ASTM E801-21 PDF

Full title and description

Designation: ASTM E801-21 — Standard Practice for Controlling Quality of Radiographic Examination of Electronic Devices. This practice establishes minimum requirements and controls to produce repeatable, quality radiographic images of electronic components and devices (for detection of internal discontinuities, missing components, broken wires, defective solder joints, extraneous material, etc.).

Abstract

ASTM E801-21 defines procedures and quality-control elements for radiographic examination of electronic devices and assemblies. The practice addresses image quality indicators (IQIs), recommended detector types (film, radioscopic detectors, digital detector arrays), basic imaging geometry (direction of the central beam), qualification of agencies or personnel where specified, and reporting. The practice is intended to control image quality and repeatability, not to define accept/reject criteria for the devices imaged.

General information

• Status: Published / Current.
• Publication date: Approved Nov 1, 2021 (published in the 2021 edition; published materials dated Dec 2021 in some listings).
• Publisher: ASTM International.
• ICS / categories: Non-destructive testing; classification commonly listed under NDT-related categories (classification listing shown as 19.100 in distributor metadata).
• Edition / version: E801 − 21 (2021 edition).
• Number of pages: 5 pages (practice-length document).

Scope

This practice applies to radiographic examination of electronic devices and components to reveal internal discontinuities, extraneous material, missing components, crimped or broken wires, defective solder joints, and similar defects located within encapsulating materials or on printed circuit boards. It provides minimum quality-control requirements and is intended to be used as the basis for inspection plans and techniques; specific applications may require additional contractual or engineering direction. The practice expressly focuses on controlling the quality and repeatability of radiographic images rather than prescribing device acceptance criteria.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition and use of image quality indicators (IQIs) appropriate for electronic-device radiography; selection of IQI density close to that of the device under test.
• Detector guidance: film, radioscopic detectors, and digital detector arrays (DDAs) — considerations for imaging and interpretation.
• Guidance on radiation direction and geometry (central beam orientation, aiming for near-perpendicular incidence where practical).
• Agency and personnel qualification when specified (references to Specification E543 for agency evaluation).
• Reporting requirements and limitations: what to include in radiographic reports and the practice’s intent to define imaging quality rather than acceptability.

Typical use and users

Used by nondestructive testing (NDT) technicians, radiographers, quality engineers, contract inspection organizations, electronics manufacturers, and stakeholders procuring radiographic inspection of electronic assemblies. The practice is suitable for suppliers, inspection agencies, and contracting engineering organizations that need consistent radiographic imaging controls; it has been approved for use by U.S. Department of Defense agencies when specified.

Related standards

Key referenced ASTM documents include Specification E543 (Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing) and Terminology E1316 (Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations). The practice is published under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nondestructive Testing and Subcommittee E07.01 (Radiology). Users commonly pair E801 with other ASTM NDT radiography and equipment standards as required by the inspection plan.

Keywords

radiographic examination, electronic devices, image quality indicator, IQI, nondestructive testing, radiography, digital detector array, radioscopic detector, E801-21, ASTM.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ASTM E801-21 is a practice that establishes minimum quality-control requirements for radiographic examination of electronic devices to ensure reproducible, high-quality radiographic images.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers selection and use of image quality indicators, detector considerations (film, radioscopic detectors, digital detector arrays), imaging geometry (direction of radiation), agency/personnel qualification when specified, and reporting — with the aim of controlling image quality and repeatability rather than establishing acceptance criteria for the devices.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Nondestructive testing/radiography technicians, quality and inspection engineers, electronics manufacturers and suppliers, and contract inspection organizations. It may also be specified by defense and aerospace purchasers for contract inspections.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2021 edition (E801-21) is the current edition as published/approved in 2021. Users should check for later revisions or reapprovals if they need to confirm currency for contract or regulatory purposes.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: It is produced under ASTM Committee E07 on Nondestructive Testing and Subcommittee E07.01 (Radiology). It references and is commonly used alongside other ASTM NDT standards such as E543 and E1316.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Radiography, electronic devices, IQI, image quality, nondestructive testing, digital detector array, radioscopic detector, ASTM E801-21.