Research Guides: Mechanical Engineering: Standards

Locating Standards

According to ASME: A standard is "a set of technical definitions and guidelines, “how to” instructions for designers, manufacturers, and users. Standards promote safety, reliability, productivity, and efficiency in almost every industry that relies on engineering components or equipment."

Compliance with standards in the design process is voluntary, however, it may become mandatory if written into contractual business obligations and/or adopted by law.

Search for Standards

Database of Print Standards -- Purdue University This link opens in a new window
This database searches the title, standard number, and standards developing organization of the Purdue Libraries print standards collection.

Most of the BSI standards in this collection were published before 1985 and are housed in HKRP, a closed repository. Use Interlibrary Loan to request items from this collection (1-2 day delivery time). https://www.lib.purdue.edu/services/interlibrary-loan

More information on Purdue Libraries Standards collections: http://guides.lib.purdue.edu/standards

For assistance please contact the Library of Engineering and Science at 765-494-2872; engsclib@purdue.edu.
SAE Mobilus (was SAE Digital Library)
References thousands of technical papers, scholarly articles, and standards covering the latest advances in all areas of mobility engineering including ground vehicle, aerospace, off-highway, and manufacturing technology. Standards include SAE Aerospace Materials Specifications (AMS), Aerospace Standards (AS), and Ground Vehicle Standards (J and USCAR Reports). Includes detailed summaries and complete SAE Technical Reports in PDF for 1906-present. Full text scholarly journal coverage from 1998-present.

Coverage: 1906-present
ASTM Compass
A vast collection of industry-leading standards and technical engineering information. The Library covers a broad range of engineering disciplines, including aerospace, biomedical, chemical, civil, environmental, geological, health and safety, industrial, materials science, mechanical, nuclear, petroleum, soil science, and solar engineering. Provides access to active standards, as well as historical standards (2000-present).

**Please click on 'Yes, I Agree With the License' to access database**

AENOR (UNE) Standards – Subscription trial access available via ASTM Compass until May 20, 2025. AENOR is the Spanish Association for Standardization and Certification. Items in this collection include AENOR standards that are the equivalents of international ISO and IEC standards. There are about 134,000 standards in this collection, and it covers about 80% to 85% of the international standards.

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Related Resources

Standards Resources
by Prof. Margaret Phillips Last Edited Jan 15, 2025 1403 views this year