ASTM International

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ASTM International (formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials) is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. Founded in 1898, ASTM International is one of the largest voluntary standards-developing organizations in the world.

History

ASTM International was established in 1898 as the American Section of the International Association for Testing Materials. The organization was created to address the frequent rail breaks that were plaguing the railroad industry. The first standard developed by ASTM was for the steel used in railroad tracks. Over time, the scope of ASTM's work expanded to include standards for a wide range of industries.

Structure and Governance

ASTM International is governed by a board of directors and operates through a system of committees. Each committee is responsible for a specific area of interest, such as metallurgy, petroleum, construction, and environmental science. These committees are composed of volunteers from industry, government, academia, and other stakeholders.

Standards Development Process

The standards development process at ASTM International is based on consensus and transparency. The process involves several stages, including:

• Proposal: A new standard or revision is proposed by a member.
• Development: A draft standard is developed by a technical committee.
• Balloting: The draft standard is balloted to the committee members for approval.
• Publication: Once approved, the standard is published and made available to the public.

Membership

Membership in ASTM International is open to anyone with an interest in standards development. Members can participate in the development of standards, vote on ballots, and access a wide range of technical information and resources.

Key Areas of Work

ASTM International develops standards in a wide range of areas, including:

• Construction
• Petroleum
• Environmental science
• Consumer products
• Medical devices
• Aerospace

Related Organizations

ASTM International collaborates with other standards organizations, including:

• International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
• American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)

See Also

• International Organization for Standardization
• American National Standards Institute
• National Institute of Standards and Technology
• Standards organization