What are ASTM test methods and why are they important? First, the main reason they exist is to ensure the safety, reliability, and consistency of materials. This is important not only for everyday life but also for the future of manufacturing and construction as we know it.
Linkotest will explain in detail what ASTM is and discuss a few different examples of ASTM testing methods. All questions about the ASTM test are answered in today’s guide. Whether you want to know about definitions, standards, or some international facts, you will find everything here. Read on to learn more.
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1. What is ASTM?
According to the survey, ASTM International was founded in 1898 and is one of the world’s largest standards-setting organizations. We define and develop ASTM standards that improve the lives of millions of people every day. Combined with our innovative business services, they improve performance and help everyone feel confident in the things they buy and use, from the heavy industry that makes airplanes to the tiny wax beans wholesale business.
By understanding business needs and consumer priorities, we touch every aspect of everyday life and help our world work better. ASTM standards strive to improve:
- product quality
- Worker Health and Safety Standards
- sustainable development
- Strengthening markets across all industries
A wide range of industries are covered by ASTM standards, including metals, wood, petroleum, and construction. These standards were developed jointly with the World Trade Organization. ASTM has compiled more than 12,000 standards that all manufacturers, contractors, and individuals should follow to obtain the best construction quality and safety results.
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2. ASTM standard
ASTM standards are documents developed and published by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM International). There are more than 12,000 such technical documents covering testing and classification procedures for all types of materials. An ASTM standard can be a test method, practice, standard, code, or guideline used around the world to enhance product safety, improve quality, facilitate trade and market access, and increase consumer confidence.
ASTM standards are documents developed and established under the principles of ASTM International Consensus and meet the approval requirements of ASTM procedures and regulations. ASTM standards are descriptive documents used to cover test methods, specifications, and other guidance documents.
ASTM standards apply to “materials” very broadly, but that’s because they do apply to a large number of industries and products. From paints and oils to textiles, plastics, and metals. In addition, ASTM has more than 12,000 standards that apply to thousands of different commodities or substances.
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3. What is an ASTM test?
ASTM tests are developed by selected technical committees for each industry. Among other things, concrete experts meet regularly to discuss, develop, and publish ASTM standards.
There are two aspects to ASTM testing to keep in mind. First, decisions about material quality and consistency are made by an elected board of directors. Second, these decisions are upheld by industry professionals and government agencies through standards and regulations. These run from the manufacturing process to the final application of the produced material.
ASTM standards created by this committee specify specific requirements for testing and verifying materials. This includes everything from preparation and testing to standard guidelines and quality control.
4. What types of standards does ASTM develop?
ASTM standards are grouped into six categories covering manufacturing processes as well as conceptualization and terminology. These categories are:
- ASTM Specification Standards: Products, materials, systems, and services must meet ASTM Specification Standards. Based on these conditions, certain test methods will be determined to be suitable.
- ASTM Standard for Test Methods: Specification of procedures for determining the properties or composition of a product, material, or collection of materials. Typically includes details about test equipment, samples, process steps, and data calculations.
- ASTM Standards for Classification: Standards for classifying products, materials, systems, and services. These requirements are based on factors such as composition, identity, source, etc.
- ASTM Standard of Practice: Specific instructions for performing a task or operation. Usually includes a checklist and a series of steps to complete the stated task safely and efficiently.
- ASTM Guidance Standards: Often detail multiple choices for the user to choose from, rather than a single answer. For example, a set of procedures to accomplish a given objective, but the method chosen depends on individual circumstances or needs.
- ASTM Terminology Standards: Terminology Standards: Covers industry-specific terms, acronyms, abbreviations, and symbols. Having a definition for each name reduces confusion about materials or chemicals with more than one name.
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5. ASTM and ASME
Another common abbreviation you may be familiar with is ASME. This is the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, which develops codes and standards for the safety and application of mechanical engineering. ASME and ASTM work together to develop specifications where their areas of expertise overlap, and ASME often uses certain ASTM-certified materials in its ASME-approved processes and equipment. However, there are still many ASTM standards that do not conform to ASME standards for certain applications.
6. Why ASTM is valuable
A big reason why ASTM tests are the gold standard is the process by which they are used to develop a given standard. Without going into too much detail, the basic process is as follows:
Once someone decides on a topic for which a standard needs to be developed, they form a task force to do the legwork and research that forms the basis for a draft standard. They submit their findings for review and voting, which are reviewed, discussed, and voted on by a series of subcommittees and main committees. If it passes all of these requirements, it will be voted on by the entire Society and must be approved by the Society to become an official ASTM International Standard.
As you probably know, this process ensures that only fully vetted and agreed-upon standards are actually written into “law”. As a result, ASTM standards and tests have a full intellectual and practical impact on those who are most familiar with a particular field. They’re created and approved by people who know what they’re talking about and who know what’s important.
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7. Notable Facts About ASTM International
- Open: Members come from more than 150 countries, accounting for more than 90% of the world’s population.
- Transparency: Our standards development process is always open to all interested parties.
- Related: More than 9,000 citations to ASTM standards in countries outside the US.
- Forward-looking: We invest heavily in technology. For example, our work item registration and online voting system increase the transparency of our standards-setting process.
- Global: Half of our standards are located outside the United States; we have MOUs with more than 120 national standards bodies.
- Collaboration: For 125 years, ASTM has been a forum where industry and government stakeholders come together to develop standards that affect people around the world.
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