4.1 These radiographs are intended for reference only but are so designed that acceptance standards, which may be developed for particular requirements, can be specified in terms of these radiographs. The illustrations are radiographs of castings that were produced under conditions designed to develop the discontinuities. The radiographs of the ¹/₄-in. (6.35-mm) castings are intended to be used in the thickness range up to and including ¹/₂ in. (12.7 mm). The radiographs of the ³/₄-in. (19.1-mm) castings are intended to be used in the thickness range of over ¹/₂ in. to and including 2 in. (51 mm). The grouping and system of designations are based on considerations of the best practical means of making these reference radiographs of the greatest possible value.

4.2 Film Deterioration—Radiographic films are subject to wear and tear from handling and use. The extent to which the image deteriorates over time is a function of storage conditions, care in handling and amount of use. Reference radiograph films are no exception and may exhibit a loss in image quality over time. The radiographs should therefore be periodically examined for signs of wear and tear, including scratches, abrasions, stains, and so forth. Any reference radiographs which show signs of excessive wear and tear which could influence the interpretation and use of the radiographs should be replaced.

1.1 These reference radiographs illustrate the types and degrees of discontinuities that may be found in aluminum-alloy and magnesium-alloy castings. The castings illustrated are in thicknesses of ¹/₄ in. (6.35 mm) and ³/₄ in. (19.1 mm). The reference radiograph films are an adjunct to this document and must be purchased separately from ASTM International if needed.

1.2 These film reference radiographs are not intended to illustrate the types and degrees of discontinuities found in aluminum-alloy and magnesium-alloy castings when performing digital radiography. If performing digital radiography of aluminum-alloy castings, refer to Digital Reference Image Standard E2422. If performing digital radiography of magnesium-alloy castings, refer to Digital Reference Image Standard E2869.

1.3 This document may be used where no other applicable document exists, for other material thicknesses for which it has been found to be applicable and for which agreement has been reached between the purchaser and the manufacturer.

1.4 From time to time, there may be minor changes to the process for manufacturing of the reference radiograph adjunct materials. These changes could include changes in the films or processing chemicals used, changes in the dies or printing for the cardboard mats, etc.; however, in all cases, these changes are reviewed by the Illustration Monitoring Subcommittee and all reference radiographs are reviewed against a fixed prototype image to ensure that there are no changes to the acceptance level represented by the reference radiographs. Therefore, the adjunct reference radiographs remain valid for use with this standard regardless of the date of production or the revision level of the text standard.

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

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

Note 1: Vol I: The set of reference radiographs consists of 13 plates covering discontinuities in aluminum-alloy castings and 10 plates covering discontinuities in magnesium-alloy castings. Each plate is held in an 8¹/₂ by 11-in. (216 by 279-mm) cardboard frame and each plate illustrates eight grades of severity for the discontinuity in approximately a 2 by 2-in. (51 by 51-mm) area. The cardboard frames are contained in a 10¹/₂ by 11¹/₂-in. (267 by 292-mm) ring binder. The reference radiographs are not impacted by this revision. There have been no revisions to the adjunct reference radiographs since original issue. The adjunct reference radiographs of any issue remain valid and may be used to this standard.

Vol. II: The set of reference radiographs consists of four plates covering discontinuities in magnesium-alloy castings only. Each plate is held in an 8¹/₂ by 11-in. (216 by 279-mm) cardboard frame and illustrates eight grades of severity for the discontinuity (with the exception of discrete discontinuities, where only one example of each discontinuity is given).

Note 2: Reference radiographs applicable to aluminum and magnesium die castings up to 1 in. (25 mm) in thickness are contained in Reference Radiographs E505.