Designation: E 280 – 98 An American National Standard

Standard Reference Radiographs for

Heavy-Walled (41⁄2 to 12-in. (114 to 305-mm)) Steel Castings1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E 280; 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.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope E 94 Guide for Radiographic Testing3

1.1 These reference radiographs2 .for heavy-walled steel E 1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations3
castings are applicable to nominal section thicknesses of 41⁄2 to 2.2 ASTM Adjuncts:4
12 in. (114 to 305 mm) and consists of two sets as follows: Reference Radiographs for Heavy-Walled (41⁄2to 12-in. (114
1.1.1 2-MV X rays and Cobalt-60—This includes cobalt-60 to 305-mm)) Steel Castings:
or equivalent isotope radiation and from 2 MV up to 4 MV X Volume I, 2-MV X Rays and Cobalt-605
rays. Set of 28 plates in 81⁄2 by 11 in. (216 by 279 mm) ring Volume II, 4-MV to 30-MV X Ray6
binders.
3. Terminology
1.1.2 4-MV to 30-MV X rays.
1.1.3 Each set consists of three categories of graded discon- 3.1 Definitions—for definitions of terms used in this docu-
tinuities in increasing severity levels, and three categories of ment, see Terminology E 1316, section D.
ungraded discontinuities furnished as examples only, as fol- 4. Significance and Use
lows:
1.1.3.1 Category A—Gas porosity; severity levels 1 through 4.1 These reference radiographs are reproductions of origi-
5. nal radiographs and are supplied as a means for establishing the
1.1.3.2 Category B—Sand and slag inclusions; severity categories and severity levels of discontinuities in steel cast-
levels 1 through 5. ings that may be revealed by radiographic examination. They
1.1.3.3 Category C—Shrinkage; 3 types: may be used in accordance with contractual specifications.
(1) Type 1—Severity levels 1 through 5. 4.2 Radiographs for evaluation are to be compared with
(2) Type 2—Severity levels 1 through 5. these reference radiographs for classification on the basis of the
(3) Type 3—Severity levels 1 through 5. category and severity level of the discontinuity.
1.1.3.4 Category D—Crack; one illustration D5 in pre-1972 4.3 The use of this document is not intended to be restricted
documents. to the specific energy level or to the absolute thickness limits
1.1.3.5 Category E—Hot tear; one illustration D3 in pre- that are contained in the document title. The title is intended to
1972 documents. be descriptive, not restrictive. The document may be used
1.1.3.6 Category F—Insert; one illustration EB2 in pre- where there is no other applicable document, for other energy
1972 documents. levels or thicknesses, or both, for which agreement has been
1.2 This standard does not purport to address all of the reached between purchaser and manufacture.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 5. Method of Preparation
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica- 5.1 The original radiographs used to prepare the accompa-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use. nying reference radiographs were produced on high contrast,
fine grain film by the respective use of radiation energies stated
2. Referenced Documents in 1.1.1 and 1.1.2. The radiographs were made with a penet-
2.1 ASTM Standards: rameter sensitivity as determined by ASTM penetrameters (see
Guide E 94) of 2-2T. The reproductions have been prepared to
an H and D density of from 2.00 to 2.25 and they have retained
1
substantially the contrast of the original radiographs.
These reference radiographs are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee
E-7 on Nondestructive Testing and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
E07.02 on Reference Radiographs.
3
Current edition approved May 10, 1998. Published July 1998. Originally Annual Book of ASTM Standards, Vol 03.03.
4
published as E 280 – 65 T. Last previous edition E 280 – 93. Available from ASTM Headquarters.
2 5
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Reference Order PCN 17-502801-22.
6
Radiographs SE 280 in Section V of that Code. Order PCN 17-502802-22.

Copyright © ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.

1
 E 280
5.2 Film Deterioration—Radiographic films are subject to discontinuities, if unacceptable, shall govern without regard to
wear and tear from handling and use. The extent to which the the other categories of discontinuities, and the casting rejected
image deteriorates over time is a function of storage condi- until satisfactorily repaired.
tions, care in handling and amount of use. Reference radio- 8.5 When two or more categories of discontinuity are
graph films are no exception and may exhibit a loss in image present to an extent equal to the maximum permissible level as
quality over time. The radiographs should therefore be peri- shown in the pertinent standards for each category, then that
odically examined for signs of wear and tear, including part of the casting shall be judged unacceptable until satisfac-
scratches, abrasions, stains, and so forth. Any reference radio- torily repaired.
graphs which show signs of excessive wear and tear which 8.6 Reference radiographs are provided showing a variety
could influence the interpretation and use of the radiographs of forms of shrinkage cavities. Production radiographs show-
should be replaced. ing shrinkage shall be judged by the most representative
reference radiograph.
6. Determination of Radiographic Classification 8.7 Production radiographs showing porosity, gas, or inclu-
6.1 For purposes of evaluation of castings, a determination sions shall be evaluated by the overall condition with regard to
must be made of the radiographic classification to be assigned size, number, and distribution. The aggregate size of disconti-
to individual castings or specific areas of castings. The deter- nuities shall not exceed the total accumulation in area of the
mination of the applicable radiographic-severity classification discontinuities of the reference radiograph. It is not the intent
shall be based on an evaluation of the casting applications, that the maximum size of the illustrated discontinuity shall be
design, and service requirements. In these evaluations, consid- the limiting size for a single production radiographic discon-
eration shall be given to such factors as pressure, temperature, tinuity, or that the number of discontinuities shown on the
section thickness, applicable design safety factor, vibration, reference radiograph shall be the limiting number of produc-
shock, resistance to corrosion, involvement of penetrating tion radiographs. Also, caution should be exercised in judging
radiations or radiation products, and involvement of dangerous a large discontinuity against a collection of small discontinui-
gases or liquids. ties on the basis of size alone. Each of the factors of size,
number, and distribution must be considered in balance.
7. Classification Specifications 8.8 Reference radiographs in this standard do not illustrate
7.1 The applicable radiographic severity level should be elongated or “worm hole” type of gas discontinuities. When
designated for each discontinuity type by the contracting this condition occurs in a production radiograph, it shall be
agency in forma1 specifications or drawings and in the specific evaluated by comparison with the most representative refer-
contract or order. For each casting, the level should be ence radiograph.
separately specified for each discontinuity type. For example, 8.8.1 When the source has been placed perpendicular to the
in the same casting. Severity Level 2 might be specified for length of the gas hole, evaluate the production radiograph with
shrink-age defects Type 3 and Severity Level 4 for gas porosity a shrinkage reference radiograph.
defects (Category A). The specifications, drawings, contract, or 8.8.2 When the source has been placed diametrically
order should also designate the sampling plan for the castings or“into” the diameter of the gas hole, evaluate the production
to be radiographed and the extent of radiographic coverage. radiograph with a gas reference radiograph.
8.9 A diffraction mottling pattern can occur on radiographs
8. Procedure for Evaluation of parts and sections where the grain size is large enough to be
8.1 Compare the production radiographs of the casting an appreciable fraction of the material thickness. However,
submitted for evaluation with the reference radiographs of diffraction mottling is not likely to occur in materials within the
similar thickness that were exposed at an equivalent energy thickness range of this standard.
range. 8.10 Hot tears and cracks exhibited on production radio-
8.2 When the severity level of discontinuities in the produc- graphs may at times resemble linear type shrinkage. When
tion radiograph being evaluated is equal to or better than the doubt exists whether such indications are cracks or tears, or are
severity level in the specified reference radiograph, that part of linear shrinkage, all surfaces in the area of interest shall be
the casting represented by the production radiograph shall be ground and magnetic particle or liquid penetrant inspected as
acceptable. If the production radiograph shows discontinuities applicable. The extent and depth of grinding may require
of greater severity than the reference radiograph, that part of engineering judgment. If the indication does not appear on the
the casting shall be rejected. surface, it shall be considered to be shrinkage.
8.3 An area of like size to the reference radiograph shall be 8.11 The radiographic density of discontinuities in compari-
the unit area by which the production radiograph is evaluated, son with background density is a variable dependent on
and any such area or any area that shares a discontinuity with technical factors. It shall not be used as a criterion for
an adjacent film area shall meet the requirements as defined for acceptance or rejection in comparison with reference radio-
acceptability. When the area of interest of a production graphs.
radiograph is less than the unit area, such area of interest shall
be prorated to the reference radiographic area. 9. Keywords
8.4 When two or more categories of discontinuity are 9.1 castings; discontinuities; gamma ray; reference radio-
present in the same production radiograph, the predominating graphs; steel; x-ray

2
 E 280
The American Society for Testing and Materials takes no position respecting the validity of any patent rights asserted in connection
with any item mentioned in this standard. Users of this standard are expressly advised that determination of the validity of any such
patent rights, and the risk of infringement of such rights, are entirely their own responsibility.

This standard is subject to revision at any time by the responsible technical committee and must be reviewed every five years and
if not revised, either reapproved or withdrawn. Your comments are invited either for revision of this standard or for additional standards
and should be addressed to ASTM Headquarters. Your comments will receive careful consideration at a meeting of the responsible
technical committee, which you may attend. If you feel that your comments have not received a fair hearing you should make your
views known to the ASTM Committee on Standards, at the address shown below.

This standard is copyrighted by ASTM, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959, United States.
Individual reprints (single or multiple copies) of this standard may be obtained by contacting ASTM at the above address or at
610-832-9585 (phone), 610-832-9555 (fax), or [email protected] (e-mail); or through the ASTM website (www.astm.org).