MIL-STD-13231, “Marking of Electronic Items,” has just been updated and the interfiled document that includes the new Change 1 is available from Document Center now. It is the first revision of the standard since it’s release in 1999, so the changes are extensive. The standard practice is the successor to the old MIL-M-13231 on the same topic.
MIL-STD-13231 is an overview document, providing general requirements for marking electronic items for government contract work. It covers not only the information you need to use, but also the materials and processes to use for affixing marks.
What kinds of marking would MIL-STD-13231 be used for? Firstly, it shows the priority of data to be included with electronic items. Since this information is for identification purposes, you’ll need to provide information on what document the parts conform to. This might be a Mil Spec number, COTS (Commercial Off-The-Shelf) number, or a specification control drawing number.
If the mark is for an assembly or sub-assembly, you may need to include NSN (National Stock Number) or serial number information. And then there is information needed for items that are part of the JETDS (Joint Electronics Type Designation Systems) nomenclature or again, COTS items.
You’ll also get information on various warning labels, including when to request that the user read instructions prior to use, etc. And of course, the document helps you understand where to place the various markings required, labels, the size of the characters on the label, and so on.
Changes occur throughout this new revision and are highlighted for the user by the use of black lines in the margins of the standard. Some of those changes are due to a new set of referenced documents, like the addition of ASME Y14.44 and the deletion of A-A-2962. As you review the new publication, you’ll see changed sections like 4.4.1, which now requires conformance to ASME Y14.44 for reference designations rather than to IEEE 200.
Where can you get a copy of the MIL-STD-13231? Document Center Inc. has been providing it’s customers with military and other U.S. government documents since 1982. You can order them at our web store, www.document-center.com. Or you can contact us by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com). Since we’ve been working with these publications for over 30 years, we’ve got the expertise you need to understand and monitor this standards set. We’ve helped thousands of customers just like you. Make Document Center your Standards Experts!
