Age Control for Elastomeric Materials
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Easun - MR TechnicalAge Control for Elastomeric Materials
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Easun - MR TechnicalCommon questions
Powered by AIMIL-STD-1523, which replaced ANA Bulletin 438 in 1973, introduced a standardized cure date limitation of twelve quarters from the date of cure to acceptance of elastomeric seals. This change aimed to improve FIFO (First In - First Out) warehousing procedures and reduce ambiguities and misinterpretations .
Post World War II, the need for strict age control on elastomers used in critical sealing devices in aircraft hydraulic, lubricating, and fuel systems arose due to inconsistencies in the quality and properties of elastomeric materials over time, which could lead to failures in critical aerospace applications. With evolving performance demands and observed degradation, age control was seen as necessary to ensure reliability and safety in these critical applications .
The cure date limitation in MIL-STD-1523 was deemed necessary for ensuring better inventory management using FIFO procedures and for maintaining a consistent quality standard in the acceptance of elastomeric seals, given that initial evaluations of elastomer properties showed significant improvements but still required controlled management .
The Air Force report AFML-TR-67-235 concluded that elastomer properties had significantly improved from earlier evaluations, warranting less restrictive age control rules. This report contributed to the policy changes by highlighting the advancements in elastomer technology and supporting a systematic update in age control standards, which led to the development of less restrictive documents like MIL-STD-1523 .
Studies summarized by AFML-TR-67-235 indicated that elastomer materials saw significant property improvements over time, which allowed for less stringent age control procedures. Such advancements meant that materials now had better longevity and reliability, thus enabling the adoption of modified and potentially less costly procedures, reflecting a greater alignment with modern materials capabilities .
ANA Bulletin 438 was released to collect all previous requirements for age control into a single document, aiming to simplify and standardize the implementation of age control practices and reduce inconsistencies and confusion among various agencies and contractors .
The post-World War II era saw increased reliance on advanced materials for critical applications, such as aircraft systems, which required dependable performance from elastomers. The varied properties of elastomers over time necessitated strict age control practices to ensure durability and reliability, reflecting broader trends in technological advancements and quality assurance needs of the period .
Using FIFO (First In - First Out) warehousing procedures for managing elastomeric seals ensures that the oldest products are used first, which helps in reducing waste from expired products, maintaining consistent quality standards, and ensuring the timely use of products with limited shelf life .
Misinterpretations of ANA Bulletin 438 regarding age control led to abuses, significant cost increases, and the inconsistent application of exceptions. These issues highlighted the complexities and misunderstandings inherent in the document, indicating a need for clearer guidance and new standards .
Maintaining a twelve-quarter cure date limitation can present logistical challenges such as increased inventory tracking costs, potential waste from expired inventory, and the need for rigorous documentation to ensure compliance. It can also limit flexibility in production and procurement processes, especially in fast-paced industries, requiring stringent coordination across different sectors of supply chain management .
