1) No current ID specification exists for these demands

2) No standardized and accepted testing norms exist for the qualification of suitable materials.

 

This situation requires a developed solution from outside sources including: new materials, processes and methods.

 

Sand-Storm-Proof labels came as a direct result of missing identification on materiel returning from deployment in Iraq and Afghanistan. Heretofore “durable” printed labels, laser marked labels and stamped plates were all fixed on parts deployed to these areas. When returned back for depot service or reconditioning, many of these employed ID methods were found to be missing or decayed. The decayed ID revealed the responsible agent as well; sand storms.

 

One of nature’s strongest forces acts with surprising regularity in the Middle East Theater. Whipping sand is capable of removing (obliterating) labels and plates with surprising efficiency. Interestingly enough, the effects of this environment seem to have not been weighed into the original design of the ID.

 

The challenge became how to calculate the force and simulate it in a laboratory environment in order to make a solid development. With no determinable test method available in any regulatory agency, it was necessary to create our own using a sand blaster. By specifying nozzle width and sand deployment force we created a test to evaluate an ID media resistance to sand storms.

 

Since we had no “passing” duration standard, we began by benchmarking new materials against products known to have failed in the field by sand storm abrasion. Once new products are deployed and returned from the desert field, we will have the data necessary to tune the standard to an actual performance number.

 

In any case, we were able to create new products which outperformed current ID media and are designed to perform in the sand storm environment.

 

Comparison Testing of Laser Labels in Sand Blasting Tests -

This test was created to benchmark the resistance to sand storms.

A leading UID Laser label was used to establish a point to exceed in durability.  

A leading UID Label

Sand Storm Proof Label from Aptus Global (Field Defense Label (tm))

Extreme Sand Storm Proof Label under development (Armor Defense Label(tm)

 Armor Painting, Re-Painting & Re-Painting

Armor manufacturers now demand UID media able to adhere to CARC paint and withstand 3 subsequent painting and repainting cycles. This is no easy demand to meet and one which requires a UID media with some special twists. Again, no real specification exists which helps in the engineering of the correct media. There are standards of adhesion to CARC but these standards were met by other media and still had instances of total adhesion loss.

 

Piercing armor to rivet plates on is also a difficult solution for permanence as it requires piercing steel and creates an egress point for corrosion. Once again a development project was opened to create a range of products which can withstand these demands. By utilizing the work already done on sand storm resistance, the focus is now on multiple cycle painting. The resolution to this challenge was somewhat easier as it was possible to borrow accepted test standards from the Automotive Industry.

 

This allowed for a benchmark status for the paint cycle issues and use of the multiple years of work already done with OEM Paint manufacturers. Confirmation of acceptability for CARC became the only remaining hurdle.

 

In both cases, the use of performance based standards instead of specification based standards was the key to a successful development. Laboratory testing is key to validating the concept data and achieving a new internal standard, but the pass/fail criteria must always rightly rest with the real world field data. This is the development standard engaged by our company for all projects and, we believe, key for anyone’s success in demanding application fields.