Q. What is MIL-STD-810F?
This is a series of performance and manufacturing guidelines set by the US Department of Defence for military and commercial equipment and applications. These guidelines specify allowable parts and environmental condition ranges that a tool or other device must be able to operate in to meet compliance.
MIL-STD 810 E and F are generally accepted as the highest standard for ruggedized testing by mobile computer manufacturers.
The MIL-STD 810 test method is used to generate confidence in the environmental worthiness and overall durability of material system design. The testing process follows guidelines that include programme documentation, programme roles, test standards and laboratory test method guidelines for all categories. The laboratory test methods are broken down into 24 categories. The required compliance test categories include:
Environment |
MIL-STD 810F |
Low Pressure (Altitude) |
Method 500.4 |
High Temperature |
Method 501.4 |
Low Temperature |
Method 502.4 |
Temperature Shock |
Method 503.4 |
Contamination by Fluids |
Method 504 |
Solar Radiation (Sunshine) |
Method 505.4 |
Rain |
Method 506.4 |
Humidity |
Method 507.4 |
Fungus |
Method 508.5 |
Salt Fog |
Method 509.4 |
Sand and Dust |
Method 510.4 |
Explosive Atmosphere |
Method 511.4 |
Immersion |
Method 512.4 |
Acceleration |
Method 513.5 |
Vibration |
Method 514.5 |
Acoustic Noise |
Method 515.5 |
Shock |
Method 516.5 |
Pyroshock |
Method 517 |
Acidic Atmosphere |
Method 518 |
Gunfire Vibration |
Method 519.5 |
Temperature, Humidity, Vibration, and Altitude |
Method 520.2 |
Icing/Freezing Rain |
Method 521.2 |
Ballistic Shock |
Method 522 |
Vibro-Acoustic/Temperature |
Method 523.2 |
Before testing can begin, the item has to have environmental exposure, which means that the test item is run under standard ambient conditions to ensure the item is operating properly and to ensure pretest baseline performance data is collected. The actual tests are carried out according to pre-defined test plans and criteria. The tests can be laboratory or natural environment field tests, or a combination, which ever applies. The test procedure is dependent on the environment tested. The procedure(s) and its execution provide the basis for collecting the necessary information.
After completion of each environmental test, the post-test data is examined and recorded in accordance with material specifications and program guidelines. The results are compared with the pre-test data. The post test record includes: test sequence used, deviations from planned test program, performance data, test conditions and a signature of the test team, to name a few. A final test report will be created for each test that includes an analysis of the test results.
Some products will carry a MIL-STD 810E rating and some may state they are MIL-STD 810F compliant. MIL-STD 810F is a revision of MIL-STD 810E. The tests and methods are basically the same but much of the standard has been rewritten to provide clearer direction. Many of the changes found with the MIL-STD 810F are minor or administrative in nature, but technical changes and improvements can be found throughout (i.e. additional technical testing guidelines).