Standardization News

New Programs Address Cannabis Certification, Hemp Proficiency Testing

The Safety Equipment Institute (SEI), in cooperation with ASTM International’s cannabis committee (D37), has launched a quality system and facility certification for cannabis and hemp producers. ASTM International has also announced the creation of a new proficiency testing program for water activity in whole hemp flower. 

“We are excited for this next step in certification for the cannabis and hemp industries,” says Katharine Morgan, ASTM International president. “SEI has a decades-long history of distinction in certification programs, and the support of the many professionals that make up the cannabis committee should make for an excellent partnership.”

The new certification program draws from the committee’s growing list of approved standards, along with other established best practices for manufacturing and agriculture specific to cannabis. SEI, an affiliate of ASTM International, will manage the new certification program in partnership with The GMP Collective. 

The GMP Collective is made up of subject matter experts committed to empowering and maximizing the potential of emerging businesses and consultants. They provide end-to-end quality and compliance services for cannabis and hemp operations, among others, through the use of proven good manufacturing practices (GMPs). 

Open to all cultivators, extractors, producers and processors, the program includes testing of cannabis flower samples using ASTM International standards as well as full quality audits of facility operations.

Once approved, cannabis businesses can use the associated ASTM International certification mark on authorized product packaging and highlight it in marketing materials. The certification mark will demonstrate to key industry stakeholders and customers that a company is committed to best practices that ensure consumer and patient health and safety. 

For more information on the cannabis certification program, visit www.astm.org/cannabiscert.

In addition to the cannabis certification program, ASTM International announced the launch of a new proficiency testing program (PTP) for Water Activity in Whole Hemp Flower. The new PTP provides laboratories with a statistical quality assurance (SQA) tool, enabling them to compare, improve, and maintain a high level of performance in the use of ASTM methods with other laboratories.

The Water Activity in Whole Hemp Flower program will provide three different samples of whole hemp flower with varying levels of water activity in each sample per cycle. Conducted three times annually, the program provides a different commercial sample, electronic report forms, and test instructions for each test cycle. 

To register for the Water Activity in Whole Hemp Flower 2021 proficiency testing program, visit www.astm.org/ptpcannabis.

ASTM International’s cannabis committee launched in 2017 and has grown to nearly 900 members who have developed more than 15 standards that address the quality and safety of cannabis products and processes. These include test methods, best practices, and guides for cultivation, quality assurance, laboratory testing, packing, and security. 

For more information about the cannabis committee, visit www.astm.org/COMMITTEE/D37.

ASTM International Supports Eight New Research to Standards Projects for Additive Manufacturing

ASTM International recently announced its third round of funding to support research that helps expedite standards in additive manufacturing (AM). This investment, which includes additional in-kind contributions, will support the ASTM International Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence’s (AM CoE) goal of aligning technical standardization with the rapidly evolving AM industry. 

“We are thrilled to support these crucial and high-impact research projects in additive manufacturing that seek to accelerate standardization,” said Mohsen Seifi, Ph.D., ASTM director of global additive manufacturing programs. “These eight projects will join the 14 existing projects that address the AM CoE’s high-priority research areas for standardization, including design, data, modeling, feedstock, processes, post processing, testing, and qualification.” Each of these projects will address one or more standardization gaps listed in the AMSC (Additive Manufacturing Standardization Collaborative) roadmap published by the American National Standards Institute/America Makes. 

This year, over 60 ideas for projects were submitted by ASTM International members for consideration. After a thorough review, eight high-impact ideas were approved by the ASTM executive section focused on research and innovation (F42.90.05) within the committee on additive manufacturing technologies (F42).

The AM CoE partners will conduct these projects covering a broad range of topics:

Auburn University will develop a standard coupon design for evaluating lattice structures in metal AM under compressive loading. This work will improve reliability of lattice structures used in applications ranging from bone ingrowth for medical implants to weight reduction in transportation structures. 

Applied technology developer EWI will develop a common data exchange format (CDEF) for powder characterization. This standard will enable efficient data sharing throughout the AM supply chain by serving as a link between different data management systems. 

The UK-based Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) will develop standard guidance for evaluating polymer powders during recycling and re-use in AM. This guidance aims to improve confidence for manufacturing with recycled powders.

MTC will also lead a project to develop guidance on metal powder feedstock sampling and recycling strategies. This research will identify strategies currently used for sampling and recycling powder feedstock and provide guidance on the suitability of these methods for AM processes, materials, and end-use applications.

NAMIC — Singapore’s National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster — and the Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech) will develop standard sub-sized tensile specimens for witness testing of metal AM. These specimens will reduce the time and material costs of witness testing, a method of monitoring build quality by testing a coupon printed alongside the components in an AM build. 

NAMIC and A*Star’s National Metrology Centre of Singapore will develop standard guidance for volume traceability of nondestructive testing for metal components produced with powder bed fusion and binder jetting. This project will assess components made with both processes and will provide guidance for use in assessing part quality.

NAMIC and the Singapore University of Technology and Design (SUTD) will conduct a study of maraging steel, an alloy commonly used by the automotive, aerospace, sports, and tooling industries, among others. This work will provide a basis for developing a material specification for this class of alloys in AM applications. 

NASA and Auburn University will design a series of test components and a methodology to assist validation of process parameters for powder bed fusion. The proposed test components will enable manufacturers to confirm that a parameter set is robust and produces suitable part quality across a variety of local thermal conditions by incorporating challenging geometries.

Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) will continue two previous projects started in round two. The first project will provide guidance for polymer design values in additive manufacturing, while the second project establishes coupon-part property relationships for dynamic testing of additively manufactured polymers.

Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence Hosts Virtual Workshop, Debuts Second Annual Report 

ASTM International’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE) recently debuted its second annual report, which highlights the robust portfolio of AM projects to accelerate research to standards, expansion of global team members and key partners, and much more. The center also held its 4th Snapshot Workshop on AM Industrialization and Automation virtually on Sept. 11.

The AM CoE annual report (amcoe.org/annual-report) features a broad range of accomplishments from the past year, including the development of important certificate courses, a series of technical workshops, creation of an international conference, addition of new AM staff, in-kind investments, and much more. The report also outlines the new AM guide to support COVID-19 supply chains. 

“Together, the AM CoE and its partners supported the advancement of AM technology through investments in new R&D projects, existing infrastructures, development of new educational offerings/partnerships, expansion of the AM team, and the growth of the center’s global footprint,” says Mohsen Seifi, Ph.D., ASTM International’s director of global additive manufacturing programs. “The hard work and dedication of the center’s team are highlighted in this comprehensive report.”

Seifi notes that over the last year, the AM CoE has emphasized its commitment to empowering manufacturing innovation and accelerating the use and capabilities of evolving technologies. As the center moves into its third year, staff and partners will work to meet ambitious goals with the expansion of the research and development portfolio, ongoing development of educational offerings, high-level partnerships across the industry, and increased stakeholder engagement through programs such as workshops and conferences.

The one-day virtual workshop presented by the AM CoE covered key topics that drive AM industrialization and automation and current practices applied by major organizations implementing AM, including:

• Advanced materials,
• Multi-laser processing,
• In-situ process monitoring and control,
• Process simulation,
• AM automation, and
• Industry 4.0 (AM data management, machine learning).

Workshop attendees had the opportunity to learn directly from industry experts and leaders, and they earned a Verification of Completion Certificate from the AM CoE. 

Additionally, the center recently hosted its second advisory board meeting. The group met to discuss the ASTM International and AM CoE response to the COVID-19 pandemic and to identify gaps and next steps in supporting the additive manufacturing community during the crisis and beyond.

Transforming the Future of ASEAN Economies through Additive Manufacturing

ASTM International works with national standards bodies throughout northeast and southeast Asia and maintains agreements with 19 nations in the region. In addition, the ASTM Center of Excellence (AM CoE) has partnered with the National Additive Manufacturing Innovation Cluster (NAMIC) in Singapore. Further work is underway. 

ASEAN Study Tour

As part of the current Industry 4.0 revolution, global manufacturing is transforming, trending toward AM; toward joint physical-virtual processing; and toward small, digitally networked facilities. These considerations are particularly significant as supply chains are being re-evaluated during the COVID pandemic.

To harness this technological revolution, countries and organizations must embrace innovation and emerging technologies. Doing so can help them build the necessary industrial base to enable economic development, support improved infrastructure, offer opportunity for workforce development, and enable
sustainable manufacturing.

Some Asian economies have been early adopters of AM, but its full application and implications are still not well understood by companies and governments. In addition, a shift to technology-based production like AM will have the biggest impact on micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), which account for the majority of manufacturing companies. This kind of transformation will be challenging and costly for MSMEs to implement on their own.

To overcome the challenges and collectively embrace the opportunities offered by AM, the countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) could collaboratively establish a unified AM ecosystem that accelerates economic growth, enables sustainable employment, strengthens the capacity of MSMEs, and grows all countries’ involvement in the digital economy. Such collaborations would expand member economies’ understanding of technical, infrastructure, and regulatory factors as well as the supporting role of standardization, which is necessary to advance the applications and benefits of AM.

The U.S. Department of Commerce and ASTM International have organized an Additive Manufacturing Study Tour for ASEAN, and two delegates from each ASEAN economy have
 been invited to participate. The program’s focus is introducing well-defined international AM standards as an essential asset for ASEAN economies as they work to build capacity, capability, and competitiveness.

The program’s introductory virtual sessions are underway, with an anticipated U.S.-based, in-person program slated for 2021. Participants would have the opportunity to engage directly with global experts and U.S.-based policy makers and practitioners including:

• Government officials addressing the policy impact of AM;
• Manufacturers implementing AM; and
• Collaborative consortia supporting research and development and technology transfer. 
• Insights gained will be useful in considering how to manage and support economic, environmental, and social policies for AM as a component of smart manufacturing.

ASTM International and Libyan National Standards Body Sign Memorandum of Understanding 

Representatives from global standards organization ASTM International and the Libyan National Centre for Standardization and Metrology (LNCSM) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The agreement will foster a closer working relationship between the two standards organizations.

The MoU will also enhance the support of both ASTM International and LNCSM for the needs of the people of Libya, the continued growth of the Libyan economy, and the ongoing development of Libyan national standards for health, safety, and the environment.  

The MoU was signed by Katharine E. Morgan, president, ASTM International, and Abdelrazak A. Ben Jaber, director general, LNCSM.

ASTM and LNCSM established the MoU to pursue the following goals:

• Promote communications between ASTM and LNCSM;
• Avoid duplication of work efforts;
• Promote knowledge of the standards development activities of each organization;
• Utilize the resources of ASTM International to strengthen the LNCSM standards system;
• Promote greater LNCSM input and content into ASTM International standards through greater LNCSM participation in the ASTM standards development process; and
• Promote LNCSM acceptance and use of ASTM International standards. 

ASTM’s MoU with LNCSM is the third such agreement that ASTM has signed this year and the 117th overall. Initiated in 2001, ASTM International’s Memorandum of Understanding Program promotes communication and awareness among national standards bodies. 

ASTM International Becomes Member of Global Resilience Group 

ASTM International has been accepted as a member of the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies (ARISE). 

ARISE is a private sector initiative (led by UNDRR) that works toward a future with a focus on mitigating effects of disasters, risk-informed capital assets and investments, and resilient infrastructure. ARISE advocates for risk-informed development by supporting private and public sectors to develop and follow policies and practices to reduce disaster risk and losses and build resilient business practices to prevent social and economic loss from disasters. It also facilitates the private sector to apply business practices that prevent the creation of risk and enhance recovery from disasters, in line with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015–2030. 

“We are excited for ASTM International to become a member of ARISE,” said Teresa Cendrowska, ASTM International vice president of global cooperation. “We believe ASTM’s commitment to the Sendai Framework and the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals, and our other ongoing resilience efforts, will bring valuable insight to ARISE and the global disaster risk reduction community.”

The Sendai Framework puts an emphasis on addressing disaster risk factors through risk-informed public and private investments instead of relying on post-disaster response and recovery. The framework also notes that reducing climate and disaster risk is critical for the success of long-term sustainable development. 

ASTM International has put an emphasis on resilience recently with the ongoing “Resilience in Construction” webinar series. Past topics included construction materials, wildfire vulnerability, windborne debris, and more. This fall, ASTM hosted two October workshops covering community and building component resilience, and transportation resilience. 

ASTM Establishes Wholly Owned Foreign Enterprise in China

ASTM International was already well-known to institutions and businesses in the People’s Republic of China when it established a Representative Office in 2008. During the previous three years, as part of a four-organization consortium, ASTM provided information in-country and explored the market and opportunities. ASTM determined it could provide needed services and standards more effectively with an office located in China.

With the Representative Office, ASTM International worked to involve Chinese experts in the standards development process to enhance the standards’ global relevance, promote the value and use of ASTM standards, and increase familiarity with ASTM. The Beijing office staff provided a tremendous local resource by offering member training, supporting relationship development, increasing awareness of ASTM’s relevance in specific sectors, facilitating visits, and conducting follow-up in the Mandarin language. As a result, representatives from Chinese government, academia, and businesses began to contribute to ASTM technical committees, adding valuable insight and energy. 

Awareness and interest grew in applying ASTM standards to improve health and safety, quality, competitiveness, innovation, and trade. However, the Representative Office’s structure did not permit direct sales of services or standards, so stakeholders and customers were directed to local partners or the ASTM website.

As stakeholder and customer interest and demand grew, ASTM International determined that it should provide direct service and sales while taking the opportunity to better understand market needs, expand existing relationships, and develop new ones. As a result, ASTM decided to establish a Wholly Owned Foreign Enterprise (WOFE). As a WOFE, ASTM would be able to strengthen relationships with customers, maintain its reseller network, and also enable the customer to directly conduct business transactions and do so in local currency.

James S. Thomas, ASTM vice president, sales and marketing, agrees with the change. “Global organizations like ours must constantly take fresh looks at its customer engagements and make critical judgements as to what needs to be done in order to establish enduring and mutually
beneficial relationships.”

Chip Evans leads ASTM’s efforts in the Asia-Pacific region. “We expect to complete the transition to WOFE status by the end of 2020,” say Evans. “Our Beijing team is receiving supplemental training, vetting companies and academic institutions to focus on, identifying trade events to attend and present, and more.” 

For more information about ASTM International and its work in China, please contact Chip Evans at cevans@astm.org or Nancy Hu at nhu@astm.org.  

ASTM International Signs Memorandum of Understanding with New Zealand’s National Standards Body 

Representatives from global standards organization ASTM International and Standards New Zealand, a division of the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU). The MoU will lead to a closer working relationship between ASTM and Standards NZ.

The MoU was signed by Katharine Morgan, president, ASTM International, and Carmen Mak, national manager, Standards New Zealand. 

This MoU promotes information exchange on topics of mutual interest and will also support Standards NZ’s review and consideration of ASTM standards for reference or adoption as solutions for New Zealand’s industry and regulation concerns. 

The signing happened during an hour-long virtual session. Following introductions from Morgan and Mak, Teresa Cendrowska, ASTM vice president of global cooperation, reviewed the provisions of the MoU. Jeff Grove, ASTM vice president of global policy, cooperation, and communications, then opened a conversation on areas of common business and technical interests between ASTM International and Standards NZ. 

Brian Meincke, ASTM vice president of global business development and innovation strategy, Daniel Smith, ASTM vice president of technical committee operations, along with Standards NZ staff Stan Stanilov, team leader standards development, and Chris Forsman, senior advisor standards development, continued the conversation. They touched on common ground, including several aspects of energy: electric vehicle chargers, energy efficiency, biomass boilers, and New Zealand’s hydrogen program, as well as ASTM’s technical programs for aviation, cannabis, and additive manufacturing. 

Following the formal signing, the session closed with a discussion on next steps for periodic discussions and collaboration opportunities.