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.

Designation: E689 − 20

Standard Reference Radiographs for

Ductile Iron Castings1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E689; 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 (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.

1. Scope priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-

1.1 This standard extends the application of steel casting mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
Reference Radiographs E446, E186, and E280 when perform- 1.5 This international standard was developed in accor-
ing film radiography and Digital Reference Images E2868 and dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
E3030 when performing digital radiography to ductile iron ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
castings when determined appropriate for specific applications Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
(see Section 4). mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
1.2 The reference radiograph films are an adjunct to Refer-
ence Radiographs E446, E186, or E280, and must be purchased
2. Referenced Documents
separately from ASTM International, if needed. Likewise,
when performing digital radiography, the digital reference 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
images are an adjunct to Digital Reference Images E2868 and E94 Guide for Radiographic Examination Using Industrial
E3030 and must be purchased separately from ASTM Radiographic Film
International, if needed (see 2.1). Categories and severity E186 Reference Radiographs for Heavy-Walled (2 to 41⁄2 in.
levels for each discontinuity type represented by these refer- (50.8 to 114 mm)) Steel Castings
ence radiographs are described within each applicable standard E242 Reference Radiographs for Appearances of Radio-
above. graphic Images as Certain Parameters are Changed
NOTE 1—The basis of application for these reference radiographs E280 Reference Radiographs for Heavy-Walled (41⁄2 to 12
requires a prior purchaser supplier agreement of radiographic examination in. (114 to 305 mm)) Steel Castings
attributes and classification criterion as described in Sections 4, 5, and 6 E446 Reference Radiographs for Steel Castings Up to 2 in.
of this standard. (50.8 mm) in Thickness
1.3 From time to time, there may be minor changes to the E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
process for manufacturing of the reference radiograph adjunct E2868 Digital Reference Images for Steel Castings up to 2
materials. These changes could include changes in the films or in. (50.8 mm) in Thickness
processing chemicals used, changes in the dies or printing for E3030 Digital Reference Images for Heavy-Walled (2 to 41⁄2
the cardboard mats, etc.; however, in all cases, these changes in. (50.8 to 114 mm)) Steel Castings
are reviewed by the Illustration Monitoring Subcommittee and 2.2 AIA Document:3
all reference radiographs are reviewed against a fixed prototype NAS 410 Certification & Qualification of Nondestructive
image to ensure that there are no changes to the acceptance Test Personnel
level represented by the reference radiographs. Therefore, the
adjunct reference radiographs remain valid for use with this 2.3 ASNT Documents:4
standard regardless of the date of production or the revision SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualifi-
level of the text standard. cation and Certification in Nondestructive Testing
ANSI/ASNT-CP-189 ASNT Standard for Qualification and
1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
1
These reference radiographs are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
E07 on Nondestructive Testing and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee the ASTM website.
3
E07.02 on Reference Radiological Images. Available from Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), 1000 Wilson Blvd.,
Current edition approved June 1, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally Suite 1700, Arlington, VA 22209, http://www.aia-aerospace.org.
4
approved in 1979. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as E689 – 15. DOI: Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O. Box
10.1520/E0689-20. 28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org.

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

1
 E689 − 20
2.4 ANSI/ISO Standard:5 for steel castings are applicable. The exact application and
ISO 9712 NDT—Qualification and Certification of NDT usage of discontinuity classifications contained within steel
Personnel casting reference radiographs must, however, give consider-
ation to the differences in material properties between cast steel
3. Terminology and ductile cast iron. In some applications, reference radio-
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms relating to radio- graphs for steel castings may not be entirely applicable to
graphic examination, see Terminology E1316. ductile cast iron material dependent upon design or other usage
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: criteria.
3.2.1 classification specification, n—a set of user defined 4.2 When employing steel casting reference radiographs to
acceptance criterion that prescribes the radiographic disconti- evaluate ductile iron castings for film radiography, the appli-
nuity class requirements for a specified user casting service cable E446, E186, or E280 steel casting written standard shall
application (see Sections 6 and 7). also be used for specific guidance and evaluation procedures.
3.2.2 discontinuity category, n—a nomenclature system When employing digital radiographic methods, the digital
used for grouping discontinuity types. reference images in Digital Reference Images E2868 and
3.2.2.1 Discussion—For example, linear shrinkage is as- E3030 shall be used.
signed category “Ca,” where “C” represents the general shrink-
4.3 These reference radiographs are intended as a basis from
age category and “a” represents the specific linear shrinkage
which manufacturers and purchasers may, by mutual
discontinuity type.
agreement, select particular discontinuity classes to serve as
3.2.3 discontinuity class, n—an assigned fabrication quality standards representing minimum levels of acceptability. Ref-
rating characterized by a discontinuity type, category, and erence radiographs represented by these steel casting standards
severity level. may be used, as agreed upon in a purchaser supplier agreement,
3.2.3.1 Discussion—For example, “Ca 2” is a discontinuity for radiation energy levels, thicknesses, or both, outside the
class comprised of linear shrinkage with a severity level of “2.” range of these standards when determined applicable for the
3.2.4 discontinuity severity level, n—a relative rank in terms casting service application
of “quantity, size, and distribution” of a collection of discon-
4.4 Personnel utilizing reference radiographs to this stan-
tinuities where “1” is the least and “5” is the greatest “quantity,
dard shall be qualified and authorized to perform radiographic
size, and distribution” present on the reference radiograph.
interpretation in accordance with a nationally or internationally
3.2.4.1 Discussion—For example, a severity level of “1” is
recognized NDT personnel qualification practice or standard
more restrictive (requires a higher level of fabrication quality)
such as ANSI/ASNT-CP-189, SNT-TC-1A, NAS 410, ISO
than a severity level of “2.”
9712, or a similar document and certified by the employer or
3.2.5 discontinuity type, n—a specific discontinuity charac- certifying agency, as applicable. The practice or standard used
terized by its cause and appearance. and its applicable revision shall be identified in the contractual
3.2.5.1 Discussion—For example, linear shrinkage is a spe- agreement between the using parties. A certified Level III shall
cific discontinuity type. be available to assist with interpreting specifications and
3.2.6 graded illustration, n—a category of discontinuity that product requirements as applied to the reference radiographs (if
is assigned a severity level. the Level III is the radiographic interpreter, this may be the
3.2.7 production radiograph, n—a radiograph under review same person).
for compliance with this standard.
5. Determination of Radiographic Classification
3.2.8 prorating, n—assignment of quantity, size and distri-
bution on a production radiograph in proportion to a similar 5.1 For purposes of evaluation of castings, a determination
size area of a reference radiograph. must be made of the radiographic discontinuity classifications
3.2.8.1 Discussion—For example, a production radiograph to be assigned to individual castings or specific areas of
covers an area that is smaller than the unit area of a reference castings. The determination of the applicable radiographic
radiograph and the extent of discontinuity on the applicable discontinuity classification shall be based on an evaluation of
reference radiograph is reduced proportionately. the casting applications, design, and service requirements. In
3.2.9 ungraded illustration, n—a category of discontinuity these evaluations, consideration shall be given to such factors
without an assigned severity level. as pressure, temperature, section thickness, applicable design
safety factor, vibration, shock, resistance to corrosion, involve-
4. Significance and Use ment of penetrating radiations or radiation products, and
4.1 The casting process has demonstrated radiographic involvement of dangerous gases or liquids.
similarities between internal discontinuities for ductile cast 5.2 For each individual casting or specific area of a casting
iron and cast steel to the extent that the reference radiographs to be radiographed, the discontinuity class must be clearly
specified. For example, severity level 2 might be specified for
5
linear shrinkage, Category Ca, and severity level 3 for gas
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, porosity, Category A, since the latter are generally much less
Geneva, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org. deleterious to tensile properties (see Section 6).

2
 E689 − 20
5.3 When determining discontinuity severity levels for in- more categories of discontinuity are present in the same
dividual castings spanning multiple thickness ranges outside radiograph to an extent less than the maximum permissible
the range of this standard, consideration should be given to the level, as shown in the applicable standards for each category,
potential for overlapping severity levels as described in the the severity shall be evaluated by the overall aggregate
applicable written standard. condition. The aggregate condition is defined as the balance of
5.4 Production radiographs which are compared to refer- quantity, size, and distribution of the collection of discontinui-
ence radiographs should have an optical density in the area of ties and shall not exceed the aggregate condition of the
interest in accordance with Guide E94 and a specified mini- applicable reference radiograph.
mum radiographic sensitivity (quality level) of 2 % (2-2T). 7.6 Reference radiographs are provided showing a variety
Other radiographic quality levels or optical densities may be of shrinkage discontinuity types. Production radiographs show-
designated, but then a corresponding change in severity level ing shrinkage shall be judged by the most representative
for each discontinuity category should be anticipated and hence reference radiograph.
specified.
7.7 This standard does not specify limiting criteria for a
6. Classification Specifications single size of discontinuity, maximum number of discontinui-
6.1 The applicable radiographic discontinuity classification ties per unit area evaluated, specific dimensional spacing, or
should be designated by the contracting agency in formal alignment criterion between individual discontinuities or any
specifications, on drawings, or within specific contracts or other undefined discontinuity patterns, or any combination
orders. The specifications, drawings, contracts, or order should thereof. Unless otherwise specified by a purchaser supplier
also designate the examination sampling plan for the castings agreement (see Section 4), these discontinuity conditions on
to be radiographed, the extent of radiographic coverage, production radiographs shall be evaluated as aggregate condi-
radiographic practice to be followed (that is, Guide E94), tions as defined in 7.5.
image quality desired (see Note 2) as well as the severity of the 7.8 In general, there is no limit as to the extent of acceptable
acceptable discontinuity for the graded discontinuities. discontinuities in a casting, provided that no unit evaluation
NOTE 2—For description of radiographic sensitivity or quality levels, area throughout the casting contains discontinuities that exceed
see Guide E94 and Reference Radiographs E242. the severity of discontinuities in the applicable reference
radiographs.
7. Evaluation Procedure
7.9 Reference radiographs in this standard do not illustrate
7.1 Compare the production radiographs of the casting
elongated or “worm hole” type of gas discontinuities. When
submitted for evaluation with the reference radiographs ex-
this condition occurs in a production radiograph, it shall be
posed at an equivalent energy range within the thickness range
evaluated by comparison with the most representative refer-
of the applicable standard (unless otherwise specified—see
ence radiograph.
Section 4).
7.9.1 When the exposing radiation source has been placed
7.2 When the severity level of discontinuities in the produc- perpendicular to the length of the gas hole, evaluate the
tion radiograph being evaluated is equal to or less than the production radiograph with a shrinkage reference radiograph.
severity level in the specified reference radiograph, that part of
7.9.2 When the exposing radiation source has been placed
the casting represented by the production radiograph shall be
diametrically or “into” the diameter of the gas hole, evaluate
acceptable. If the production radiograph shows discontinuities
the production radiograph with a gas reference radiograph.
of greater severity than the reference radiograph, that part of
the casting shall be rejected. 7.10 A diffraction mottling pattern can occur on films of
7.3 A unit area on the production radiograph shall be parts and sections where the grain size is large enough to be an
evaluated to a unit area of like size on the reference radiograph. appreciable fraction of the material thickness (see Note 3). If
Any evaluation unit area that shares a discontinuity with an diffraction mottling is suspected, there are a number of ways to
adjacent unit evaluation area shall meet the minimum unit area demonstrate its presence. The diffraction mottling pattern
acceptability requirements within the combined unit area. shown in these cases is dependent principally upon the crystal
When the unit area of interest of a production radiograph is less geometry and the orientation of the crystals to the incident
than the unit area of the applicable reference radiograph, such radiation. Therefore, for a given specimen, any change in this
unit area of the production radiograph shall be prorated to the orientation will affect the diffraction pattern dramatically. This
reference radiographic area. can be accomplished by a slight, 1 to 5° tilt of the part, with
respect to the radiation beam or simply by shifting the center
7.4 When two or more categories of discontinuity are line of the radiation beam to a slightly different location from
present in the same production radiograph, the predominating the first exposure. Indications from any porosity, shrinkage, or
discontinuities, if unacceptable, shall govern without regard to other discontinuity will move only slightly, while any mottling
the other categories of discontinuity and the casting rejected. patterns present will change dramatically. If it is necessary or
7.5 When two or more categories of discontinuity are desirable to eliminate the mottling, the kV may be raised to
present to an extent equal to the maximum permissible level as reduce the amount of diffraction radiation. However, caution
shown in the applicable standards for each category, then that should be used so that the kV is not raised to the point that
part of the casting shall be judged unacceptable. When two or sensitivity is reduced excessively. If diffraction mottling is

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 E689 − 20
demonstrated to be present on a radiograph, this condition shall 8. Weld Repair of Castings
not be considered as prejudicial in evaluating the radiograph.
8.1 When radiographic quality castings are repaired by
NOTE 3—Mottling is often associated with thin sections of austenitic welding, the reference radiographs to be used in the evaluation
steels, and copper base alloys such as copper nickel, tin bronzes, and
nickel copper. of the repaired sections must be specifically agreed upon
between purchaser and supplier.
7.11 Hot tears and cracks exhibited on production radio-
graphs may at times resemble linear type shrinkage. When 8.2 When casting discontinuities are removed for repairs,
doubt exists whether such indications are cracks or tears, or are only the extent of discontinuity required to meet applicable
linear shrinkage, all surfaces in the area of interest shall be reference standards need be removed
ground and magnetic particle or liquid penetrant inspected as
applicable. The extent and depth of grinding may require 9. Keywords
engineering judgment. If the indication does not appear on the
surface, that indication shall be considered shrinkage. 9.1 classification; discontinuity; ductile iron castings;
gamma ray; reference radiographs; X-ray
7.12 The radiographic density of discontinuities in compari-
son with background density is a variable dependent on
technical factors. It shall not be used as a criterion for
acceptance or rejection in comparison with reference radio-
graphs.

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