What are MIL-SPEC Powder Coatings?
When a specification calls for a MIL-SPEC powder coating it is important to understand what that truly means. There are two major MIL-SPEC’s that cover our industry: MIL-PRF-24712B (the previous release was MIL-PRF-24712A) for typical powder coatings, and MIL-PRF-32348 for CARC (Chemical Agent Resistant Coatings). CARC coatings are specialty lines of powder coatings for battlefield ready vehicles and equipment. The PRF indicates a performance specification. These coatings are tested to a specification that has minimum performance guidelines that must be met.
It is very important for the coatings buyer fully understand what these specifications are truly calling for. These MIL-SPEC’s will be followed by a class and type indicator, and then a color will be specified. The color is identified through a number called AMS-STD-595A. The old system for the color description was referred to as FED-STD-595A, or the later release FED-STD-595B. This was updated to the new standard AMS-STD-595A in February of 2017. The change from FED-STD (Federal Standard) to AMS was to indicate “All Military Specifications”, thus AMS. These alphabetic/numeric indications are followed by a five-digit number. This five-digit number will provide not only the color, but also the gloss level required for that color. Numbers that start with number 1 are glossy, those starting with a number 2 are semi-gloss, those starting with number 3 indicate a matte or lusterless level of gloss.
Here is a typical specification explained: MIL-PRF-STD 595A Type 1 Class 4 to AMS-STD-595A #27038 will mean a powder that meets the standard of MIL-PRF-24712B. The Type I (Roman Numeral) will indicate an epoxy powder coating formulation (there are other indicators here from Type I through Type VIII depending on the MIL-SPEC number noted). The Class indicator will refer to how the coating is intended to be used. These range from Class 1-4 (standard numbers) and will give details on whether they are single or two stage coating applications. They will also detail whether the coating is for interior or exterior use. These Type and Class indications are very important to the coatings overall end user-client’s requirements of use for their components. The last letters and numbers deal with the color. AMS-STD-595A #27038 will be a semi-gloss (starts with number 2) black. These are noted in the Federal color standard chart of colors.
The specifier, or buyer, must understand one very important concern. To just meet the color specification AMS-STD-595A, or the old FED-STD-595, is not to call a powder coating MIL-SPEC approved. These special classes of powders must be submitted by the powder manufacturer to either the Army Research Laboratory (ARL), or the Navy Research Laboratory (NRL) for approvals. That approval comes with a special Qualified Product Listing (QPL) and are properly qualified to meet the indicated specification by the military. Not all colors have been qualified to date. Research is imperative by the applicator to ensure that the specified powder has been given a QPL number.
There is one well known powder manufacturer that lists some powders on their color chart as Federal Standard colors, and listing the AMS-STD five digit color number. These are not MIL-SPEC qualified powder coatings and cannot be used as such. They are the correct color, but do not have the Qualified Product Listing numbers associated with true MIL-SPEC powder coatings. Many powder coaters will just match the color and sell/represent to a client that these applied coatings are MIL-SPEC approved and they are not.
A properly trained powder coater must research the requested color along with the unique MIL-SPEC number, Type and Class, to ensure that they are supplying and applying a true MIL-SPEC powder coating.
The liability here is huge.
Not only is the powder coating applicator in a liability position, but also their unknowing client is at risk of not being in compliance as well. It is up to the buyer of these services to ensure that the coating meets the MIL-SPC that is being requested by the prime contractor or the Government entity that is requesting these services. If you are a Buyer and do not ask these questions, you put your company at risk of non-compliance. Just because a Certificate of Conformity (CoC) was issued does not mean that you will be exonerated if it is later discovered through failure, that the applied coating is not a true MIL-SPEC powder coating. This can easily be determined through flame spectroscopy.
If you fail to follow the specification, you could be fined and charged with a crime. Serious business indeed.
If you are a specifier or buyer of these services, you must choose a supplier that knows these rules. It is suggested to use a supplier that has an AS9100, or at least an ISO9001 Quality Management System (QMS) in place. Other quality indicators would be a supplier/applicator that is certified by the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) that has been certified by the United States Department of State Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). These supplier/applicators will not be the least expensive choice for your needs. This is due to the layers of regulations and bureaucracy that are required to stay certified. These are hard-earned certifications. It takes years of experience and knowledge to get to these levels. The Buyer will pay for this experience as there is no other way to ensure that you will get what your project requires. MIL-SPEC is not just a term, it is a culture of excellence and deep commitment.
Andrews Powder Coating, Inc. is dedicated to supplying your company or Government entity with the correct coatings to meet the MIL-SPEC that you are facing for your project. There will be no short-cuts, or easy solutions taken. We do the research for you. You will get a CoC that you can rely on to be correct. The coatings will be applied in conformance with these specifications. If you require MIL-SPEC we can help you to complete your project with confidence that the MIL-SPEC coating is proper. Contact us for your MIL-SPEC requirements and be assured that the project will be competed to the highest standard and meet the legal specifications.
