ASTM International develops the technical standards for the quality and safety of products we use every day. It is one of the largest standards developing organizations in the world. People from all over the globe benefit from the work of ASTM, which is headquartered in West Conshohocken, Pa.

Today there are 12,000 ASTM standards covering some 90 different fields: construction, energy, metals, consumer products, the environment, and many more.  Our homes, roads, skyscrapers, airplanes—many of the things we rely on—have ASTM test methods, guides, and specifications at their technical foundation.

The Society was founded in 1898 by engineers and chemists, associated with the Pennsylvania Railroad, who met in Philadelphia to address the problem of breaking rails.  These scientists solved the problem by agreeing on an ASTM specification for the steel used in making the rails.  In 1995, ASTM headquarters moved from Center City Philadelphia to West Conshohocken.

ASTM International was known as the American Society for Testing and Materials until 2002 when the name was changed to reflect the Society’s open method of standards development, the global application of its standards, and its international membership. 30,000 volunteer members from 135 countries develop ASTM standards. ASTM International is a not-for-profit organization.  Please visit our website at astm.org.