The pipe manufacturing industry follows some set of rules and standards. These standards help the manufacturer achieve the desired quality. One of those standards is ASTM, which is very famous among manufacturers. However, lay customers still don’t know, and they ask: What Are ASTM Standards?
The ASTM standard is the backbone of the quality assurance process. In the piping industry, these ASTM standards hold key value. The Manufacturers that follow these standards are considered reliable. They are an epitome that enhances the manufacturer’s trustworthiness.
I know that many still don’t understand this standard. Therefore, I am putting my heart into this article. It will introduce the ASTM and explore its role in the piping industry.
Overview of ASTM Standards
ASTM is an abbreviation of the American Society for Testing and Materials. It is a set of rules that ensure product quality. The standards cover the product’s material, production process, testing procedure, and specification. Products that comply with ASTM standards tend to be high-quality and durable.
Let’s understand this topic with a savvy spin! ASTM International is a society consisting of around 33,000 members, including researchers. This society sets rules for different manufacturing processes that involve product making. The ASTM standards are very detailed. For example, these standards cover:
- How is a product made?
- What materials or elements do manufacturers use in production?
- How a product should be tested after production.
- Which steps should be followed in the manufacturing process?
- What specifications should a product meet when it reaches the market?
When a manufacturer complies with ASTM, he follows all the recommendations. As a result, product quality goes to the top. Moreover, these ASTM standards are internationally recognized. So, products that comply with ASTM will be accepted internationally. Their compliance ratio with ASTM standards is increasing.
History of Astm Standards
ASTM standards are not new and have been in use for centuries. In 1898, Charles Dudley and his colleague made a standard for railway steel. These standards streamlined the production process. No matter where this steel was produced, it was of the same quality because it used one specific standard.
ASTM was named the American Society for Testing Materials in 1902. The society started to grow, and many people joined it. This society was very open, as everyone had their say. Even today, debates and members’ input are of the utmost importance. In 1961, the name of this society changed to the American Society for Testing and Materials.
However, the process of making standards also became streamlined. In 2002, the name of this society again changed to “ASTM International,”. There are more than 30000 members in this society from 140 different countries. Those include researchers, engineers, and people from various fields of science.
ASTM Standards in the Pipes Industry
ASTM standards are broad, and many manufacturers use them. However, their role is very prominent in the pipe manufacturing industry. Established standards address pipe quality issues. If manufacturers follow the ASTM pipe standards, they will produce top-quality pipes. Each standard gives a specific identity to a particular pipe.
Have you ever come across a pipe type that bears the ASTM prefix? Take ASTM 252, ASTM A53, ASTM A106, ASTM A135, and ASTM 252 as examples. The ASTM prefix clarifies these pipes’ materials, applications, and properties. Here is an example.
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ASTM Standard |
Materials Identification |
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Carbon steel pipes, welded and seamless |
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Seamless carbon steel pipes |
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Electric-resistance-welded (ERW) carbon steel |
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Steel pipes for piling |
When someone mentions ASTM A135, you’ll know they mean ERW carbon steel pipes. As I said, these standards are international, making the pipes recognizable internationally. Each ASTM standard ensures high-quality pipes by adhering to specific criteria.
Role of ASTM in the Pipes Production Process
Many manufacturers produce pipes using a variety of materials. But how would they ensure high quality? How would you know their quality and properties while buying pipes? What specific applications would you consider them useful for?
Consider a scenario where you use a pipe to transport gas, but it is not strong enough to withstand the pressure. This is where ASTM standards help us. They set standards for manufacturing pipes. A pipe that complies with a specific standard will have specific properties.
Each standard gives the pipe a specific set of properties. Here is how they streamline the pipe manufacturing process:
- ASTM standards tell manufacturers to use materials with specific specifications. For example, ASTM A252 recommends using steel with a minimum yield strength of 35,000 psi.
- These standards specify the size, dimension, and tolerance for the production of pipes. Every standard-bound manufacturer uses a specific size. For example, ASTM A135 specifies sizes ranging from 2.375 inches to 26 inches in diameter.
- ASTM standards obligate manufacturers to test the pipes according to specific criteria. Different standards require different testing, such as impact testing and rust testing. These standards ensure that the product undergoes rigorous testing.
When a product adheres to a specific ASTM standard, it acquires unique characteristics. By seeing the standard, you will know what kind of use this pipe has. You won’t have to trust your feelings. Instead, observing the standard will give you a comprehensive understanding of the pipes.
How Are ASTM Standards Made?
In the above section, I explained how these standards benefit the piping industry. But the question is: how are these standards made? Undoubtedly, they are not made randomly. They undergo a rigorous approval process. First, the process of the ASTM standard starts with industry research.
The need or gap in the industry for the standard is considered. If the standard is needed, then an ASTM committee is formed. This committee consists of many researchers, engineers, and relevant industry experts. Suppose a committee is made for the ASTM standard related to the automobile industry.
Experts and researchers from the automobile industry will join this committee. They work and create a detailed draft of the standard. This draft then goes to all the members of the ASTM Society for revision. This is a real test, as each member reviews the draft critically.
If members find any issues, the committee then makes corrections. In the end, voting is done to approve this standard. If that standard gets enough votes, it gets approved and added to the annual book of ASTM standards. So, there is a systematic way of making standards.
This process is credible because every ASTM member can have a say. Discussions and debates are appreciated. Each member’s opinion holds the key to approval of the standard. Keep in mind that making one standard takes a long time. It is not a quick, overnight process.
Types of ASTM Standards
ASTM standards have different types and specifications. Each of those types is very particular and fit for specific purposes. Some of these standards are as follows:
- Guide Standards
- Practice Standards
- Terminology Standards
- Specification Standards
- Classification Standards
- Test Methods Standards
Keep in mind that each of these standards is internationally recognized. No matter which part of the world you are in, the standard will have the same meaning for you. This is what makes ASTM standards so unique. They are not confined to a specific region. With their global recognition, manufacturing has become streamlined all over the world.
Benefits of ASTM Standards
The ASTM standards are very beneficial for both manufacturers and customers. As I said earlier, these standards are a checklist that ensures the quality of the product. So, if a product such as a pipe complies with ASTM, it is made using
ASTM-recommended methods. Similarly, if a manufacturer complies with ASTM, he is considered reliable
So, such a reliable manufacturer gets a better reputation in the market. Moreover, its ASTM compliance makes manufacturers suitable for local and international markets. The global market doesn’t trust manufacturers that don’t comply with ASTM. However, the flipside will help him get global exposure. In this way, he will be able to get more clients and customers.
For customers, ASTM compliance ensures peace of mind. One of the most important things customers worry about is the product’s durability. They fear while buying a product. However, if the product is labeled ASTM compliant, the customer will feel good about it.
There is one more advantage: streamlining the production process. Some products, such as pipes, are used worldwide, so they are manufactured all over the world. All the manufacturers in different regions will make pipes using specific standards.
So, the quality of all those pipes will be the same. Imagine two countries making a pipe using different methods. This will create a difference in quality between those pipes. Ultimately, it will cause confusion for customers. However, due to the ASTM, products will have the same quality, no matter where they are made.
When you choose a pipe, you don’t worry about where it is made. All you care about is its compliance with the ASTM standard. Moreover, you don’t have to worry about the pipe’s features. For example, when you choose ASTM A252 pipe, you know it has a high tensile strength of around 35000 to 40000 PSI. Moreover, it is suitable for heavy construction work. Each ASTM standard defines production criteria, resulting in distinct pipe properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What Is ASTM International?
ASTM is the name of the society that makes ASTM Standards. Previously, it was known as “American Society for Testing Materials”. In 2002, this new name was adopted.
Q2: What Are the Different Examples of the Standards That ASTM Has Developed?
Many ASTM standards are being used internationally. Some examples are ASTM A106, ASTM A500, ASTM A252, ASTM A135, and ASTM A53.
Q3: How Many International Standards Does ASTM Published?
To date, over 12,800 ASTM standards have been established. These standards belong to different industries. Moreover, their focus ranges from production and testing to product specification.
Q4: Is ASTM Known Worldwide?
Yes, these standards are of utmost value in the piping production process. All pipes are made according to ASTM standards. Moreover, their material specification and tests are also according to these standards. Therefore, pipes generally have names with ASTM prefixes that indicate their properties.
Q5: Is the ASTM standard followed in the pipe industry?
Yes, these standards are of utmost value in the piping production process. All pipes are made according to ASTM standards. Moreover, their material specification and tests are also according to these standards. Therefore, pipes generally have names with ASTM prefixes that indicate their properties.
Conclusion
It is no oversight that ASTM standards are of utmost importance. Due to these, manufacturers follow a single manufacturing process for a specific product. The quality of the products increases. It is beneficial for both customers and manufacturers. In short, these standards are the cost-effective way of controlling the quality worldwide. This guide provides info about all things related to the ASTM standardization system.