ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION
STEEL, ZINC/NICKEL PLATED, IMMERSION COATED WSS-M1A343-A1
NOT TO BE USED FOR NEW DESIGN
STEEL, ZINC/NICKEL PLATED, IMMERSION COATED WSS-M1A343-A2
HEXAVALENT CHROMIUM FREE
1. SCOPE
The material defined by these specifications is a low carbon steel sheet coated on both sides with an
electrolytic zinc/nickel alloy. The coated sheet is formed into a component, which then goes through a
pretreatment and an immersion organic top coating to produce a duplex system.
2. APPLICATION
These specifications were released originally for material used for fuel filler pipes requiring both
additional corrosion protection and resistance to alcohol fuel blends.
3. REQUIREMENTS
Material specification requirements are to be used for initial qualification of materials.
3.1 STANDARD REQUIREMENTS FOR PRODUCTION MATERIALS
Material suppliers and part producers must conform to the Company's Standard Requirements
For Production Materials (WSS-M99P1111-A).
3.2 BASE MATERIAL
The base material shall conform to WSD-M1A333-A2, coated to WSS-M1P94-A 30N30N-EL.
3.3 PRETREATMENT
A pretreatment shall be used to increase the adhesion and durability of the organic top coating
by providing a clean, grease free, corrosion inhibiting bond between the base material and
finish.
The specification of the pretreatment system (including cleaning requirements, pretreatment
type and coating weight) is to be determined on initial qualification of materials and process. A
control plan with detailed material description and process parameters is required for approval
submission. Once the system is approved, any further changes will need to be re-submitted to
the appropriate Ford Materials Engineer for evaluation and approval.
Coating weights should be measured on samples prior to immersion coating and should be
tested using x-ray spectroscopy, atomic absorption or inductive coupled plasma testing
apparatus.
Date Action Revisions
2004 01 28 Revised WSS-M1A343-A1 made N-Status, no replacement named B. Burnside
2002 09 19 Revised Updated and renumbered
1999 05 03 Activated J. Lott
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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION
WSS-M1A343-A1/A2
3.3.1 WSS-M1A343-A2
A chromium-free pretreatment is preferable, but at a minimum the pretreatment shall
be free of hexavalent chromium.
3.4 ORGANIC TOP COATING
3.4.1 System Process
The coating shall be applied using an immersion process. All surfaces of material to
be coated must be free from oil, grease, rust, and any other foreign material.
3.4.2 Final Hardness
(ASTM D 3363) Pencil, min 8H
Remove any additional coatings, such as dry metal forming lubricants, prior to
hardness testing.
3.4.3 Coating Thickness, micrometers
Any suitable method may be used to measure coating thickness. In case of dispute,
the umpire method shall be metallographic technique.
WSS-M1A343-A1 19.1 +/- 2.5
WSS-M1A343-A2 20.3 +/- 5.1
3.4.4 Composition
WSS-M1A343-A1: The coating shall comprise of an epoxy resin binder modified with
aluminum metallic particles.
WSS-M1A343-A2: The coating shall be a phenolic modified epoxy material, free of
hexavalent chromium.
3.4.5 Appearance
The coating shall be baked to a uniform film, showing no flow lines, pinholes, craters,
or abnormal roughness.
3.4.6 Color:
WSS-M1A343-A1 Silver or black,
as specified on
Engineering Drawing.
WSS-M1A343-A2 Black
3.4.7 Adhesion Grade 1 or better
(FLTM BI 106-01)
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ENGINEERING MATERIAL SPECIFICATION
WSS-M1A343-A1/A2
3.4.8 Salt Spray Resistance 2000 H
(ASTM B 117)
For initial sample approval only.
The sample shall have a rating of 9 or better per ASTM D 1654, procedures A and B.
3.4.9 Proving Ground Corrosion Test
(R-311 or R-339)
For initial approval only.
Fuel components manufactured from this material must withstand 100 cycles
minimum without perforation.
3.4.10 Fuel Resistance No softening or peeling.
(FLTM AZ 105-02, FLTM BZ 105-03) Some allowable rust
Initial source approval only.
The paint film shall not soften, peel, or show any signs of defect when soaked in any
fuel/alcohol blend, diesel, aggressive, or auto-oxidized fuel. Allowable rust based on
original testing will be specified by the Materials Engineering activity.
3.4.11 Surface Resistance, max 10E6 ohms
ASTM D 4496, (ASTM D 257 tube specimen)
Measurement of the finished coated product shall be tested to ensure adequate
conductivity to discharge any static electricity that may be generated.
4. GENERAL INFORMATION
The information given below is provided for clarification and assistance in meeting the requirements of
these specifications.
4.1 ADDITIONAL COATING
Additional coatings, such as dry metal forming lubricants may be required. These materials will
be agreed upon between the coating supplier and the component manufacturer.
4.2 INITIAL SUPPLIER APPROVAL
For initial approval, the supplier must furnish the following information.
A plan detailing how each requirement of para 3 will be controlled on a continuing production
basis.
Test results from a typical production sample for the requirements outlined in para 3.
Upon approval, the material will be added to the Engineering Material Approved Source List.
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