ASTM E164-24 PDF

Full title and description

ASTM E164-24 — Standard Practice for Contact Ultrasonic Testing of Weldments. This practice specifies manual contact ultrasonic A‑scan techniques (pulse‑echo reflection method) using straight and angle beams, applied with a couplant film or water column, to detect internal and surface discontinuities in specific weld geometries of wrought ferrous and aluminum alloy materials.

Abstract

This standard describes procedures and practical guidance for contact ultrasonic examination of welds and adjacent heat‑affected zones to locate and evaluate discontinuities (planar and volumetric) using pulsed‑wave A‑scan methods. It is intended for manual, in‑process quality control and acceptance testing where criteria and reference standards are agreed between purchaser and manufacturer. Typical thickness range intended by the practice is 0.250 in to 8 in (6.4 mm to 203 mm).

General information

• Status: Active (current practice, revised 2024).
• Publication date: December 2024 (ASTM record updated December 24, 2024; some distributors list December 1, 2024).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 25.160.40 (Welding joints and welds / Nondestructive testing).
• Edition / version: E164-24 (designation E0164-24 / 2024 revision).
• Number of pages: 26 pages.

Scope

This practice covers ultrasonic A‑scan contact examination techniques for specified weld configurations joining wrought ferrous or aluminum alloy materials to detect weld discontinuities using the reflection (pulse‑echo) method. It covers use of straight and angle beams, manual contact techniques with couplant or water column, and is intended primarily for welds in the thickness range of about 0.250 in to 8 in (6.4 mm to 203 mm). Special geometries such as fillet and spot welds are excluded; the practice assumes agreement on reference standards and acceptance limits when UT is used for acceptance.

Key topics and requirements

• Contact ultrasonic A‑scan (pulse‑echo reflection) techniques for weld examination.
• Use of straight‑beam and angle‑beam transducers depending on weld geometry.
• Manual application with couplant film or water column; requirements for search unit contact and scanning practice.
• Detection and evaluation of internal and surface discontinuities in weld metal and heat‑affected zones, especially planar defects perpendicular to the sound beam.
• Recommended thickness range (~6.4 mm to 203 mm) and limitation to wrought/forged ferrous and aluminum alloys unless validated by reference standards.
• Requirement that acceptance criteria and reference standards be agreed between purchaser and manufacturer; examples referenced within the practice.

Typical use and users

Used by nondestructive testing (NDT) technicians, welding inspectors, quality/control engineers, fabrication shops, third‑party inspection organizations, and purchasers specifying weld acceptance criteria. Typical applications include in‑process weld inspection, fabrication acceptance testing, and condition assessment of welded structures in industries such as oil & gas, pressure vessels, aerospace, transportation, and heavy fabrication.

Related standards

Referenced and related ASTM practices and terminology include Practice E317 (evaluating performance characteristics of ultrasonic pulse‑echo testing instruments and systems), Terminology E1316, and Practice E587, which provide complementary guidance on calibration, terminology, and acceptance‑level transfer standards. Historical earlier editions (for example E164‑19) provide continuity of methods and background.

Keywords

ultrasonic testing, contact UT, A‑scan, pulse‑echo, weld inspection, weldments, nondestructive testing (NDT), angle‑beam, straight‑beam, couplant, heat‑affected zone, weld discontinuities, ASTM E164-24.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E164-24 is a 2024 ASTM International practice that specifies contact ultrasonic A‑scan techniques (pulse‑echo) for examination of specific weld configurations in wrought ferrous and aluminum alloys.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers manual contact ultrasonic methods using straight and angle beams, couplants or water column, procedures to detect internal and surface weld discontinuities, typical thicknesses from 0.250 in to 8 in, and guidance on reference standards and acceptance agreement between purchaser and manufacturer. Fillet and spot welds and some special geometries are excluded.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: NDT technicians, welding inspectors, quality engineers, fabricators, and third‑party inspection bodies in industries that require welded‑joint integrity verification.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The E164-24 edition is the current/revised practice as of 2024 (ASTM records show the standard active and updated December 2024). Users should confirm they have the latest PDF/Book of Standards version from ASTM for definitive text.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: E164 is part of ASTM’s nondestructive testing suite (Book of Standards volume covering NDT) and cross‑references other ASTM practices and terminology standards such as E317, E1316, and E587; it follows ASTM designation conventions and earlier editions (for example E164‑19).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Ultrasonic testing, contact UT, A‑scan, pulse‑echo, weld inspection, weldments, NDT, angle beam, straight beam, couplant, discontinuity detection.