A new ASTM standard provides more effective quality testing of the synthetic, hollow filaments that are often used in the manufacture of lower cost paintbrushes. The new standard, D7233, Test Method for Testing Fracture of Level Paintbrush Filaments, will allow suppliers to address issues of potential fracture. ASTM D7233 was developed by Subcommittee D01.61 on Paint Application Tools, part of ASTM International Committee D01 on Paint and Related Coatings, Materials and Applications. More.

Reports recently submitted by the national standards bodies of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago point to the increased use of ASTM International standards. In the past year, 15 ASTM standards were consulted in preparation of St. Vincent and the Grenadines' national standards and 42 ASTM standards covering a wide range of subjects were used as reference documents for government regulations. In Trinidad and Tobago, two ASTM standards were used as reference documents for government regulations, while 116 standards were consulted in the preparation of national standards. The memorandums of understanding with the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Bureau of Standards and the Trinidad and Tobago Bureau of Standards were each initiated in 2001.

Papers are now being accepted for the 2009 ASTM International Advantage Award. With cash prizes of up to $15,000, the Advantage Award is a paper competition for case studies that show the benefits of using ASTM International standards. The submission deadline is June 1. If you can write a success story with data showing how the use of an ASTM standard or group of standards created greater safety, cost savings, market access or other successful business results, click here for more information.