FORD WSS-M1P83-F1 Decorative Chrome Electroplating Part Performance Requirements, Polymeric / Plastic Substructures, General Interior Use

The standard “FORD WSS-M1P83-F1 Decorative chrome electroplated part performance requirements, polymeric/plastic substructures, general interior use” developed by Ford Motor Company (FORD) describes the performance requirements for copper, nickel and chrome electroplated acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polycarbonate/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene blend (PC/ABS) and polyamide (PA) parts for interior applications.

This standard was originally published for interior applications where a decorative chrome finish is required, including, but not limited to, handles, trim panels, frames, knobs and buttons. No coating (paint, ink, etc.) may be applied over the chrome finish unless approved by Materials Engineering. Additionally, this standard does not cover non-electroplated metallized surfaces.

This standard is performance based and has no approved sources. All requirements specified herein must be met to achieve acceptable field durability. No single requirement can guarantee satisfactory performance. Any deviation from the requirements of this standard may be subject to additional performance requirements.

Tests for design verification, material colour fastness/compliance certification and process verification should be performed according to the table provided in the standard. Additional routine testing may be required for process control.

In terms of appearance, coated parts must be free of surface defects and conform to color requirements defined by Ford.

Ford recommends using substrate materials approved to the specifications in WSS-M4D836-B2, WSS-M4D813-B2, and WSS-M4D667-B2. Part geometry affects the capability of the coating process. Designs should be optimized to ensure the coating process can meet this specification. The use of regrind or recycled material for substrates in coating applications is prohibited.

Parts must be smooth and free of flow lines, warp lines, visible porosity, cracks, sink marks, or other molding defects that could affect the appearance or performance of the part. Molded substrates must also be free of any residual stress that could affect electroplating adhesion, dimensional stability, or appearance. Mold flow analysis should be performed to minimize residual stress in molded substrates.

Parting lines, burrs, and other features of the molding can affect part durability and should be minimized. Any rework of parting lines prior to coating must be reviewed and approved by Ford before use in the manufacturing process. Testing to this standard must be completed on parts that have undergone rework and submitted to Ford for approval.

Design verification testing for finished parts must be completed on program-specific part geometry coated with a production representative process. Production verification testing must be performed on actual production-level parts. When limit testing of part dimensions or other exceptions exist, replacement parts or plates require Ford approval.

All visible surfaces of the component, including the final external edges visible after assembly, shall comply with all the requirements of this standard unless otherwise specified on the engineering drawing. Coated test specimens prepared for examination in accordance with this standard shall be held at 2 degrees plus/minus 23 degrees for at least 2 hours prior to testing.

Process development should be completed prior to any qualification testing to this standard. These tests may need to be repeated to optimize molding and coating parameters for successful part performance. After optimization of all parameters is complete, all testing should be performed at production parameter levels.

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 “FORD WSS-M1P83-F1 Decorative chrome electroplating part performance requirements, polymeric / plastic substructures, general interior use” with its trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment.