FCA PS.50027 Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel Sheet and Strip

FCA PS.50027 Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel Sheet and Strip

The “FCA PS.50027 Hot-dip galvanized steel sheet and strip” standard, developed by Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) (now Stellantis), an Italian-American automotive company, describes the classification, requirements, and test methods for hot-dip galvanized steel sheets and strips.

FCA PS.50027 Hot-Dip Galvanized Steel Sheet and Strip

The products specified in this standard are supplied in rolls or cut lengths and are typically used in components requiring good corrosion resistance, good cold formability, and designed for cationic electrophoretic painting.

This standard covers sheet steel coils that have been continuously processed through a molten zinc bath to apply a specified amount of zinc coating to their surface. These coated steels can be supplied as unexposed and exposed grades. Specific requirements for the exposed grade surface are set out in the FCA MS.50002 standard.

Unless otherwise specified, the basic type of steel required for the manufacture of a particular part is determined by agreement between the relevant parties at the time of ordering. The mechanical properties and formability of the supplied sheet metal product must conform to the requirements of the standards covering the relevant uncoated materials. The supplier shall take all necessary precautions to ensure that the sheet metal product meets the requirements. These precautions depend on the type of processing equipment used and may include the use of degassed steels or tempered rolling on the sheet metal product, or the use of gapless steels.

Coating mass is determined using the three-point method, in accordance with the current revision of the ASTM A90 standard, but coating weight measurement is performed separately on both sides of the plate. For coating line process control, in-line X-ray fluorescence coating mass measurement according to the latest revision of the “ASTM A754/A754M Standard test method for determining the coating weight (mass) of metallic coatings on steel by X-ray fluorescence” standard is acceptable if proper calibration is provided using the weigh-strip-weigh method (ASTM A90 standard). However, in case of a dispute, the weigh-strip-weigh method shall be the arbitration method. For coating mass classes for hot-dip galvanizing, hot-dip galvanizing-magnesium coating, and hot-dip electroplating, the FCA MS.50002 standard applies.

Coating thickness is determined using one of the following methods:

  • Magnetic method according to ASTM A90 standard.
  • Coulometric method according to ASTM B504 standard.
  • Micrographic method according to standard 50758.

In short, the FCA PS.50027 standard is a supply/material specification for hot-dip galvanized steel sheets and strips used in automotive manufacturing. This standard defines the coating types, corrosion resistance, adhesion, weldability, inspection criteria, and test methods for galvanized automotive steels.

This specification covers continuous hot-dip coated steel supplied in coils or cut lengths for automotive body and structural applications and must meet the following requirements:

  • Good corrosion resistance
  • Good cold formability.
  • Compatibility with cathodic electroplating painting systems.
  • Consistent weldability and coating adhesion.

This standard applies primarily to the following:

  • Hot-dip galvanized steel
  • Galvanized zinc-iron alloy coated steel
  • Zinc-magnesium coated steel

These materials are commonly used in the following areas:

  • Body panels
  • Supplements
  • Soil structures
  • Closures
  • Exposed and enclosed automotive parts

The main technical areas covered by this standard are as follows:

  • Basic steel requirements: The substrate steel must conform to the FCA MS.50002 standard. Mechanical properties, formability, and surface finish depend on the automotive application. This specification refers to gapless steels and tempered rolling applications to improve formability and surface finish.
  • Coating types and chemistry: This standard defines acceptable chemistry for various coating systems:
    • Hot-dip galvanizing: The main composition is at least 99 percent zinc.
    • Zinc-magnesium coating: Main composition 1,6-3% magnesium, 1,6-3,7% aluminum.
    • Galvanized coating: 7-16% iron in the alloy layer.

These coatings are selected based on corrosion objectives, paintability, and welding performance.

The FCA PS.50027 standard specifies the following methods for measuring coating mass and thickness:

  • ASTM A90 weighing-stripping-weighing method
  • X-ray fluorescence methods
  • Magnetic thickness measurement
  • Coulometric methods
  • Micrographic methods

Coating class determines the expected corrosion performance.

The FCA PS.50027 standard includes bending and adhesion tests to ensure the coating remains adhered during forming processes. For thicker or higher strength materials:

  • Zinc-coated sheets must pass bending tests according to ASTM A653 standard.
  • Galvanized coatings must withstand a 90-degree bend without flaking off the substrate.

This standard distinguishes between the following requirements:

  • NAFTA facilities
  • Other global production facilities

In terms of surface appearance requirements, the specification requires the following:

  • Uniform gray appearance
  • Minimum flaking
  • Absence of bubbles, lumps, bare spots, or traces of pus.

Special attention is paid to exposed automotive surfaces where paint appearance quality is critical.

One of the primary functions of the FCA PS.50027 standard is to define corrosion performance. This standard specifies salt spray exposure times for different coating masses before base metal corrosion is permitted. Example requirements include:

  • Galvanized coatings with salt spray resistance for up to 192 hours, depending on the coating mass.
  • Zinc metal coatings last up to 312 hours in some categories.

After deformation processes such as tensile testing, corrosion testing of the formed part is also required.

In terms of paintability and weldability, the material must provide the following:

  • It must be compatible with phosphate and electroplating systems.
  • The paint must retain its appearance after the baking cycles.
  • It should support resistance spot welding and arc welding.

This standard refers to FCA welding standards PS.50001/01 and PS.50004/01.

The FCA PS.50027 standard is related to the following relevant FCA/Stellantis standards:

  • MS.50002 Automotive sheet steel classification
  • PS.50026 Aluminized steel
  • PS.50028 Electrogalvanized steel
  • PS.50004/01 Resistor spot welding
  • 50180 Corrosion test

The FCA PS.50027 standard is considered important because it standardizes the following:

  • Supplier quality
  • Corrosion resistance
  • Production consistency
  • Paint compatibility
  • Resource performance

Automotive original equipment manufacturers rely on these specifications to ensure long-term body durability and consistent production quality at their global facilities.

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 PS.50027 standard.

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