This test method deals with the procedures for the standard practice of performing pulse-echo ultrasonic examination of heat-treated carbon, low-alloy, and martensitic stainless steel castings by the longitudinal-beam technique. Calibration shall be executed by either flat-bottomed hole or back-wall reflection. The instrument to be used for examination shall be the ultrasonic, pulsed, reflection type. Personnel and equipment qualifications, materials preparation, casting and test conditions, data recording methods, and the acceptance standards for both types of testing procedure are all detailed thoroughly.

1.1 This practice2 covers the standards and procedures for the pulse-echo ultrasonic examination of heat-treated carbon, low-alloy, and martensitic stainless steel castings.

1.2 This practice is to be used whenever the inquiry, contract, order, or specification states that castings are to be subjected to ultrasonic examination in accordance with Practice A609/A609M.

1.3 This practice contains two procedures. Procedure A is the original A609/A609M practice and requires calibration using a series of test blocks containing flat-bottomed holes. It also provides supplementary requirements for angle beam testing. Procedure B requires calibration using a back wall reflection from a series of solid calibration blocks.

Note 1: Ultrasonic examination and radiography are not directly comparable. This examination technique is intended to complement Guide E94/E94M in the detection of discontinuities.

1.4 Supplementary requirements of an optional nature are provided for use at the option of the purchaser. The supplementary requirements shall apply only when specified individually by the purchaser in the purchase order or contract.

1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with the standard.

1.5.1 Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets.

1.5.2 This practice is expressed in both inch-pound units and SI units; however, unless the purchase order or contract specifies the applicable M-specification designation (SI units), the inch-pound units shall apply.

1.6 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, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.