GMW GMW16717 PDF

This specification defines the durability requirements for all General Motors interior decorative films and laminates. The interior plastic components are decorated with multilayer film constructions that exhibit simulated wood grains, metal, pigmented or other patterns and graphics for common surfaces including Electrical/Electronic (E/E) components. Construction approved materials will be identified in the GM Appearance Data Base (Blue Sky) by GM internal construction codes. The base materials, processes and adhesives that make up the particular decorative film construction are selected by the supplier to meet the intended application. The technical information is documented in Appendix A of this specification.

Material Description. The films are defined by type and grade and shall be specified on the part drawing as a suffix after the specification number, e.g., GMW16717 Type A, Grade I.

Insert Mold, Vacuum Formable Film (Type A). This film construction shall consist of a durable transparent topcoat, decorative layer(s), and a plastic backing sheet. The topcoat protects the decoration from chemicals, scratches, and wear. The decorative layer is comprised of one or multiple layers and shall use ultraviolet (UV) stable inks or pigments. These colorants are applied by gravure, screen, or other high speed printing processes to create unique patterns. The plastic backing sheet stabilizes the decoration when it is formed under pressure and temperature into a shell. The shell can be adhered directly to a part or placed into an injection mold. A part can then be formed by injecting a compatible plastic resin from behind.

The vacuum formable film must readily form to the part geometry with sharp definition and with no objectionable loss of pattern, glossing, blistering or wrinkling. This film type is typically specified when part geometry requires the decoration to be elongated over radii and depressions and/or when the exposed parting lines are to be hidden by the decoration.

In cases where an adhesive is used to attach the decorative sheet (either die cut or vacuum formed into shape) to a carrier, the bonding of the decorative sheet to the carrier must meet the requirements of GMW14892 for non-flexible adherents.

Vacuum formable films must be evaluated for the effects of thermoforming elongation. Details are reported in Appendix A, Decorative Trim Construction Specification Sheet.

Any modifications to topcoat chemistry to create specific gloss levels or texture must meet the full requirements of this specification. 

In-Mold Foil Decoration (Type B). This thin film construction shall consist of a durable transparent topcoat and a decorative layer(s). A topcoat protects the decoration from chemicals, scratches, and wear. In some cases, the topcoat can be post-cured by ultraviolet light to improve its performance properties. The decoration is applied to a transparent carrier while on a continuous roll. The foil is then drawn through the mold where the decorative layer and topcoat are either transferred to or become the appearance surface during the molding process.

The substrate used during the injection molding process could be color matched to the pattern's background for consistent appearance. This film type is typically specified for parts that have flat surfaces where parting lines are hidden by other means. 

Any modifications to topcoat chemistry to create specific gloss levels or texture must meet the full requirements of this specification.

Miscellaneous Film (Type C). This type covers all decorative films that are not defined as Type A, B, D, or E. The unique detailed construction and process are documented in the Decorative Trim Construction Specification Sheet.

Waterborne Decorative Film - Hydrographics (Type D). This film construction shall consist of a water soluble decorative film which deposits an ink pattern onto a pre-molded plastic part which may or may not be base paint coated. A protective topcoat must be applied after ink transfer to meet wear resistance, UV stability and all other performance requirements of this specification. To obtain consistent finish appearance, the color of the part substrate material or topcoat cannot deviate from the originally approved color. The film topcoat properties must meet GMW14867.

Film Insert Molding (Type E). Film Insert Molding (FIM), which is also known as In Mold Labeling (IML), describes the use of a plastic film which is pre-hardcoated on the A-surface for durability requirements and decorated on the B-surface with colors, patterns, and graphics, especially backlit graphics. The hardcoated/decorated film is thermoformed into a three dimensional (3D) formed film via high pressure forming which allows for tight tolerance graphic registration with minimal distortion of the graphic images. The 3D film is subsequently UV exposed to properly crosslink the A-surface coating and then trimmed to fit within the injection molding tool, and finally inserted into the injection molding tool and backmolded with plastic resin. 

Typical applications of FIM are for backlit graphic plastic parts for common surfaces and E/E components including, but not limited to, cover panels, bezels, knobs, buttons, toggles, lenses, and others. For color and harmony requirements, non-graphic and non-backlit trim may also be produced using FIM. 

The film is thermoformed into a 3D film via a high pressure forming process (such as the Niebling process or the Hy.tech AccuForm process). Given that FIM is typically used for backlit graphic parts for E/E components, the graphic registration of the formed film must have a very tight tolerance.

Appearance: The forming and molding process must be controlled to ensure proper graphic registration and to minimize graphic or pattern distortion. For high gloss applications such as piano black, the forming and molding processes must minimize orange peel, preserve a high Distinctness of Image (DOI), and control for color shift.

Symbols. Construction approved materials will be identified in the GM Appearance Data Base (Blue Sky) by construction codes. These GM internal codes identify the decoration by the following elements:

• Technology

• Surface 

• Topcoat Chemistry 

• Backing Layer

• Grade

Typical Applications. Typical applications include, but are not limited to, door trim spears, door pull accents, switch plates, steering wheel rims, console trim, instrument panel trim, integrated center stack trim, and gear shift knobs. 

Film Classification.

Grade. Film shall be specified by grades based upon anticipated UV and application exposure temperature levels.

• Grade I Standard

• Grade II High

Grade I is the standard UV exposure and is the assumed grade if not specified. Grade II is for High UV exposure applications such as the upper instrument panel trim and package shelves.

Remarks. New decorative film constructions (film type, surface type, topcoat and chemistry) must be approved before the intended program Integration Vehicle Engineering Release (IVER). Contact the GM Materials Engineer to cover the specific requirements.