The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) virtual program, “Supporting Safe Reliable Drone Technology to Address COVID and Routine Implementations”, occurred Nov. 23-24, 2021. The program was focused on the implementation of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones, and related standards and policies.

The self-funded APEC program, submitted by the United States and co-sponsored by nine APEC economies, provided the means for dialogue among domestic and international public and private sector stakeholders, including the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Today, global standards organization ASTM International announced the acquisition of Wohlers Associates, a global intelligence leader in the additive manufacturing (AM) and 3D printing industry. The announcement coincided with the Standards Forum at Formnext 2021, which serves as the leading trade show for AM and next-generation intelligent manufacturing solutions. 

The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation virtual program for the project on “Addressing the Last Mile of Additive Manufacturing Use for PPE – Assisting Regulators” was conducted on Oct. 27-28, 2021. Consistent with ASTM’s commitment to serving global societal needs that address health and safety, consumer confidence, and the overall quality of life, ASTM International was an integral part of planning and implementing this US self-funded APEC project.

ASTM International and Mexico’s national standards body, Dirección General de Normas (DGN), signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Oct. 29. DGN, part of Mexico’s Ministry of Economy, coordinates the development of standards and regulations and promotes standardization use in Mexico.

Kathie Morgan, president, ASTM International, and Alfonso Guati Rojo Sánchez, general director of standards in Mexico’s Ministry of Economy, signed the MoU.

Today, ASTM International’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE) announced the second Call for Projects (CFP), allowing non-AM CoE partners to participate in a Research to Standardization initiative to further accelerate standards development for additive manufacturing (AM).

Today, ASTM International’s Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence (AM CoE) released an expanded program for the upcoming ASTM International Conference on Additive Manufacturing (ICAM 2021), which will be held Nov. 1-5, 2021, in Anaheim, CA, and virtually. 

More than 700 attendees are expected for the five-day conference, which will include more than 550 presentations, 10 panel discussions, eight keynote speakers, 26 symposia, award presentations, and a student presentation competition.

ICAM 2021 keynote speakers include:

In light of COVID-19 (coronavirus) and ongoing safety concerns for members and staff, ASTM International announced today that the November and December Committee Week meetings in Atlanta, GA, are now transitioning to all virtual.

These decisions were based on several factors, including, but not limited to:

ASTM International and the Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas or ABNT) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Sept. 24.

The MoU will allow direct adoption of ASTM International standards in Brazil to enhance ABNT’s support for public and private sector stakeholders in Brazil and aid in the development of Brazilian national standards.

This week, global standards development organization ASTM International contributed to the relief efforts for survivors of the earthquake that struck Haiti in August to assist in emergency response work and rebuilding efforts.

A donation in the amount of $25,000 was made by ASTM International to a Haiti relief fund in support of the local community in L’Asile, Haiti. The donation will support the community’s immediate need for food, water, and safe shelter for those impacted by the earthquake.

This week, global standards development organization ASTM International contributed to humanitarian organizations providing relief for Afghan refugees. ASTM’s donations directly support emergency response efforts.

ASTM International donated $4,500 to World Central Kitchen (WCK) which provides meals to families as they arrive in the United States from Afghanistan, many of whom have gone days without a proper meal. Founded in 2010, WCK provides meals to survivors in the wake of worldwide disasters and crises.