A standard is a “document” that defines requirements for products, services, or procedures. It therefore provides clarity regarding their characteristics, facilitates the free movement of goods, and supports export activities.
Different types of standards:
DIN, ISO, ASTM
- DIN is the abbreviation for Deutsches Institut für Normung (German Institute for Standardisation). The institute is a registered association and maintains numerous standards committees for technical fields such as mechanical engineering, materials testing, and many more.
DIN standards are voluntarily developed benchmarks which may become legally binding depending on their application. Alongside the national DIN standards, there are also international standards such as ISO or EN (European Standards). These standards are developed through a consensus process in which experts from various industries and disciplines collaborate.Example: DIN 20471 specifies requirements for high-visibility warning clothing, which must be made from fluorescent fabrics and retroreflective materials to enhance visibility in hazardous environments. This standard is particularly important for professions working near roads, such as construction workers or emergency responders, to ensure wearer safety.
The HunterLab colour measurement instruments MiniScan EZ and ColorFlex L2 fully comply with this standard. The colourLab software enables straightforward evaluation of measurement results, including chromaticity (x, y) and luminance factor (beta). These values must remain within the tolerances defined by the standard. - ISO: ISO stands for the International Organization for Standardization. It is an independent, non-governmental organisation that develops and publishes standards worldwide. These standards cover a wide range of areas, including quality, safety, and the efficiency of products and services. ISO standards help companies and organisations optimise their processes, improve product quality, and strengthen customer confidence.
Example: ISO 17025 is an international standard that defines the requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories. It describes how laboratories can ensure that they deliver high-quality results. Conformity with ISO 17025 enables laboratories to demonstrate their capabilities and establish trust with clients and partners. ISO 17025 forms the basis for the accreditation of testing and calibration laboratories by the German Accreditation Body (DAkkS) in Germany. HunterLab U.S.A. holds an ISO 17025 certificate.
- ASTM: ASTM, the American Society for Testing and Materials, is an international organisation that develops standards for materials, products, systems, and services.
Example: ASTM D1003 is a standard that regulates the determination of the haze and luminous transmittance of transparent or translucent materials. It is widely used in the plastics and glass industries to assess the optical properties of materials by measuring the percentage of light passing through them, including direct transmission and light scattering. The HunterLab Vista fully meets this requirement, and the instruments of the UltraScan series comply with the standard in accordance with its methodology.