FORD WSS-M16J9 Paint - Single or Second Component Base Coat / Clear Coat on Hard Surfaces - Exterior

The “FORD WSS-M16J9 Paint - Single or second component base coat/clear coat on hard surfaces - Exterior” standard, developed by Ford Motor Company (FORD), consists of the following parts:

• WSS-M16J9-B2 Paint - Single component base coat / clear coat on hard surfaces - Exterior
• WSS-M16J9-B3 Paint - Second component base coat / clear coat on hard surfaces - Exterior
• WSS-M16J9-B4 Paint - Single component base coat / clear coat on hard surfaces - Exterior

The materials defined in these standards are paints consisting of a base coat and a clear top coat applied by a baked process. This standard also includes unique colors that require three or four coat systems. Three coat colors consist of a pigmented base coat followed by a non-concealing mid coat over which a clear or tinted clear is applied. Four coat systems consist of a base coat, a baked clear coat, followed by a clear or tinted clear and an effect base coat.

These specifications were originally published for paints used as finishes on exterior trim components made of hard substrates such as spoilers, appliques, mirror housings, handles, roof rails, running boards etc. They will be satisfactory for use over specified primers or pre-baked enamels, as well as in paint repair or tutone operations.

The baking temperature should not exceed the softening temperature of the substrate material decided by Ford material engineering.

Single-component, basecoat/clearcoat, exterior paint systems for rigid substrates that have been approved according to the WSS-M33J7 standard do not need to be retested for technology approval according to the WSS-M16J9-B2/B3/B4 standards.

The tests to be used for initial qualification of materials are based on comparison with the approved production material selected by the approving materials engineer.

This standard requires the use of approved welds. When this standard is listed on a drawing, CAD file or other document, only welds specified in the Ford approved weld list may be used.

Both the base coat and clear coat contain ultraviolet (UV) absorbers. The supplier will provide the specific composition and concentration of absorbers upon request. Shall be polyester, acrylic, modified urethane polymer or polyurethane. Minor modifiers or plasticizers permitted. Pigments are exterior automotive grade selected to match the Ford Corporation base paint and meet durability requirements. The volatility of the solvents shall be such that there will be no paint sagging, roughness or dry spray at the specified film thicknesses. Solvents shall comply with local requirements.

Physical properties for the liquid state should be evaluated on both base coat and clear coat application viscosity. Throughout the application viscosity range, the material must comply with local emission regulations.

While preparing test panels,

• Substrates: Automotive body steel, aluminum, pre-coated or electro-coated zinc or zinc alloy coated steel and zinc die castings or those specified in the engineering documentation (hard polymer and hard polymer blends).
• Substrate Condition: The surface to be coated shall be cleaned to ensure that it is free of oil or alkali residues, fingerprints, corrosion, mold release agents, dirt, moisture, and other foreign matter. Any surface energy/resistivity or chemical reaction improvements (flash, corona discharge, or plasma) or addition of conductive materials required to meet the requirements of this standard shall be approved by the materials engineer and specified on the Ford approved source list.
• Electroplating: For metallic surfaces requiring electroplating, 17-24 µm is applied and baked for 182 minutes at 10 degrees metal temperature or otherwise recommended. Electroplating and type of oven used are recorded.
• Primer: Primer is applied to a dry film thickness of 17-24 µm as specified for the substrate or otherwise recommended. For the integrity of the paint system, the primer must be applied over the electrocoat.
• Base coat/clear coat: Apply the base coat to the required dry film thickness by spraying under appropriate conditions for base coats and flash as required. Apply the clear coat to the required dry film thickness. Cure using the appropriate curing program. Record the type of paint and oven used.
• Aging: After application of the top coat, all panels shall be aged for a minimum of 72 hours at 23 degrees plus/minus 2 degrees (preferred) or 16 hours at 45 degrees plus/minus 1 degree prior to testing.

A table titled “Approval test requirements, design verification / initial qualification” for the tests to be performed is included in the standard.

Our organization, which has been trying to support businesses from every sector with its testing, measurement, analysis and evaluation studies carried out in a wide range for years, has a strong staff that closely follows the developments in the world in the field of science and technology and constantly improves itself. In this context, testing services are also provided to businesses in accordance with the “FORD WSS-M16J9 Paint - Single or second component sub-coat / clean coating on hard surfaces - Exterior” standard.