Designation: E280 – 10

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 E280; 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.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the Department of Defense.

1. Scope needed. Following is a list of discontinuity categories, types

1.1 These reference radiographs2 illustrate various catego- and severity levels for the adjunct reference radiographs of this
ries, types, and severity levels of discontinuities occurring in standard:
steel castings that have section thicknesses of 41⁄2 to 12 in. (114 [Link] Category A—Gas porosity; severity levels 1 through
to 305 mm). The reference radiograph films are an adjunct to 5.
this document and must be purchased separately from ASTM [Link] Category B—Sand and slag inclusions; severity
International, if needed (see 2.2). Categories and severity levels 1 through 5.
levels for each discontinuity type represented by these refer- [Link] Category C—Shrinkage; three types:
ence radiographs are described in 1.2. (1) Ca Linear Shrinkage—Severity levels 1 through 5
(called Type 1 in previous revisions).
NOTE 1—The basis of application for these reference radiographs (2) Cb Feathery Shrinkage—Severity levels 1 through 5
requires a prior purchaser supplier agreement of radiographic examination
(called Type 2 in previous revisions).
attributes and classification criterion as described in Sections 4, 6, and 7
of this standard. Reference radiographs for other steel casting thicknesses (3) Cc Sponge Shrinkage—Severity levels 1 through 5
may be found in Reference Radiograph standards E446 and E186. (called Type 3 in previous revisions).
Reference radiograph E186 provides some overlap of severity levels for [Link] Category D—Crack; one illustration D5 in pre-1972
similar discontinuity categories within the same energy level range (see documents.
4.2, 5.1, and 6.3). [Link] Category E—Hot tear; one illustration D3 in pre-
1.2 These reference radiographs consist of two separate 1972 documents.
volumes as follows [Link] Category F—Insert; one illustration EB2 in pre-
1.2.1 Volume I: 2-MV X-rays and Cobalt-60—This includes 1972 documents.
cobalt-60 or equivalent isotope radiation and from 2-MV up to 1.3 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded
4-MV X-rays. Set of 28 plates in 81⁄2 by 11 in. (216 by 279 as the standard. SI values are shown for information only.
mm) ring binders. 1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the
1.2.2 Volume II: 4-MV to 30-MV X-rays—Set of 28 plates in safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
8 1⁄2 by 11 in. (216 by 279 mm) ring binders. responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
1.2.3 Unless otherwise specified in a purchaser supplier priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
agreement (see 1.1), each volume is for comparison only with bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
production radiographs produced with radiation energy levels
within the thickness range covered by this standard. Each 2. Referenced Documents
volume consists of three categories of graded discontinuities in 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
increasing severity levels, and three categories of ungraded E94 Guide for Radiographic Examination
discontinuities. Reference radiographs containing ungraded E186 Reference Radiographs for Heavy-Walled (2 to 412-
discontinuities are provided as a guide for recognition of a in. [51 to 114-mm]) Steel Castings
specific casting discontinuity type where severity levels are not E242 Reference Radiographs for Appearances of Radio-
graphic Images as Certain Parameters Are Changed
E446 Reference Radiographs for Steel Castings Up to 2 in.
1
These reference radiographs are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee [51 mm] in Thickness
E07 on Nondestructive Testing and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittees
E07.02 on Reference Radiological Images and E07.93 on Illustration Monitoring.
Current edition approved Jan. 1, 2010. Published February 2010. Originally
3
approved in 1965. Last previous edition approved in 2004 as E280 - 98(2004)´1. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, [Link], or
DOI: 10.1520/E0280-10. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@[Link]. For Annual Book of ASTM
2
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications see related Reference Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
Radiographs SE 280 in Section V of that Code. the ASTM website.

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

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 E280 – 10
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations recognition of a specific casting discontinuity type where
2.2 ASTM Adjuncts:4 severity levels may not be needed. These reference radiographs
Reference Radiographs for Heavy-Walled (4 1⁄2 to 12-in. are intended as a basis from which manufacturers and purchas-
(114 to 305-mm)) Steel Castings: ers may, by mutual agreement, select particular workmanship
Volume I, 2-MV to 4 MV X-rays and Cobalt-605 classes to serve as standards representing minimum levels of
Volume II, 4-MV to 30-MV X-Ray6 acceptability (see Sections 6 and 7).
4.2 Reference radiographs represented by this standard may
3. Terminology be used, as agreed upon in a purchaser supplier agreement, for
3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms relating to radio- energy levels, thicknesses or both outside the range of this
graphic examination, see Terminology E1316. standard when determined applicable for the casting service
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard: application. Overlapping severity levels of similar discontinu-
3.2.1 production radiograph—a radiograph under review ity categories and energy level range of E186 reference
for compliance with this standard. radiographs may alternatively be used, as determined appro-
3.2.2 discontinuity type—a specific discontinuity character- priate for the casting service application, if so agreed upon in
ized by its cause and appearance. For example: linear shrink- a purchaser supplier agreement (see 5.1).
age is a specific discontinuity type. 4.3 Procedures for evaluation of production radiographs
3.2.3 discontinuity category—a nomenclature system used using applicable reference radiographs of this standard are
for grouping discontinuity types. For example: linear shrinkage prescribed in Section 8; however, there may be manufacturing-
is assigned category “Ca” where “C” represents the general purchaser issues involving specific casting service applications
shrinkage category and “a” represents the specific linear where it may be appropriate to modify or alter such require-
shrinkage discontinuity type. ments. Where such modifications may be appropriate for the
3.2.4 discontinuity severity level—a relative rank in terms casting application, all such changes shall be specifically
of “quantity, size and distribution” of a collection of disconti- called-out in the purchaser supplier agreement or contractual
nuities where “1” is the least and “5” is the greatest “quantity, document. Section 9 addresses purchaser supplier requisites
size and distribution” present on the reference radiograph. where weld repairs may be required.
Example: a severity level of “1” is more restrictive (requires a
5. Method of Preparation
higher level of workmanship fabrication quality) than a sever-
ity level of “2”. 5.1 The original radiographs used to prepare the adjunct
3.2.5 discontinuity class—an assigned workmanship fabri- reference radiographs were produced on ASTM Class I or II
cation quality rating characterized by a discontinuity type, film systems by the respective use of radiation energies stated
category and severity level. For example: “Ca 2” is a discon- in 1.2.1 and 1.2.2. The original radiographs were made with a
tinuity class comprised of linear shrinkage with a severity level penetrameter sensitivity as determined by ASTM penetram-
of “2”. eters (see Guide E94) of 2-2T. The adjunct reference radio-
3.2.6 classification specification—a set of user defined ac- graphs are reproductions prepared to an optical density of 2.00
ceptance criterion that prescribes the radiographic workman- to 2.25 and they have substantially retained the contrast of the
ship discontinuity class requirements for a specified user original radiographs. In preparing these reference radiographs,
casting service application (see Sections 6 and 7). the objective was to obtain progressively graduated severity
3.2.7 graded illustration—a category of discontinuity that is levels for each graded discontinuity category over the thickness
assigned a severity level. range of this standard. Additionally, some overlap of severity
3.2.8 ungraded illustration—a category of discontinuity levels may occur for similar discontinuity categories of Refer-
without an assigned severity level. ence Radiograph standard E186 with the same energy level
3.2.9 prorating—assignment of quantity, size and distribu- range. For example, aggregate gas porosity severity level 1 of
tion on a production radiograph in proportion to a similar size this standard is less severe than aggregate porosity severity
area of a reference radiograph. For example: a production level 5 of E186 (see 6.3).
radiograph covers an area that is smaller than the unit area of 5.2 Film Deterioration—Radiographic films are subject to
a reference radiograph and the extent of discontinuity on the wear and tear from handling and use. The extent to which the
applicable reference radiograph is reduced proportionately. image deteriorates over time is a function of storage condi-
tions, care in handling and amount of use. Reference radio-
4. Significance and Use graph films are no exception and may exhibit a loss in image
4.1 Graded reference radiographs are intended to provide a quality over time. The radiographs should therefore be peri-
guide enabling recognition of specific casting discontinuity odically examined for signs of wear and tear, including
types and relative severity levels that may be encountered scratches, abrasions, stains, and so forth. Any reference radio-
during typical fabrication processes. Reference radiographs graphs which show signs of excessive wear and tear which
containing ungraded discontinuities are provided as a guide for could influence the interpretation and use of the radiographs
should be replaced.

4
6. Determination of Radiographic Classification
Available from ASTM Headquarters.
5
Order RRE028001. 6.1 For purposes of evaluation of castings, a determination
6
Order RRE028002. must be made of the radiographic discontinuity classification to

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 E280 – 10
be assigned to individual castings or specific areas of castings. When the unit area of interest of a production radiograph is less
The determination of the applicable radiographic discontinuity than the unit area of the applicable reference radiograph, such
classification shall be based on an evaluation of the casting unit area of the production radiograph shall be prorated to the
applications, design, and service requirements. In these evalu- reference radiographic area.
ations, consideration shall be given to such factors as pressure, 8.4 When two or more categories of discontinuity are
temperature, section thickness, applicable design safety factor, present in the same production radiograph, the predominating
vibration, shock, resistance to corrosion, involvement of pen- discontinuities, if unacceptable, shall govern without regard to
etrating radiations or radiation products, and involvement of the other categories of discontinuity and that part of the casting
dangerous gases or liquids. shall be judged unacceptable.
6.2 For each individual casting or specific area of a casting 8.5 When two or more categories of discontinuity are
to be radiographed, the discontinuity class must be clearly present to an extent equal to the maximum permissible level as
specified. For example: severity level 2 might be specified for shown in the applicable standards for each category, then that
linear shrinkage, Category Ca, and severity level 3 for gas part of the casting shall be judged unacceptable. When two or
porosity, Category A, since the latter are generally much less more categories of discontinuity are present in the same
deleterious to tensile properties (see Section 7). radiograph to an extent less than the maximum permissible
6.3 When determining discontinuity severity levels for in- level, as shown in the applicable standards for each category,
dividual castings spanning multiple thickness ranges outside the severity shall be evaluated by the overall aggregate
the range of this standard, consideration should be given to the condition. The aggregate condition is defined as the balance of
potential for overlapping severity levels as described in 4.2 and quantity, size and distribution of the collection of discontinui-
Section 5. ties and shall not exceed the aggregate condition of the
6.4 Production radiographs which are compared to refer- applicable reference radiograph.
ence radiographs should have an optical density in the area of 8.6 Reference radiographs are provided showing a variety
interest in accordance with Guide E94 and a specified mini- of shrinkage discontinuity types. Production radiographs show-
mum radiographic sensitivity (quality level) of 2 % (2-2T).5 ing shrinkage shall be judged by the most representative
Other radiographic quality levels or optical densities may be reference radiograph.
designated, but then a corresponding change in severity level 8.7 This standard does not specify limiting criteria for a
for each discontinuity category should be anticipated and hence single size of discontinuity, maximum number of discontinui-
specified. ties per unit area evaluated, specific dimensional spacing
7. Classification Specifications and/or alignment criterion between individual discontinuities
7.1 The applicable radiographic discontinuity classification or any other undefined discontinuity patterns. Unless otherwise
should be designated by the contracting agency in formal specified by a purchaser supplier agreement (see Section 4),
specifications or drawings and in the specific contract or order. these discontinuity conditions on production radiographs shall
The specifications, drawings, contract, or order should also be evaluated as aggregate conditions as defined in 8.5.
designate the sampling plan for the castings to be radiographed 8.8 In general, there is no limit as to the extent of acceptable
and the extent of radiographic coverage, radiographic practice discontinuities in a casting, provided that no unit evaluation
to be followed (Guide E94), image quality desired (see Note 2) area throughout the casting contains discontinuities that exceed
as well as the severity of acceptable discontinuity for graded the severity of discontinuities in the applicable reference
categories. radiographs.
8.9 Reference radiographs in this standard do not illustrate
NOTE 2—For description of sensitivity or image quality levels, see elongated or “worm hole” type of gas discontinuities. When
Guide E94 and Reference Radiograph standard E242.
this condition occurs in a production radiograph, it shall be
8. Procedure for Evaluation evaluated by comparison with the most representative refer-
8.1 Compare the production radiographs of the casting ence radiograph.
submitted for evaluation with the reference radiographs ex- 8.9.1 When the exposing radiation source has been placed
posed at an equivalent energy range within the thickness range perpendicular to the length of the gas hole, evaluate the
of this standard (unless otherwise specified—see Section 4). production radiograph with a shrinkage reference radiograph.
8.2 When the severity level of discontinuities in the produc- 8.9.2 When the exposing radiation source has been placed
tion radiograph being evaluated is equal to or less than the diametrically or “into” the diameter of the gas hole, evaluate
severity level in the specified reference radiograph, that part of the production radiograph with a gas reference radiograph.
the casting represented by the production radiograph shall be 8.10 A diffraction mottling pattern can occur on films of
acceptable. If the production radiograph shows discontinuities parts and sections where the grain size is large enough to be an
of greater severity than the reference radiograph, that part of appreciable fraction of the material thickness (see Note 3). If
the casting shall be rejected. diffraction mottling is suspected, there are a number of ways to
8.3 A unit area on the production radiograph shall be demonstrate its presence. The diffraction mottling pattern
evaluated to a unit area of like size on the reference radiograph. shown in these cases is dependent principally upon the crystal
Any evaluation unit area that shares a discontinuity with an geometry and the orientation of the crystals to the incident
adjacent unit evaluation area shall meet the minimum unit area radiation. Therefore, for a given specimen, any change in this
acceptability requirements within the combined unit area. orientation will affect the diffraction pattern dramatically. This

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 E280 – 10
can be accomplished by a slight, 1 to 5° tilt of the part, with applicable. The extent and depth of grinding may require
respect to the radiation beam or simply by shifting the center engineering judgment. If the indication does not appear on the
line of the radiation beam to a slightly different location from surface, that discontinuity shall be considered shrinkage.
the first exposure. Indications from any porosity, shrinkage, or 8.12 The radiographic density of discontinuities in compari-
other discontinuity will move only slightly, while any mottling son with background density is a variable dependent on
patterns present will change dramatically. If it is necessary or technical factors. It shall not be used as a criterion for
desirable to eliminate the mottling, the kV may be raised to acceptance or rejection in comparison with reference radio-
reduce the amount of diffraction radiation. However, caution graphs.
should be used so that the kV is not raised to the point that
sensitivity is reduced excessively. If diffraction mottling is 9. Weld Repair of Castings
demonstrated to be present on a radiograph, this condition shall 9.1 When radiographic quality castings are repaired by
not be considered as prejudicial in evaluating the radiograph. welding, the reference radiographs to be used in the evaluation
of the repaired sections must be specifically agreed upon
NOTE 3—Mottling is often associated with thin sections of austenitic between purchaser and supplier.
steels, and copper base alloys such as copper nickel, tin bronzes, and
9.2 When casting discontinuities are removed for repairs,
nickel copper.
only the extent of discontinuity required to meet applicable
8.11 Hot tears and cracks exhibited on production radio- reference standards need be removed.
graphs may at times resemble linear type shrinkage. When
doubt exists whether such indications are cracks or tears, or are 10. Keywords
linear shrinkage, all surfaces in the area of interest shall be 10.1 classification criterion; discontinuity; gamma ray; ref-
ground and magnetic particle or liquid penetrant inspected as erence radiographs; steel castings; X-ray

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