This standard covers the requirements for wrought aluminum alloy sheet for exposed and unexposed body and closure panel applications. This specification is applicable to two types of wrought aluminum alloys; age hardenable and non-age hardenable. Age hardenable (e.g., 6000 series) aluminum alloys can be used for exposed and unexposed applications. Due to surface characteristics, non-age hardenable (e.g., 5000 series) alloys may not be suitable for exposed applications.

Age hardenable aluminum alloys attain an increase in strength due to strain hardening and accelerated aging (precipitation hardening) when subjected to the assembly plant paint bake cycle. Non-age hardenable aluminum alloys increase in strength due to strain hardening only, and will show some decrease in strength following the paint bake cycle. Additional requirements or agreements shall be specified by each region (e.g., GMNA, GME, GMLAAM, GMAP, etc.).