ASTM E1030/E1030M-21

This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what changes have been made to the previous version. Because
it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.
Designation: E1030/E1030M − 15 E1030/E1030M − 21
Standard Practice for
Radiographic Examination of Metallic Castings
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1030/E1030M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope Scope*
1.1 This practice provides a uniform procedure for radiographic examination of metallic castings using radiographic film as the
recording medium.
1.2 This standard addresses the achievement of, or protocols for achieving, common or practical levels of radiographic coverage
for castings, to detect primarily volumetric discontinuities to sensitivity levels measured by nominated image quality indicators.
All departures, including alternate means or methods to increase coverage, or address challenges of detecting non-volumetric
planar-type discontinuities, shall be agreed upon between the purchaser and supplier and shall consider Appendix X1 and
Appendix X2.
1.3 The radiographic techniques stated herein provide adequate assurance for defect detectability; however, it is recognized that,
for special applications, specific techniques using more or less stringent requirements may be required than those specified. In these
cases, the use of alternate radiographic techniques shall be as agreed upon between purchaser and supplier (also see Section 5).
1.4 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in
each system are not necessarily exact equivalents; therefore, to ensure conformance with the standard, each system shall be used
independently of the other, and values from the two systems shall not be combined.
1.5 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 safety, health, and healthenvironmental practices and determine the
applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.6 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization
established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued
by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E94 Guide for Radiographic Examination Using Industrial Radiographic Film
E155 Reference Radiographs for Inspection of Aluminum and Magnesium Castings
E186 Reference Radiographs for Heavy-Walled (2 to 4 ⁄2 in. (50.8 to 114 mm)) Steel Castings
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nondestructive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.01 on Radiology (X and
Gamma) Method.
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2015June 1, 2021. Published January 2016July 2021. Originally approved in 1984. Last previous edition approved in 20112015 as
E1030 - 05E1030/E1030M – 15.(2011). DOI: 10.1520/E1030_E1030M-15.10.1520/E1030_E1030M-21.
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Test Method SE-1030 in Section II of that Code.
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
E1030/E1030M − 21
E192 Reference Radiographs of Investment Steel Castings for Aerospace Applications
E272 Reference Radiographs for High-Strength Copper-Base and Nickel-Copper Alloy Castings
E280 Reference Radiographs for Heavy-Walled (4 ⁄2 to 12 in. (114 to 305 mm)) Steel Castings
E310 Reference Radiographs for Tin Bronze Castings
E446 Reference Radiographs for Steel Castings Up to 2 in. (50.8 mm) in Thickness
E505 Reference Radiographs for Inspection of Aluminum and Magnesium Die Castings
E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
E689 Reference Radiographs for Ductile Iron Castings
E747 Practice for Design, Manufacture and Material Grouping Classification of Wire Image Quality Indicators (IQI) Used for
Radiology
E802 Reference Radiographs for Gray Iron Castings Up to 4 ⁄2 in. (114 mm) in Thickness
E999 Guide for Controlling the Quality of Industrial Radiographic Film Processing
E1025 Practice for Design, Manufacture, and Material Grouping Classification of Hole-Type Image Quality Indicators (IQI)
Used for Radiography
E1079 Practice for Calibration of Transmission Densitometers
E1254 Guide for Storage of Radiographs and Unexposed Industrial Radiographic Films
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
E1320 Reference Radiographs for Titanium Castings
E1742E1742/E1742M Practice for Radiographic Examination
E1815 Test Method for Classification of Film Systems for Industrial Radiography
2.2 ASNT/ANSI Standards:
SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing
CP-189 Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
2.3 Other Standards:AIA Standard:
NAS 410 National Aerospace Standard Certification and Qualification of Nondestructive Test Personnel
2.4 ISO Standards:
ISO 5579 Non-Destructive Testing—Radiographic Testing of Metallic Materials Using Film and X- or Gamma-rays—Basic
Rules
ISO 9712 Non-Destructive Testing—Qualification and Certification of NDT Personnel
3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms used in this practice, see Terminology E1316.
4. Significance and Use
4.1 The requirements expressed in this practice are intended to control the quality of the radiographic images, to produce
satisfactory and consistent results, and are not intended for controlling the acceptability or quality of materials or products.
5. Basis of Application
5.1 The following items shall be agreed upon by the purchaser and supplier:
5.1.1 Nondestructive Testing Agency Evaluation—If specified in the contractual agreement, nondestructive testing (NDT) agencies
shall be qualified and evaluated in accordance with Practice E543. The applicable version of Practice E543 shall be specified in
the contractual agreement.
5.1.2 Personnel Qualification—Personnel performing examinations to this standard shall be qualified in accordance with a
nationally or internationally recognized NDT personnel qualification practice or standard such as ANSI/ASNT CP-189,
SNT-TC-1A, NAS 410, ISO 9712, or a similar document and certified by the employer or certifying agency, as applicable. The
practice or standard used and its applicable revision shall be identified in the contractual agreement between the using parties.
5.1.3 Apparatus—General requirements (see 6.1 through 6.9) shall be specified.
5.1.4 Requirements—General requirements (see 8.1, 8.2, 8.5, and 8.7.4) shall be specified.
Available from the American Society for Nondestructive Testing, (ASNT), 1711 Arlingate Plaza, P.O. Box 28518, Columbus, OH 43228.
Available from Aerospace Industries Association of America, Inc., Inc. (AIA), 1000 Wilson Blvd Suite 1700, Arlington, VA 22209-3928.
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, Geneva,
Switzerland, http://www.iso.org.
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5.1.5 Procedure Requirements (see 9.1, 9.1.1, 9.3, 9.7.4, and 9.7.7) shall be specified.
5.1.6 Records—Record retention (see 12.1) shall be specified.
6. Apparatus
6.1 Radiation Sources:
6.1.1 X Radiation Sources—Selection of appropriate X-ray voltage and current levels is dependent upon variables regarding the
specimen being examined (material type and thickness) and economically permissible exposure time. The suitability of these X-ray
parameters shall be demonstrated by attainment of required penetrameter (IQI) sensitivity and compliance with all other
requirements stipulated herein. Guide E94 contains provisions concerning exposure calculations and charts for the use of X-ray
sources.
6.1.2 Gamma Radiation Sources—Isotope sources, when used, shall be capable of demonstrating the required radiographic
sensitivity.
6.2 Film Holders and Cassettes—Film holders and cassettes shall be light-tight and shall be handled properly to reduce the
likelihood that they may be damaged. They may be flexible vinyl, plastic, or any durable material; or, they may be made from
metallic materials. In the event that light leaks into the film holder and produces images on the film extending into the area of
interest, the film shall be rejected. If the film holder exhibits light leaks, it shall be repaired before reuse or discarded. Film holders
and cassettes should be routinely examined to minimize the likelihood of light leaks.
6.3 Intensifying Screens:
6.3.1 Lead-Foil Screens:
6.3.1.1 Intensifying screens of the lead-foil type are generally used for all production radiography. Lead-foil screens shall be of
the same approximate area dimensions as the film being used and they shall be in direct contact with the film during exposure.
6.3.1.2 Recommended screen thicknesses are listed in Table 1 for the applicable voltage range being used.
6.3.1.3 Sheet lead, with or without backing, used for screens should be visually examined for dust, dirt, oxidation, cracking or
creasing, foreign material or other condition that could render undesirable nonrelevant images on the film.
6.3.2 Fluorescent, Fluorometallic, or Other Metallic Screens:
6.3.2.1 Fluorescent, fluorometallic, or other metallic screens may be used. However, they must be capable of demonstrating the
required penetrameter (IQI) sensitivity. Fluorescent or fluorometallic screens may cause limitations in image quality (see Guide
E94, Appendix X1.)
6.3.2.2 Screen Care—All screens should be handled carefully to avoid dents, scratches, grease, or dirt on active surfaces. Screens
that render false indications on radiographs shall be discarded or reworked to eliminate the artifact.
6.3.3 Other Screens—International Standard ISO 5579 contains similar provisions for intensifying screens as this practice.
International users of these type screens who prefer the use of ISO 5579 for their particular applications should specify such
alternate provisions within separate contractual arrangements from this practice.
6.4 Filters—Filters shall be used whenever the contrast reductions caused by low-energy scattered radiation or the extent of
undercut and edge burn-off occurring on production radiographs is of significant magnitude so as to cause failure to meet the
quality level or radiographic coverage requirements stipulated by the job order or contract (see Guide E94).
6.5 Masking—Masking material may be used, as necessary, to help reduce image degradation due to undercutting (see Guide E94).
6.6 Penetrameters (IQI)—Unless otherwise specified by the applicable job order or contract, only those penetrameters that comply
with the design and identification requirements specified in Practices E747, E1025, or E1742E1742/E1742M shall be used.
E1030/E1030M − 21
A
TABLE 1 Lead Foil Screens
A
Energy Range/Isotope Front Screen, in. Back Screen Minimum, in. Front and Back
C D
0 to 150 keV 0.000 to 0.001 0.005 0 to 0.15
D
151 to 200 keV 0.000 to 0.005 0.005 0 to 0.15
201 to 320 keV 0.001 to 0.010 0.005 0.02 to 0.2
Se-75 0.001 to 0.010 0.005 0.1 to 0.2
321 to 450 keV 0.05 to 0.015 0.010 0.1 to 0.2
Ir-192 0.05 to 0.015 0.010 0.02 to 0.2
451 keV to 2 MeV 0.05 to 0.020 0.010 0.1 to 0.5
Co-60 0.05 to 0.020 0.010 0.1 to 0.5
2 to 4 MeV 0.010 to 0.020 0.010 0.1 to 0.5
4 to 10 MeV 0.010 to 0.030 0.010 0.5 to 1.0
10 to 25 MeV 0.010 to 0.050 0.010 1.0 to 2.0
A
TABLE 1 Lead Foil Screens
A
kV Range Front Screen Back Screen Minimum
B C
0 to 150 kV 0.000 to 0.001 in. [0 to 0.025 mm] 0.005 in. [0.127 mm]
C
151 to 200 kV 0.001 to 0.005 in. [0.025 to 0.127 mm] 0.005 in. [0.127 mm]
201 to 320 kV 0.001 to 0.010 in. [0.025 to 0.254 mm] 0.005 in. [0.127 mm]
Se-75 0.001 to 0.010 in. [0.025 to 0.254 mm] 0.005 in. [0.127 mm]
321 to 450 kV 0.005 to 0.015 in. [0.127 to 0.381 mm] 0.010 in. [0.254 mm]
Ir 192 0.005 to 0.015 in. [0.127 to 0.381 mm] 0.010 in. [0.254 mm]
D D
451 kV to 2 MV 0.005 to 0.020 in. [0.127 to 0.508 mm] 0.010 in. [0.254 mm]
D D
Co-60 0.005 to 0.020 in. [0.127 to 0.508 mm] 0.010 in. [0.254 mm]
D D
Over 2 MV to 4 MV 0.010 to 0.020 in. [0.254 to 0.508 mm] 0.010 in. [0.254 mm]
D D
Over 4 MV to 10 MV 0.010 to 0.030 in. [0.254 to 0.762 mm] 0.010 in. [0.254 mm]
Over 10 MV to 25 MV 0.010 to 0.050 in. [0.254 to 1.27 mm] 0.010 in. [0.254 mm]
A
The The lead screen thickness listed for the various voltage ranges are recommended thicknesses and not required thicknesses. Other thicknesses and materials may
be used provided the required radiographic quality level, contrast, and density are achieved.
B
Lead screen thicknesses in accordance with ISO 5579 in SI units. For energy ranges of Co-60 and 451 keV to 4 MeV, steel or copper screens of 0.1 to 0.5 mm may be
used. For energy ranges above 4 MeV to 10 MeV, 0.5 to 1.0 mm steel or copper or up to 0.5 mm tantalum screens are recommended. Additional back scatter shielding
may be achieved by additional lead screen behind the cassettes.
B
Prepacked Prepacked film with lead screens may be used from 80 to 150 keV.kV. No lead screens are recommended below 80 keV.kV. Prepackaged film may be used
at higher energy levels voltages provided the contrast, density, radiographic quality level, and backscatter requirements are achieved. Additional intermediate lead screens
may be used for reduction of scattered radiation at higher energies.voltages.
C
No No back screen is required provided the backscatter requirements of 9.5 are met.
TABLE 2 Unsharpness (Ug) Maximum
A
Material Thickness Ug Maximum
Under 1 in. [25.4 mm] 0.010 in. [0.25 mm]
1 through 2 in. [25.4 through 51 mm] 0.020 in. [0.50 mm]
Over 2 through 3 in. [over 51 through 76.0 mm] 0.030 in. [0.76 mm]
Over 3 through 4 in. [over 76.0 through 100 mm] 0.040 in. [1.00 mm]
B
Greater than 4 in. [greater than 100 mm] 0.070 in. [1.78 mm]
A
Geometric unsharpness values shall be determined (calculated) as specified by the formula in Guide E94.
D
The geometric unsharpness should be reduced to 0.050 in. [1.27 mm] if the required IQI sensitivity is not achieved. For Co-60 and the voltage range of 451 kV to 4 MV,
steel or copper screens of 0.1 to 0.5 mm may be used. For the voltage range of 4 MV to 10 MV, 0.5 to 1.0 mm steel or copper or up to 0.5 mm tantalum screens are
recommended.
6.7 Shims and Separate Blocks—Shims or separate blocks made of the same or radiographically similar materials (as defined in
Practice E1025) may be used to facilitate penetrameter positioning. There is no restriction on shim or separate block thickness
provided the penetrameter and area-of-interest optical density tolerance requirements of 9.7.6.2 are met.
6.8 Radiographic Location and Identification Markers—Lead numbers and letters are used to designate the part number and
location number. The size and thickness of the markers shall depend on the ability of the radiographic technique to image the
markers on the radiograph. As a general rule, markers ⁄16-in. [1.5-mm] thick will suffice for most low-energy (less than 1 MeV)
MV tube voltage) X-ray and Iridium-192 radiography; for higher-energy radiography, it may be necessary to use markers that are
⁄8-in. [3.0-mm] or more thick.
6.9 RadiographicOptical Density Measurement Apparatus—Either a transmission densitometer or a step-wedge comparison
filmradiograph shall be used for judging filmoptical density requirements. Step wedge comparison films or densitometer
calibration, or both, shall be verified by comparison with a calibrated step-wedge film traceable to the National Institute of
Standards and Technology. Densitometers shall be calibrated in accordance with Practice E1079.
E1030/E1030M − 21
7. Reagents and Materials
7.1 Film Systems—Only film systems having cognizant engineering organization (CEO) approval or meeting the requirements of
Test Method E1815 shall be used to meet the requirements of this practice.
8. Requirements
8.1 Procedure Requirement—Unless otherwise specified by the applicable job order or contract, radiographic examination shall
be performed in accordance with a written procedure. Specific requirements regarding the preparation and approval of written
procedures shall be dictated by a purchaser and supplier agreement. The procedure details should include at least those items
stipulated in Appendix X1. In addition, a radiographic standard shooting sketch (RSS), Fig. X1.1, shall be prepared similar to that
shown in Appendix X1 and shall be available for review during interpretation of the film.radiograph.
8.2 Radiographic Coverage—Unless otherwise specified by a purchaser and supplier agreement, the extent of radiographic
coverage shall be the maximum practical volume of the casting. Areas that require radiography shall be designated as illustrated
in Figs. X1.2 and X1.3 of Appendix X1. When the shape or configuration of the casting is such that radiography is impractical,
these areas shall be so designated on drawings or sketches that accompany the radiographs. Examples of casting geometries and
configurations that may be considered impractical to radiograph are illustrated in Appendix X2.
8.3 Radiographic Film Quality—All radiographs shall be free of mechanical, chemical, handling-related, or other blemishes which
could mask or be confused with the image of any discontinuity in the area of interest on the radiograph. If any doubt exists as to
the true nature of an indication exhibited by the film,radiograph, the radiograph shall be retaken or rejected.
8.4 Radiographic Quality Level—The applicable job order or contract shall dictate the requirements for radiographic quality level.
(See Practice E1025 or Practice E747 for guidance in selection of quality level.)
8.5 Acceptance Level—Radiographic acceptance levels and associated severity levels shall be stipulated by the applicable contract,
job order, drawing, or other purchaser and supplier agreement.
8.6 RadiographicOptical Density Limitations—RadiographicOptical density in the area of interest shall be within 1.5 to 4.0 for
either single or superimposed viewing.
8.7 Film Handling:
8.7.1 Darkroom Facilities—Darkroom facilities should be kept clean and as dust-free as practical. Safelights should be those
recommended by film manufacturers for the radiographic materials used and should be positioned in accordance with the
manufacturer’s recommendations. All darkroom equipment and materials should be capable of producing radiographs that are
suitable for interpretation.
8.7.2 Film Processing—Guide E999 should be consulted for guidance on film processing.
8.7.3 FilmRadiographic Viewing Facilities—Viewing facilities shall provide subdued background lighting of an intensity that will
not cause troublesome reflections, shadows, or glare on the radiograph. The viewing light shall be of sufficient intensity to review
optical densities up to 4.0 and be appropriately controlled so that the optimum intensity for single or superimposed viewing of
radiographs may be selected.
8.7.4 Storage of Radiographs—When storage is required by the applicable job order or contract, the radiographs should be stored
in an area with sufficient environmental control to preclude image deterioration or other damage. The radiograph storage duration
and location after casting delivery shall be as agreed upon between purchaser and supplier. (See Guide E1254 for storage
information.)
9. Procedure
9.1 Time of Examination—Unless otherwise specified by the applicable job order or contract, radiography may be performed prior
to heat treatment and in the as-cast, rough-machined, or finished-machined condition.
E1030/E10
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