Purpose/Material Description.

Plating to this specification is subdivided into three performance classes:

• Class A: Exterior components with severe service conditions, likely to include damage from denting, scratching, and abrasive wear, such as those encountered by automotive bumpers and assist steps.

• Class B: Exterior components without stone-chipping exposure or other mechanical abuse, such as door handles or emblems (not on the front of the vehicle).

• Class C: Interior components.

For exterior applications, discontinuous chromium plate (microporous (mp) or microcracked (mc)) in addition to a multiple layer nickel system shall be used.

For interior applications, a continuous chrome layer (r) is permissible. The use of discontinuous chromium or multiple-layer nickel systems is not required for interior components.

Plating per this specification is intended for use over metallic substrates; plating on plastics is specified in GMW14668. For plating of stainless substrates, see GMW15613.