ASTM Certified Solutions

Home | Markets | Mass Transit | ASTM Certified Solutions

Guiding Material Testing and Manufacturing

The ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) develops and publishes industry standards and specifications that guide the testing, manufacturing, and performance of various materials and products, including sealing solutions such as seals, gaskets, and O-rings. ASTM standards are highly relevant for the mass transit industry and railcar technology, contributing to the strength, durability, and performance of materials and products. North Coast Seal’s mass transit sealing solutions adhere to and meet all ASTM standards—specifically ASTM E162, ASTM E662, ASTM C542, and ASTM E1354. Learn how we can help you ensure the performance of your products and protect your overall operations.

ASTM icon

What Is the Purpose of ASTM Standards?

ENSURING STRENGTH, DURABILITY, AND PERFORMANCE

ASTM standards have several different purposes, including:

  • Material specifications - ASTM standards define the physical and chemical properties of materials used in sealing solutions. Manufacturers reference these to ensure their materials have the necessary requirements for strength, durability, and other critical performance characteristics.
  • Testing methods - ASTM standards provide standardized testing methods that can be used to assess the quality and performance of railcar technology.
  • Quality assurance - ASTM standards maintain quality control during the production of sealing solutions.
  • Interchangeability - ASTM standards establish dimensions and tolerances for sealing solutions. This allows for interchangeability and compatibility between products from different manufacturers—something that is important for maintaining the integrity of any mass transit system.
  • Environmental considerations - ASTM standards can address specific environmental aspects of any sealing solution, including the use of certain materials, recycling practices, disposal, and others. The standards ensure that mass transit solutions align with sustainability and regulatory goals.

ASTM E162

What it is: Standard test method for measuring surface flammability of materials using a radiant heat source
What it does: Evaluates flammability of materials by exposing them to a controlled radiant heat source and measuring their ignition and burning characteristics
Why it is important: Helps assess the fire safety of materials used in mass transit and railcar manufacturing

ASTM E662

What it is: Standard test method for specific optical density of smoke generated by solid materials
What it does: Measures the density of smoke produced by burning materials when subjected to a specific heat flux
Why it is important: For fire safety and evacuation considerations in enclosed spaces, like railcars

ASTM C542

What it is: Standard specification for lock-strip gaskets
What it does: Specifies requirements for lock-strip gaskets used in joining precast concrete sections or structures
Why it is important: Used to seal joints in precast concrete elements

ASTM E1354

What it is: Standard test method for heat and visible smoke release rates for materials and products that use an oxygen consumption calorimeter
What it does: Measures the heat release rate and visible smoke production of materials when exposed to a radiant heat source
Why it is important: Used to assess fire behavior of materials and products in applications where fire safety is concerned—like transportation

Ensure Your Products Meet ASTM Standards

CHOOSE NCS FOR TRANSPORTATION SEALING SOLUTIONS

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
Name*
This field is hidden when viewing the form
Existing Customer?
Drop files here or
Accepted file types: jpg, png, tif, pdf, doc, docm, docx, dot, dotm, dotx, rtf, txt, Max. file size: 2 GB.
    Order Minimum
    This field is hidden when viewing the form
    Copyright ©2026 North Coast Seal

    Questions?

    Curious about availability, pricing, and turnaround?