ASTM E446-15

4.1 Graded reference radiographs are intended to provide a guide enabling recognition of specific casting discontinuity types and relative severity levels that may be encountered during typical fabrication processes. Reference radiographs containing ungraded discontinuities are provided as a guide for recognition of a specific casting discontinuity type where severity levels are not needed. These reference radiographs are intended as a basis from which manufacturers and purchasers may, by mutual agreement, select particular discontinuity classes to serve as standards representing minimum levels of acceptability (see Sections 6 and 7).

4.2 Reference radiographs represented by this standard may be used, as agreed upon in a purchaser supplier agreement, for energy levels, thicknesses or both outside the range of this standard when determined applicable for the casting service application. Severity levels of similar discontinuity categories and energy level range of E186 reference radiographs may alternatively be used, as determined appropriate for the casting service application, if so agreed upon in the purchaser supplier agreement (see Note 2 and 5.1).

4.3 Procedures for evaluation of production radiographs using applicable reference radiographs of this standard are prescribed in Section 8; however, there may be manufacturing-purchaser issues involving specific casting service applications where it may be appropriate to modify or alter such requirements. Where such modifications may be appropriate for the casting application, all such changes shall be specifically called-out in the purchaser supplier agreement or contractual document. Section 9 addresses purchaser supplier requisites for where weld repairs may be required.

1.1 These reference radiographsNote 1: The basis of application for these reference radiographs requires a prior purchaser supplier agreement of radiographic examination attributes and classification criterion as described in Sections 4, 6, and 7 of this standard.

1.2 These film reference radiographs are not intended to illustrate the types and degrees of discontinuities found in steel castings when performing digital radiography. If performing digital radiography of steel castings up to 2 in. (50.8 mm) in thickness, refer to Digital Reference Image Standard E2868.

1.3 These reference radiographs consist of three separate volumes (see Note 3) as follows: (I) medium voltage (nominal 250-kV) X-rays. (1.3.1 Category A—Gas porosity; severity levels 1 through 5.

1.3.2 Category B—Sand and slag inclusions; severity levels 1 through 5.

1.3.3 Category C—Shrinkage; 4 types:

1.3.4 Category D—Crack; 1 illustration.

1.3.5 Category E—Hot tear; 1 illustration.

1.3.6 Category F—Insert; 1 illustration.

1.3.7 Category G—Mottling; 1 illustration.

1.4 From time to time, there may be minor changes to the process for manufacturing of the reference radiograph adjunct materials. These changes could include changes in the films or processing chemicals used, changes in the dies or printing for the cardboard mats, etc.; however, in all cases, these changes are reviewed by the Illustration Monitoring Subcommittee and all reference radiographs are reviewed against a fixed prototype image to ensure that there are no changes to the acceptance level represented by the reference radiographs. Therefore, the adjunct reference radiographs remain valid for use with this standard regardless of the date of production or the revision level of the text standard.

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.6 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.