Difference Between the Types of ASTM Standards

The ASTM standards are based on knowledge and sufficient information gathered through collaborative testing. The necessity for modifications to test procedures is periodically assessed in light of technological developments in manufacturing, testing, and usage specifications and currently, there are at least six different types of standards.

Types of ASTM Standards and their Differences

The American Society for Testing and Materials, also known as ASTM, was established in the late 1800s. The ASTM is one of the biggest standards developers in the world, in contrast to the AISI, which solely takes into account steel and iron components. As a result, the American Society for Testing and Materials is active in testing various products in addition to iron and steel standards. 

ASTM standards are characterized by unique alphabet-number combinations, each comprising an alphabet followed by a number. Furthermore, each standard can be characterized into different categories based on their testing methods: 

• Standard Test Method: The processes for producing test results are specified by test method standards. These involve locating, quantifying, and assessing one or more traits, qualities, or characteristics.
• Practice Method Standards: A set of guidelines known as practice method standards describes how to carry out one or more tasks without yielding test results. Examples include application, assessment, cleaning, gathering, inspecting, preparing, sampling, and training.
• Specification Standards: These are conditions that a component, a system, a product, or a service must satisfy. Every requirement’s associated test method is specified in the specification. These requirements may include safety, quality, or performance standards as well as physical, mechanical, or chemical qualities.
• Classification Standards: When materials, goods, systems, or services are systematically arranged or divided into categories based on common traits like origin, composition, qualities, or application, they are known as classification standards.
• Guide Standard: The guide standard is a set of options or a collection of data that does not prescribe a certain path of action. They share expertise and methodologies in particular fields.
• Terminology Standards: These standards describe symbols, acronyms, and abbreviations as well as define terminologies.