ASTM standards are critical in the classification and evaluation of the material, chemical, mechanical and metallurgical properties of products. Currently, there are 12,575 ASTM standards in various fields recognized by the international community. ASTM standard can be seen as an advantage to help iron and steel manufacturers easily access fastidious markets.1. What is ASTM?ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) is an international standards organization that researches and publishes technical standards for materials, systems, and services around the world.ASTM was founded in 1898 with its headquarters in West Conshohocken, Pennsylvania and today has 12,575 voluntary consensus ASTM standards operating globally. ASTM set the stage for other standards organizations to come later, such as BSI (1901), IEC (1906), DIN (1917), ANSI (1918), AFNOR (1926) and ISO (1947).2. What is the ASTM standard?ASTM standards are a set of technical standards for materials and products around the world that are agreed and accepted by the international community. ASTM standards are widely used in many areas such as:Iron and steel productsNon-ferrous metal productsAnalytical procedures and methods for metal testingBuildPetroleum products, lubricants and mineral fuelsPaints, aromatic compounds and coating compoundsTextilePlasticsRubberElectronics and insulationEnvironmental and water technologyGeothermal, solar and nuclear energyMedical services and suppliesGeneral equipment and methodsGeneral, chemical and end-use productsThe American Society for Testing and Materials does not require manufacturers to comply with ASTM standards, but in trading, companies may require compliance with certain standards. In particular, the ASTM community currently has 30,000 members from more than 140 countries, so the production of iron and steel meeting ASTM standards contributes to bringing products to the world, successfully approaching fastidious markets.3. Why do ASTM standards matterScientists, engineers, architects or businesses and government agencies rely on ASTM standards to ensure the quality and consistency of materials. While using of these standards is voluntary, they are mandatory when cited in contracts, laws or government regulations.ASTM standards are essential in the classification and evaluation of material, chemistry, coherence and metallurgy properties. Manufacturers can adopt the ASTM standard for proper processing and application procedures. You can refer to the official ASTM to search for more than 12,000 available standards divided into 80 categories in 15 related fields.4. Current popular ASTM standards4.1. ASTM A53/A53 – 18ASTM A53/A53 – 18 Applies to standard specification measurement for black and hot-dip galvanized, welded and seamless steel pipes. The table of chemical composition, mechanical properties and tolerances according to ASTM A53 is as follows:Chemical Composition:C maxMn maxP maxS maxCoating ThicknessCoating MethodANgr/m2oz/ft20.25%0.95%0.05%0.45%564981.63Hot Dip CoatingPhysico-mechanical propertyTensileFlexural StrengthFlat CompressionTensileMelting PointRelative ElongationClassifyAngle BendingRadiusWelding positionWeldingTube SurfacePsi (Mpa)Psi (Mpa)%Black Pipes180°4D90° 2/3D1/3D48.000 (330)30.000 (205)E=625,000x A⁰˙² / U⁰˙⁹Alloy Pipes90° 6DTolerance: ToleranceWeight-10%+10%Diameter≤ 1-1/2" (Ø 48.3)≥ 2" (Ø 60.3)+ 0,4mm - 1%- 0,4mm + 1%Thickness- 12.5% Length- 0 mm+ 50mm4.2. ASTM A123 StandardASTM A123 represents the standard specification of zinc coating (hot-dip galvanizing) on iron and steel products. This standard specifies the zinc coating with hot dipping process on steel products that are processed, rolled, pressed and forged shapes, castings, plates, bars,...ASTM A123 is also applicable to unfabricated steel products. For example: assembled steel products, structural steel, steel pipes that are bent or welded before galvanizing,...ASTM A123 is not applicable to galvanized steel wire, pipe or sheet on dedicated or continuous lines or to steel products less than 22 gage thick.Thickness CoatingCoatingmilsoz/ft2µmg/m2351.40.835245451.81.045320502.01.250355552.21.355390602.41.460425652.61.565460753.01.775530803.11.980656853.32.0856001003.92.31007054.3. Some other ASTM steel standardsSteel Pipes – Round Steel PipesA53 – A53/A53M-99b : Steel specification, hot-dip, galvanized, welded and cast steel pipeA74 – A74-98 : Specification for cast iron pipes and fittingsA106 – A106-99e1 : High temperature cast carbon steel pipe specificationA126 – A126-95e1 : Gray cast iron specification for valves, flanges and round pipe fittings.A134 – A134-96 : Electrically fused (arc) and welded steel pipe specification (for sizes NPS 16 and up).A135 – A135-97c : Specification of resistance welded steel pipe.A139 – A139-96e1 : Electrically fused (arc) and welded steel pipe specification (for sizes NPS 4 and above).A182 – A182/A182M-99 : Specification for forged or rolled alloy steel pipe flanges, forging fittings, valves and high temperature components.A252 – A252-98 : Specification of welded and cast steel pipe piles.A312 – A312/A312M-00 : Welded and cast austenitic stainless steel pipe specification.A333 – A333/A333M-99 : Specification for low temperature welded and cast steel pipes.A335 – A335/A335M-99 : Specification for high temperature cast ferritic alloy steel pipe.A338 – A338-84 (1998): Specification for ductile iron (ductile iron) flanges, pipe fittings and valve fittings for railway, marine and other heavy duty services at elevated temperatures up to 650oF (345oC)A358 – A358/A358M-98 : Specification of high temperature electro-welded austenitic chromium-nickel alloy steel pipe.A369 – A369/A369M-92 : Specification for forged Carbon and Ferritic alloy steel pipe, drilled at high temperature.A376 – A376/A376M-98 : Specification of Austenitic steel pipe cast in high temperature center.A377 – A377-99 : Specification of ductile iron (ductile) ductwork.A409 – A409/A409M-95ae1 : Specification of welded Austenitic steel pipe, large diameter in corrosive or high temperature environment.A426 – A426-92 (1997): Specification for high temperature centrifugal cast ferritic alloy steel pipesA451 – A451-93 (1997): Specification for high temperature centrifugal cast Austenitic steel pipesA523 – A523-96 : Specification of resistance welded steel pipe, molded for high voltage cable circuit.A524 – A524-96 : Carbon steel pipe specification cast in air and lower temperatures.A530 – A530/A530M-99 : Specification of general requirements of carbon steel and special alloy pipesA648 – A648-95e1 : Specification of steel wire, hard drawn for prestressed concrete pipes.A674 – A674-95 : Polyethylene coating practice for ductile iron (ductile) steel pipes in water or other liquidsA691 – A691-98 : Carbon alloy steel pipe specification, electric welding at high temperature and high pressure.A694 – A694/A694M-00 : Specification for forging of Carbon alloy steel for pipe flanges, fittings, valves and components with high pressure transmission.A716 – A716-99 : Specification of ductile iron sewer pipes.A733 – A733-99 : Cast and welded austenitic carbon steel or stainless steel threaded pipe coupling specification.A742 – A742/A742M-98 : Specification of sheet steel, corrugated steel pipe with polymer coating and metal plating.A746 – A746-99 : Specification for ductile iron gravity drain pipeA760 – A760/A760M-99 : Specification of corrugated steel pipe, sewer pipe, metal-plated drainage pipe.A761 – A761/A761M-98 : Specification of corrugated, zinc coated steel structural steel sheet, dome and dome tubeA762 – A762/A762M-98 : Specification of corrugated steel pipe, polymer coated sewer pipeA790 – A790/A790M-99 : Ferritic and Austenitic type welded and cast stainless steel pipe specification.A796 – A796/A796M-99 : Practice in structural design of corrugated shell steel pipes, domes and arched tubes for sewage and stormwater drains and other buried applications.A798 – A798/A798M-97a : Practice installing factory-made corrugated shell steel pipes for sewer and other applications.A807 – A807/A807M-97 : Practice installing corrugated shell structural pipes for sewer and other applications.A810 – A810-94 : Specification of galvanized steel pipe coil mesh.A813 – A813/A813M-95e2 : Single or double welded Austenitic stainless steel pipe specification.A814 – A814/A814M-96 (1998): Specification for cold welded austenitic stainless steel pipe.A849 – A849-99 : Specification for coatings, paving, linings for sewers and drains in corrugated steel.A861 – A861-94e1 : Specification for heat-resistant silicon iron pipes and fittings.A862 – A862/A862M-98 : Practical application of asphalt coating for corrugated steel pipes and drains.A865 – A865-97 : Specification of threaded joints in black steel, welded or cast galvanized steel used for steel pipe joints.A872 – A872-91 (1997) : Specification for centrifugal cast Ferritic/Austenitic stainless steel tubes in corrosive media.A885 – A885/A885M-96 : Specification of sheet steel, galvanized and coated with Aramid fiber for corrugated steel sewers, underground sewers and underground drains.A888 – A888-98e1 : Specification for hubless cast iron pipes and fittings for sewage, stormwater, waste and vent pipe applications.A926 – A926-97 : Test method to compare the abrasion resistance of the outer coating (plated/coated) material of corrugated metal pipes.A928 – A928/A928M-98 : Specification for electric welded Ferritic/Austenitic (Duplex) stainless steel pipe with filler metal.A929 – A929/A929M-97 : Specification of sheet metal coated by hot dipping process for steel pipe with corrugated shell.A930 – A930-99 : Practical life cycle cost analysis of corrugated metal pipes used for underground sewers, storm drains and other buried conduitsA943 – A943/A943M-95e1 : Specification of injection molded austenitic stainless steel pipe.A949 – A949/A949M-95e1 : Specification of injection-molded Ferritic/Austenitic stainless steel pipe.A954 – A954-96 : Specification of Chromium-Nickel-Silicon alloy austenitic steel pipe for casting and welding.A972 – A972/A972M-99 : Specification for epoxy bonded pipe piles.A978 – A978/A978M-97 : Specification of Ribbed steel pipe, Polyethylene lining for gravity sewers, stormwater drains and other special applications.A984 – A984/A984M-00 : Specification of black steel pipe, resistance welding.A998 – A998/A998M-98 : Practice designing reinforced structures for factory-made corrugated steel pipe fittings for sewer pipes and other applications.A999 – A999/A999M-98 : Specification of general requirements for stainless steel and alloy steel pipes.A1005 – A1005/A1005M-00 : Black steel pipe specification, longitudinal and spiral joint, submerged arc welding.A1006 – A1006/A1006M-00 : Specification of black steel pipe, laser welding.Steel Tubes – Super Hot Steel Tubes, Boiler Tubes And Other Tubes:A178 – A178/A178M-95 : Specification of resistance welded Carbon steel and Carbon-Manganese superheater pipes and boiler tubes.A179 – A179/A179M-90a (1996) e1 : Specification for cold drawn, cast low carbon steel condenser and heat exchanger tubes.A192 – A192/A192M-91 (1996) e1 : High temperature cast carbon steel boiler tube specification.A209 – A209/A209M-98 : Specification for superheater tubes and boiler tubes in cast Carbon-Molybdenum alloy steel.A210 – A210/A210M-96 : Specification for superheater tubes and boiler tubes in cast Medium-Carbon alloy steel.A213 – A213/A213M-99a : Specification of heat exchanger tubes, superheater tubes, cast iron ferritic and austenitic alloy steel boiler tubes.A249 – A249/A249M-98e1 : Specification of condenser tube, heat exchanger tube, superheater tube, boiler tube made of welded Austenitic steel.A250 – A250/A250M-95 : Specification of superheater tubes and boiler tubes made of resistance welded ferritic alloy steel.A254 – A254-97 : Specification of copper welded steel pipe.A268 – A268/A268M-96 : Specification of Ferritic and Martensitic stainless steel pipes cast and welded under normal circumstances.A269 – A269-98 : Specification for cast and welded Austenitic stainless steel pipes under normal circumstances.A270 – A270-98ae1 : Cast and welded austenitic stainless steel drainage pipe specification.A334 – A334/A334M-99 : Specification of Carbon steel pipes and cast alloys, welded at low temperature.A423 – A423/A423M-95 : Specification for low-alloy steel pipe casting, electric welding.A450 – A450/A450M-96a : Specification for general requirements for Carbon steel pipes, Austenitic alloy steel pipes and Ferritic alloy steel pipes.A608 – A608-91a (1998) : Centrifugal cast iron-chromium-nickel high-alloy steel pipe specification for high-temperature pressure applications.A618 – A618-99 : Specification for low alloy structural pipe, hot welded and cast with high strength.A632 – A632-98 : Austenitic stainless steel pipe specification (small diameter) cast and welded under normal circumstances.A688 – A688/A688M-98 : Specification of welded austenitic stainless steel hot water pipes.A771 – A771/A771M-95 : Cast Austenitic and Martensitic stainless steel tube specification for liquid metal cooled reactor core components.A778 – A778-98 : Welded and unhardened austenitic stainless steel tubular product specification.A789 – A789/A789M-00 : Specification for Ferritic/Austenitic welded stainless steel pipe and cast under normal circumstances.A803 – A803/A803M-98 : Specification of welded Ferritic stainless steel water heater pipe.A822 – A822-90 (1995) e1 : Specification for cold drawn carbon steel pipe for hydraulic system.A826 – A826/A826M-95 : Cast Austenitic and Martensitic stainless steel duct specification for liquid metal cooled reactor core components.A847 – A847-99a : Low alloy structural pipe specification, hot welded and high strength casting with improved resistance to atmospheric corrosion.A908 – A908-91 (1998) : Stainless steel needle tube specification.A953 – A953-96 : Specification of welded pipe, casting Austenitic Chromium-Nickel-Silicon alloy steel.Heat-Exchanger And Condenser TubesA179 – A179/A179M-90a (1996) e1 : Cold drawn low carbon steel condenser and heat exchanger tube specification.A213 – A213/A213M-99a : Specification of condenser and heat exchanger tubes, superheater tubes, boiler tubes of cast ferritic and austenitic alloy steel.A214 – A214/A214M-96 : Specification of resistance welded carbon steel condenser and heat exchanger tubes.A249 – A249/A249M-98e1 : Specification of condenser and heat exchanger tubes, superheater tubes, boiler tubes of welded Austenitic steel.A498 – A498-98 : Specification for cast iron ferritic, and austenitic alloy steel heat exchanger tubes with integral fins.A851 – A851-96 : Specification for high frequency induction welded austenitic steel condenser tubes, not quenched.Structural Tubing – Structural TubingA500 – A500-99 : Specification for carbon steel structural pipes cast, welded, round and other shapes.A501 – A501-99 : Specification for hot-welded and cast carbon steel structural pipes.A847 – A847-99a : High strength cast, cold welded, low alloy structural tube specification with improved resistance to atmospheric corrosion.A618 – A618-99 : Specification for hot-welded, high-strength cast low-alloy structural pipes.Above are detailed information about ASTM standards and a list of the most common ASTM steel standards. Hopefully, this article of MRS Steel has helped you better understand this common international term. For all questions and need for advice on importing steel from Vietnam, please contact MRS Steel via Email vanloc@mrssteel.com.vn for enthusiastic support.