Developing Standard Testing Methods for Products & Services
ASTM, originally The American Society for Testing and Materials, is now ASTM International. They’re an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of products, materials, systems, and services. ASTM International is headquartered just 5 miles NW of Philadelphia in West Conshohocken, PA.
One thing is for certain, ASTM International is a very unique and interesting organization. Furthermore, if your company manufactures products in the USA or overseas, you need to know ASTM International. For one, they have approximately 12,575 voluntary consensus standards operating globally. Second, the addition of “International” into the name was very appropriate. In fact, ASTM currently has members from more than 120 countries around the world. One out of every five ASTM members, for example, lives outside of the USA.
Interestingly, ASTM does no testing. Instead, they have an extensive library of test method standards. ASTM’s original reputation was built on standards for basic product materials and has expanded those standards with literally no limitation of scope.
ASTM’s Mission Statement
Their mission is to remain: “Committed to serving global societal needs, ASTM International positively impacts public health and safety, consumer confidence and overall quality of life. We integrate consensus standards, developed with our international membership of volunteer technical experts, and innovative services to improve lives…”1
In that, they’re globally recognized for standard quality and applicability that:
- Promotes public health and safety, the environment, and overall quality of life
- Contributes to the reliability of materials, products, systems, and services
- Facilitates international, regional, and national commerce
ASTM International derives most of their income from the sale of standards and other publications. Innovative services, such as proficiency testing, training, and certification and declaration also generate income.
Why Product Manufacturers Should Care About ASTM International
Toy products, for example, must pass a version of ASTM F963 testing. ASTM F963-17 contains testing methods for toys designed for use by children under 14 years of age. Then, there is ASTM F963-11, which has several sections addressing the mechanical hazards testing standards for toys.
Product manufacturers should visit the ASTM website at http://www.astm.org for more details. They have a surprisingly large database of internationally recognized standards focusing on the cannabis industry, the effectiveness of antimicrobials, and standards of biofuel. Furthermore, they recently released standards for inclusive fitness equipment for people with functional or mental limitations.
Discover How ITI Manufacturing Can Help
If your product requires ASTM testing by internationally recognized laboratories, ITI Manufacturing can help in multiple ways. First of all, we will ensure that each and every product shipment is free of manufacturing defects. We also make sure that manufacturers and our inspectors test your items per your requirements to ensure quality assurance. After that, you’ll receive the official certificate with the results of that product testing.
Call ITI Manufacturing today at (281) 242-7030 to discuss ASTM testing. You can also speak to our experts about our no manufacturing defects guarantee or any aspect of off-shore manufacturing with which you may be having issues.
Site Reference
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ASTM International – Governance Mission Statement https://www.astm.org/ABOUT/mission-statement.html Retrieved: January 7, 2019.
