MIL-DTL-117 is the current United States military specification that defines performance requirements for heat-sealable MIL-DTL-117 barrier bags used in military preservation packaging. Organizations managing defense contracts, aerospace manufacturing, and specialized logistics operations depend on packaging built to this specification when equipment and components must maintain operational readiness through demanding storage and transportation environments.
Originally issued in 1953 as MIL-B-117, the specification has undergone multiple revisions to address advancing packaging technology and evolving military logistics requirements. The current version, MIL-DTL-117H (with Amendment 2, December 2009), replaced the legacy designation and established updated testing protocols and performance standards.
Barrier bags function as critical components within military preservation systems, protecting sensitive electronics, precision components, and mission-critical equipment from moisture intrusion, contamination, and environmental degradation throughout global supply chains. These MIL-DTL-117 bags are widely specified in defense contracts requiring verified mil-spec packaging compliance and long-term environmental protection performance.
Why Military Packaging Specifications Matter
Military and defense equipment often travels through demanding transportation routes and extended storage periods before deployment. Shipments pass through humid tropical climates, extreme temperature variations, and prolonged warehousing cycles where environmental exposure can compromise equipment performance.
Moisture exposure leads to corrosion on metal components and circuit degradation in electronic assemblies. Particulate contamination damages precision mechanisms. Physical impacts during handling can compromise protective packaging integrity. Each failure point threatens mission readiness and operational capability.
Military packaging specifications establish consistent performance standards across manufacturers and logistics providers. When packaging materials meet documented specifications like MIL-DTL-117, procurement officials can verify compliance through standardized testing rather than relying on unsubstantiated claims. Defense contractors working with government agencies reference these specifications in contract requirements to ensure predictable protection, regardless of sourcing.
What MIL-DTL-117 Covers
The MIL-DTL-117 specification outlines comprehensive requirements for heat-sealable barrier bags used in military preservation packaging. According to the specification's scope statement, these bags are "intended for use in specialized military methods of preservation" where environmental protection is critical to maintaining equipment operational status. These requirements apply to a wide range of military barrier bags used across preservation, storage, and transport environments.
The specification defines several mandatory performance characteristics:
- Water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) resistance to limit moisture intrusion into sealed packaging environments – Moisture control prevents corrosion and electronic component degradation during storage
- Greaseproof construction to protect contents from petroleum-based contaminants and preserve barrier integrity
- Flexibility and durability to withstand handling stresses throughout the military logistics chain
- Heat-seal compatibility enabling secure closure that maintains package integrity during transportation
- Puncture and tear resistance to prevent barrier failures from mechanical stress or rough handling
Each bag must be marked with specific identification information printed in 10-point type capital letters: Specification number and revision letter, Type/Class/Style designation, manufacturer name, and month/year of fabrication. This marking requirement ensures traceability and verification during receiving inspection. Evaluating this required printing can help you determine if your packaging is compliant.
Understanding MIL-DTL-117 Classifications
MIL-DTL-117 uses a three-part classification system to categorize bags by duty rating, barrier performance level, and transparency. Understanding this structure is essential for selecting the correct specification for specific packaging requirements. Engineers and procurement teams frequently specify MIL-DTL-117 barrier bags by Type, Class, and Style when ordering certified military preservation packaging materials.
Type – Duty Rating and Material Construction
- Type I: Heavy-duty
- Type II: Medium-duty
- Type III: Light-duty
- Type IV: Extra-heavy duty for enhanced mechanical strength
Class – Barrier Performance Level
- Class B: Waterproof protection for general packaging
- Class C: Waterproof & Greaseproof, typically kraft/poly construction
- Class E: Water vapor-proof & greaseproof for maximum moisture protection
- Class F: Water vapor-proof & greaseproof protection of Class E with added electrostatic and electromagnetic shielding for protection for sensitive electronics.
- Class H: Waterproof and static shielding without vapor barrier requirements
Style – Transparency
- Style 1: Opaque (foil and kraft bags)
- Style 2: Transparent or translucent (clear poly bags)
- Style 3: Combination, one side opaque, other side transparent
Common Specification Examples:
- MIL-DTL-117H Type I, Class E, Style 1: Maximum moisture barrier foil bags manufactured from MIL-PRF-131 Class 1 material – used for long-term preservation of moisture-sensitive equipment
- MIL-DTL-117H Type I, Class F, Style 1: ESD-protective foil bags manufactured from MIL-PRF-81705 material – used for electrostatic-sensitive electronics and circuit cards
- MIL-DTL-117H Type III, Class C, Style 1: Light-duty kraft/poly bags – used for moderate protection applications not requiring vapor barrier performance
Relationship Between MIL-DTL-117 and Material Specifications
Understanding the relationship between pouch specifications and material specifications prevents confusion in procurement and manufacturing:
- MIL-DTL-117 is the pouch specification – it defines requirements for the finished heat-sealable bag including dimensions, construction methods, sealing parameters, marking, and testing procedures
- MIL-PRF-131 is a material specification – it defines requirements for flexible, heat-sealable barrier materials (foil laminates) used to manufacture pouches commonly converted into MIL-DTL-117 foil barrier bags
- MIL-PRF-81705 is a material specification – it defines requirements for ESD-protective barrier materials used in MIL-DTL-117 Class F static-shielding barrier bags
- MIL-PRF-121 is a material specification – it defines requirements for kraft/poly barrier materials used in MIL-DTL-117 Class C waterproof military packaging bags
MIL-DTL-117 pouches are manufactured from materials meeting MIL-PRF specifications – they are not "combined" or "layered." For example, a Type I, Class E, Style 1 pouch is converted from MIL-PRF-131 Class 1 material through cutting, forming, and heat-sealing operations. The material specification defines barrier properties; the pouch specification defines how that material is fabricated into a finished package.
MIL-DTL-117 Integration with MIL-STD-2073 Preservation Methods
MIL-DTL-117 bags are specifically called out in MIL-STD-2073, the Department of Defense standard practice for military packaging which is cited in the special packaging instructions (SPI) of many government contracts. The specification identifies these bags as required components for several preservation methods requiring compliant MIL-STD-2073 packaging materials:
- Method 31 – Preservation in accordance with special instruction
- Method 32 – Preservation using barrier materials
- Method 33 – Preservation using watervaporproof barrier materials
- Method 41 – Preservation with desiccant
- Method 42 – Preservation with desiccant and barrier materials
- Method 51 – Preservation with volatile corrosion inhibitor (VCI)
- Method 52 – Preservation with VCI and barrier materials
These preservation methods address different levels of environmental protection based on expected storage duration, transportation conditions, and equipment sensitivity. MIL-DTL-117 bags provide the barrier component within these preservation systems, working in conjunction with desiccants, VCI materials, cartons, and other outer protective packaging.
Defense contractors and military logistics personnel reference MIL-STD-2073 to determine which preservation method applies to specific equipment, then source MIL-DTL-117 bags with appropriate Type/Class specifications to meet those requirements.
Ordering MIL-DTL-117 Barrier Bags for Contract Compliance
When sourcing MIL-DTL-117 barrier bags from a qualified MIL-DTL-117 manufacturer, contractors typically specify Type, Class, and Style designations along with material requirements such as MIL-PRF-131 or MIL-PRF-81705 to ensure compatibility with MIL-STD-2073 preservation methods. Selecting the correct MIL-DTL-117 custom bags helps ensure packaging passes receiving inspection and meets defense contract documentation requirements.
How MIL-DTL-117 Bags Function in Packaging Systems
MIL-DTL-117 barrier bags operate as environmental protection layers within multi-component packaging systems designed to address multiple failure modes:
Internal Environment Control
Equipment is placed inside the barrier bag along with moisture control materials such as MIL-D-3464 desiccants (clay or silica gel). These desiccants absorb residual humidity present inside the package after sealing. For metal components requiring corrosion protection, VCI (volatile corrosion inhibitor) materials such as wraps or emitters may be included to provide vapor-phase protection on metal surfaces as part of complete military preservation packaging systems.
Barrier Sealing
The bag is heat-sealed using equipment calibrated to manufacturer recommendations for temperature, pressure, and dwell time. Proper sealing parameters ensure consistent seal strength meeting the specification's requirement for no separation during 5-minute testing. The sealed barrier creates a controlled atmosphere that slows moisture vapor transmission from external environments into the protected space.
Outer Packaging Protection
The sealed barrier bag is then placed inside outer packaging structures – corrugated containers, wooden crates, or reinforced shipping cases – that absorb mechanical impacts during handling and transportation. This layered approach allows the barrier bag to focus on environmental protection while structural packaging manages physical stresses.
Applications Beyond Defense Markets
While MIL-DTL-117 originated as a military specification, commercial manufacturers facing similar packaging challenges have adopted these barrier technologies for non-military applications. Industries managing global supply chains, precision manufacturing, and long-term equipment and MRO storage encounter environmental protection requirements that parallel defense logistics:
- Aerospace component manufacturers protecting avionics, instrumentation, and mechanical assemblies during shipping to assembly facilities or maintenance operations
- Electronics OEMs requiring ESD protection and moisture barrier packaging for circuit boards, semiconductor components, and sensitive assemblies
- Precision machinery suppliers preventing corrosion on machined metal parts, bearings, and tooling during international shipment
- Medical device manufacturers protecting sterile components and instruments during distribution
Commercial procurement specifications often reference military standards when barrier performance requirements align with MIL-DTL-117 capabilities. Manufacturers supplying both defense and commercial markets maintain packaging systems compliant with military specifications to streamline production and ensure consistent protection across all customer applications.
Heat Sealing Parameters and Best Practices
Finished MIL-DTL-117 bags can be sealed with different types of equipment based upon the requirements of the final application:
- Jaw-type sealers
- Band-type sealers
- Rotary-type sealers
Temperature and pressure parameters vary based on material construction and thickness. Following manufacturer recommendations ensures consistent seal strength across production runs. Operators should validate sealing equipment calibration periodically and conduct visual seal inspection to identify incomplete fusion or contamination before final packaging.
Common sealing failures include insufficient temperature (weak seals that separate under stress), excessive temperature (material degradation or burn-through), inadequate pressure (incomplete fusion), and contamination in the seal area (particulates or moisture preventing proper bonding).
Storage Conditions and Shelf-Life Considerations
MIL-DTL-117 bags themselves require proper storage to maintain sealing performance and barrier properties. Bags should be stored in clean, dry environments away from direct sunlight and heat sources. UV exposure degrades polymer materials over time, reducing flexibility and seal strength.
Packaging end users should implement first-in-first-out (FIFO) inventory rotation based on fabrication dates marked on each bag. While barrier materials maintain performance for extended periods under proper storage, material properties can degrade over years of warehousing, particularly in uncontrolled temperature environments.
Organizations maintaining large barrier bag inventories should establish quality control protocols including periodic seal testing on aged material to verify continued compliance with specification requirements.
MIL-DTL-117 Barrier Bags from Royco Packaging
Royco Packaging manufactures MIL-DTL-117 barrier bags and certified mil-spec packaging materials for defense contractors, military logistics operations, and commercial manufacturers requiring verified quality and performance. As a U.S. MIL-DTL-117 manufacturer operating from our ISO 9001:2015 certified facility, we maintain complete manufacturing control from material procurement through pouch fabrication and final testing.
We supply stock sizes for immediate shipment and provide custom manufacturing for specialized dimensions, configurations, and volume requirements. Our certified packaging specialists offer technical consultation on barrier selection, MIL-STD-2073 preservation methodology, and packaging system design. Royco also supports programs requiring MIL-PRF-131 foil barrier bags, MIL-PRF-81705 ESD barrier bags, MIL-PRF-121 kraft barrier bags, mil-spec roll stock, desiccants, VCI corrosion protection materials, and V3C and W5C military boxes.
Every order ships with complete certification documentation including Certificates of Compliance and material traceability to Qualified Products List (QPL) sources, ensuring your packaging meets contract requirements and passes receiving inspection without delay.
Contact Royco Packaging today for technical guidance on MIL-DTL-117 barrier bags and military preservation packaging solutions. Our team provides same-day response to quote requests and specification inquiries.