What are ASTM Standards?
The ASTM standards that have been proposed are entirely voluntary, and they are, nonetheless, an integral aspect of several laws, ordinances, and regulations in various countries around the world. The writing of standards is delegated to an ASTM technical committee, and consumers, producers, users, and other general interest groups are represented on such committees.
Test method, categorization, specification, guide, practice, and terminology standards are among the used measures. A test method briefly explains a procedure that includes the test instrument and the calculations used. When it comes to the requirements for what constitutes acceptable performance, a specification standard provides specifics.
On the other hand, a guide standard provides several options but does not provide precise guidance about which course of action should be taken. According to its name, a terminology standard is a document that gives information about the abbreviations and terminologies used by businesses and other organizations.
What are ISO Standards?
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a global organization that publishes technical, industrial, & commercial standards. The ISO was founded on February 23, 1947. The ISO comprises member organizations from 165 different nations around the globe. Furthermore, it is a non-profit organization that is independent of the government. It is estimated that approximately 20,000 international standards have been enacted through ISO.
Some of the most extensively used International Organization for Standardization (ISO) standards include ISO 14001, ISO 27000, ISO 22000, ISO 50001, and ISO 13485. ISO 14001 is focused on environmental issues. A sound environmental management system is built on the foundations of ISO 14001, the international standard setter. ISO 27000 governs the information technology industry. Protecting the assets of the company is the primary purpose.
Its purpose is to assist any company involved in the food chain in developing and implementing a food management system. Furthermore, the ISO 50001 standard aims to reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency by implementing an energy management system.
It is primarily concerned with constructing a risk management system to ensure that organizations can manage risks in a cost-effective and timely manner. There are various more ISO standards, including ISO 26000, ISO 20121, and ISO 16949, all related to automotive safety. As a result, the ISO standards aid in developing products and materials that are safe, legally acceptable, and of high quality.
Difference Between ASTM Standards and ISO Standards
- The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) is a national organization member of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). On the other hand, ASTM is a worldwide organization part of the ISO organization.
- Unlike ASTM, established in 1902, ISO was launched on February 23, 1947.
- In comparison to ISO standards, ASTM standards are regarded as less valid. On the other hand, ISO Standards are considered more reliable than ASTM Standards.
- The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) develops six different types of standards. In contrast, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has more than 20,000 standards.
- Compared to ISO Standards, ASTM Standards only involve a small number of specialists on a limited scale. On the other hand, ISO standards are developed by qualified specialists from 165 different nations.
Comparison Between ASTM and ISO Standards
| Parameters of Comparison | ASTM Standards | ISO Standards |
| Meaning | The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) recognizes the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) as one of its national members (ISO). | To form the ISO, the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) joined forces (ASTM). |
| Validity | In comparison to ISO standards, ASTM standards are regarded as less valid. | It is more reliable to use ISO Standards than ASTM Standards. |
| Types | The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) develops six different types of standards. | The ISO has mandated a total of approximately 20,000 international standards. |
| Participation | Compared to ISO Standards, ASTM Standards only involve a small number of specialists on a limited scale. | One hundred sixty-five countries contribute to developing ISO standards, which skilled professionals develop worldwide. |
| Launch Year | The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) was founded in 1902 and is a professional organization dedicated to testing and materials research and development. | The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) was founded on February 23, 1947, in Geneva, Switzerland, by the United Nations General Assembly. |