Designation: E 747 97

An American National Standard

Standard Practice for

Design, Manufacture and Material Grouping Classification of

Wire Image Quality Indicators (IQI) Used for Radiology1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 747; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (e) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope
1.1 This practice2 covers the design, material grouping
classification, and manufacture of wire image quality indicators (IQI) used to indicate the quality of radiologic images.
1.2 This practice is applicable to X-ray and gamma-ray
radiology.
1.3 This practice covers the use of wire penetrameters as the
controlling image quality indicator for the material thickness
range from 6.4 to 152 mm (0.25 to 6.0 in.).
1.4 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
as standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

3. Terminology
3.1 DefinitionsThe definitions of terms in Terminology
E 1316, Section D, relating to gamma and x-radiology, shall
apply to the terms used in this practice.
4. Wire IQI Requirements
4.1 The quality of all levels of examination shall be determined by a set of wires conforming to the following requirements:
4.1.1 Wires shall be fabricated from materials or alloys
identified or listed in accordance with 7.2. Other materials may
be used in accordance with 7.3.
TABLE 1 Wire IQI Sizes and Wire Identity Numbers
SET A

2. Referenced Documents
2.1 ASTM Standards:
B 139 Specification for Phosphor Bronze Rod, Bar, and
Shapes3
B 150 Specification for Aluminum Bronze Rod, Bar, and
Shapes3
B 161 Specification for Nickel Seamless Pipe and Tube4
B 164 Specification for Nickel-Copper Alloy Rod, Bar, and
Wire4
B 166 Specification for Nickel-Chromium-Iron Alloys
(UNS N06600, N06601, and N06690) and NickelChromium-Cobalt-Molybdenum Alloy (UNS N06617)
Rod, Bar, and Wire4
E 1025 Practice for Design, Manufacture, and Material
Grouping Classification of Hole-Type Image Quality Indicators (IQI) Used for Radiology5
E 1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations5

SET B

Wire Diameter
in. (mm)

Wire Identity

0.0032 (0.08)A
0.004 (0.1)
0.005 (0.13)
0.0063 (0.16)
0.008 (0.2)
0.010 (0.25)

1
2
3
4
5
6

0.010
0.013
0.016
0.020
0.025
0.032

Wire Diameter
in. (mm)
0.032
0.040
0.050
0.063
0.080
0.100

6
7
8
9
10
11
SET D

Wire Identity

(0.81)
h(1.02)
(1.27)
(1.6)
(2.03)
(2.5)

Wire Identity

(0.25)
(0.33)
(0.4)
(0.51)
(0.64)
(0.81)

SET C

11
12
13
14
15
16

Wire Diameter
in. (mm)

Wire Identity

0.10 (2.5)
0.126 (3.2)
0.160 (4.06)
0.20 (5.1)
0.25 (6.4)
0.32 (8)

16
17
18
19
20
21

A
The 0.0032 wire may be used to establish a special quality level as agreed
upon between the purchaser and the supplier.

TABLE 2 Wire Diameter Tolerances, (mm)

Wire Diameter (d), mm
0.000
0.125
0.25
0.50
1.6
4.0

This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E-7 on Nondestructive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.01 on
Radiographic Practice and Penetrameters.
Current edition approved July 10, 1997. Published November 1997. Originally
published as E 747 80. Last previous edition E 747 94.
2
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Practice
SE-747 in Section II of that Code.
3
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 02.01.
4
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 02.04.
5
Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.03.

<
<
<
<
<
<

d# 0.125
d # 0.25
d # 0.5
d # 1.6
d#4
d#8

Tolerance, mm
60.0025
60.005
60.01
60.02
60.03
60.05

4.1.2 The IQI consists of sets of wires arranged in order of

increasing diameter. The diameter sizes specified in Table 1 are

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Wire Diameter
in. (mm)

E 747
TABLE 3 Wire Diameter Tolerances, (in.)
Wire Diameter (d), in.
0.000
0.005
0.010
0.020
0.063
0.160

<
<
<
<
<
<

d
d
d
d
d
d

#
#
#
#
#
#

5.1.3 Select the applicable IQIs that represent the required

IQI thickness(s) and alloy(s).

Tolerance, in.

0.005
0.010
0.020
0.063
0.160
0.320

60.0001
60.0002
60.0004
60.0008
60.0012
60.0020

6. Image Quality Levels

6.1 The quality level required using wire penetrameters
shall be equivalent to the 2-2T level of Practice E 1025 for
hole-type IQIs unless a higher or lower quality level is agreed
upon between purchaser and supplier. Table 4 provides a list of
various hole-type IQIs and the diameter of wires of corresponding equivalent penetrameter sensitivity (EPS) with the
applicable 1T, 2T, and 4T holes in the IQI. This table can be
used for determining 1T, 2T, and 4T quality levels. Appendix
X1 gives the equation for calculating other equivalencies if
needed.
6.2 In specifying quality levels, the contract, purchase order,
product specification, or drawing should clearly indicate the
thickness of material to which the quality level applies. Careful
consideration of required quality levels is particularly important.

established from a consecutive series of numbers taken in

general from the ISO/R 10 series. The IQI shall be fabricated
in accordance with the requirements specified in Figs. 1-8 and
Tables 1-3. IQIs previously manufactured to the requirements
of Annex A1 may be used as an alternate provided all other
requirements of this practice are met.
4.1.3 Image quality indicator (IQI) designs other than those
shown in Figs. 1-8 and Annex A1 are permitted by contractual
agreement. If an IQI set as listed in Table 1 or Annex A1 is
modified in size, it must contain the grade number, set identity,
and essential wire. It must also contain two additional wires
that are the next size larger and the next size smaller as
specified in the applicable set listed in Table 1.
4.1.4 Each set must be identified using letters and numbers
made of industrial grade lead or of a material of similar
radiographic density. Identification shall be as shown on Figs.
1-8 or Annex A1, unless otherwise specified by contractual
agreement.

7. Material Groups
7.1 General:
7.1.1 Materials have been designated in eight groups based
on their radiographic absorption characteristics: groups 03, 02,
and 01 for light metals and groups 1 through 5 for heavy
metals.
7.1.2 The light metal groups, magnesium (Mg), aluminum
(Al), and titanium (Ti) are identified 03, 02, and 01 respectively, for their predominant alloying constituent. The materials
are listed in order of increasing radiation absorption.
7.1.3 The heavy metal groups, steel, copper-base, nickelbase, and kindred alloys are identified 1 through 5. The
materials increase in radiation absorption with increasing
numerical designation.
7.1.4 Common trade names or alloy designations have been

5. Image Quality Indicator (IQI) Procurement

5.1 When selecting IQIs for procurement, the following
factors should be considered:
5.1.1 Determine the alloy group(s) of the material to be
examined.
5.1.2 Determine the thickness or thickness range of the
material(s) to be examined.

FIG. 1 Set A/Alternate 1

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FIG. 2 Set A/Alternate 2

FIG. 3 Set B/Alternate 1

used for clarification of the pertinent materials.

7.1.5 The materials from which the IQI for the group are to
be made are designated in each case and these IQIs are
applicable for all materials listed in that group. In addition, any
group IQI may be used for any material with a higher group
number, provided the applicable quality level is maintained.
7.2 Materials Groups:
7.2.1 Materials Group 01:
7.2.1.1 Image quality indicators (IQIs) shall be made of
titanium or titanium shall be the predominant alloying constituent.
7.2.1.2 Use on all alloys of which titanium is the predominant alloying constituent.
7.2.2 Materials Group 02:

7.2.2.1 Image quality indicators (IQIs) shall be made of

aluminum or aluminum shall be the predominant alloying
constituent.
7.2.2.2 Use on all alloys of which aluminum is the predominant alloying constituent.
7.2.3 Materials Group 03:
7.2.3.1 Image quality indicators (IQIs) shall be made of
magnesium or magnesium shall be the predominant alloying
constituent.
7.2.3.2 Use on all alloys of which magnesium is the
predominant alloying constituent.
7.2.4 Materials Group 1:
7.2.4.1 Image quality indicators (IQIs) shall be made of
carbon steel or Type 300 series stainless steel.
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FIG. 4 Set B/Alternate 2

FIG. 5 Set C/Alternate 1

7.2.6 Materials Group 3:

7.2.6.1 Image quality indicators (IQIs) shall be made of
nickel-chromium-iron alloy (UNS No. N06600) (Inconel).7
(See Specification B 166).
7.2.6.2 Use on nickel-chromium-iron alloy and 18 %
nickel-maraging steel.
7.2.7 Materials Group 4:
7.2.7.1 Image quality indicators (IQIs) shall be made of

7.2.4.2 Use on all carbon steel, low-alloy steels, stainless

steels, and manganese-nickel-aluminum bronze (Superston).6
7.2.5 Materials Group 2:
7.2.5.1 Image quality indicators (IQIs) shall be made of
aluminum bronze (Alloy No. 623 of Specification B 150) or
equivalent, or nickel-aluminum bronze (Alloy No. 630 of
Specification B 150) or equivalent.
7.2.5.2 Use on all aluminum bronzes and all nickelaluminum bronzes.
6

7
Inconel is a registered trademark of The International Nickel Co., Inc.,
Huntington, WV 25720.

Superston is a registered trademark of Superston Corp., Jersey City, NJ.

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FIG. 6 Set C/Alternate 2

FIG. 7 Set D/Alternate 1

70 to 30 nickel-copper alloy (Monel)8 (Class A or B of

Specification B 164) or equivalent, or 70 to 30 copper-nickel
alloy (Alloy G of Specification B 161) or equivalent.
7.2.7.2 Use on nickel, copper, all nickel-copper series, or
copper-nickel series of alloys, and all brasses (copper-zinc

alloys). Group 4 IQIs may include the leaded brasses since

leaded brass increases in attenuation with increase in lead
content. This would be equivalent to using a lower group IQI.
7.2.8 Materials Group 5:
7.2.8.1 Image quality indicators (IQIs) shall be made of tin
bronze (Alloy D of Specification B 139).
7.2.8.2 Use on tin bronzes including gun-metal and valve
bronze, or leaded-tin bronze of higher lead content than valve

8
Monel is a registered trademark of The International Nickel Co., Inc.,
Huntington,, WV 25720.

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FIG. 8 Set D/Alternate 2

TABLE 4 Wire Sizes Equivalent to Corresponding 1T, 2T, and 4T Holes in Various Hole Type Plaques
Plaque Thickness,
in. (mm)

Plaque IQI Identication

Number

0.005 (0.13)
0.006 (0.16)
0.008 (0.20)
0.009 (0.23)
0.010 (0.25)
0.012 (0.30)
0.015 (0.38)
0.017 (0.43)
0.020 (0.51)
0.025 (0.64)
0.030 (0.76)
0.035 (0.89)
0.040 (1.02)
0.050 (1.27)
0.060 (1.52)
0.070 (1.78)
0.080 (2.03)
0.100 (2.5)
0.120 (3.05)
0.140 (3.56)
0.160 (4.06)
0.200 (5.08)
0.240 (6.10)
0.280 (7.11)

5
6
8
9
10
12
15
17
20
25
30
35
40
50
60
70
80
100
120
140
160
200
240
280

Diameter of wire with EPS of hole in plaque, in. (mm)

1T

0.0032
0.0035
0.004
0.005
0.0065
0.0076
0.010
0.013
0.016
0.020
0.025
0.032
0.040
0.050
0.063
0.080
0.100
0.126
0.160
0.200
0.250
0.320

(0.08)
(0.09)
(0.10)
(0.13)
(0.16)
(0.19)
(0.25)
(0.33)
(0.41)
(0.51)
(0.63)
(0.81)
(1.02)
(1.27)
(1.57)
(2.03)
(2.54)
(3.20)
(4.06)
(5.08)
(6.35)
(8.13)

0.0038
0.004
0.005
0.0056
0.006
0.008
0.010
0.012
0.015
0.020
0.025
0.032
0.040
0.050
0.063
0.080
0.100
0.126
0.160
0.200
0.250
0.320

(0.09)
(0.10)
(0.13)
(0.14)
(0.15)
(0.20)
(0.25)
(0.28)
(0.38)
(0.51)
(0.63)
(0.81)
(0.02)
(1.27)
(1.57)
(2.03)
(2.54)
(3.20)
(4.06)
(5.08)
(6.35)
(8.13)

4T
0.006
0.0067
0.008
0.009
0.010
0.012
0.016
0.020
0.025
0.032
0.040
0.050
0.063
0.080
0.100
0.126
0.160
0.200
0.250
0.320

(0.15)
(0.18)
(0.20)
(0.23)
(0.25)
(0.28)
(0.41)
(0.51)
(0.63)
(0.81)
(1.02)
(1.27)
(1.57)
(2.03)
(2.54)
(3.20)
(4.06)
(5.08)
(6.35)
(8.13)

(1) Group 2Haynes Alloy IN-100.9

(2) Group 3Haynes Alloy No. 713C, Hastelloy D10, G.E. Alloy SEL,
Haynes Stellite Alloy No. 21, GMR-235 Alloy, Haynes Alloy No. 93,
Inconel X7, Inconel 718, and Haynes Stellite Alloy No. S-816.

bronze. Group 5 IQIs may include bronze of higher lead

content since leaded bronze increases in attenuation with
increase in lead content. This would be equivalent to using a
lower group IQI.
NOTE 1In developing the eight listed materials groups, a number of
other trade names or other nominal alloy designations were evaluated. For
the purpose of making this practice as useful as possible, these materials
are listed and categorized, by group, as follows:

9
All Haynes alloys are registered trademarks of Union Carbide Corp., New
York, NY.
10
All Hastelloys and Haynes Stellite alloys are registered trademarks of the
Cabot Corp., Boston, MA.

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2T

E 747
material. The percentage figure is based on the radiographic
density of the IQI material.
7.3.2 It shall always be permissible to use IQIs of similar
composition as the material being examined.

(3) Group 4Hastelloy Alloy F, Hastelloy Alloy X, and Multimeter

Alloy Rene 41.
(4) Group 5Alloys in order of increasing attenuation: Hastelloy
Alloy B, Hastelloy Alloy C, Haynes Stellite Alloy No. 31, Thetaloy,
Haynes Stellite No. 3, Haynes Alloy No. 25. Image quality indicators
(IQIs) of any of these materials are considered applicable for the
materials that follow it.
NOTE 2The committee formulating these recommendations recommend other materials may be added to the materials groups listed as the
need arises or as more information is gained, or that additional materials
groups may be added.

8. Image Quality Indicator (IQI) Certification

8.1 Documents shall be provided by the IQI manufacturer
attesting to the following:
8.1.1 IQI identification alternate, if used.
8.1.2 Material type.
8.1.3 Conformance to specified tolerances for dimensional
values.
8.1.4 ASTM standard designation, for example, ASTM
E 747(year designation) used for manufacturing.

7.3 Method for Other Materials:

7.3.1 For materials not herein covered, IQIs of the same
materials, or any other material, may be used if the following
requirements are met. Two blocks of equal thickness, one of
the material to be examined (production material) and one of
the IQI material, shall be radiographed on one film by one
exposure at the lowest energy level to be used for production.
Transmission densitometer measurements of the radiographic
image of each material shall be made. The density of each
image shall be between 2.0 and 4.0. If the image density of the
IQI material is within 1.00 to 1.15 times (0 % to + 15 %) the
image density of the production material, IQIs made of that
IQI material may be used in radiography of that production

9. Precision and Bias

9.1 Precision and BiasNo statement is made about the
precision or bias for indicating the quality of images since the
results merely state whether there is conformance to the criteria
for success specified in this practice.
10. Keywords
10.1 density; image quality level; IQI; radiologic; radiology; x-ray and gamma radiation

ANNEX
(Mandatory Information)
A1. ALTERNATE IQI IDENTIFICATION

A1.1 The use of IQIs with identifications as shown on

Figs. A1.1-A1.9 and as listed in Table A1.1 is permitted as an
acceptable alternate provided all other requirements of Practice
E 747 are satisfied.

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FIG. A1.1 Set A/Alternate 1

FIG. A1.2 Set A/Alternate 2

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FIG. A1.3 Set B/Alternate 1

FIG. A1.4 Set B/Alternate 2

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FIG. A1.5 Set C/Alternate 1

FIG. A1.6 Set C/Alternate 2

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FIG. A1.7 Set D/Alternate 1

FIG. A1.8 Set D/Alternate 2

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NOTE 1All other IQI requirements as shown on Figs. 1-8 or Figs. A1.1-A1.8 apply.
FIG. A1.9 Alternate Identificaiton Locations and Letter, Number Size-Typical All Sets (A, B, C, D)
TABLE A1.1 Penetrameter Sizes
Wire Diameter in. (mm)
SET A

SET B

0.0032 (0.08)A
0.004 (0.1)
0.005 (0.13)
0.0063 (0.16)
0.008 (0.2)
0.010 (0.25)

0.010
0.013
0.016
0.020
0.025
0.032

SET C
0.032
0.040
0.050
0.063
0.080
0.100

(0.25)
(0.33)
(0.41)
(0.51)
(0.64)
(0.81)

SET D

(0.81)
(1.02)
(1.27)
(1.6)
(2.03)
(2.5)

0.100 (2.5)
0.126 (3.2)
0.160 (4.06)
0.20 (5.1)
0.25 (6.4)
0.32 (0.81)

A
The 0.0032 wire may be used to established a special quality level as agreed
upon between the purchaser and the supplier.

APPENDIX
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1. CALCULATING OTHER EQUIVALENTS

H 5 diameter of hole, in. (mm).

X1.1 The equation to determine the equivalencies between

wire and (hole type) IQIs is as follows:

X1.2 It should be noted that the wire and plaque (hole type)
IQI sensitivities cannot be related by a fixed constant.

F 3d 3l 5 T 2H 2~p/4!

where:
F 5 form factor for wire, 0.79,
d 5 wire diameter, in. (mm),
l 5 effective length of wire, 0.3 in. (7.6 mm),
T 5 plaque thickness, in. (mm), and

X1.3 Figs. X1.1 and X1.2 are conversion charts for hole
type IQIs containing 1T and 2T holes to wires. The sensitivities are given as a percentage of the specimen thickness.

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FIG. X1.1 Conversion Chart for 2-T Quality Level Holes to % Wire Sensitivity

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FIG. X1.2 Conversion Chart for 1-T Quality Level Holes to % Wire Sensitivity
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