scope:

Note: Nothing in this standard supersedes applicable laws and regulations.

Note: In the event of conflict between the English and domestic language, the English language shall take precedence.

This procedure defines the process and requirements a steel producer or processor (uncoated, electrogalvanized (EG) or hot dip (HD) galvanized coating supplier) shall meet to qualify their steel products and processing lines at General Motors. This procedure applies to GMW material grades and coatings that are currently in use. This includes GMW grades from new suppliers or grades that have undergone a significant change in process route. This procedure does not apply to the development of new materials or coatings. Steel sheet products supplied to GM production facilities must have Engineering and manufacturing approval as defined by this procedure.

Purpose. The intent of this specification is to create a common, global process for qualification of sheet steels that are used by GM worldwide.

Foreword. This procedure is intended to evaluate a supplier's ability to produce and supply steel that meets GM's requirements. Emphasis is placed on the steel producer's ability to supply a uniform and consistent product. Some material characteristics and attribute data are requested for qualification purposes even though they are not requirements of GM Standards related to the base substrate or coating. In these instances, the data is required for informational purposes.

While this specification details the requirements for initiating global qualification, additional information and/or testing may be requested by the Qualification Champion. The data required to be submitted for each shipment will be determined by the regional manufacturing location.

Applicability. Requirements for qualification of uncoated and coated steels for specifications GMW2, GMW3032 or GMW3399 with exposed, semi-exposed, or unexposed surface quality from a specific processing line are defined in this procedure. Coating requirements for these specifications are detailed in GMW8 and GMW11. Suppliers must also be capable of meeting the requirements in GMW3224, Sheet Steel Thickness and Tolerances before approval will be granted.

Testing requirements are summarized in Appendix A, Tables A1 through A3. These tables define testing requirements for unapproved lines, as well as approved processing lines supplying previously unapproved base metals or higher strength grades, as well as new combinations of approved processing lines and approved base metals. New steel grades under development are not the scope of this specification.

Release of specific parts and applications are not within the scope of this specification.