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Requirements for Light Fast Testing per MIL-A-8625F

I work for a finishing shop in Upstate NY and I am working to make sure we are doing all the required testing for our different processes that we are certifying to. In MIL-A-8625 / MIL-PRF-8625 [on DLA] it has light fast testing in the process control 4.3.3.1. However, 3.7.1.3 states that light fastness is required only when specified in the contract or purchase order. We have never had a purchase order or drawing require light fastness in my 4 years of doing this job.

So my question is, do I have to pay for monthly light fastness testing or only when required by the customer?

Robert Winkky
plating shop engineer - Elmira, New York, USA
August 30, 2011

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September 1, 2011

Basically, yes.
I would run scrap parts with that dye and then test it so that you are confident that it will pass.
There is no use in testing until you have a contract that calls for it, as anodize thickness and color will normally be slightly different from customer to customer.

If you have not seen it in 4 years, there is not much probability that you will ever see it.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida

Thank you for the response. Until we get a contract requiring the light fastness, I will not include it in our production control testing.

Robert Winkky
- Elmira, New York, USA
September 7, 2011