Unlike the MIL-STD standards listed above, the MIL-DTLs are detail specifications that outline how to achieve a specific requirement. One subcategory of packaging, MIL-DTL-117, specifies the nature of heat-sealed bags for military uses, like preserving food or storing supplies that are susceptible to corrosion. Heat-sealed bags can serve many purposes as personnel are planning for contingencies or conducting training scenarios. The DoD has set up in-depth criteria and checks to make these bags and pouches resilient and reliable.
1. MATERIAL
What the bags are made of influences their ability to keep out air and unwanted chemicals. MIL-PRF-121, MIL-PRF-131, MIL-PRF-22191 and MIL-PRF81705 (Type I Class 1 and Type III Class 2) are the most widely used materials. The composition of the bags has to fall within the relevant type and class comparable to the style and purpose. Warding off water or grease takes a treated substance, and foil, plastic, kraft paper or laminate can create to the protection your contents need. The thickness of the material is also managed to promote cost-efficiency.
2. CONSTRUCTION
The assembly process of the bags is critical to ensuring the quality and structure maintain the standard. By minimizing the differences, there can be fewer uncertainties.
The majority of the bag classes are formed from one or two sheets when the heat-sealable parts are faced inward. Electrostatic bags can be constructed from a single folded sheet and closed along either side or from tubing, in which case, there will be a bottom closure and no lip. Notches for easy tearing are also allowed.
3. MEASUREMENTS
Knowing the exact dimensions of products can make interchanges easy and smooth, especially when you’re managing military operations. The length and width of the bags are stated from the inside edges. Military tolerances are also assigned proportionally, and the seams created during the sealing task must remain minimal.
4. IDENTIFICATION
Recognizing the contents of packages can be simple when the exterior marking is deliberate. Numbers and capital letters in print are extremely readable, so military identification for these bags sticks to these specifications. The bag manufacturer and other details, including the variety such as “CALPAC ULTRAFOIL 500M MIL-PRF-131K CL.1,” are also printed onto the front.
5. SEALING
Paired with the unit packages, a guide with the jaw type sealer, band type sealer and rotary type sealer can help recipients understand the characteristics of the heat-sealed bags. Military standards indicate that the sealing information should accompany the bags for further use and storage.
6. SEAM STRENGTH
Retaining a stable seal can ensure that the bags will do their job. The seam strength has to hold up to the testing procedures and show no signs of weaknesses.
7. CRAFTSMANSHIP
The final products need to be skillfully created, which means splits, tears and cuts shouldn’t appear on the surface. Any extra matter or unsightly marks might be evidence of a malfunction. Even visual wrinkles and creases shouldn’t show up on bags, according to MIL-DTL-117.
