[Al Skierkiewicz]

Adam,
The object of having "standards" is that all of us should follow them. By having materials that meet standards we know that whowever manufactures 80/20 aluminum it will all be the same. A 10-32 screw will fit anyone's 10-32 nut, #10AWG wire will be the same size regardless if it manufactured by Belden or by XYZ Wire Co. If you search around for standards on particular parts or materials you can easily find what the specs are. The payment plan is for those manufacturing firms that need to make parts to fit a certain standard and need the entire document relating to that part of the standardization. Standards are very important and they make life simpler by allowing us to all speak a common language. Think of what is what like when a colonial cannon maker needed a bolt to fit in a 1/4" hole. First, what standard did he use for an inch and if it was the same inch in all of the colonies, what then described the threads, length and material? Now the same maker simply specifies he needs a 1/4-20 x 2" stainless steel bolt and he has 20 sources to choose from.