ASTM E2868-22 PDF

Full title and description

Standard E2868-22 — "Standard Digital Reference Images for Steel Castings up to 2 in. (50.8 mm) in Thickness" provides sets of graded and ungraded digital radiographic reference images illustrating typical discontinuity types and severity levels encountered in steel castings with section thicknesses up to 2 in (50.8 mm). The reference images are supplied as three energy-specific volumes (medium voltage, 1‑MV/Ir‑192, and 2–4‑MV/Cobalt‑60) and are intended as an adjunct to the standard for use in production radiographic evaluation and acceptance agreements between purchaser and supplier.

Abstract

This standard supplies digital reference radiographs (34 images per volume) showing six categories of graded discontinuities and four categories of ungraded discontinuities (including gas porosity, sand/slag inclusions, shrinkage subtypes, cracks, hot tears, inserts, and mottling) for steel castings up to 2 in (50.8 mm) thick. The images are organized in three volumes by radiation energy and intended for comparison with production digital images when used under a purchaser–supplier agreement. The standard also specifies personnel qualification expectations and notes its limited applicability to film radiography (see referenced E446 for film reference radiographs).

General information

• Status: Active (last updated February 15, 2023).
• Publication date: January 12, 2022.
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 77.040.20 (Non‑destructive testing of metals); 77.140.80 (Iron and steel castings).
• Edition / version: E2868-22.
• Number of pages: 6 (standard document summary pages; digital image volumes are sold as separate adjunct files).

Scope

These digital reference images illustrate discontinuity categories, types, and severity levels in steel castings having section thicknesses up to 2 in (50.8 mm). The images are provided in three volumes corresponding to nominal radiation energy ranges and are intended for comparison with production digital radiographs within the applicable energy and thickness ranges, subject to purchaser–supplier agreement. The standard is not intended to illustrate film‑radiography appearances (see Reference Radiographs E446 for film). Licensed copies of the software and image files are required for production use.

Key topics and requirements

• Provision of three energy‑specific volumes of digital reference images (Volume I: nominal 250 kVp; Volume II: 1‑MV and Ir‑192; Volume III: 2–4‑MV and Co‑60), each containing 34 illustrations and a step wedge.
• Classification scheme: six graded discontinuity categories (A–F) with severity levels and four ungraded categories (including mottling illustrations).
• Requirement that personnel using the reference radiographs be qualified under a nationally or internationally recognized NDT personnel qualification practice and certified by employer or certifying agency; consultation with a certified Level III is recommended for interpretation disputes.
• Intended use as an adjunct comparison tool—specific acceptance criteria, imaging energy, and other inspection attributes must be established by purchaser–supplier agreement.
• Licensed software/data files distribution and recordkeeping requirements for ASTM/user license agreements for audit purposes.

Typical use and users

The standard is used by foundry quality/control engineers, radiographers and digital radiography technicians, NDT Level II/III personnel, procurement and inspection engineers, and purchasers and suppliers of steel castings to standardize recognition and relative severity assessment of common casting discontinuities for castings up to 2 in (50.8 mm) thick. It is typically used as a visual reference in production radiographic evaluation, acceptance agreements, training, and arbitration of radiographic interpretation between suppliers and purchasers.

Related standards

ASTM E2868-22 expressly references Reference Radiographs E446 for film radiography of steel castings; users should also coordinate application with applicable NDT personnel qualification standards and any purchaser‑specific radiographic acceptance standards agreed in contracts.

Keywords

digital reference images, radiography, digital radiography (DR), X‑ray, gamma ray, steel castings, discontinuities, porosity, inclusions, shrinkage, cracks, hot tear, mottling, NDT, radiographic reference images.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E2868-22 is a standard that supplies digital reference radiographs for steel castings up to 2 in (50.8 mm) in thickness; the images serve as visual examples of discontinuity types and relative severity levels to be used under purchaser–supplier agreement.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers sets of digital reference images (three volumes by radiation energy) illustrating six categories of graded discontinuities and four categories of ungraded discontinuities, along with guidance on intended use, personnel qualifications, and purchaser‑supplier agreement for acceptance criteria. It explicitly excludes film radiography appearances (see E446).

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Foundry QA/QC staff, radiographers, NDT Level II/III interpreters, inspection and procurement engineers, and other stakeholders involved in radiographic examination and acceptance of steel castings up to 2 in thickness.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: As published it is E2868-22 (published January 12, 2022) and is listed as Active; the ASTM record shows a last updated status entry dated February 15, 2023. Users should confirm the standard’s current status with ASTM before purchase or application.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: The digital reference images are supplied in three companion volumes (medium voltage, 1‑MV/Ir‑192, and 2–4‑MV/Co‑60) tailored to different radiation energy levels; the image volumes are adjuncts to the E2868-22 standard and are purchased/licensed separately.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: digital reference images; radiography; X‑ray; gamma ray; steel castings; discontinuities; porosity; inclusions; shrinkage; crack; hot tear; mottling; NDT.