ASTM E2819-11 (2021) PDF

Full title and description

Standard Practice for Single- and Multi-Level Continuous Sampling of a Stream of Product by Attributes Indexed by AQL. This practice establishes tables and procedures for applying five types of continuous sampling plans for inspection by attributes (CSP-1, CSP-F, CSP-2, CSP-T, CSP-V) using MIL-STD-1235B as the basis and presents the converted material in ASTM format for users who inspect a steady stream of lots indexed by AQL.

Abstract

This practice provides the tables and procedural rules needed to implement single- and multi-level continuous sampling plans for attribute inspection of a production stream. It preserves the essential content of MIL-STD-1235B (the historical military standard) while organizing the material for ASTM users, and addresses initiation and termination of 100% inspection, switching rules between 100% and sampling inspection, clearance-number handling, ineffective screening, and conditions for returning to 100% inspection.

General information

• Status: Active (reapproved).
• Publication date: Originally issued 2011; reapproved 2021 (designation E2819-11R21; active/last-updated entry shown June 7, 2021).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 03.120.30 (Application of statistical methods / Statistical quality control).
• Edition / version: E2819-11R21 (reapproved 2021) — often cited as ASTM E2819-11(2021).
• Number of pages: 26 pages.

Scope

The practice establishes tables and procedures for applying five continuous sampling plans for inspection by attributes to a steady stream of lots indexed by AQL. It presents CSP-1, CSP-F, CSP-2, CSP-T, and CSP-V plans, and provides rules for when to initiate 100% inspection, when to switch to sampling inspection, conditions warranting return to 100% inspection, guidance for changing code letters, and actions to take when screening is ineffective or when early defects produce long periods of screening. The standard is a conversion of MIL-STD-1235B to ASTM format for broader industry use.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and organization of continuous sampling plans indexed by AQL (CSP-1, CSP-F, CSP-2, CSP-T, CSP-V).
• Tables and clearance numbers for each CSP type and procedures for application in production streams.
• Rules for initiation of 100% inspection, switching between 100% and sampling inspection, and conditions for returning to 100% inspection.
• Procedures for handling ineffective screening and for addressing defects found before switching to 100% inspection (prevention of excessive screening periods).
• Guidance on changing code letters and adjusting sampling frequency or clearance numbers based on demonstrated product quality.
• Use of AQL, AOQ/AOQL concepts and attribute-based decision rules within continuous sampling contexts.

Typical use and users

Quality engineers, inspection managers, and statistical process control practitioners in manufacturing and supply-chain environments use this practice when continuous sampling (rather than lot-by-lot sampling) best matches production flow. It is applicable where a steady stream of product is produced and organizations need rules for alternating between 100% inspection and sampling inspection, for adjusting sampling intensity, and for managing screening effectiveness. Military contractors and industries that historically used MIL-STD-1235B are a common user group.

Related standards

This practice is explicitly based on MIL-STD-1235B (converted into the ASTM format). It is conceptually related to other ASTM standards and guides on sampling and statistical quality control (for example, other E-series practices on sampling by attributes and process capability). Users often consult companion ASTM statistical quality-control standards when implementing inspection programs.

Keywords

AQL, AOQ, AOQL, continuous sampling plan, CSP-1, CSP-2, CSP-F, CSP-T, CSP-V, inspection by attributes, clearance number, screening inspection, MIL-STD-1235B, sampling indexed by AQL.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: It is ASTM E2819 — a practice that provides tables and procedures for single- and multi-level continuous sampling plans for attribute inspection of a production stream, converted from MIL-STD-1235B and reapproved by ASTM in 2021.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers five types of continuous sampling plans (CSP-1, CSP-F, CSP-2, CSP-T, CSP-V), sampling tables and clearance numbers, rules for switching between 100% and sampling inspection, handling ineffective screening, and criteria for changing sampling parameters based on product quality.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Quality and inspection personnel in manufacturing, suppliers, and contractors (including those with historical reliance on MIL-STD-1235B) who need continuous-stream sampling methods and attribute-based acceptance criteria.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: It is current (active). The original practice was issued in 2011 and was reapproved/reconfirmed in 2021 (designation E2819-11R21). The ASTM store lists the standard as active with a 2021 reapproval.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It belongs to the ASTM E committee portfolio addressing statistical quality control and sampling practices; while not a numeric "series" in the sense of sequential parts, it is used alongside other E‑series sampling and capability standards and was developed by Subcommittee E11.30.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: AQL, CSP-1, CSP-F, CSP-2, CSP-T, CSP-V, continuous sampling, attributes inspection, clearance number, screening inspection, MIL-STD-1235B.