Introduction to ASM Handbook
and ASTM Standards
Lee Twombly
Jack Tarver Library
Mercer University
What is the ASM Handbook?
 Published by ASM (American Society for Metals)
International: The Materials Information Society
 One of many ASM International information resources
available to materials professionals, nontechnical personnel,
and managers
 A 20+ volume series that ‘features practical and proven data
and guidance on properties, processing, performance,
selection, analysis, and applications’
 Most comprehensive source of information on ferrous and
non-ferrous materials
What information is available?
 Properties and Selection: Irons,




Steels, and High-Performance
Alloys (Volume 1)
Properties and Selection:
Nonferrous Alloys and SpecialPurpose Materials (Volume 2)
Materials Characterization
(Volume 10)
Metalworking: Sheet Forming
(Volume 14B)
Materials Selection and Design
(Volume 20)
What information is available? cont’d
Volumes published since the printing of the Comprehensive Index, 2nd ed.
21
A21
Composites
22
A22
Metals Processing
How do I access the ASM Handbook?
 ASM International has 2 versions:
 Print
 Online (24 volumes plus 2 desk editions)
 Online version available through ASM International’s
website: http://products.asminternational.org/hbk/index.jsp
 Subscription required to access ASM Handbook Online
 check website for individual/membership subscriptions
 talk with your employer about company subscription
Where is the ASM Handbook located?
 Tarver Library has access to the print volumes
 Accessible at the Circulation Desk on 2nd floor
 Library of Congress call number: TA459 .A5 v.1-22B
How do I use the ASM Handbook?
 Start with the Comprehensive Index, Second Edition
 Locate your subject (e.g., “electrical coppers”)
 Subjects found in the ASM Handbook will be indicated by the
letter “A” (e.g., “electrical coppers” A2)
 A key for interpreting subject locations is found at the
bottom of each left-hand page (e.g., A2:Properties and
Selection: Nonferrous Alloys and Special-Purpose Materials)
What are the ASTM standards?
 Published by the American Society for Testing and Materials
(ASTM) – recognized globally for the development and
delivery of international voluntary consensus standards
 Used to improve product quality, enhance safety, facilitate
market access and trade, and build consumer confidence
 Developed by the contributions of over 30,000 of the world’s
top technical experts and business professionals
Who uses ASTM standards?
 individuals, companies, and agencies around the world
 Purchasers and sellers incorporate standards into contracts
 Scientists and engineers use them in their laboratories and
offices
 Architects and designers use them in their plans
 Government agencies around the world reference them in
codes, regulations and laws
What information is provided?
 Over 12,000+ standards are available
 Test methods, specifications, guides, and practices
 Subject-specific coverage such as petroleum, steel, medical
devices, property management, consumer products and
many more
What information is provided? cont’d
How do I access ASTM Standards?
 ASTM has 2 versions:
 Print (80-volume Annual Book of ASTM Standards)
 Online
 Individual standards are available in print or online for
purchase from the Standards and Engineering Digital Library
http://www.astm.org/DIGITAL_LIBRARY/index.shtml
 Online access available:
 through individual/corporate membership
 for individual purchase
Want to learn more about ASM International
and ASTM International?
http://www.asminternational.org/portal/site/www/home/
http://www.astm.org/