Today, the formation of various systems make use of components that are manufactured all over the world. Global import export for metal components has been on a steady rise. And with each passing day, manufacturers across the world offer competitive prices, lead times, and minimum order quantities as well. And since connectivity along with import & export regulations has become easier, it has become smoother to order these components from various countries or different states. This gave rise to standardizations in terms of the method of production, test methods, chemical composition as well as other parameters. This is what led to the formation of formal regulatory bodies such as ISO, American Iron and Steel Institute and American Society for Testing and Materials. These three bodies are the most trusted, and recognized organizations with regards to the production, grading, and supply of several components.
AISI or as also known in full as the American Iron and Steel Institute is one of the oldest trade associations set in the United States of America. Although the AISI dates back to as far as 1855, its present form was assumed in the year 1908. The reason for the foundation of AISI was to cater to the iron and steel industries. Both the iron and steel industries had some requirements with regards to the information, investigation, as well as the creation of a forum where the intricacies pertaining to iron and steel could be discussed and solved. The aim of the American Iron and Steel Institute is to influence public policy, while also educating people, and fashioning public opinion on the steel industry in order to nurture its growth. The American Iron and Steel Institute is also involved in making the steel industry a safer and highly profitable sector.
On the other hand, the ASTM, or as known by its full name American Society for Testing and Materials was established somewhere in the late 1800s. Unlike the AISI, which only takes into account steel and iron components, the ASTM has become one of the largest standards developers across the globe. This means that the American Society for Testing and Materials is not only involved in the standards for iron and steel but also of numerous other substances. Aside from both iron and steel components, the ASTM standards also include other components concerning several industries. From nonferrous metal products, petroleum products, fossil fuels, paints and aromatics, nuclear, electrical, and electronics, to textiles, rubber, plastics, water and environment technology, solar and geothermal energy, as well as medical services and devices.
Furthermore, the American Society for Testing and Materials is an institute that is responsible for the creation of standards for not only product development, but also the production of components including flanges, plates, pipes, tubes, rods, bars, fittings, pressure vessels, etc, using all the aforementioned ferrous and non-ferrous materials. Unlike the AISI, the ASTM also includes product services. Another point of differentiation between both these standards is that the members that belong to ASTM are standard users across more than 100 countries. The list of members also include manufacturers, the buyer as well as governments from these countries. Although the membership for the American Society for Testing and Materials is voluntary, the institute’s standards tend to be used in several US federal regulations.
Post time: Apr-08-2022