Introduction to ASTM

ASTM International is a globally recognized leader in the development and delivery of voluntary consensus standards. More than 12,000 ASTM standards are used around the world to improve product quality, enhance health and safety, strengthen market access and trade, and build consumer confidence.

ASTM has more than 30,000 technical-expert and business-professional members from 140 countries. Members in 145 main committees and 2,000 subcommittees create the test methods, specifications, classifications, guides and practices that support industries and governments worldwide. Of interest to the specialty fabrics industry is Committee D13 on textiles. Organized in 1914, the committee has 575 members, 29 subcommittees and manages 342 standards.

ASTM standards are developed in accordance with the guiding principles of the World Trade Organization and help to fuel trade by opening new markets and creating new trading partners for enterprises everywhere.

Any company can join ASTM and participate in the voting process. Each company gets one official vote.

Benefits of participating in ASTM include the opportunity to:

• Influence standards that impact an individual’s industry
• Collaborate with technical experts from around the world
• Connect with customers and clients
• Network with peers
• Learn about the latest technology in a particular field
• Increase company visibility
• Gain credibility for business transactions and interactions

“There’s a great opportunity to interact with customers, other technical experts, value chain partners, competitors,” says Brian Shiels, senior development engineer, PBI Performance Products. “There’s a great opportunity to interact and influence what those standards mean to the end-user”

The American Society for Testing and Materials was formed in 1898, founded by Charles B. Dudley, Ph.D., a chemist with the Pennsylvania Railroad. In 2001, it changed its name to ASTM International.

Beyond standards development, ASTM offers technical training programs, as well as proficiency testing, and certification and declaration. The organization serves a broad range of industries, including metals, construction, petroleum, consumer products, textiles and many more.

ASTM’s world headquarters is located in West Conshohocken, Pa., with offices in Belgium, Canada, China, Peru and Washington, D.C.