Introduction

If you have touched with steel, beton, pipelines, or even building materials, you maybe have seen some descriptions such as ASTM A36, ASTM A105, ASTM F1554 and so on. But do you know the actual meaning of these codes?

These ASTM codes are all for material standards which tell you how to produce these materials, what are they made of, and their performance. No matter you are students, DIY amateur, or the new hands of building and manufacturing industry, knowing about the ASTM level is a very important step to use industrial materials confidently.

This guide will introduce detailedly what is ASTM, and why so important to know more about them, which are all very simple terminologies and suitable for the beginners.

What is ASTM?

ASTM is the abbreviation of  American Society for Testing and Materials. It is a international organization for making the technical standards fr materials, products, system and service.

ASTM organization was established 1989 and now is caleed ASTM International, which as been applying 12,000 types of standards in more than 140 countries.

These standards have covered the following aspects:

• Metal and Plastic
• Building materials
• Consumer goods
• Environmental testing
• Mechanical property

What are ASTM Grades?

ASTM grade is the code that is classified according to the elements of materials, mechanical property and performance.

Each grade should ensure that the materials :

• Meet the lowest quality requirement and safety requirement.
• Has consistent performance (such as strength, ductility and corrosion resistant)

For example:

ASTM A36 is a common carbon structural steel.

ASTM A106 Gr.B pipeline material for high temperature environment.

ASTM F1554 36 grade is the specification for rock bolting.

These codes can help engineers, contractor, manufacturer and inspector easily to choose and inspect the correct materials.

How ASTM Grades Codes Composed (Letter + Number System)

ASTM grades are usually composed by a letter + number format:

• The lettermeans a type of materials
• The numberis the specific standard code within that category

Common ASTM Letters:

Some grades also include:

• Grade levels(e.g., Grade A, Grade B)
• Typesor Classes (for variation in chemical or mechanical properties)

Why Are ASTM Grades Important?

ASTM grades provide common reference, so no matter manufacturers or inspectors all can assure the the correct materials used.

Whether you weld steel beam or pouring concrete, using correct ASTM grade can ensure the reliability, safety, and durability.

Common ASTM Steel Grades and Their Meanings

All of them have their own chemical and mechanical requirements — and their own specific testing procedures.

What Are the Difference between ASTM Grades and Other Systems?

There are several international material grading systems. ASTM is just one, it is not only widely applying in the Norther America but also in the worldwide.

Comparison:

If necessary using comparison charts to do cross-referenced for the materials from different systems.

What Are the 6 Classes of ASTM Standards?

There are six categories in ASTM system:

• Class A– Iron and Steel Materials
• Class B– Nonferrous Metals
• Class C– Concrete, Ceramic, and Masonry
• Class D– Miscellaneous Materials
• Class E– Miscellaneous Subjects (e.g., terminology)
• Class F– Materials for Specific Applications

These classifications are helpful for dividing thousands of standards into intelligible groups.

Understanding Grade, Type, and Class (ASTM Terminology)

Maybe you will see other different designations in ASTM documents:

• Grade– Defines the level of a material’s chemical composition and mechanical strength → Example: ASTM A106 Grade B
• Type– Usually means variation of alloy elements or manufacturing → Example: ASTM A240 Type 304 (stainless steel)
• Class– means strength level or heat treatment → Example: ASTM A148 Class 90-60 (cast steel)

Each one adds the special property or chemical details for the basic standard.

ASTM Testing Standards: How Materials Are Verified

ASTM is not only a standard system of materials but also one of system of testing standards.

Some important ASTM testing methods include:

• ASTM E8– Tensile strength of metals
• ASTM E18– Rockwell hardness test
• ASTM E23– Impact testing
• ASTM C39– Compressive strength of concrete

Manufacturers must prove their products can meet ASTM standards through testing, which are usually shown on the Material Test Reports (MTRs).

Where Are ASTM Grades Used?

ASTM standards are also referenced in:

• Building codes
• Government projects
• Engineering specifications
• International procurement

Summary

ASTM grade is a standardized method to describe materials according to the composition, strength and performance of materials. These grades will help engineers, manufacturers and inspectors to ensure the materials meet correct size of project and ensure the safety, quality and reliability in everything from bridge to pipeline.