MIL-F-19700 — Fasteners, Screw Threaded, Non-Magnetic
MIL-F-19700A(SH) describes the characteristics of non-magnetic, screw-threaded fasteners and related items that are otherwise dimensionally in conformance with recognized military and industrial hardware standards. It's a supplemental specification — layered on top of a fastener's normal governing standard — for shipboard equipment sensitive to magnetic signature, such as mine countermeasure vessels and sonar systems.
At a Glance
Overview
MIL-F-19700A describes the characteristics of non-magnetic, screw-threaded fasteners and related items that remain dimensionally in conformance with the recognized military and industrial standards normally used for that part shape — a hex bolt made under this specification still matches its usual head, thread, and dimensional standard, but with added magnetic-property requirements layered on top.
The specification's stated intent is explicit: it is meant to supplement, not supersede, the specifications normally used for the acquisition of threaded fasteners and related items. In practice, this means a fastener drawing or purchase order calls out both its normal governing standard (an MS, NAS, or federal specification) and MIL-F-19700, with the latter adding the non-magnetic material and testing requirement.
- The "(SH)" designator identifies Naval Sea Systems Command (Ships) as the specification's custodian, reflecting its origin in shipboard equipment where magnetic signature control is safety- or mission-critical.
- Typical driving applications include mine countermeasure vessels, degaussing systems, and equipment near sensitive magnetic or sonar instrumentation, where standard ferrous or magnetically-susceptible fastener alloys could interfere with function or increase detectability.
Typical Non-Magnetic Material Options
MIL-F-19700 doesn't invent new fastener geometries — it adds a non-magnetic material requirement to an existing part standard. Common qualifying alloys include:
How MIL-F-19700 Is Typically Called Out
| Drawing Element | Role |
|---|---|
| Base Fastener Standard | Defines geometry, thread, head style (e.g. an MS or NAS bolt drawing) |
| MIL-F-19700 | Adds non-magnetic material and verification requirement |
| Magnetic Permeability Test | Confirms the finished part meets the specified non-magnetic threshold |
MIL-F-19700 is a supplemental specification — it's always paired with a fastener's normal governing document (such as an MS, NAS, or federal spec) rather than called out on its own. If you're sourcing non-magnetic hardware, specify both documents together on the purchase order or drawing.
MIL-F-19700 — Frequently Asked Questions
Does MIL-F-19700 replace the normal fastener spec?
No. It's explicitly written to supplement, not supersede, the specification normally used to acquire that fastener. Both documents are cited together.
Why would a fastener need to be non-magnetic?
Certain naval platforms and equipment — mine countermeasure vessels, degaussing systems, sonar housings, and instrumentation sensitive to stray magnetic fields — require hardware that won't interfere with magnetic sensing or increase the vessel's magnetic signature.
What materials typically satisfy MIL-F-19700?
300-series austenitic stainless steel, nickel-copper alloy (Monel), brass and other copper-base alloys, titanium alloys, and aluminum alloys are all commonly used non-magnetic fastener materials — the specific choice depends on the strength, corrosion resistance, and cost tradeoffs of the application.
Need Non-Magnetic Fasteners to MIL-F-19700?
Ananka Fasteners supplies non-magnetic hardware qualified to MIL-F-19700 alongside the applicable base fastener standard, with full material traceability.
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