ASTM Codes and sections Details

ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) is a globally recognized organization that develops and publishes standards for a wide variety of materials, products, systems, and services. These standards are often referred to as “codes,” though they are technically standards. They are organized into various sections based on industry sectors, applications, and material types.

Structure of ASTM Standards

ASTM standards are categorized into volumes and sections. The Annual Book of ASTM Standards is the main compilation, organized into 15 sections. Each section contains several volumes focused on specific topics.

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Main Sections and Their Topics

1. Section 1: Iron and Steel Products
   • Standards for steel, alloys, castings, welding, and related processes.
2. Section 2: Nonferrous Metal Products
   • Standards for nonferrous metals such as aluminum, copper, titanium, and others.
3. Section 3: Metals Test Methods and Analytical Procedures
   • Methods for testing physical, chemical, and mechanical properties of metals.
4. Section 4: Construction
   • Standards for cement, concrete, asphalt, and other construction materials.
5. Section 5: Petroleum Products, Fuels, and Lubricants
   • Covers petroleum refining, fuel properties, lubricants, and test methods.
6. Section 6: Paints, Related Coatings, and Aromatics
   • Standards for paints, coatings, and testing methods.
7. Section 7: Textiles
   • Test methods and specifications for fibers, fabrics, and textiles.
8. Section 8: Plastics
   • Standards for plastic materials, molding, and testing methods.
9. Section 9: Rubber
   • Standards for rubber products, testing, and processing.
10. Section 10: Electrical Insulation and Electronics
    • Covers electronic materials, insulation, and electrical components.
11. Section 11: Water and Environmental Technology
    • Standards for water quality, wastewater, environmental sampling, and related technologies.
12. Section 12: Nuclear, Solar, and Geothermal Energy
    • Standards for energy systems, including nuclear and renewable energy technologies.
13. Section 13: Medical Devices and Services
    • Standards for medical devices, implants, and healthcare services.
14. Section 14: General Methods and Instrumentation
    • Includes statistical methods, calibration techniques, and test instruments.
15. Section 15: General Products, Chemical Specialties, and End Use Products
    • Standards for consumer products, adhesives, and specialty chemicals.

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Example Codes

Each ASTM standard has a unique designation consisting of a letter and a number, sometimes followed by a year of issue. For example:

ASTM D975-20: Specification for Diesel Fuel Oils.

ASTM A36/A36M-19: Specification for Carbon Structural Steel.

ASTM C150/C150M-22: Specification for Portland Cement.