GMW GMW16857 PDF

This specification covers the initial qualification (technology approval) and performance requirements (finished part) for exterior Hydrographic printing.

Material Description. The Hydrographics (HG) process consists of a water soluble decorative film which deposits an ink pattern onto a plastic part. The ink pattern is a continuous layer covering the entire plastic part. A protective clearcoat must be applied after ink transfer to meet wear resistance, ultraviolet (UV) stability, and all other performance requirements of this specification. An example of an exterior plastic part with Hydrographic ink system: Molded plastic/baked adhesion promoter/primer/baked basecoat/Hydrographic inks/baked clearcoat.

Hydrographic ink system layering can vary from the preceding example. If the basecoat layer is absent or offers low UV protection, then a UV stabilized grade of substrate must be used and validated for durability with the production intent finish. Substrates can be various plastic materials.

Symbols. Not applicable.

Typical Applications. These Hydrographic printed designs can be used on outside rearview mirror shells, appliques, and other exterior trim parts.

Remarks. Submission requirements in 3.3 for technology approval are for adhesion promoters/primers, basecoats, and clearcoats previously approved to "existing 998" specifications. Basecoat/clearcoat systems must also be previously approved to GMW3005. Substrates must be previously approved to "existing GMWs" or regional specifications. Each combination of specific substrate, adhesion promoter/primer basecoat, Hydrographic ink pattern, and clearcoat applied to a part or plaque must be tested and approved to this specification. Any new pigment or pigment combination, used in the basecoats or inks, not previously used in any GM color, or any new pigment or pigment combination not previously used in the proposed resin system, must have two years (minimum) Florida exposure data (per GM9620M) submitted, and approved by Materials Engineering. Additionally, each specific substrate, adhesion promoter/primer basecoat, Hydrographic ink pattern, and clearcoat combination approved to this specification must be tested to and approved to GMW14797, Approved Paint on Parts System (APOPS), on parts processed through a production intent process, as a total system. After the entire pigment library and Hydrographic ink system is granted technology approval, new colors are entered into the Blue Sky database for color development requiring 2500 kJ Xenon accelerated weathering. For new basecoat/clearcoat systems, full approval to GMW3005 is required.