People sometimes confuse ASME, ASTM, and ANSI mainly because these three organizations are closely related in the standardization work in engineering and manufacturing fields, and their standards often appear together in the same application scenarios. The abbreviations ASME, ASTM, and ANSI all start with the letter “A” and consist of four letters. This visual similarity easily leads non-professionals to confuse their differences, especially when they are not familiar with their specific functions.
What is ASME
ASME stands for the “American Society of Mechanical Engineers.” It is an international standards organization that develops technical standards that are widely used in mechanical engineering, pressure vessels, piping, and related fields. ASME standards are particularly prevalent in the design, manufacturing, inspection, and safety operations of pressure vessels, boilers, and piping systems.
The ASME B16 series of standards covers the dimensions and specifications for flanges, fittings, valves, and piping systems. For example, ASME B16.11 specifies the requirements for forged fittings, such as elbows, tees, and caps.
What is ANSI
ANSI stands for the “American National Standards Institute.” It is a non-profit organization responsible for coordinating and overseeing the development of standards in the United States and representing the U.S. in international standardization activities. ANSI does not create standards, but it accredits standards from other organizations (such as ASME, ASTM, etc.) to ensure consistency and quality.
ANSI also helps promote the standardization of products, services, and systems, ensuring that different manufacturers and industries follow uniform guidelines to improve compatibility and safety. In the fields of machinery, piping, and engineering, many standards are labeled as ANSI standards, such as ANSI/ASME standards, indicating that ANSI has recognized and promoted these standards.
What is ASTM
ASTM stands for the “American Society for Testing and Materials.” It is an international standards organization that specializes in developing and publishing technical standards for various materials, products, systems, and services. These standards cover a wide range of industries, including metals, plastics, construction, energy, and more, and are used for defining testing methods, specifications, and performance requirements for materials.
ASTM standards are widely used for quality control, material inspection, and manufacturing specifications. For example, ASTM A106 is a standard for seamless carbon steel pipes, outlining its application scope, chemical composition, mechanical properties, and other requirements. ASTM standards are highly recognized and widely applied worldwide.
Combined Application of Different Standards
A product (such as a flange, pipe, or valve) may need to comply with multiple standards. For example, a flange may need to meet the design standards of ASME B16.5.
At the same time, the material must conform to the requirements of ASTM A105, and the final product may receive approval or certification from ANSI.
This combined application of standards makes it difficult to distinguish their respective roles immediately.
ASTM VS ASME VS ANSI
| Standard Organization | Focus | Role | Application Areas |
| ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) | Focuses on standards for materials, products, and testing methods. | ASTM standards typically cover chemical composition, mechanical properties, testing procedures, and quality requirements of materials. | Widely used in materials science, construction, chemicals, oil, manufacturing, and other industries. |
| ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) | Focuses on design, manufacturing, and safety standards for mechanical equipment, pressure vessels, boilers, and piping systems. | ASME standards emphasize safety, mechanical design, compliance during manufacturing and operation, especially in high-pressure environments. Examples include the ASME BPVC for pressure vessels and ASME B16 series for piping systems. | Mechanical engineering, pressure equipment, boilers, piping, nuclear power, etc. |
| ANSI (American National Standards Institute) | Acts as a coordinating body for certification and promotion of national standards in the U.S. | ANSI does not create standards but accredits standards from other organizations (such as ASTM, ASME) to ensure consistency and quality. It also represents the U.S. in international standardization activities. | Various industries. ANSI-certified standards can apply to areas ranging from electrical equipment to industrial manufacturing. |
Summary
ASTM focuses on materials testing and performance standards.
ASME emphasizes mechanical and pressure equipment design and safety standards.
ANSI, as a standard certification and coordination body, approves and promotes these standards but does not directly create technical standards.
SSM provides products that meet ASTM material standards, are manufactured according to ASME specifications, and are ANSI certified. We welcome inquiries for technical consultations and product information, ensuring the highest levels of quality and compliance across all stages of design, manufacturing, and certification. Our products are engineered to meet industry standards, offering reliable performance for a wide range of applications in mechanical engineering, construction, and manufacturing.
