MILL-STD-2000 difference ? Weller WXMP vs WXMP MS

[ErnieEngineer]

After a lot of poking around it looks like there is two versions of a soldering iron that appear to be practically identical. The version with the trailing “MS” adheres to some military standard and costs more.

Is there *really* a difference, or are they just charging more because govt customers will pay more?

Sure they are both fine, but this has me curious if anyone knows the truth.

Thanks!

See : http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/weller/pdf/wxmpmsset_data.pdf (MILL version)

http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/weller/soldering/soldering-iron-sets/wx-micro-solder-iron-12v-55w-200-to-850degreef-wxmpmsset.htm (MILL version)

http://www.testequipmentdepot.com/weller/soldering/soldering-iron-sets/wxmpset-wx-series-micro-solder-iron-40w-0052920499.htm (regular version)

[Mr. Scram]

Just like is the case with calibration reports, pieces of paper that supply traceability and accountability are worth something. I'm not sure that's the case here, I'm curious to learn whether there is any physical difference.

[Fludo]

It could just be a calibration of the iron after manufacturing, or they use a more accurate feedback sensor.

Here's what the spec calls out

MIL-STD 2000 requires that the soldering iron:
Idling tip temp be within +- 5.5C (10F) of set value
The resistance between tip and workstation ground never exceed 5 ohms
The potential difference between tip and workstation ground never exceed 2mV RMS
Iron design should provide zero voltage switching
ESD safe