A-A-2359 Crayon, MarkingThis commercial item description covers genuine and processed soapstone soapstone crayons intended primarily for marking metals, fabrics, woods, and ceramics.

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[INCH-POUND]

A-A-2359A

December 5, 1990

SUPERSEDING

A-A-2359

July 22, 1985

COMMERCIAL ITEM DESCRIPTION

CRAYON, MARKING

The General Services Administration has authorized the use of this Commercial Item Description in preference to Federal Specification SS-C-661 which has been cancelled.

This commercial item description covers genuine and processed soapstone, soapstone crayons intended primarily for marking metals, fabrics, woods, and ceramics.

1. Salient Characteristics:

A. Marking crayons shall be cut from genuine untreated soapstone (steatite) or processed soapstone cut of white talc and suitable binding materials. The crayon shall be of uniform strength and free from foreign matter.

B. The crayon shall be rectangular in cross section; both ends may be cut at 90 degrees with respect to two adjacent sides, or one end may be so cut and the other end sharpened to a chisel edge, with the taper not to exceed 1/2 inch in length.

C. The crayon shall be able to write satisfactory on fabric, dry and bare wood and ceramic surfaces.

D. The minimum dimensions of the crayon shall be 5 inches X 1/2 inch X 3/16 inch.

Workmanship. The crayons shall be composed of material that is free from any defect that may affect its performance or use.

2. Test.

Breaking Strength Test. Place one crayon perpendicular across two horizontal parallel rods 1/4 inch in diameter and 2-1/2 inches apart center to center. Using a 1/4 inch diameter rod, the test load shall be applied in a vertical direction at the midpoint of the chalk and through the 3/16 inch deep section. Gradually apply and increase test load up to 3 pounds and maintain maximum load for 30 seconds. The chalk shall be of sufficient hardness to withstand the breaking strength test without breaking up to and including the maximum weight of 3 pounds.