ASTM E1742/E1742M-23 PDF

Full title and description

Designation: ASTM E1742/E1742M-23 — Standard Practice for Radiographic Examination. This practice establishes minimum requirements and basic parameters for performing and controlling radiographic (X‑ray and gamma) examinations of metallic and nonmetallic materials, including guidance for image quality control, technique selection, and documentation.

Abstract

ASTM E1742/E1742M-23 provides a practice-level framework (not a step‑by‑step procedure) intended to be specified on drawings, specifications, or contracts and supplemented by facility-specific procedures. It addresses image quality indicators (IQIs), radiographic quality levels, film and non‑film techniques, personnel and agency qualification references, and reporting/record retention requirements to ensure consistent radiographic image quality.

General information

• Status: Active (current edition).
• Publication date: Approved December 15, 2023; published January 2024 (designation year 2023).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: 19.100 (Non‑destructive testing); 77.040.20 (Non‑destructive testing of metals).
• Edition / version: E1742/E1742M‑23 (current revision; replaces prior editions including E1742/E1742M‑18).
• Number of pages: 17 pages.

Scope

This practice covers the minimum requirements for radiographic examination of metallic and nonmetallic materials and may be applied to parts, weldments, castings, and brazed materials when specified. It is intended to control the quality of radiographic images (technique, IQI selection, image quality levels, exposure and processing control) but does not itself establish acceptance criteria for parts — acceptance criteria must be specified elsewhere. The practice identifies items that may require agreement between the cognizant engineering organization and the supplier (for example, personnel/agency qualification, digitizing techniques, and examination sequence).

Key topics and requirements

• Image Quality Indicators (IQIs) — types, placement, and qualification exposures.
• Radiographic quality levels and criteria for specifying quality levels.
• Personnel and agency qualification references (cross‑references to relevant ASTM/industry standards).
• Film‑based and non‑film (digital/radiographic imaging) techniques, including digitizing considerations.
• Optical/fixed‑density control, geometric unsharpness, exposure technique guidance, and IQI qualification exposures.
• Reporting, retention, storage, and reproduction of radiographs.
• Notes on applicability to specialized weld types (e.g., electron beam) and areas requiring purchaser agreement.

Typical use and users

Used by nondestructive testing (NDT) practitioners and laboratories, radiography technicians and supervisors, quality/inspection engineers, contract/specification authors, procurement organizations, and regulatory or defense organizations that specify radiographic practices in purchase orders and contracts. It is also used as a reference by educators and trainers developing facility‑level radiographic procedures.

Related standards

Commonly referenced and related documents include ASTM E94/E94M (radiographic examination guide), E543 (agencies performing NDT), E747 (IQI design/grouping), E801 (controlling radiographic quality of electronic devices), E999 (film processing quality control), and other ASTM NDT practice/guides such as E1030/E1030M, E1032, and E1416 for technique and procedure development.

Keywords

radiographic examination, radiography, X‑ray, gamma radiography, image quality indicator (IQI), nondestructive testing (NDT), radiographic quality levels, film processing, digital radiography, radiograph retention.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E1742/E1742M‑23 is a practice (not a specification) that defines minimum requirements and controls for performing radiographic examinations of metallic and nonmetallic materials to achieve and document acceptable image quality.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers parameters and controls for radiographic technique, IQI selection and use, image quality levels, film and non‑film techniques, digitizing considerations, reporting, and record retention. It does not set pass/fail acceptance criteria for parts — acceptance criteria must be provided in the controlling specification or contract.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: NDT laboratories, radiographers, inspection and quality engineers, contract authors, procurement and defense organizations, and trainers developing facility‑level radiography procedures.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — the E1742/E1742M‑23 revision was approved December 15, 2023 (published January 2024) and is the active edition as of that date; it replaces earlier editions (for example the 2018 revision). Users should confirm currency before purchase or citation.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is maintained under ASTM Committee E07 on Nondestructive Testing, Subcommittee E07.01 on Radiology, and is part of ASTM's suite of radiographic and NDT practices and guides (many cross‑referenced within the practice). The dual designation E1742/E1742M indicates combined inch‑and‑metric references where applicable.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Image quality indicator, nondestructive testing, radiographic examination, radiography, radioscopy, X‑ray, IQI, radiographic quality level, digital radiography.