Certified to military standards (MIL-STD) is often referred to when it comes to rugged technology. The certification includes subjecting a device to drop and shock tests, among others, to indicate to consumers how rugged the device truly is. At MobileDemand, we are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality in ruggedness, durability, and performance, which is why we not only meet the MIL-STD standards, but we are continuously innovating in order to exceed these standards.
Some companies will claim their devices are designed, certified and tested to these standards, but might not be transparent in the method or results of the tests. At MobileDemand, we utilize a third-party testing organization to certify the ruggedness of all our xCases – four of which have now passed the MIL-STD-810H drop test standards from an unprecedented 10 feet!
Delivering unprecedented protection
MobileDemand utilizes a third-party organization to test a single device on every face, side, edge, corner, and surface, for a total of 26 drops, from a minimum of 4 feet onto the standard 2-inch plywood over concrete. But we don’t stop there. To prove the protection of the xCase even further, we now test our devices from 10 feet.
While a drop from 10 feet is not a common occurrence, we want our customers to feel confident that a drop from 5 feet is a piece of cake for the xCase. The xCases for the iPad Mini 6th Generation, Lenovo Tab K10 and Samsung Galaxy Tab Active series all passed after being dropped 26 times from 10 feet.
“While a device falling 10 feet may be uncommon in typical use cases, we chose to test from this distance to substantiate with our customers the xCase’s true value; ensuring complete device protection,” said Mark Daniels, Senior Product Manager for MobileDemand.
What is MIL-STD?
MIL-STD are a set of tests performed on a piece of equipment in order for the Department of Defense (DoD) to ensure it can withstand the harsh undertakings of a military endeavor. It is essential that the equipment is completely reliable under these stresses to ensure safety and success.
Notice we said equipment and not technology. While computer technology such as tablets must pass MIL-STD standards to even be considered by the DoD, these tests are by no means exclusive to computers. Tanks, body armor, and many other types of equipment used by the military are tested using at least part of MIL-STD in one form or another.
MIL-STD covers a broad spectrum of tests, ranging from the ability to withstand extreme temperatures, humidity, sand, dust and rain, and protection from vibration and shock. In the consumer business world these MIL tests, specifically the drop test for shock, are designed to measure the durability of the equipment, not if it can withstand battlefield conditions.
Testing a rugged tablet
To test a tablet for shock, the device (up to 5 different devices are allowed) is dropped on every side, face, edge, and corner onto 2-inch plywood over concrete - that's the most common interpretation. At the end of the drop test, the tablet must be fully functional with no significant damage. MIL-STD is written out in an 800-page semi-specific document, defining every test, procedure, and data collection method that is to be used for the standard – read the entire document.
For our purpose, the following is an example for the shock test from the document:
“Perform the shock test at the selected level, and examine the recorded data to assure the test is within tolerance.”
While it's very specific about how to test the device and how to collect data, it doesn’t specify what "level," or how high to drop the equipment from. It just says “selected level,” which leaves it up to each organization to interpret how they choose. A piece of technology could easily be MIL-STD certified, but only for a 1-foot drop while using the allowed 5 different devices. That’s unimpressive by nearly every standard.
“Other companies are forced to use the maximum 5 allotted devices to pass the drop test standard,” said Daniels. “MobileDemand’s 10-foot drop tests typically utilize a single device and the Samsung Galaxy Tab Active3, for example, completed all 26 drops with no damage to the device.”
Our dedication to exceeding MIL-STD standards is not just about meeting a benchmark; it's about redefining the expectations for rugged technology. By going above and beyond in testing procedures, especially with the remarkable 10-foot drop test, we ensure our products are more than just durable—they are a reliable partner in the toughest of environments.