Milestones

To learn more, click on the images below, which link into the ASTM History Book, 1898–1998 A Century of Progress.

1898

ASTM founded in Philadelphia.

1901

First standard on steel rails issued.

1910

First publishing of ASTM Book of Standards. Cement and Petroleum Committees formed.

1928

Rubber Committee develops standards for testing of rubber in auto production.

1938

Nondestructive Testing Committee leverages new X-ray test methods, first used in aircraft manufacturing.

1942

ASTM introduces emergency standards to support WWII efforts.

1950

ASTM standards on building codes and construction play role in post-war growth of cities and suburbs.

1962

Seattle's Space Needle, built for the 1962 World's Fair, features steel legs built to ASTM standards.

1970

ASTM committees on soil, water and air quality break new ground in environmental standards.

1978

ASTM standards are widely used in the 1970s in the development of consumer products, such as skiing equipment.

1981

ASTM opens European standards distribution center.

1991

The first Chinese-language edition of the ASTM magazine, ASTM Standardization News, is published in a joint venture between the China Association for Standardization and ASTM.

1995

ASTM launches Internet-based Electronics Standards Development Forums, leading the way to today’s advanced electronic standards development tools on the ASTM website, which provide global access to the ASTM International process.

2001

ASTM changes name to ASTM International to reflect global participation in ASTM and worldwide use of its standards.

2003

ASTM establishes a new student membership category to expand awareness of standards at the university level.

2004

The Interlaboratory Study Program (ILS) launches to assist in developing precision and bias statements for ASTM test methods.

2005

ASTM International opens an office in Beijing, China.

2006

The Digital Library is launched, offering digital versions of ASTM’s entire library of technical information.

2007

A research study of corporate executive viewpoints indicates ASTM standards strongly enhance product quality and customer receptivity.

2008

Committee E60 on Sustainability forms to create standards for sustainable development across multiple industry sectors.

2009

ASTM Board of Directors approves the initiation of ASTM certification programs for products and personnel.

2010

All 50 U.S. states require ignition-resistant cigarettes that are tested to ASTM E2187, a test method developed by ASTM Committee E05 on Fire Standards.

		Milestones To learn more, click on the images below, which link into the ASTM History Book, 1898–1998 A Century of Progress. 1898 ASTM founded in Philadelphia. 1901 First standard on steel rails issued. 1910 First publishing of ASTM Book of Standards. Cement and Petroleum Committees formed. 1928 Rubber Committee develops standards for testing of rubber in auto production. 1938 Nondestructive Testing Committee leverages new X-ray test methods, first used in aircraft manufacturing. 1942 ASTM introduces emergency standards to support WWII efforts. 1950 ASTM standards on building codes and construction play role in post-war growth of cities and suburbs. 1962 Seattle's Space Needle, built for the 1962 World's Fair, features steel legs built to ASTM standards. 1970 ASTM committees on soil, water and air quality break new ground in environmental standards. 1978 ASTM standards are widely used in the 1970s in the development of consumer products, such as skiing equipment. 1981 ASTM opens European standards distribution center. 1991 The first Chinese-language edition of the ASTM magazine, ASTM Standardization News, is published in a joint venture between the China Association for Standardization and ASTM. 1995 ASTM launches Internet-based Electronics Standards Development Forums, leading the way to today’s advanced electronic standards development tools on the ASTM website, which provide global access to the ASTM International process. 2001 ASTM changes name to ASTM International to reflect global participation in ASTM and worldwide use of its standards. 2003 ASTM establishes a new student membership category to expand awareness of standards at the university level. 2004 The Interlaboratory Study Program (ILS) launches to assist in developing precision and bias statements for ASTM test methods. 2005 ASTM International opens an office in Beijing, China. 2006 The Digital Library is launched, offering digital versions of ASTM’s entire library of technical information. 2007 A research study of corporate executive viewpoints indicates ASTM standards strongly enhance product quality and customer receptivity. 2008 Committee E60 on Sustainability forms to create standards for sustainable development across multiple industry sectors. 2009 ASTM Board of Directors approves the initiation of ASTM certification programs for products and personnel. 2010 All 50 U.S. states require ignition-resistant cigarettes that are tested to ASTM E2187, a test method developed by ASTM Committee E05 on Fire Standards.