1.1 This practice covers a unified coding system (UCS) for materials and chemical property data suitable for use in the computerization of such data. This practice describes a procedure by which organizations can register their code lists and be publicized as the maintaining authorities. Section 6 describes the formats of the alphanumeric codes used. Section 7 describes the procedure for requesting code assignments for new terms. Appendix X1 lists the approved lists of codes and the organizations responsible for maintaining them. It also describes a procedure for assigning authority to organizations for codes.

1.2 The UCS provides a means for correlating and coordinating many existing codes, thereby preventing confusion caused by uncoordinated and inconsistent code lists. It covers codes found in common use, codes defined in ASTM and other standards, and code lists that are administered formally by technical societies, trade associations, and other organizations. In addition, it provides a means of adding new codes to existing code lists and of creating new code lists. It provides the uniformity necessary for efficient indexing, transfer, record keeping, storage, retrieval, and cross-referencing of materials property data. By creating an integrated and uniform method for coding materials property data, the UCS is meant to subsume and supersede many existing code lists and integrate others into a common system.

1.3 This practice establishes the organizational structure of the UCS. Builders and users of materials properties databases should contact the organizations listed in Appendix X1 for copies of the codes and instructions on their use.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.