The Department of Defense (DoD) has included some changes in the newest version of MIL-STD 130 SPEC. The basic objective of the change is to improve product quality and ensure DoD security. The DoD has revised MIL STD 130 K, M, and MIL STD 130 L. Below we will discuss these changes.

New version of MIL-STD 130 SPEC M: This updated version of military standards emphasizes the need for quality checking of UID affiliated bar codes. According to the primary set of specifications, programmable stylus markers, laser marking, and chemical etching are major marking elements for these labels. The new set highlights several changes related to these three marking procedures:

• The C grade of AIM-DPM-2006 has been recommended for these three coding processes.

• The new version allows the inclusion of multiple angles while illuminating the mark. For instance, in cases of four-sided illumination a medium angle of 45 degree can be used.

• As for label printing, ISO 15415 contains all basic standards for dot peen, chemical etching, and laser engraving.

• The wavelength of lighting has been changed from 660 nm +/-10 nm to 640 nm +/- 20 nm.

New version of MIL-STD 130 SPEC N: The revised version recommends ISO-15415 and AS 9132 standards along with AIM-DPM marking specifications. These standards are applicable for all types of product identification. According to this new standard, the data matrix code has to stay below 16 percent of the diameter. This rule is applicable for data matrix encoding on curve surface. As for wavelength, data matrix symbols should maintain 650 nm =/- 20 nm range. As for liner barcodes, UPC/EAN codes have received new verification set up. A narrow bar (10.4-26 mil) and 6 mil aperture is recognized for these codes.

New version of MIL-STD 130 SPEC L: This revised version chiefly focuses on the print quality, encoding options, and marking procedures of these labels. SAE AS 9132 has been recommended for dot peen, chemical etching and laser encoding. All of this data encoding should grade a minimum cell size of 5 mil. ISO-15434 has been recommended for data matrix encoding. The B grade according to the ISO/IEC 15416 standard has been approved as the minimum level for linear codes.

UID Data validation process: The data validation process must meet all specifications stated in ISO-16022, ISO-15415, AS9132, and ISO -15416. The validation process should also meet AIM DPM quality standards.

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