Ask the Expert Question-and-Answer Archive

by Ron Joseph

May, 2001

Obtaining Certain ASTM Standards

Q. I am an Engineer at Metalcraft Inc. We have a paint department and supply painted parts for a number of different customers. We have recently become ISO 9002 certified and have a look at a new breed of customer. As a result we are seeing that some of our new customers are calling out more complete specs for painted parts. Often referencing "ASTM" standards. How do we get copies of these standards. I have found reference books written by experts that talk about the subject, but I need the access to the actual ASTM specification. I dont need the complete written standard but need excerpts from it for certain paint standards and testing. Is there a good source for this information at minimal or no cost? It seems like there probably could be but I have not been able to locate one.

Can you help me? Thanks and have a nice day.

A. Thank you for your e-mail. I am not aware of any source where you can get only excerpts of the ASTM standards. As you probably know ASTM comprises many volumes that deal with every type of industry. However, you can purchase one single volume, Volume 06.01 "Paint - Tests for Formulated Products and Applied coatings" which covers most if not all of the tests you will ever need to satisfy your customers and ISO 9002. In other words with one purchase you will have everything you need.

I hope this will help you.