What Is ASTM A Vs ASTM B? (2024)

FAQs

What Is ASTM A Vs ASTM B? ›

The A prefix in an ASTM specification indicates Ferrous material; the B prefix indicates a Non Ferrous material. The ASTM standards are the most widely used in the United States for steel products.

ASTM International, formerly known as American Society for Testing and Materials, is a standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical international standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems and services. Some 12,575 apply globally.

There are generally six (6) types of features that you will see with an ASTM document, including Test Method, Specification, Classification, Practice, Guide, and Terminology.

ASTM codes consist of a letter followed by a sequentially assigned number. The letters refer to different categories of products, materials, or processes: A: Ferrous metals and products (like steel) B: Nonferrous metals and products. C: Cementitious, ceramic, concrete, and masonry materials.

ASTM standards define the specific manufacturing process of the material and determine the exact chemical composition of pipes, fittings and flanges, through percentages of the permitted quantities of carbon, magnesium, nickel, etc., and are indicated by “Grade”.

The A prefix in an ASTM specification indicates Ferrous material; the B prefix indicates a Non Ferrous material. The ASTM standards are the most widely used in the United States for steel products.

Different steel grades correspond to different tensile and yield strengths, and carbon content is also different. ASTM A500 grade A steel has a tensile strength of 400MPa and a yield strength of 290MPa. Grade B steel has a tensile strength and yield strength of 400MPa and 310MPa respectively.

Products and Services

Over 12,900 ASTM standards are published each year and can be found in the 85+-volume Annual Book of ASTM Standards or on this website.

ASTM is an organization that defines and publishes technical standards related to the quality of materials that can be used in the manufacturing of various products and pieces of equipment. ASTM code is made up of the standards that have been developed by committees within ASTM.

ASTM Classification Standards

Classification standards provide the requirements for assigning different materials, services, or systems into various groups. These requirements may relate to the origin, the physical properties, or the chemical properties of the product itself.

How do you read ASTM standards? ›

How do I read it? What do the numbers represent? ASTM Designations: Every ASTM standard is identified with a mandatory designation signified by a capital letter (A-H), a serial number ranging from 1-4 digits, a dash, and finally, the year the standard was issued.

The first letter is the classification of the standard: A - Ferrous metals and products (steel) B - Nonferrous metals and products (coatings) C - Cementitious, ceramic, concrete, and masonry materials. F - end-use materials and products (bolts)

ASTM's quality control standards provide the mathematical and statistical procedures instrumental in the evaluation of experiments and test methods.

ASTM A285 Grade C is a low to intermediate yield steel used in the fabrication of carbon steel pressure vessels and boilers. The steel is intended for use in standard tanks and boilers rather than high pressurised vessels due to the steels lower yield strength.

What Does ASTM Rating Mean for Work Boots? ASTM stands for the American Society for Testing and Materials. It's an organization that develops and publishes technical standards for a wide range of products, materials, systems, and services.

ASTM A128 Grade A (UNS J91109) is Manganese steel for abrasive casting applications. Investment casting ASTM A128 is similar to investment casting other steels, but the heat treatment is far more exacting and difficult.

Currently known as ASTM International, “American Society for Testing and Materials”, ASTM is a developer of international voluntary consensus standards.