ASTM International: Difference between revisions

ASTM International is an international voluntary consensus standards organization that develops and publishes technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services.

Membership in the organization is open to anyone with an interest in its activities. Standards are developed within committees, and new committees are formed as needed, upon request of interested members. Members join committees by the member's own request, not by appointment nor invitation.

ASTM International is recognized by the US Internal Revenue Service as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization.

History

ASTM International was formed in 1898 in the United States as the American Society for Testing and Materials by a group of scientists and engineers, led by Charles Benjamin Dudley, to address the frequent rail breaks plaguing the fast-growing railroad industry. The group developed a standard for the steel used to fabricate rails.

Today, ASTM International maintains more than 12,000 standards. The Annual Book of ASTM Standards consists of 77 volumes. Thousands of members from over 100 countries represent manufacturers, industry users, governments, researchers, and consumers.

Mandatory use of voluntary standards

ASTM International has no role in requiring or enforcing compliance with its standards, but in many instances its standards are mandatory.

• In the United States, ASTM standards have been adopted, by incorporation or by reference, in many federal, state, and municipal government regulations. The National Technology Transfer and Advancement Act, passed in 1995, requires the federal government to use privately developed standards whenever possible. The Act reflects what had long been recommended as best practice within the federal government.

See also

• List of materials properties
• National Fire Protection Association developes standards relevant to fire protection industry

External links

• ASTM International