Standardization News

Every two months, as I read the current issue of Standardization News and work with our team on preparing the next issue, I’m always struck by the breadth of ASTM’s standards. I’m amazed at the industries and applications they touch but also the myriad interactions that each of us have every day with products, systems, and processes that are all made possible by an ASTM standard, test method, or certification without us even knowing it.

I’ve become acutely aware of the “without us even knowing it” nature of standards as I’ve responded to the question “What’s a standard?” almost daily on airplanes, with acquaintances, and even in line at restaurants. Usually, because of our breadth, a quick glance around reveals a product that we touch, allowing me to launch – probably to their dismay – into a quick show and tell. But I’m always looking for those great stories that really bring standards to life.

This August and the 2024 Olympics were perfect for this. For example, as I watched the sprinters line up on the starting line of the Stade de France under a torrential downpour, I thought about what a dangerous event that could be without standards addressing the design and materials of track surface, including slip resistance and grading. A similar thought crossed my mind as I watched the numerous Olympic cycling events, thinking of the ways ASTM’s standards for forks and frames help make cyclists safer.

Nearly as exciting, though much less publicized, were the ASTM ExoGames in August. Another great event where three student teams from the University of Maryland (U.S.; Team Exo), the University of Central Lancashire (U.K.; Team UClan); and Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Belgium; Team VEXO) designed, built, and tested custom-made exoskeletons to help first responders manage a variety of essential, lifesaving tasks. Students employed standards and test methods from mechanical testing; various materials committees; additive manufacturing; as well as the more obvious exosuits and exoskeletons and homeland security applications committees – in order to bring their exos to life. The parking garage at ASTM HQ became an Olympic venue of off-camber floor surfaces, tunnels, stair climbs, valve stations, weight carries, and mock entries that put the students and their exoskeletons to the test in coordination with, and in front of, first responders of all stripes. It was a great event, not only bringing standards to life, but even more by showing the next generation of students bringing life to standards use and development.

In many cases, what we do is not always that easy to reveal or explain to the casual user, but the results often are. Standards around the digital supply chain fall squarely in that category. While you may not know how all the pieces in the supply chain come together to create the phone in your pocket – from raw materials to semiconductor chips to speakers, mics, cameras, and other subassemblies – you rely on the fact that they do. The same could be said for the car you drive, the food you eat, and much more. These supply chains can be extensive, complicated, and global, so they rely on the ability to communicate and share information consistently from step to step. That will be enabled by the work of our new digital information in the supply chain committee (F49).

I’m always grateful for these opportunities that remind me that standards are more than words on the screen or on the page. Like steps in the supply chain, they’re integral components that help bring safe, reliable, robust, and essential products and systems to our lives – essential components created by engaged, professional, dedicated members like you. So thank you!

If you want to see more great stories of standards coming to life, follow our LinkedIn page and visit the “Standards Impact” podcast.

Andrew G. Kireta, Jr.
President, ASTM International