MIL-STD humidity compliance testing evaluates how materials resist the effects of warm, humid atmospheres. As a MIL-STD-810 certified lab, we realize the importance of 810 humidity testing. We understand the challenges and guide companies through the process. Meeting the MIL-810 environmental conditions requirements can be difficult.
Keystone Compliance has a reputation for helping customers achieve their MIL-STD product certifications. We create accurate test plans to eliminate expensive over-testing. Our team also takes pride in providing comprehensive reports shortly after completion of the MIL-810 standard testing. Keystone takes a consultative approach throughout the entire test program.
Request a quote to learn why we are one of the fastest growing compliance test labs in the country. Ready to get started? We are. Contact us to see why so many companies work with us to achieve their military standard testing needs.
The Importance MIL-STD Humidity Compliance Testing
This MIL-STD-810 compliance method applies to material that is likely to be stored or deployed in a humid environment. Lastly, it provides an indication of potential problems associated with humidity.
This 810-test method does not reflect all of the humidity effects and test conditions associated with the natural environment. Nor does it attempt to duplicate warm humid environments. However, it is intended to reveal potential problem areas in the material. This MIL-STD-810 test method includes natural and induced temperature/humidity cycles for identified climatic categories.
Though it is better to test material at appropriate environment sites, it is not always possible because of cost, logistics, or schedule considerations. Keystone Compliance understands that the MIL-STD compliance testing requirements can be intimidating. Request a quote to see why we are one of the fastest-growing test labs in the country.
How MIL-STD-810 Humidity Testing Affects a Product
After looking at the required documents, use the following notes below to confirm the need for MIL-STD 810 Test 507. Note the potential synergistic effects of temperature, humidity and altitude and use Method 520 in conjunction with MIL-STD 810 lab Method 507.
Humidity conditions have physical and chemical effects on material. They can also trigger synergistic effects or condensation inside the material. Consider the following list to help determine if this MIL-810 Standard is appropriate for the material being tested. This list is not intended to be all-inclusive.
- Oxidation and/or galvanic corrosion of metal.
- Increased chemical reactions.
- Chemical or electrochemical breakdown of organic and inorganic surface coatings.
- Changes in friction coefficients, resulting in binding or sticking.
- Swelling of material due to sorption effects.
- Loss of physical strength.
- Delamination of composite materials.
- Change in elasticity or plasticity.
- decline of hygroscopic materials.
- Degradation of lubricants.
- Decline of explosive or propellants by absorption.
If these standards could affect the results unrealistically, perform humidity testing last. Also, it is generally wrong to conduct this test on the same test sample that has already been subjected to salt fog, sand and dust, or fungus testing. Consider these dynamic tests before humidity control testing.
MIL-810 Humidity Test Procedures
MIL-STD-810 Method 507 testing standards consists of two procedures. The materials may show other scenarios that are not specifically addressed in the procedures. Tailor the procedures as necessary to capture the life cycle variations.
Some important considerations with the military testing procedures include the operational purpose of the material and the natural exposure circumstances. Test data is required to determine if the operational purpose of the material has been met, lastly, test duration.
Procedure I – Induced – Once a cycle is chosen, the storage and transit portion is performed first. Followed by the corresponding natural environment portion of the cycle. Consider the internal humidity being caused by entrapped, highly humid air.
The presence of water and penetration of moisture through test item seals can also be a cause of highly humid air. Lastly, release of water or water vapor from hygroscopic material within the test item may affect the item.
Procedure II – Aggravated – Procedure II exposes test items to more extreme temperature and humidity levels than those found in nature. These temperatures last a shorter time span. An advantage of this MIL-STD-810 standard procedure is that it produces quick results.
This humidity method 507 test may model temperature-humidity effects sooner than in the natural or induced procedures. Lastly, this military standard test plan is used to spot potential problem areas within a product.
Test Temperatures Used During MIL-STD 810 Humidity Testing
Specific test temperature – Humidity values are usually selected from the requirements in the documents. If this data is not available, base the test humidity values on the areas in which the test item will be used.
Constant High humidity (Cycle B1) – This high humidity is most often found in tropical areas. Although, it briefly occurs seasonally in the mid-latitudes. Exposed material is likely to be constantly wet or damp for many days at a time. The conditions can exist anywhere from 25 to 30 days each month in the most humid areas of the tropics.
Cycle high Humidity (Cycle B2) – These conditions are found in the open tropical areas where radiation is a factor. If the item is subject to direct solar radiation exposure, it is allowed to conduct the natural cycle with simulated solar radiation. In these areas, exposed items are subject to alternate wetting and drying periods. The frequency and duration of occurrence are essentially the same as the Constant High Humidity Cycle.
Hot-humid (Cycle B3) – Severe dew point conditions occur 10 to 15 times a year along a coastal strip less than five miles wide. This cycle is unique to material to be deployed specifically in the Persian Gulf or Red Sea regions. It is not to be used as a substitute for worldwide exposure requirements where B1 or B2 would apply.
Keystone Compliance Provides Humidity Lab Testing Services
Keystone Compliance has one of the best test method 507, humidity testing labs in the country. We employ expert MIL-810 test engineers and properly equip our military testing lab in order to provide certifications for military compliance testing. Our team strives to give our customers more time and energy on product development instead of testing.
Request a quote and learn why so many manufacturers rely on Keystone Compliance to meet their MIL-STD 810 compliance and temperature shock testing and needs. Have a question about humidity testing? Contact us or call (724) 657-9940 and we will determine the best course of action.