What is difference between ASTM and ANSI ?

ASTM and ANSI are both organizations that establish consensus standards for various industries and sectors. However, there are significant differences between the two organizations, including their scope, structure, and operational approach.

ASTM is a private, nonprofit organization that focuses on materials testing and manufacturing industries. It develops its own standards through committees consisting of subject matter experts and ensures that these standards are developed through an open and inclusive process, involving multiple stakeholders with diverse expertise and interests.

On the other hand, ANSI is a private, nonprofit organization that oversees the development of voluntary consensus standards for a wide range of industries and sectors in the United States. ANSI does not create its own standards but accredits standards developers, establishing procedures to ensure fair and open standards development processes. ANSI's role is to ensure that these standards are developed through a voluntary and consensus-driven approach, avoiding any undue influence or bias by any particular interest group.

One of the main differences between ASTM and ANSI is their scope. ASTM primarily focuses on materials testing and manufacturing industries, whereas ANSI covers a broader range of sectors, including healthcare, technology, and environmental sustainability.

Another key difference is the way they develop standards. ASTM develops its own standards through committees consisting of subject matter experts, while ANSI accredits other organizations as standards developers. This distinction allows ANSI to ensure that standards are developed through an open and inclusive process, involving multiple stakeholders with diverse expertise and interests.

ASTM standards aim to enhance performance, functionality, and safety by providing technical specifications and test methods for a vast array of materials, such as metals, polymers, ceramics, construction materials, and more. These standards ensure consistency in quality, facilitate trade, and promote public trust.

One significant aspect of ASTM standards is their continuous development and review process. Experts from various industries contribute to updating and improving existing standards or developing new ones as technology advances and new challenges arise.

In conclusion, ASTM and ANSI are both organizations that establish consensus standards for various industries and sectors. However, their scope, structure, and operational approach differ significantly. ASTM is more specifically focused on materials testing and manufacturing industries, while ANSI covers a broader range of sectors. The development process of each organization also differs, with ASTM developing its standards through committees consisting of subject matter experts, while ANSI accredits other organizations as standards developers.