ASTM A36/A36M – Standard Specification for Carbon Structural Steel
Every Norma ASTM follows a logical naming system: ASTM + Letter + Number + (Year).
Number – Unique sequential identifier (e.g., A36, D93)
Year – Year of last revision (e.g., ASTM A36-19 means the 2019 version)
Letter suffix (sometimes) – Indicates minor revisions (e.g., ASTM E8/E8M – shows metric and inch-pound versions)
Example breakdown: ASTM C150/C150M-21 – Standard Specification for Portland Cement (metric and US customary units), last revised in 2021.
ASTM standards are distinct because of their "Consensus Process." This methodology ensures that no single interest group dominates the development of a standard.