Selection And Testing Of Mil Spec Packaging Barrier Bags
There are various companies that are in the business of producing military specification packaging
. These companies supply these mil spec packaging materials either directly to various defense agencies or military contractors. The military specification packaging is strict to the quality of the packaging materials produced because these materials are used by the military in hardship conditions and therefore, they need to be durable, sturdy and high quality. Mil spec packaging materials consist of a number of products such as barrier bags, desiccants and VCI papers. These packaging materials can be used for packing food or sensitive equipment that is used by the military in the field.
Barrier bags are particularly very sensitive mil spec packaging. These bags are what the military uses to carry food and other materials that need to be kept intact and moisture free. Most of these barrier bags have quite a number of characteristics that make them perfect for carrying out the above functions. The best way to determine if these barrier bags meet these specifications is by testing of the materials before manufacture.
The term MIL-PRF-121 refers to the performance requirements of the barrier bags. The MIL-PRF-121 performance specifications are directed by the military and these requirements have to be met for the product to be used by the military.
MVTR or moisture vapor transmission rate refers to testing the rate at which the barrier bag material allows the entry of moisture into the bag. A reduction in the rate of MVTR increases the dry storage period of materials in the barrier bag. This is why the mil spec packaging should meet the requirements of having a low MVTR. Barrier bags with high MVTR require a lot of desiccant loading which is less preferred to a barrier bag with low MVTR.
There are also bag integrity tests that are carried out on the mil spec packaging to ensure that they meet the MIL-PRF-121 performance requirements. The bag integrity will test whether the bag has any leaks. This can be done through three ways: submersion, hanging weight and puncture resistance. The submersion test will involve filling the barrier bag with air, submerging it in water and applying pressure to see if there are any bubbles being produced. Puncture resistance will involve probing with steel material while the hanging weight is a test to ensure that the barrier material doesn’t separate.
There are other detailed MIL-PRF-121 specifications concerning the mil spec packaging that manufacturers have to meet when designing materials to be supplied to the defense agencies. Companies that have been involved in mil spec packaging manufacturing have been in the line of production for many years and are reliable for meeting all the above specifications. These companies distribute these products online also. They have perfected the art of meeting these military specifications to ensure that all the products that they produce are high end and reliable. Information on mil spec packaging can also be found from their online sites.