FCA PF-7051 Part Supplier - Paint Continuous Compatibility Test Requirements

The “FCA PF-7051 Part Supplier - Paint Continuous Compatibility Testing Requirements” standard, developed by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) (now Stellantis), an Italian-American automotive company, describes technical paint testing requirements for part suppliers/paint applicators, release engineers, supplier quality units, and others as needed. This standard defines paint continuous compliance requirements and describes the test methods used.

This standard does not include complete paint performance requirements; instead, it offers a series of tests to ensure paint process suitability. These tests, along with the use of Stellantis-approved coating materials for the substrate/application, ensure that a painted part conforms to the design purpose of the application.

This standard is designed for use in the supply of painted parts (interior, exterior, wheels, under-hood and chassis) under Stellantis' purchase orders and describes the paint continuous conformity testing requirements for painted part suppliers to Stellantis. Paint part suppliers are responsible for the paint continuous conformity performance tests listed in this standard.

In short, the FCA PF-7051 standard focuses on ensuring long-term durability, quality consistency, and compliance through manufacturing part approval processes and process approval activities.

This standard is primarily a procedure and performance guideline for organic coatings (such as paints, primers, and protective coatings) applied to under-hood components, chassis elements, exterior trim, and other metal or plastic surfaces in FCA/Stalantis vehicles. This standard defines the following:

• Testing requirements for paint/coating performance include adhesion, corrosion resistance, environmental durability (e.g., humidity, thermal cycling, UV exposure), abrasion, chemical resistance, and appearance preservation.
• Continuous monitoring and verification after initial approval to ensure that production processes maintain consistent quality.
• Manufacturing part approval process integration: Links coating approval to the broader manufacturing part approval process application and requires proof of process capability and control.
• Process validation elements: Process validation to verify that production lines can reliably produce coated parts that meet specifications.

It is generally referenced in the following contexts:

• Cyclic corrosion testing
• Adhesion and peel strength
• Xenon/UV exposure
• Thermal shock
• Fluid resistance (e.g., fuels, oils)

These tests utilize methods specific to ASTM, SAE, and FCA (for example, the FCA 50457 standard for gloss or the MS-90089 standard for under-hood/chassis coatings).

In the automotive industry, coatings provide protection against corrosion, wear, and environmental factors while maintaining aesthetics and functionality. The FCA PF-7051 standard helps suppliers demonstrate that their coating processes remain stable over time, reducing the risk of field failures (e.g., peeling, rusting, or fading). This standard is part of FCA/Staltantis's materials engineering requirements and is often listed alongside other specifications such as PS-508 (surface treatments) or PF-9968.

The FCA PF-7051 standard is an engineering specification that defines the requirements for continuous conformity and quality verification of supplied painted components, guaranteeing that coatings applied by suppliers provide consistent performance and durability throughout production and after approval processes such as the production part approval process and process approval.

This standard is part of a series of standards used to control production processes and product performance in automotive supply chains.

The primary objective of the FCA PF-7051 standard is to ensure that painted or coated parts supplied to FCA maintain consistent quality after initial approval. Even after production approval, suppliers are required to continuously verify that their coating processes remain stable and compliant. Therefore, the standard specifies the following:

• Continuous process monitoring requirements
• Suitability testing programs
• Supplier responsibilities regarding maintaining paint quality.
• Procedures relating to changes in materials, coatings or processes.

In short, the FCA PF-7051 standard protects vehicles from variability in coatings that could lead to corrosion, cosmetic defects, or premature failure. This standard generally applies to:

• Painted or coated metal automotive components
• Components treated with electroplating or other protective coatings.
• Parts supplied to FCA assembly plants by external suppliers.
• Components used in body, chassis and structural systems.

This standard covers the following sub-categories:

• Cold-rolled steel
• Hot-rolled steel
• Galvanized steel
• Aluminum and other metallic materials used in vehicle manufacturing.

The FCA PF-7051 standard works in conjunction with two major automotive approval systems:

• Production part approval process: Verifies that a supplier can consistently produce parts that meet the engineering requirements of the production process.
• Process approval: Confirms that the production process is capable and stable before full production begins.

The FCA PF-7051 standard extends these approvals by mandating the production part approval process and subsequent verification testing after process approval is complete, ensuring that paint performance remains within specification throughout the production lifecycle.

This standard requires suppliers to perform periodic tests on coated parts. These tests typically evaluate the following:

• Corrosion resistance: Tests such as salt spray or cyclic corrosion testing ensure that the coatings protect the substrate against rust and environmental degradation.
• Coating thickness: Minimum and maximum paint thickness limits are defined to ensure adequate coverage and durability.
• Adhesion: Adhesion tests verify that the coating adheres properly to the substrate and does not peel or detach.
• Appearance and surface quality: Visual inspection checks for the following defects:
• bubbles
• Leaks or sagging
• Poor coating
• Surface pollution
• Durability: Tests may include environmental exposure, humidity, or temperature cycling to simulate real vehicle conditions.

FCA coating standards comply with international environmental regulations. For example,

• Lead-containing coatings have been eliminated.
• To comply with environmental directives, such as those relating to end-of-life vehicle regulations, hexavalent chrome plating has been phased out.
• These restrictions ensure that the coating systems used in FCA vehicles meet global environmental compliance requirements.

For many years, our organization, with its competent and experienced staff, has been understanding the needs of its clients, providing the advanced testing services they require, and assisting them in the establishment, implementation, and improvement of management systems. Within this framework, we also provide testing services compliant with the FCA PF-7051 standard.