4.1 Use of these reference radiographs requires agreement between the using parties as to the acceptable level of each discontinuity type. Illustrations are provided for welds in 0.125-in. (3.2-mm) thick material and 0.50-in. (12.7-mm) thick material. These illustrations are intended to be representative of base material thicknesses up to 0.75 in. (19 mm). Use of these reference radiographs is not intended to be restricted to the specific energy level or the absolute thickness limits that are illustrated. These reference radiographs may be used, where there is no other applicable document, for other energy levels or thicknesses, or both, for which agreement has been reached between the purchaser and the manufacturer. Standard reference radiographs should be used in accordance with contractual specifications.

1.1 These reference radiographs illustrate various types and severity levels of discontinuities in aluminum fusion welds that may be revealed by radiographic examination. These reference radiographs do not specify the acceptable level of these discontinuities, rather they provide a visual reference for communicating the acceptable level.

Note 1: The reference radiographs consist of a set of eight plates (8¹/₂ by 11 in. (22 by 28 cm)), covering base material up to and including 0.75 in. (19 mm) in thickness.

1.2 These reference radiographs are based on two nominal weld thicknesses in wrought aluminum products and are applicable to the thickness ranges shown in Table 1. The welds were produced using base material plates of 6061 and 5083 alloys and 5356 and 4043 gas metal-arc (GMA) electrodes. These reference radiographs are intended for use in evaluating radiographs of welds in wrought aluminum products. They are not recommended for use with repair welds in cast materials; however, they are appropriate for use with assembly or fabrication welds. Reference radiographs for aluminum and magnesium castings are available in Reference Radiographs E155 and E505.

1.3 The adjunct contains illustrations of representative graded and ungraded discontinuities. Table 2 lists the discontinuity types and severities illustrated for each thickness of base material. Each of the graded discontinuity types has five severity levels, 1 through 5, in order of increasing severity. The ungraded discontinuities are included for informational purposes.

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 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.