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How to Package for Military Spec and Long-term Storage

Mil-spec packaging starts with reading the contract, because the wrong bag or method can get a shipment rejected. This guide walks through cleaning and drying parts, choosing barrier materials like MIL-PRF-131 foil bags, MIL-PRF-121 wrap, and MIL-DTL-117 poly bags, and adding desiccant and humidity indicator cards. It also covers proper heat sealing and marking. Common mistakes include too little desiccant and using an impulse sealer on foil bags.

Follow the contract's packaging requirements exactly. For moisture-sensitive parts, seal them in a vapor barrier bag with the right amount of desiccant.

Steps

  1. Read the contract or purchase order first. It names the standard (usually MIL-STD-2073-1 or MIL-STD-129 for marking) and the method to use.
  2. Clean and dry the part before packing. Moisture or oil sealed inside the bag will cause corrosion later.
  3. Pick the barrier material using the table below.
  4. Add desiccant sized to the bag and storage time, plus a humidity indicator card so receivers can check the pack without opening it.
  5. Remove excess air, heat seal the bag with a constant-heat sealer, and check the seal along its full length.
  6. Mark and label the package as the contract requires, including part number, NSN, and pack date.

 

Need

Typical material

Moisture and vapor barrier for metal parts and electronics

MIL-PRF-131 foil vapor barrier bags

Waterproof, greaseproof wrap

MIL-PRF-121 barrier material

Clear, heat-sealable bags for general parts

MIL-DTL-117 poly bags

Rust protection without desiccant

VCI bags or paper

Small parts, documents, or rods

Mil-spec paper bags and tubes

Common Mistakes

  • Using the wrong bag class or method because the contract wasn’t checked. This leads to rejected shipments.
  • Too little desiccant for long storage, or desiccant left open to air before packing, which uses it up.
  • Sealing foil bags with an impulse sealer made for thin poly, which leaves weak seals.

Call S&S When

You have a government or defense contract, need mil-spec bags, paper bags, or tubes, or want help reading a packaging requirement.

 

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