Tag: AMS 2405

What’s up with AMS 2405???

Recently it came to our attention that there was a discrepancy in the bibliographic information showing for the new AMS 2405 Revision D, “Electroless Nickel Plating, Low Phosphorus,” and the actual document itself.  Since Document Center customers have purchased many copies of this standard from us over the years, we decided to track it down.

Using our contacts at SAE (the standards developer for this Aerospace Material Standard), we sent off an email to the Editorial Consultant for the AMS Committee B (the committee in charge of this document).  Here’s what we found out:

Previously, AMS 2405 had been declared “Non Current.”  However, the committee determined that some folks were still using the document for hydrogen embrittlement relief consistent with similar plating specifications.

In order to rectify the situation, the committee has decided to change the status of AMS 2405 to “Stabilized.”  However, they didn’t want to stabilize a Non-Current Standard.

So the Revision D is a temporary administrative update, changing the status of the document from Non-Current to Current.  It is now in the process of being re-issued yet again, this time as a Revision E.  And the new status of Revision E will be “Stabilized.”

With the release of the upcoming AMS 2405 Revision E, the document will not be reviewed for updates any longer.  Users of the AMS 2405 will be directed to consider the use of the AMS 2404, “Plating, Electroless Nickel,” as a substitute for the 2405.  The committee actively discourages the use of the AMS 2405 any longer.

Document Center has been selling the SAE standards at our webstore, www.document-center.com, since the 1980’s.  With our long-standing relationship with SAE, we are able to research out the questions you may have concerning these publications.  You can always get in touch with us by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com) if you have any further questions for us.  We’re Your Standards Experts and we’re here to help you with all your compliance documentation issues.

What does “Noncurrent” mean for AMS Standards?

Here at Document Center, we often are asked very specific questions about standards.  Just yesterday, a client asked me about the AMS 2405.  He wanted to know what “Noncurrent” meant in the title.

“Do you remember the use of the phrase ‘Inactive for New Design’ in Mil Specs and Standards?” I queried.  And of course, because this customer has been doing business with us since the 1980’s, he certainly did.  “Noncurrent is the SAE equivalent status.”

However there are some subtle differences in the two terms.  A noncurrent standard is not recommended for new design, but still can be used.  A document that is inactive for new design cannot be used for new design.

So the AMS 2405 has not been recommended for new design since 2000, when SAE released the notice of noncurrent status  as AMS 2405 Revision C.  We looked to see if SAE had suggested another standard for new design, but no.   Our closest match was the AMS 2404.

It is not uncommon for standards users not to fully understand the administrative terminology that is used to describe the document by the issuing agency.  If you ever have any questions about the status of a particular document, please get in touch with us.  There are many situations where this type of confusion can negatively impact your business.

You can always use the Document Center webstore at www.document-center.com to place your orders and look up information on the standards you need.  But you can also contact us by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com) with any questions you may have.