ASTM E2973-22 PDF

Full title and description

Standard Digital Reference Images for Inspection of Aluminum and Magnesium Die Castings (ASTM E2973‑22). This standard provides a set of digital reference radiographic images and associated guidance to illustrate types and graded severity levels of discontinuities that occur in aluminum‑alloy and magnesium‑alloy die castings, to be used as a visual aid and nomenclature for digital radiographic inspection and acceptance criteria.

Abstract

ASTM E2973‑22 specifies nine digital reference images that illustrate categories, types, and severity levels of discontinuities found in aluminum and magnesium die castings. Four images present graded sequences of four increasing severity levels for aluminum castings, four present graded sequences for magnesium castings, and one image presents ungraded illustrations of inclusions for both alloys. The images are supplied with software and may be installed as 16‑bit TIFF or DICONDE files at resolutions chosen to match detector effective resolution. The images are intended to support recognition and differentiation of discontinuity type and severity in digital radiography and to serve as a reference in acceptance standards, specifications, and drawings; they are not intended as replacements for film reference radiographs when film radiography is being performed.

General information

• Status: Active (current edition E2973‑22).
• Publication date: 2022 (designation E2973‑22; ASTM record shows last update December 22, 2022).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 77.040.20; 77.150.10; 77.150.20 (non‑destructive testing of metals; aluminium and magnesium products).
• Edition / version: E2973‑22.
• Number of pages: 5.

Scope

This standard provides digital reference radiographic images that illustrate discontinuity categories, types, and graded severity levels for aluminum‑alloy and magnesium‑alloy die castings. It covers nine digital images (eight graded sets and one ungraded set) and specifies the intended thicknesses and categories illustrated, the permitted image formats and installation options, and the need for purchaser‑supplier agreement on radiographic examination attributes and acceptance criteria. It is intended for use with digital radiography and is not intended to illustrate film radiography discontinuities (see the film reference radiographs standard for film-based inspection).

Key topics and requirements

• Provision of nine digital reference images illustrating discontinuities in aluminum and magnesium die castings.
• Graded illustrations: four severity levels for selected discontinuity categories in aluminum and magnesium castings.
• Ungraded illustrations: inclusions shown for both alloys.
• Specified nominal casting thicknesses for the graded categories (examples: 1/8 in. and 5/8 in. illustrations as noted in the standard).
• Images supplied with software; installable as 16‑bit TIFF or DICONDE files; options for positive/negative polarity and selectable resolutions to match detector pixel sizes.
• Intended detector effective resolution range and pixel increments to permit matching (commonly used pixel-size guidance included with the adjunct images).
• Requirement for purchaser‑supplier agreement on exam attributes, acceptance criteria, and any deviations from the documented illustrated conditions.
• License requirement: only licensed copies of the software and images are authorized for production inspection; retain license documentation for audits.
• Not intended as a substitute for film reference radiographs when film radiography is the chosen examination method; see film reference standard for those applications.

Typical use and users

Used by nondestructive testing (NDT) practitioners, quality and inspection engineers, die‑casting manufacturers, subcontract inspection laboratories, aerospace and automotive suppliers, and drawing/specification authors who need standardized digital radiographic reference images to support recognition, classification, and acceptance of radiographic discontinuities in aluminum and magnesium die castings.

Related standards

Related documents include the film reference radiographs standard for aluminum and magnesium die castings (Reference Radiographs E0505 / E505) and the adjunct digital image package (ASTM RRE2973) that supplies the image files and loading software associated with E2973. Users should consult applicable ASTM radiography practices and contractual acceptance standards for complementary procedural and acceptance detail.

Keywords

digital reference images, radiography, digital radiography, DICONDE, TIFF, aluminum die castings, magnesium die castings, discontinuities, reference radiographs, severity grading, NDT, acceptance criteria

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E2973‑22 is the standard that provides a set of digital reference radiographic images illustrating discontinuity types and graded severity levels for aluminum and magnesium die castings to be used as visual references in digital radiographic inspection.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers nine digital reference images (eight graded sequences and one ungraded image) showing discontinuities in aluminum and magnesium die castings, guidance on image formats and installation (16‑bit TIFF or DICONDE), and the need for purchaser‑supplier agreement on radiographic attributes and acceptance criteria. It is focused on digital imaging and is not intended to replace film reference radiographs.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: NDT technicians, inspection and quality engineers, die‑casting manufacturers and suppliers, inspection laboratories, and specification authors who perform or specify digital radiographic inspection of aluminum and magnesium die castings.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: E2973‑22 is the current active designation (published in 2022; ASTM records show an update recorded in December 2022). Users should verify for any later revisions before relying on it for new procurement or specification work.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is complementary to the film reference radiographs standard for aluminum and magnesium die castings (E0505/E505) and is distributed with an adjunct image package (RRE2973) that contains the digital image files and loading software; it fits within ASTM E07 committee radiography guidance and related radiographic practice standards.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Digital reference images, aluminum, magnesium, die castings, radiography, discontinuities, grading, DICONDE, TIFF, acceptance criteria.