The Mission
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) is a premier global engineering society serving mechanical engineers and allied sciences professionals. Founded in 1880, ASME is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing the art, science, and practice of multidisciplinary engineering. Through standards development, education, and knowledge sharing, the society supports a diverse community of over 130,000 members. These professionals range from students and early-career engineers to senior industry leaders operating at the highest levels of the mechanical engineering profession worldwide.
Whether you are an engineer in manufacturing, a quality professional managing compliance with mechanical codes, or a student exploring career paths, ASME provides the community and technical resources you need. By fostering a collaborative environment, ASME ensures that safe and effective practices are maintained across every segment of the profession. The society serves as a vital hub for innovation, connecting practitioners with the tools required to solve complex engineering challenges in a rapidly evolving global landscape.
ASME’s standards development is one of its most widely recognized contributions to the engineering world. The society creates technical codes and standards that ensure public safety and enable interoperability across global industries. These documents cover the design, manufacturing, and operation of critical mechanical systems and components that form the infrastructure of modern society.
These standards cover pressure vessels, boilers, elevators, and complex piping systems at scale. Engineers, manufacturers, and regulatory agencies rely on ASME standards as authoritative references for compliance and quality oversight. By establishing these foundational safety management protocols, ASME provides the technical framework necessary for the reliable operation of mechanical equipment in manufacturing, energy production, and transportation sectors globally.
ASME conducts activities across multiple domains to support the global engineering community. Its work spans standards development, research facilitation, and professional initiatives that encourage career growth. A flagship of its mission is the administration of certification programs, such as the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) certification. These programs serve as industry benchmarks, verifying technical proficiency and ensuring that manufacturers meet rigorous safety and quality requirements.
The society facilitates knowledge sharing through technical journals, conferences, and digital publications. These forums allow mechanical engineers to address innovation challenges and exchange information on specializations like robotics and aerospace. By connecting members with peers working on similar global challenges, ASME’s technical divisions ensure that the latest research and best practices are accessible to practitioners regardless of their geographic location or specific engineering discipline.
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers was founded in 1880 during a period of rapid industrialization. As the use of steam power and complex machinery grew, leaders in the profession recognized an urgent need for standardized engineering practices to ensure public safety. ASME emerged as a unified society to coordinate these standards and establish best practices, providing a neutral ground for technical experts to collaborate on the challenges of a burgeoning industrial age.
Over more than a century, ASME evolved from a domestic professional society into a comprehensive global engineering community. Its standards programs established the technical foundation for the safe design and manufacturing of mechanical systems that the world relies on today. From the earliest boiler safety codes to modern standards for additive manufacturing and robotics, ASME has consistently stayed at the forefront of technological advancement and industrial safety.
Today, ASME’s influence extends well beyond its American origins, with sections and divisions operating in over 150 countries. The society hosts international conferences and events that bring together diverse professionals to solve engineering challenges that transcend national borders. This global presence ensures that ASME’s codes and standards remain relevant in a globalized economy, facilitating trade and protecting public safety at an international scale.
ASME membership provides access to professional development and networking across the full breadth of mechanical engineering. Members join an influential global community, gaining a direct voice in the standards and technical programs that shape the profession’s direction. By participating in technical divisions, members can influence the frameworks that govern their specific fields.
Membership also includes discounts on publications, courses, and conferences, alongside mentorship programs that support professional growth. These resources help members navigate career transitions and specialize in emerging fields like aerospace or energy. This engagement positions members to stay current with industry trends and strengthens their role within the broader technical workforce.
Continuing education is central to ASME’s mission of maintaining technical proficiency. The society provides a wide array of training through courses and webinars designed for professionals at every career stage. These programs bridge the gap between academic theory and industry practice, equipping engineers with the practical skills that modern employers value most.
ASME’s technical journals and the Mechanical Engineering Magazine keep the community informed about research advances worldwide. By offering specialized career resources and certification tracks, ASME supports lifelong learning and technical currency. These educational initiatives ensure that the engineering workforce remains capable of safely managing the complex systems and innovations that drive global industry.
About ASME
What does ASME stand for?
ASME stands for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. The abbreviation is used across the engineering profession to refer both to the organization itself and to the standards and codes it develops and publishes.
What is ASME known for?
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers is known for developing engineering standards and codes that ensure public safety, hosting technical conferences that advance knowledge sharing, and publishing journals that document research across engineering disciplines. The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code is one of its most widely adopted standards worldwide.
What is the ASME standard?
ASME standards encompass numerous codes and technical specifications covering mechanical systems, pressure equipment, elevators, piping, and other areas. The term “ASME standard” refers to any of these formally published documents that establish requirements for the design, manufacturing, or operation of mechanical systems and components.
What's the difference between ASTM and ASME?
ASTM focuses on materials testing standards and product specifications, while ASME develops codes for mechanical systems and equipment. ASTM standards define material properties and testing methods, and ASME codes specify how to design and build mechanical components safely. Engineers frequently reference both when designing products or systems.
Is ASME a government organization?
No. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers operates as an independent not-for-profit professional society. Government relations departments and regulatory bodies worldwide reference and adopt ASME standards in regulations governing mechanical systems and equipment. ASME itself is not a government agency.
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