MIL-STD-171 New Revision F released — It’s the military standard on Finishing of Metal and Wood Surfaces

Document Center recently notified its customers about the new MIL-STD-171 F dated 5/31/2011 on Finishing of Metal and Wood Surfaces.  The widely used standard covers the minimum requirements for finishing, and otherwise treating, metal and wood surfaces.  It replaces the MIL-STD-171E with Change Notice 1.

The document’s stated purpose is to establish finish system codes which link or cross reference specific specification information for finishing and otherwise treating metal and wood surfaces. It also serves as a general guide to the selection of suitable finishing materials, procedures and systems.  It covers both organic (paint, varnish, and so on) and inorganic (metal plating, phosphatized metal, and the like) coatings.

Of course, specialized systems particular to individual agencies are covered by drawings, specifications and standards published by those organizations and supplement MIL-STD-171.  Those procurement documents should make direct reference to the applicable specification. For example, MIL-STD-186 covers painting and other finishing of Army Missile weapon systems.

Finish system code numbers in the tables of MIL-STD-171 are intended to remain stable, since those code numbers are commonly referenced on drawings, in contracts and in end items specifications.

Where a system in a previous edition of the standard has been deleted from this new revision, the system to be used as a substitute is noted in the tables.

This standard, and all publicly distributed military standards, are available from Document Center Inc. Or contact us by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com).  Staff is available to help you with all your standards questions and requirements.