in the tables.

In the table given in the standard, the parts classification is made as follows:

• A: Depending on their location in the vehicle, parts that are painted for aesthetic reasons and exposed to indirect sunlight and do not require corrosion protection. For example, visible parts such as the grille, radiator, interior seat rails, brake pedal.
• B: Parts in direct contact with atmospheric agents but not with sunlight. For example, drive shafts, engine blocks.
• A: Parts that are not exposed to sunlight but are subject to corrosion, depending on their location on the vehicle. For example, engine mounts, shock absorbers, exposed brackets, tow hooks (not visible), brake discs.
• D1A: Critical parts that are not exposed to sunlight but are subject to corrosion, depending on their location on the vehicle. These parts are usually zinc-plated (galvanized). For example, suspension cradles, crossmembers, fuel tank straps, galvanized suspension components.
• D1B: Critical parts of special aesthetic importance that are exposed to corrosion and sunlight depending on their location on the vehicle. For example, trailer hitch, side steps, tow hooks, rock guards (exterior surface), brake calipers.
• D1C: Very critical parts that are subject to corrosion, high stone impact and abrasion resistance, but not exposed to sunlight, and are not zinc-plated (such as galvanized), depending on their location on the vehicle. For example, cradles, suspension arms, rear suspension axle.
• E: Stainless steel, aluminum or electroplated parts painted for aesthetic reasons. For example, silencers, exhaust components.
• F: Plastic parts painted for aesthetic reasons, not exposed to sunlight, depending on their location in the vehicle. For example, plastic engine covers, etc.

In this standard, material properties are described as follows:

• Coatings requiring materials engineering approval must meet the performance requirement specified in this standard and any additional requirements defined in the appropriate materials standard.
• Engineering development coating development requires formulation target, resin, pigment, additive, solvent range and key features to be described in a design matrix. Upon approval of a product the design matrix must be approved by the FCA. Due to proprietary information the design matrix is ​​retained by the supplier but is available for review upon request.
• All panels to be tested shall receive a minimum of 24 hours post-cure waiting time. All parts to be tested shall receive a full 72 hours post-cure waiting time unless otherwise specified. Materials or coatings submitted shall meet the performance requirements of this standard in conjunction with the appropriate material standards listed in the relevant tables.
• The paint supplier must provide a defined bake window (time and temperature), defined film build tolerances (minimum, maximum and target) and technical data sheets for each coating layer.
• Reprocessing parameters can be provided if appropriate.
• All rework conditions shall be performed to the extent that the part meets the performance requirements of this standard and does not adversely affect the substrate or the ultimate performance of the component.
• Paint suppliers should follow the relevant tables for paint layering system film structures and surface treatments of applicable substrates.
• If there is a change in any part of the layering system, i.e. pre-treatment or enamel, the entire paint system should be re-evaluated. FCA should be contacted for any possible deviations.

The supplier of the original equipment manufacturer component must ensure that the coating on the part meets all performance requirements listed in this standard.

The paint supplier must have a defined bake window (time and temperature) and defined film build tolerances (minimum, maximum and target) that are verified and approved by the FCA. Total film build must be measured for each sample/piece tested and recorded with the results in the test report.

Among the numerous testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies that our organization has carried out for businesses in various sectors, our organization also provides testing services defined in the standard “FCA MS.90089 Performance requirements for organic coatings applied to under-hood and chassis components” with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.