Understanding the Difference between ASTM and ASME Standards

This article illustrates the key differences between ASTM and ASME standards in context with material specification i.e. ASME Section II.

ASME and ASTM standards are related yet separate. The two entities i.e. ASME & ASTM have often cooperated each other to create material specifications that apply to the engineering industry. Hence, is essential for professionals in the manufacturing and engineering industries to understand the key differences to ensure compliance, improve product quality, and enhance safety.

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 whereas American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is a professional organization focused on technical, educational, and research issues of the engineering and technology community.

There can be some overlap between ASTM and ASME standards however; the key difference is that ASME standards are primarily focused on mechanical engineering applications, while ASTM standards have a broader industrial and commercial scope, including construction, manufacturing, and consumer products. 

ASTM is the originator of materials specifications. ASTM creates the material specifications and standard test methods to determine compliance. ASME selects those ASTM materials, which will perform adequately in boiler or pressure vessel service and accepts them with stated limitations.

Each ASME specification at the very beginning specifies the differences between this ASME Grade vs the original ASTM grade.

ASTM materials start with A, for example A106, when they are ASME, the name starts with SA, for example SA-106, the  “S” indicates that the material specification was adopted by ASME, though you compare a material A106 Vs SA-106, the chemical composition and physical properties are the same. Another big difference that can be seen is that not all ASTM materials are ASME materials and so the ASTM list of materials is much larger than the list of ASME materials. ASME materials are materials whose purpose is the manufacture of boilers and pressure vessels. On receipt of materials, one should try to match the MTC to the PO requirements and the technical specifications, as sampled below.

Below are key differences at a glance:

1. Focus:

    - ASTM standards focus on material specifications, testing methods, and product performance.

    - ASME standards focus on mechanical engineering, design, fabrication, and inspection.

2. Industry Coverage:

    - ASTM standards cover a broad range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, and consumer products.

    - ASME standards primarily serve the mechanical engineering industry, including power plants, boilers, and pressure vessels.

3. Standard Development:

    - ASTM develops standards for materials, products, and services.

    - ASME develops standards for product design, manufacturing, testing, and certification.