Testing Procedures for Military & Government Agencies
When you’re tasked with governing and protecting your country, you need buildings, materials and equipment you can rely on to do what they’re intended to do. Whether you’re building a new communications system with cutting-edge optical fiber cables or developing new naval equipment, you need to know that the materials you use are robust enough to withstand the pressures they’ll encounter. At VTEC Laboratories, we are leaders in military standards testing.
Military and Government Contracting Testing Lab
Reliability and safety are paramount in the military industry. Testing standards for military and government contractors ensure the performance, quality and readiness of your products. At VTEC Laboratories, our military standard testing methods put equipment and materials through the rigorous environmental stresses they will likely encounter during their life cycle, evaluating products for any deficiencies or defects. Products that demonstrate reliability during test phases are more likely to be reliable when it counts.
We pride ourselves in excellent work in various testing methods so you can meet demanding deadlines while avoiding costly design errors. Our military and naval engineering standards (NES) testing lab covers many industries and product types, helping you navigate the challenges of military and defense testing standards. Before testing, we work with your organization to confirm the specific tests or portions of tests you need performed. Our streamlined testing process uses the most advanced software to bring your products from development to end-use quickly and efficiently.
The following testing procedures and standards are commonly used for military and government applications.
NES 711
Naval Engineering Standard 711 — usually referred to as NES 711 — uses small specimens of materials to determine the smoke production potential. The specimens are 75 mm by 75 mm with a thickness of less than 25 mm. They’re tested for a minimum of 24 hours under varying temperatures that cause either combustion or pyrolysis, which is the deterioration of materials due to heat.
Knowing how much smoke is produced by a material enables military and government organizations to make the appropriate choices when designing equipment.
NES 713
Knowing the potential toxicity of the smoke, gases and particles produced when a material is burned is important for personnel safety. NES 713 provides a toxicity index of the various molecules that are produced by the combustion of small material specimens.
Acid Gas Testing
Optical fiber cables are sheathed in other materials in order to protect them from damage. The ACID GAS evolution test detects whether a sheathing or insulation material emits corrosive gases when exposed to high temperatures or flames. This determines whether the materials contain compounds — such as halogen — that can emit corrosive gases and harm equipment and personnel.
UL 1685
UL 1685 is a vertical-tray flame test that’s used to measure the spread of cable flames and smoke production for electrical and optical fiber cables when exposed to a fire. Knowing the flammability of these types of cables enables organizations to remain in compliance with safety standards.
MIL-C-24643
The MIL-C-24643 cable specification sets the standard for low smoke electric cable used in Navy shipboard applications. These cables are considered a safe option for shipboard systems and are used for power, electronics, instrumentation, communication, control lighting and other special purposes. Testing ensures products are manufactured to the highest standards, eliminating concerns for toxicity and flammability.
MIL-C-13486B
The MIL-C-13486B cable specification covers insulated, heavy-duty electric cables used in low-tension circuits. Testing ensures both shielded and unshielded cables are manufactured to the highest standards.
MIL-DTL-24640
The MIL-DTL-24640 cable specification covers lightweight, low smoke electrical cables suitable for Navy shipboard applications. Testing can determine temperature and voltage ratings and ensures products meet the design, performance and detail requirements.
MIL-DTL-24643
The MIL-DTL-24643 cable specification covers halogen-free, low smoke electric cable as used for Navy shipboard applications. Testing ensures materials used in construction meet this specification's requirements and that all materials are halogen-free or have no more than 0.2% halogen content. Testing also ensures minimal smoke emissions, making cable safe in applications where human safety could be a concern.
MIL-P-8053C
The MIL-P-8053C covers metal-faced plywood. Suppliers are responsible for all inspection requirements to ensure quality conformance.
MIL-STD-2031
The MIL-STD-2031 provides fire and toxicity standards for composite material systems used in machinery, hull and structural applications. Testing can be provided for any composites, including metallic, carbon, ceramic or organic matric materials, and ensures composites are fit for use in the closed environment of submarines.
MIL-STD-810
the MIL-STD-810 covers the environmental factors military equipment will likely face in all stages of its service life. Testing involves replicating environmental conditions in a controlled laboratory setting through the use of temperature, vibration, shock, humidity and other simulation capabilities.
Trust VTEC for Your Military Testing Needs
Since 1982, we’ve built a reputation for excellence and have become one of the world’s leading international commercial testing companies. We are dedicated to performing high-quality tests and delivering outstanding customer service. That’s why we aim to inform our customers about each test as well as its benefits for their projects.
We also have the capabilities to perform on-site testing and field testing when requested, including at government bases, customer facilities and field trails. In addition, since we know there can be times when a standard test doesn’t yield the information you need, our team of engineers designs custom tests according to your project’s requirements.
We are an A2LA, ISO 17020, 17025 and 17065-accredited laboratory. Our client list includes the U.S. Navy, the Naval Service Warfare Center, the New York City Housing Authority and the City of Los Angeles Buildings Department. We're also proud to be an accredited vendor for NAVSEA, New York City DOT, New York City Transit Authority and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Request a Military Standards Testing Free Quote
At VTEC Laboratories, we have more than three decades of experience, which has given us an extensive array of expertise in multiple industries, including military testing standards. Our comprehensive services meet each field's rigorous standards, needs and objectives, ensuring your products are up to the military's stringent specifications.
For more information about our services or to request a free, no-obligation quote, please fill out our contact form or call 718-542-8248. We would be happy to discuss your military testing needs, help you navigate sometimes confusing military standards and guide you through the testing process for your products.
Learn More About VTEC Services
At VTEC Laboratories, our role as a multi-functional company stems from our more than three decades of experience. Due to our extensive expertise in multiple industries, we provide comprehensive services that meet each field’s unique standards, needs and objectives.
Learn more about our services by contacting us online or calling us at (718) 542-8248.