Global standards organization ASTM International has been selected to launch a Standardization Center of Excellence focused on supporting standardization of critical and emerging technologies.
Through a competitive process, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, an agency of the United States Department of Commerce, has tapped ASTM International to lead the new Standardization Center of Excellence along with several other partners in the standards development environment.
The Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA) applauds the government’s choice of ASTM International to lead the new Standardization Center of Excellence.
“While the long-term impacts on our industry remain uncertain, I’m encouraged to see both NIST and ASTM taking proactive steps to address emerging technologies that will shape the future of construction,” says Don Allen, executive director of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA).
Allen adds: “Historically, construction has been slow to adopt new advancements, but with the rise of robotics, offsite construction and automated manufacturing, having standardized guidelines will empower our members and customers to better assess and integrate these innovations.”
“The Charles,” a robotic manufacturing machine developed by SFIA member South Valley and its partners, automates the rasping of EPS foam in the production of exterior finished cold-formed steel (CFS) framed panels. Photo courtesy of Mark L. Johnson.
Grant Supports Competitiveness and National Security
The $15 million grant awarded to ASTM will support the development of the Standardization Center of Excellence, which will focus on standards for critical and emerging technologies. Those standards, in turn, will support U.S. global competitiveness and national security.
To accomplish its goals, the Standardization Center of Excellence will focus on four areas:
- Pre-standardization engagement to ensure private sector participation
- Workforce development aimed at creating a pipeline of standards development professionals
- A program with NIST to identify gaps and accelerate standards development for key critical and emerging technologies
- Creation of a data hub with tools and resources for all stakeholders involved in standards development for critical and emerging technologies, known as CETs
“We’ve been on the forefront of deploying an integrated approach to advance CET standardization by creating an ecosystem that links standards development and technology roadmaps and embeds standards early in the process,” says Andy Kireta, international president of ASTM.
Kireta adds: “We look forward to working with NIST and our partners on such a consequential initiative that can build on this model and spur public-private collaboration to accelerate the development of industry-driven CET standards.”
Kireta notes that ASTM International was selected to lead the Standardization Center of Excellence in part because of the organization’s successful administration of existing centers of excellence in both additive manufacturing, launched in 2018, and exo technology, formed in 2019.
Both additive manufacturing and exo technology have proven ecosystems that bring together key stakeholders from around the world within each industry. The two industries have identified standards gaps, accelerated standards development and emphasizes workforce development.
ASTM International Backed by Key Partners
ASTM International will be joined in this effort by several key partners with experience in standards development and education and workforce development. The partners comprise several standards developing organizations and other businesses, including:
- American National Standards Institute
- A3 Association for Advancing Automation
- American Society of Mechanical Engineers
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
- UL Standards and Engagement
- CSA Group, Accuris
- Nexight Group
Learn more about ASTM International’s existing centers of excellence. Read the full news release about ASTM International’s new Standardization Center of Excellence.
About ASTM International
Advancing standards and transforming markets, ASTM International touches every part of everyday life – helping the world work better. Over 12,000 ASTM standards operate globally. Combined with ASTM International’s innovative business services, ASTM standards enhance performance and help everyone have confidence in the things they buy and use. For more information, visit astm.org
Additional Resources
- SFIA Seeks Participants for Cold-Formed Steel Framing Standards Development (Deadline Nov. 29)
- CFSEI Course: AISI Standard Series S100-16 (On-Demand)
- Designers: Update to SFIA’s 2024 Tech Guide for the Latest CFS Load and Span Tables