WORLDWIDE

ENGINEERING Material Specification GMW3044

STANDARDS

Zinc Plating

adhesion appears (e.g., blistering by effusion of

1 Scope hydrogen).
This specification covers the basic requirements 1.4 Remarks. Not applicable.
for electroplated zinc applied to fasteners, clips,
and small and medium-sized ferrous parts, such as 2 References
castings and stampings. This specification also Note: Only the latest approved standards are
provides for plating thickness, use or non-use of applicable unless otherwise specified.
supplementary treatments and corrosion and for
2.1 External Standards/Specifications.
mechanical plating. MATSPC approvals for this
finish are specific to the post-supplementary ASTM E140 ISO 16047
treatment (suffix) evaluated for initial ASTM F1470 SAE/USCAR-5
chemical/applicator approval (reference Section 6). DIN 946 SAE/USCAR-7

--``,,,````,,`,`,``,,``-`-``,```,,,`---
The use of this specification to plate other parts, ISO 1463 SAE/USCAR-11
including, but not limited to, stampings or roll- ISO 9227
formed parts for body or chassis applications must
be reviewed and approved by the responsible 2.2 GM Standards/Specifications.
materials engineering organization. 9984094 GMW14573
1.1 Material Description. This coating system 9985490 GMW14657
must be free of hexavalent chromium, per GMW3059
GMW3059 requirements. The plating shall be 2.3 Additional References.
shown on the part drawing. Table 1 lists the
common plating thickness codes covered by this TMC003 Material Safety Data Sheet guidance
specification. documents (available at www.gmsupplypower.com).
It is recommended to use these common codes to GM Global Fastener Catalog (available at
avoid product complexity. www.gmsupplypower.com).

This plating is at present approved in clear (bright)

color only. Black color (passivation product) as
3 Requirements
shown in Table 1 is not approved yet. Any other 3.1 Appearance. The as-received appearance and
colors (where color is developed by adding color hue shall be as agreed upon between the
pigment), if required, do not need a specially purchaser and supplier using approved color and
approved source for the color. Establish availability hue engineering standards when available. In the
at one of the sources approved to the required case of zinc plus passivation coating listed herein,
post-supplementary code (suffix) before putting a clean, commercial finish is required; range of
any color other than clear (Bright) on the drawing. color, iridescence, opaqueness, and sheen are
1.2 Symbols. Not applicable. normally not critical unless otherwise specified by
the purchaser. In the case of bright zinc plus clear
1.3 Typical Applications. Zinc plating is typically finishes listed herein, a clear bright appearance
applied on small- to medium-sized ferrous parts (also referred to as colorless, blue-bright and clear
such as castings, fasteners, stampings, and clips. silver-white) is required. Specified colors shall be
1.3.1 Zinc-plated parts or their corrosion products uniform, tightly adherent, hard and dry.
must not come in contact with stressed polyamides 3.2 Plate Thickness. Thickness of plate shall be
6 or 66. no less than the values shown in Table 1 or as
1.3.2 Zinc-plating types without supplementary designated for the suffix specified by Product
treatment are also used as a basecoat for an Engineering. Such values are intended to apply to
additional paint. This coating must be so applied significant surfaces as specified on engineering
that no negative influence in appearance and drawings. In the case of finishes with

© Copyright 2012 General Motors Company All Rights Reserved

February 2012 Originating Department: North American Engineering Standards Page 1 of 6

Copyright General Motors Company Order Number: W1634995

Provided by IHS under license with General Motors Company Sold to:BETHELPLATEC.CO.LTD [132924100001] - WWW.BETHEL2858@HANMAIL.NET,
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale,2014-06-25 09:01:13 UTC
 GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS GMW3044

supplementary treatment, color, etc., the values Neutral Salt Spray (NSS) testing for the minimum
shown apply to the thickness of plate after number of hours shown in Table 1 or as
treatment. Supplementary treatments such as oils, designated for the suffix specified by the
waxes or other specified coatings are not purchaser.
applicable to thickness measurements. The plating 3.4.1 Parts must be tested to ISO 9227 to meet the
thickness on bolts and screws shall be measured corrosion resistance requirements on significant
on the head and the thread tip; on nuts it shall be surfaces per 3.4.4 and 3.4.5 for initial approval of
measured on the spanner flats. the finish, applicator and Production Part Approval
3.2.1 The thickness of the plated finish shall be Process (PPAP) submissions.
determined by microscopic examination of cross- 3.4.2 For the normal production process, the NSS
sections taken perpendicular to significant surfaces test shall be part of the applicator’s statistical
or by other methods agreed upon by the supplier process control to ensure that parts meet the
and purchaser. For recommended practice for corrosion resistance requirements.
measuring thickness of electrodeposits, see
3.4.3 The applicator shall run a periodic NSS test
ISO 1463.
of the parts in process on each line running this
3.2.2 The maximum allowable thickness of the coating, with sample size of three pieces minimum
plating on threaded fasteners shall be twice the per shift per line. Based upon the chemical
minimum specified plating thickness. The manufacturer’s instructions, the actual processing
maximum thickness of plating, which may be control checks shall be made and recorded. The
applied to threads on threaded products, is limited supplier shall maintain the test results in a file to be
by the basic thread size (tolerance “h” or “H”). After submitted when required by GM, unless otherwise
coating, parts must gauge with appropriate basic agreed between the purchaser and supplier.
size Go thread gauge. Threads may be produced
3.4.4 Significant surfaces for test evaluation of
undersize or oversize (before coating) to
fasteners shall be all exposed surfaces of the
accommodate the coating thickness, providing the
fastener when installed, including but not limited to
finished product (after coating) meets all specified
fastener heads, socket recess, SEMS washers and
mechanical properties. Where mechanical
external surface of nuts. Fastener threads and
properties are not specified, undersizing or
point are excluded unless otherwise specified on
oversizing is subject to approval by the pertinent
the drawing.
engineer, and all undersizing or oversizing shall be
within permissible limits as agreed upon. 3.4.5 Significant surfaces on parts other than
threaded fasteners shall be all surfaces. Deep
3.2.3 The allowable variation of maximum plating
recesses, such as blind holes and the interior of
thickness in the case of non-fasteners could be
tubes are excluded unless otherwise specified on
more than twice the minimum specified plating
the drawing.
thickness, as long as it shall not affect the function
of the part. 3.4.6 In the case of finishes involving
supplementary treatment, parts shall be aged at
--``,,,````,,`,`,``,,``-`-``,```,,,`---

Note: In special cases, such as welding

the ambient laboratory temperatures for at least
applications, limiting the maximum plating
24 h before the test. In some cases, a heat
thickness to a specific requirement shall be noted
on the engineering drawing. treatment 1 h ± 5 minutes at 150 ± 5 °C may be
required prior to NSS testing. When such treatment
3.3 Adhesion. The coating shall have good
is necessary, it shall be specified on the part
adhesion to the base material. There shall be no
drawing by using an “H” in the plating suffix as
blistering or flaking of the finish, including after any
shown in Section 8 of this specification. In this
heat-treatment, as follows:
case, the finish shall meet the corrosion resistance
The adhesion in the as-received conditions shall requirements before and after heat treatment.
be checked as follows:
3.4.7 When evaluation of zinc corrosion products is
Expose coated parts to 220 ± 5 °C for
specified, acceptable resistance is defined as no
30 ± 5 minutes and quench in water at room
white corrosion products on significant surfaces
temperature. After quenching in water, blistering
after exposure to NSS for the number of hours
and/or chipping is not allowed.
shown.
Electrolytically coated components produced from
3.4.8 Except for black, color-dyed, bright, light
aqueous solutions must satisfy the mechanical
iridescent blue and clear coatings, the degree of
property requirements of the uncoated parts.
color change after salt spray test is not a significant
3.4 Corrosion Resistance. Parts plated to these
specifications shall be capable of withstanding
© Copyright 2012 General Motors Company All Rights Reserved

February 2012 Page 2 of 6

Copyright General Motors Company Order Number: W1634995

Provided by IHS under license with General Motors Company Sold to:BETHELPLATEC.CO.LTD [132924100001] - WWW.BETHEL2858@HANMAIL.NET,
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale,2014-06-25 09:01:13 UTC
 GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS GMW3044

parameter unless otherwise agreed upon by the

purchaser and supplier.
Table 1: Zinc Plating and Related Finishes

Note 5
Neutral Salt Spray, h
Code to
Specification Minimum Plating Supplementary Typical
Note 2 Note 3 Note 4
Note 1 Thickness (µm) Treatment Appearance
Number Zinc
Base Metal
Corrosion
Corrosion Note 6
Product

3U24/0 3 24 –
6U48/0 6 48 –
--``,,,````,,`,`,``,,``-`-``,```,,,`---

9U72/0 9 None No Requirement 72 –

12U96/0 12 96 –
15U120/0 15 120 –
6K96/48 6 96 48
Passivation/
8K240/120 8 Conversion Clear (Bright) 240 120
Coating
15K360/120 15 360 120

Passivation/
8B240/120 8 Conversion Black 240 120
Coating

Note: Other codes are possible in special cases, e.g.,11K360/120, and may be devised as per the guidelines in 1.1. Establish availability
before creating special codes.
Note 1: Where a mechanical (peen) plating is required in lieu of electroplating, the letter “M” is added to the code in the position
immediately following the thickness number, e.g., GMW3044 6MU48/0.
Note 2: See 3.2.2 and 3.2.3 for maximum thickness requirements. Any deviation for the plating thickness requirements can be shown on
the drawing of the part.
Note 3: Further supplementary treatments such as oil, wax or other coatings, if required, are specified on the drawing as suffix “Y”. Any
changes that affect corrosion properties shall be negotiated between the purchaser and supplier.
Note 4: Clear (Bright) and Black colors are available. Establish availability before putting any color other than Clear (Bright) and Black on
a drawing. Unless other color is specified, the supplier will process the parts in Clear (Bright) color.
Note 5: When the finish is to be heat-treated prior to salt spray testing, the letter “H” shall be shown as the last character of the plating
code, e.g., GMW3044 8K240/120XH. Samples shall be heat-treated for 1 h ± 5 minutes at +150 ± 5 °C.
Note 6: Codes that specify more than 48 h before zinc corrosion products may require special handling. The suffixes “T”, “X”, “Y”, “G”, or
“N” when added to the plating code indicate the application of post-treatment materials as described in 3.6. Example: 8K240/120X.

3.5 Hydrogen Embrittlement. Fasteners heat- specification. A converted hardness per

treated or highly cold-worked to the specified core ASTM E140 is acceptable based on acceptance of
hardness greater than HRC 32 (HV320) or surface the purchaser and supplier.
hardness HV 353, which are processed through 3.5.1 When supplementary treatment is specified
the hydrogen-generating processes shall be for a part that requires baking after plating, the
processed per SAE/USCAR-5 and tested for de- supplementary treatment shall be applied after the
embrittlement per SAE/USCAR-7. The sample size baking operation.
for the SAE/USCAR-7 test shall be per
3.6 Processing Requirements. For certain
ASTM F1470.
fastener applications, a post-treatment of the
High-strength ferrous steel parts formed from steel electrolytically coated components - with or without
sheet or strip that are not surface hardened shall passivation - may be necessary, using lubricants,
be processed through the SAE/USCAR-5 bake waxes, dipping solutions or other materials. In this
cycle specified for materials that have a hardness case, the following suffixes apply:
of HV 353 or higher and shall be baked after
plating within the time limits specified by that  T: Dipping solution with or without lubrication. If
without integrated lubrication, an additional
© Copyright 2012 General Motors Company All Rights Reserved

February 2012 Page 3 of 6

Copyright General Motors Company Order Number: W1634995

Provided by IHS under license with General Motors Company Sold to:BETHELPLATEC.CO.LTD [132924100001] - WWW.BETHEL2858@HANMAIL.NET,
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale,2014-06-25 09:01:13 UTC
 GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS GMW3044

lubricant must be used, coefficient of friction  N: Without any dipping solution, lubricant, or any
0.13 ± 0.03 (6 sigma). This suffix is to be used on chemicals applied.
fasteners of special applications to meet 3.7, 3.8 Note: If no suffix to the code is used, the provision
and 3.9 requirements. of suffix “N” shall apply.
 X: With dipping solution only. 3.6.1 All these treatments shall not reduce the
 G: Dipping solution with or without lubrication. If corrosion protection of the finish.
without integrated lubrication, an additional 3.7 Torque-Tension Test. For bolts and nuts
lubricant must have a coefficient of friction which are post-treated to suffixes “G” and “T”,
0.13 ± 0.03 (6 sigma). This suffix is to be used on M10 x 1.5 surrogate bolts shall be processed with
general fasteners to meet the basic torque- the production parts. A minimum of ten bolts per
tension/coefficient of friction requirements per 3.7 finish line per shift shall be tested per
and 3.8. SAE/USCAR-11, except tightening speed shall be
 Y: Other material, as specified on drawing. “Y” 30 ± 3 RPM and test parts as shown in Table 2.
suffix could be used along with other suffix in a The 6 sigma torque value must be within the listed
code if required (example: GMW3044 8K range (Table 2). The test results shall be
240/120NY, then describe “Y” on the drawing). maintained in the file to be submitted when
required by GM.

Table 2: Test Parts

Surrogate
Test Nut Part Test Washer
Thread Size Bolt Part Torque (Nm) Tension (kN) Suffixes
Number Part Number
Number
M10 x 1.5 11516105 11516090 11502644 48 ± 8 28.3 T and G
Note: Engineering drawings for standard GM general fasteners can be found on Supply Power under GM Global Fastener Catalog.
Standard test materials for laboratory testing of fasteners can be produced through a qualified fastener supplier meeting the test part
drawing.

3.8 Coefficient of Friction. For fasteners, which  Test nut shall be 11516090.
are post-treated to suffixes “G” and “T”, the  Tension load shall be 24 kN.
coefficient of friction of the threaded fasteners
tested per ISO 16047 shall be 0.13 ± 0.03 (6  Tests shall be conducted with ELPO-coated
sigma). test washers (11515490 except unhardened
and coated with 9984094, medium build
Note: Both tests shall be run for the initial approval
ELPO) and aluminum test washers (3.0 mm
of the finish materials. Suppliers are required to run
minimum thickness, 10.25 to 10.50 mm hole
either the Torque-Tension Test or the Coefficient of
size, AA6063T52 aluminum).
Friction Test for routine test.
 The 6 sigma torque range must lie within
3.8.1 Coefficient of Friction Test. The coefficient
35 to 52 Nm for ten samples tested for both the
of friction of threaded fasteners shall be tested per
ELPO and aluminum bearing surfaces.
DIN 946 with the following exceptions:
Note: This test is required for the initial approval of
 Tightening speed shall be 30 ± 3 RPM
the finish chemicals only. This testing does not
 Test samples, excluding driven fasteners, shall supercede PPAP requirements of the individual
be thoroughly cleaned with an appropriate part.
fluid/chemical to remove any 3.10 Thread Locking/Sealing Compatibility. The
grease/oil/wax/other contaminants. finish shall be compatible with thread adhesives,
 Test clamping force shall be calculated at 75% non-metallic elements/sealers in thread
of proof load. locking/sealing abilities when tested per
3.9 Bearing Surface Characteristics. For bolts GMW14657 and 9985490 specifications.
and nuts which are post-treated to suffix “T”, M10 Note: This test is required for the initial approval of
heavy flange bolts (part number 11900193 or the finish chemicals only. This testing does not
equivalent) shall be monitored per SAE/USCAR-11 supercede PPAP requirements of the individual
with the following requirements: part.
 Tightening speed shall be 30 ± 3 RPM.
© Copyright 2012 General Motors Company All Rights Reserved

February 2012 Page 4 of 6

--``,,,````,,`,`,``,,``-`-``,```,,,`---

Copyright General Motors Company Order Number: W1634995

Provided by IHS under license with General Motors Company Sold to:BETHELPLATEC.CO.LTD [132924100001] - WWW.BETHEL2858@HANMAIL.NET,
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale,2014-06-25 09:01:13 UTC
 GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS GMW3044

3.11 Label Adhesion Compatibility. This finish 5.4 Initial Source Approval. No shipments shall
shall be compatible with labels (Part Number be made by any supplier until representative initial
12565635 or label of equivalent construction) in production samples have been approved by the
adhesion when tested per GMW14573. Test appropriate Materials Engineering department(s)
plaques (steel 75 x 125 mm), containing the plating as meeting the requirements of this specification.
post-treatment and affixed label, shall be tested 5.5 Material Safety Data Sheets/Safety Data
per GMW14573. Sheets (MSDS/SDS). For new product
Note: This test is required for the initial approval of submissions, or when a change in chemical
the finish chemicals only. This testing does not composition of an existing product has occurred, a
supersede PPAP requirements of the individual complete copy of the Material Safety Data
part. Sheet/Safety Data Sheet must be submitted in
3.12 In case of disagreement between this compliance with the Globally Harmonized System
specification and any referenced non-GM of Classification and Labeling of Chemicals (GHS)
specification, requirements in this specification requirements or other country-specific MSDS/SDS
shall take precedence. requirements. In addition, product MSDS/SDS
submissions must be in compliance with specific
country General Motors TMC003 Material Safety
4 Manufacturing Process
Data Sheet/Safety Data Sheet guidance
Not applicable. documents where available.
5.6 All materials supplied to this standard must
5 Rules and Regulations comply with the requirements of GMW3059,
5.1 Legal Regulations. All materials must satisfy Restricted and Reportable Substances for
applicable laws, rules, regulations and Parts.
recommendations valid in the country of usage.
5.2 Language. In the event of conflict between the 6 Approved Sources
English and domestic language, the English Engineering qualifications of an approved source
language shall take precedence. are required for this standard. Only sources listed
5.3 Inspection and Rejection. Samples of in the GM Materials File (i.e., GM Supply Power)

--``,,,````,,`,`,``,,``-`-``,```,,,`---
components or materials released to a GM under this standard number have been qualified by
material specification shall be tested for conformity Engineering as meeting the requirements of this
with the requirements of this material specification standard. Threaded fasteners require both GM-
and approved by the responsible Engineering approved chemical supplier and applicator
department prior to commencement of delivery of approval. Unthreaded fasteners or small parts
bulk supplies. require use of an approved GM chemical supplier
A new approval must be received for any changes, approval. These are found on the GM Approved
e.g., properties, manufacturing process, location of Finishers List, located in GM Supply Power.
manufacture, etc. If not otherwise agreed, all GMNA approvals are specific to the post
testing and documentation normally required for supplementary treatment suffix (T, G, X, or N)
initial release must be completed. tested for initial approval of the supplier. Approval
It is the responsibility of the supplier to inform the to suffix G and X will be automatic with a suffix T
customer in a timely manner, without solicitation, approval, and a suffix X approval will be automatic
and to include documentation of all modifications of with a suffix G approval due to subset test
materials and/or processes and to apply for a new requirements. Any approved applicator can provide
release. zinc plated parts without passivation conversion
(code U). The GM supplier approval system listings
If not otherwise agreed, all release tests shall be
include the specific suffix approvals. For other GM
repeated and documented by the supplier prior to
locations, the responsible Engineering group
commencement of delivery of non-conforming bulk
should be contacted to obtain the approved source
supplies. In individual cases, a shorter test can be
in that individual country.
agreed to between the responsible Engineering
department and the supplier.

© Copyright 2012 General Motors Company All Rights Reserved

February 2012 Page 5 of 6

Copyright General Motors Company Order Number: W1634995

Provided by IHS under license with General Motors Company Sold to:BETHELPLATEC.CO.LTD [132924100001] - WWW.BETHEL2858@HANMAIL.NET,
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale,2014-06-25 09:01:13 UTC
 GM WORLDWIDE ENGINEERING STANDARDS GMW3044

7 Notes 2 OCT 2000 Revised Table 2; Editorial

7.1 Glossary. (GMNA; Finish TDG)
3 AUG 2002 Rewording of paragraph 1,
MATSPC: Global repository of GM approved 3.1.4.1.6, 3.2, 3.2.2.1 and
materials for corresponding GM Engineering 3.2.2.3.
Standards. Table 1: row 15K350/24
7.2 Acronyms, Abbreviations, and Symbols. changed and Note 7 added.
GHS Globally Harmonized System of Table 2: column “Coefficient
Classification and Labeling of of Friction” was deleted.
Chemicals Paragraph 3.2 and 3.2.2.1:
MSDS Material Safety Data Sheet Coding S deleted, Coding N
added. Paragraph 3.2.2.4,
NSS Neutral Salt Spray 3.2.2.5 and Appendix A
PPAP Production Part Approval Process added. Paragraph 5
SDS Safety Data Sheet changed according to
template. (GMNA; Finish
8 Coding System TDG)
4 FEB 2003 Added Suffix G, made
This standard shall be referenced in other related changes and revised
documents, drawings, etc., as follows: 3.1.4.2 and Appendix A.
Material per GMW3044 (GMNA)
Example: 5 FEB 2004 Revised Table1, removed
Zinc Plating per GMW3044 15K360/120XH (clear) codes not in use and
indicates the following: suffixes J and V, revised
paragraph 3.1.3.2.2 for
3044 Specification Number
maximum allow-able
15 15 micrometer minimum thickness thickness. (GMNA)
K Clear conversion coating
6 OCT 2004 Revised Table 1, Notes 2
360 360 h NSS without evidence of base
and 6, old paragraphs
metal corrosion
3.1.3.2.2, 3.1.4.1.4, 3.2,
120 120 h NSS requirement for white 3.2.2.2.1 and Appendix A
corrosion and rewrote in new GMW
X with dipping solution only template. (GMNA)
H Heat Treatment required prior to NSS
testing 7 APR 2005 Revised sections 1, 6 and
Table 1, added tightening
Clear Clear appearance
--``,,,````,,`,`,``,,``-`-``,```,,,`---

speed to 3.1.4.10, deleted

Appendix A with some
9 Release and Revisions editorial changes. (GMNA)
This standard was originated in January 1997. It 8 FEB 2012 Updated reference
was first approved by the GM Finish TDG in standards. (GM Finish
February 2000. It was first published in June 2000. Committee)
Publication
Issue Description (Organization)
Date
1 JUN 2000 Initial publication.

© Copyright 2012 General Motors Company All Rights Reserved

February 2012 Page 6 of 6

Copyright General Motors Company Order Number: W1634995

Provided by IHS under license with General Motors Company Sold to:BETHELPLATEC.CO.LTD [132924100001] - WWW.BETHEL2858@HANMAIL.NET,
No reproduction or networking permitted without license from IHS Not for Resale,2014-06-25 09:01:13 UTC