STOCK MEASUREMENT
etc.). They are not used for requisitions since they
would be meaningless to the supply source.
Accurate measurement of stock is very important.
When identifying either material or requirements, you
TECHNICAL MANUAL IDENTIFICATION
NUMBERING SYSTEM (TMINS)
should consult the stock list to be sure you are making
the right measurements accurately. For most purposes,
The TMINS is a plan for classifying, indexing,
a steel measuring tape is accurate enough. For
lightweight sheet metal or wire, a wire and thickness
and numbering Navy technical manuals to encourage
gauge is necessary. Stock identification lists contain
standardization and modernization. The 13-character
tables for converting gauge to decimal or fractional
number, patterned after the 13-digit national stock
parts of an inch.
n u m b e r, s e r ve s b o t h a s t h e t e c h n i c a l m a n u a l
identification number and as the number used to
SYMBOLS AND MARKINGS
requisition a particular technical manual. TMINS
numbers are authorized for use on DD Forms 1348 or
Learning Objective: Identify metals and gas
message requisitions in DD Form 1348 form at using
cylinders by their markings.
RIC A04 or A0D, as appropriate. Refer to Naval
S u p p l y P r o c e d u r e s , N AV S U P P - 4 8 5 , a n d
As an aid to identification and as a safety
NAVMATINST 4160.1 for further information on the
precaution, many items are marked by symbols, codes,
TMINS.
and serial numbers.
PART NUMBER
SYMBOLS
The part number, also called reference number, is
In addition to the NSN, symbols and color codes
an identification number assigned to an item by the
are used on certain metal products, and compressed gas
manufacture. It is made up of letters, numbers, or
cylinders. These are used primarily by technicians to
combinations of both. When used with the CAGE
quickly identify these products and by you for storage
purposes. In ordering and expending, the NSN should
code, it identifies the item. It is used with other
be used.
technical data (for example, model, series, and end-use
application) to requisition an item when an NSN is not
Metal Products
assigned. Part number to NSN cross-reference is
provided in FED-LOG, or any computers that contain
Marking of iron and steel (ferrous) and other metal
C-MCRL information. Requisitioning procedures for
(nonferrous) products is covered by FEDSTD-1836,
part number requisition are described in FASOINST
which provides for continuous marking.
4235.36 (series).
The term "continuous identification marking"
means that the marking appears at set intervals on a
COMMERCIAL AND GOVERNMENT
ENTITY CODE
piece of stock. It is put on with a heavy ink, similar to
paint. When a piece of bar stock is cut, each piece
should carry the proper identification. The markings
The Commercial and Government Entity (CAGE)
must give: (1) the producer's name or registered
Code replaces the Federal Supply Code for
trademark, and (2) the commercial designation of the
Manufacturers (FSCM). The CAGE is a five-digit,
material.
numeric code assigned to different types of activities
for identification. The CAGE for vendors who supply
Marking terms for the various commercial
an item but do not manufacture it is identified by an
designations are found in FED-STD- 1836.
alphabetic character in the second position; for
Some iron and steel products are not included in
example, 113234. Other NATO manufacturers of items
the continuous identification marking system outlined
used in the U.S. supply system use CAGE with an
in FED-STD-1836. Required markings for these
alphabetic character in the first position; for example,
products are included in the material specifications.
K7654. The Cataloging Handbook H4 provides a list
For example, boiler tubes are not marked continuously,
of CAGE codes and activity names. CAGE is also
but Navy specifications covering boiler tubes usually
listed in the database for FED LOG users.
require that tubes of a certain size be marked at each
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