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.

Designation: E192 − 20

Standard Reference Radiographs of

Investment Steel Castings for Aerospace Applications1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E192; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* processing chemicals used, changes in the dies or printing for

1.1 The reference radiographs provided in the adjunct to this the cardboard mats, etc.; however, in all cases, these changes
standard illustrate various types and degrees of discontinuities are reviewed by the Illustration Monitoring Subcommittee and
occurring in thin-wall steel investment castings.2 Use of this all reference radiographs are reviewed against a fixed prototype
standard for the specification or grading of castings requires image to ensure that there are no changes to the acceptance
procurement of the adjunct reference radiographs which illus- level represented by the reference radiographs. Therefore, the
trate the discontinuity types and severity levels. They are adjunct reference radiographs remain valid for use with this
intended to provide the following: standard regardless of the date of production or the revision
1.1.1 A guide enabling recognition of thin-wall steel casting level of the text standard.
discontinuities and their differentiation both as to type and 1.6 These film reference radiographs are not intended to
degree through radiographic examination. illustrate the types and degrees of discontinuities found in
1.1.2 Example radiographic illustrations of discontinuities aerospace investment castings when performing digital X-ray
and a nomenclature for reference in acceptance standards, imaging. When performing digital X-ray imaging of these
specifications, and drawings. castings, refer to Digital Reference Images E2660.
1.2 Two illustration categories are covered as follows: 1.7 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be
1.2.1 Graded—Six common discontinuity types each illus- regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are
trated in eight degrees of progressively increasing severity. mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for
1.2.2 Ungraded—Twelve single illustrations of additional information only and are not considered standard.
discontinuity types and of patterns and imperfections not 1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the
generally regarded as discontinuities. safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.3 The reference radiographs were developed for casting responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
sections up to 1 in. (25.4 mm) in thickness. priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This document may be used where there is no other
1.9 This international standard was developed in accor-
applicable document existing or for other material thicknesses
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
for which it is found to be applicable and for which agreement
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
has been reached between the purchaser and manufacturer.
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
NOTE 1—The set of reference radiographs, produced with X-rays in the mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
range from 130 to 250 kVp, consist of 16 plates (81⁄2 by 11 in. (216 by Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
279 mm)) in a 93⁄4 by 111⁄2 in. (248 by 292 mm) ring binder.
1.5 From time to time, there may be minor changes to the 2. Referenced Documents
process for manufacturing of the reference radiograph adjunct 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
materials. These changes could include changes in the films or E94 Guide for Radiographic Examination Using Industrial
Radiographic Film
E1025 Practice for Design, Manufacture, and Material
1
These reference radiographs are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee Grouping Classification of Hole-Type Image Quality In-
E07 on Nondestructive Testing and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
E07.02 on Reference Radiological Images. dicators (IQI) Used for Radiography
Current edition approved Dec. 1, 2020. Published December 2020. Originally
approved in 1962. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as E192 – 15. DOI:
3
10.1520/E0192-20. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
2
The reference radiographs are considered to be applicable to all thin-wall steel contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
castings, requiring close tolerances. Such castings generally include those made by Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the lost wax, frozen mercury, ceramicast, or shell mold processes. 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

1
 E192 − 20
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations 3.2.4.1 cold cracks, n—straight or jagged lines usually
E2660 Digital Reference Images for Investment Steel Cast- continuous throughout their length. Cold cracks generally
ings for Aerospace Applications appear singly. They start at the surface.
2.2 ASTM Adjuncts: 3.2.4.2 cold shut, n—a distinct dark line or band of variable
Reference Radiographs of Investment Steel Castings for length and definite smooth outline.
Aerospace Applications4 3.2.4.3 core shift, n—a variation in wall thickness.
2.3 AIA Document:5 3.2.4.4 hot tears, n—ragged dark lines of variable width and
NAS 410 Certification & Qualification of Nondestructive numerous branches. They have no definite lines of continuity
Test Personnel and may exist in groups. They may originate internally or at the
2.4 ASNT Documents:6 surface.
SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualifi- 3.2.4.5 misruns, n—prominent dark areas of variable dimen-
cation and Certification in Nondestructive Testing sions with a definite smooth outline.
ANSI/ASNT-CP-189 ASNT Standard for Qualification and 3.2.5 defective mold, n—illustrated by such common defects
Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel as mold crack, mold ridge, rattail, scab, and fin. These
conditions appear as areas or lines of different darkness than
2.5 ANSI/ISO Standard:7
the adjacent material. Illustrations of the defect include:
ISO 9712 NDT — Qualification and Certification of NDT
3.2.5.1 mold buckle, negative, n—a darkened irregularly
Personnel
shaped area darkest near the center and gradually getting
3. Terminology lighter away from the center.
3.2.5.2 mold buckle, positive, n—a lightened irregularly
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in this standard shaped area lightest near the center and gradually increasing in
may be found in Terminology E1316, Section D. darkness away from the center.
3.2 The terms relating to discontinuities present in these 3.2.6 Diffraction Pattern:
reference radiographs are described based upon radiographic 3.2.6.1 columnar, adj—few or many lines or arrays of linear
appearance. The terms “darker” and “lighter,” as used in this indications that are both darker and lighter than the surround-
standard, refer to the optical density of a radiographic film. ing area.
Where other radiographic imaging media are used, these terms 3.2.6.2 mottled, adj—indistinct areas of darker and lighter
should be understood to refer to areas of greater or lesser images.
radiologic transmission, respectively.
3.2.1 Gas: 4. Description
3.2.1.1 gas holes, n—round or elongated, smooth edged
dark spots, occurring individually, in clusters, or distributed 4.1 The range of radiographic illustrations is given in Table
randomly throughout the casting. 1. The graded discontinuities are illustrated in eight grades.
3.2.2 Shrinkage: These grades range from that discernible at a 2-1T quality level
3.2.2.1 shrinkage cavity, n—an area with distinct jagged or better to that evident of poor workmanship and commonly
boundaries. rejectable in commercial practice.8 The ungraded illustrations
3.2.2.2 shrinkage, dendritic, n—a distribution of very fine have been included to establish the appearance of the radio-
lines or small elongated cavities that may vary in darkness and graphic indications they represent in thin-wall steel castings.
are usually unconnected. The alloys used are listed in Table 2.
3.2.2.3 shrinkage, filamentary, n—usually a continuous 4.2 The ASTM penetrameters included on each graded plate
structure of connected lines or branches of variable length, were used for contrast and resolution control only, and in
width and darkness, or occasionally, a network. accordance with Practice E1025. All of the references are
3.2.2.4 shrinkage, sponge, n—an area, lacy in texture, with original radiographs. The radiographic technique used was in
a very diffuse outline. accordance with Guide E94 and produced a density from 2.00
3.2.3 Heterogeneities: to 2.25.
3.2.3.1 foreign material less dense, n—irregularly shaped
indications darker than the adjacent material, but lighter than 5. Basis for Application
gas holes of similar magnitude. 5.1 Personnel utilizing reference radiographs to this stan-
3.2.3.2 foreign material more dense, n—irregularly shaped dard shall be qualified and authorized to perform radiographic
indications lighter than the adjacent material. interpretation in accordance with a nationally or internationally
3.2.4 Discrete Discontinuities: recognized NDT personnel qualification practice or standard
such as ANSI/ASNT-CP-189, SNT-TC-1A, NAS 410, ISO
4
9712, or a similar document and certified by the employer or
Available from ASTM Headquarters, Order RRE0192.
5
Available from Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), 1000 Wilson Blvd.,
Suite 1700, Arlington, VA 22209, http://www.aia-aerospace.org.
6 8
Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O. Box Each grade of a given discontinuity type is contained in an individual
28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org. approximate 2 by 23⁄4 in. (51 by 70 mm) machined casting block. These blocks were
7
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO inserted in steel keeper plates with radiographic characteristics equivalent to the
Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, casting blocks. The assembled plates were then radiographed to obtain the various
Geneva, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org. gradations shown.

2
 E192 − 20
TABLE 1 Range of Illustration agreement between the using parties. A certified Level III shall
Illustration be available to assist with interpreting specifications and
Plate Thick- Applicable Casting product requirements as applied to the reference radiographs (if
Illustrations
ness, in. Thickness, in. (mm)
(mm) the Level III is the radiographic interpreter, this may be the
Graded: same person).
Gas holes ⁄ (3.2)
18 ⁄ (6.4) and under
14

Gas holes ⁄ (9.5)

38 Over 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 (6.4 to 12.7), incl
5.2 The reference radiographs may be applied as acceptance
Gas holes 3⁄4 (19) Over 1⁄2 to 1 (12.7 to 25.4), incl standards in a variety of ways tailored to the specific applica-
tion. Application of these reference radiographs as acceptance
Shrinkage cavity 34 ⁄ (19) All thicknesses
standards should be based on the intended use of the product
Shrinkage, sponge ⁄ (3.2)
18 ⁄ (6.4) and under
14 and the following considerations (see Note 2):
Shrinkage, sponge ⁄ (9.5)
38 Over 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 (6.4 to 12.7), incl 5.2.1 The discontinuities in the specified reference radio-
Shrinkage, sponge 3⁄4 (19) Over 1⁄2 to 1 (12.7 to 25.4), incl
graph are acceptable in the specified unit area of the casting
Shrinkage, dendritic ⁄ (3.2)
18 ⁄ (6.4) and under
14
being examined. The size of this unit area should be specified
Shrinkage, dendritic ⁄ (9.5)
38 Over 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 (6.4 to 12.7), incl in the acceptance criteria.
Shrinkage, dendritic 3⁄4 (19) Over 1⁄2 to 1 (12.7 to 25.4), incl
5.2.2 Any combination or portion of these radiographs may
Shrinkage, filamentary 34 ⁄ (19) All thicknesses be used as is relevant to the particular application. Different
Foreign material, less dense ⁄ (3.2)
18 ⁄ (6.4) and under
14
grades or acceptance limits may be specified for each discon-
Foreign material, less dense ⁄ (9.5)
38 Over 1⁄4 to 1⁄2 (6.4 to 12.7), incl tinuity type. Furthermore, different grades may be specified for
Foreign material, less dense 3⁄4 (19) Over 1⁄2 to 1 (12.7 to 25.4), incl different regions or zones of a component.
Ungraded:
5.2.3 Special considerations may be required where more
Discrete Discontinuities: than one discontinuity type are present in the same area. Any
Foreign material, more modifications to the acceptance criteria required on the basis of
dense ⁄ (9.5)
38

Hot tear ⁄ (9.5)

38 multiple discontinuity types must be specified.
Cold crack 3⁄8 (9.5) 5.2.4 Where the reference radiographs provide only an
Cold shut 3⁄8 (9.5)
ungraded illustration of a discontinuity, an acceptance level
Misrun 3⁄8 (9.5)

Core shift 3⁄8 (9.5) may be specified by referencing a maximum discontinuity size,
Defective Mold: or a percentage of the discontinuity size illustrated.
Mold buckle, positive ⁄ (9.5)
38
5.2.5 Production radiographs showing porosity, gas,
Mold buckle, negative ⁄ (9.5)
38

Mold ridge 3⁄8 (9.5) shrinkage, or inclusions shall be evaluated by the overall
Excess metal in cracked 3⁄8 (9.5)
condition with regard to size, number, and distribution. The
core
Diffraction pattern:
aggregate size of discontinuities shall not exceed the total
Columnar 38 ⁄ (9.5) accumulation in area of the discontinuities of the reference
Mottled 38 ⁄ (9.5) radiograph. It is not the intent that the maximum size of the
illustrated discontinuity shall be the limiting size for a single
production radiographic discontinuity, or that the number of
TABLE 2 Alloys Used discontinuities shown on the reference radiograph shall be the
Illustration Alloy limiting number for production radiographs. Also, caution
Gas holes, 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm), 3⁄8 in. (9.5 mm), and 3⁄4 4330 should be exercised in judging a large discontinuity against a
in. (19 mm)
Foreign material less dense, 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm), 3⁄8 in. (9.5 4330
collection of small discontinuities on the basis of size alone.
mm) and 3⁄4 in. (19 mm) Each of the factors of size, number, and distribution shall be
Shrinkage cavity, 3⁄4 in. (19 mm) 4330 considered in balance. The purchaser may provide documented
Shrinkage, sponge, 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm) AMS 5355A
Shrinkage, sponge, 3⁄8 in. (9.5 mm) and 3⁄4 in. (19 mm) 4330 specific methods of evaluation.
Shrinkage, dendritic, 1⁄8 in. (3.2 mm), 3⁄8 in. (9.5 mm), and 4330 5.2.6 As a minimum, the acceptance criteria should contain
3⁄4 in. (19 mm)
information addressing; zoning of the part (if applicable), the
Shrinkage, filamentary, 3⁄4 in. (19 mm) 4330
Foreign material more dense 4330 maximum acceptable severity level for each discontinuity type,
Cold shut ACI HK and the specified area that the reference radiograph is to be
Hot tear 4330
applied.
Cold crack 4330
Misrun 4330
NOTE 2—Caution should be exercised in specifying the grade of
Core shift 4330
Mold buckle, positive AMS 5382B
discontinuity to be met in a casting. Casting design coupled with foundry
Mold buckle, negative AMS 5360A practice should be considered. It is advisable to consult with the
Mold ridge AMS 5382B manufacturer/foundry before establishing the acceptance criteria to ensure
Excess metal in cracked core ACI CF-8M the desired quality level can be achieved.
Diffraction pattern, columnar ACI HK
Diffraction pattern, mottled ACI HK 5.3 Film Deterioration—Radiographic films are subject to
wear and tear from handling and use. The extent to which the
image deteriorates over time is a function of storage
conditions, care in handling, and amount of use. Reference
certifying agency, as applicable. The practice or standard used radiograph films are no exception and may exhibit a loss in
and its applicable revision shall be identified in the contractual image quality over time. The radiographs should therefore be

3
 E192 − 20
periodically examined for signs of wear and tear, including 6. Keywords
scratches, abrasions, stains, and so forth. Any reference radio- 6.1 aerospace; discontinuities; investment castings; refer-
graphs which show signs of excessive wear and tear which ence radiographs; steel; X-ray
could influence the interpretation and use of the radiographs
should be replaced.

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee E07 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (E192 – 15)
that may impact the use of this standard.

(1) Added new 5.1 and renumbered other subsections.

(2) Changed language in 5.2.5 to align with other reference
radiograph standards.

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