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: E155 − 20

Standard Reference Radiographs for

Inspection of Aluminum and Magnesium Castings1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E155; 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.

These Reference Radiographs have been developed in cooperation with the Quality Control Committee and Aerospace Research and
Testing Committee of the Aerospace Industries Association.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope* 1.5 Units—The values stated in inch-pound units are to be

1.1 These reference radiographs illustrate the types and regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are
degrees of discontinuities that may be found in aluminum-alloy mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for
and magnesium-alloy castings. The castings illustrated are in information only and are not considered standard.
thicknesses of 1⁄4 in. (6.35 mm) and 3⁄4 in. (19.1 mm). The NOTE 1—Vol I: The set of reference radiographs consists of 13 plates
reference radiograph films are an adjunct to this document and covering discontinuities in aluminum-alloy castings and 10 plates cover-
shall be purchased separately from ASTM International if ing 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
needed. eight grades of severity for the discontinuity in approximately a 2 by 2 in.
1.2 These film reference radiographs are not intended to (51 by 51 mm) area. The cardboard frames are contained in a 101⁄2 by
illustrate the types and degrees of discontinuities found in 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
aluminum-alloy and magnesium-alloy castings when perform- reference radiographs since original issue. The adjunct reference radio-
ing digital radiography. If performing digital radiography of graphs of any issue remain valid and may be used to this standard.
aluminum-alloy castings, refer to Digital Reference Image Vol. II: The set of reference radiographs consists of four plates covering
Standard E2422. If performing digital radiography of discontinuities in magnesium-alloy castings only. Each plate is held in an
magnesium-alloy castings, refer to Digital Reference Image 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
Standard E2869. discontinuities, where only one example of each discontinuity is given).
1.3 This document may be used where no other applicable NOTE 2—Reference radiographs applicable to aluminum and magne-
sium die castings up to 1 in. (25 mm) in thickness are contained in
document exists, for other material thicknesses for which it has Reference Radiographs E505.
been found to be applicable and for which agreement has been
reached between the purchaser and the manufacturer. 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.4 From time to time, there may be minor changes to the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
process for manufacturing of the reference radiograph adjunct priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
materials. These changes could include changes in the films or mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
processing chemicals used, changes in the dies or printing for 1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
the cardboard mats, etc.; however, in all cases, these changes dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
are reviewed by the Illustration Monitoring Subcommittee and ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
all reference radiographs are reviewed against a fixed prototype Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
image to ensure that there are no changes to the acceptance mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
level represented by the reference radiographs. Therefore, the Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
adjunct reference radiographs remain valid for use with this
standard regardless of the date of production or the revision 2. Referenced Documents
level of the text standard. 2.1 ASTM Standards:2
E94 Guide for Radiographic Examination Using Industrial
Radiographic Film
1
These reference radiographs are under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee
E07 on Nondestructive Testing and are the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
2
E07.02 on Reference Radiological Images. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved June 1, 2020. Published June 2020. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1960. Last previous edition approved in 2015 as E155 – 15. DOI: Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
10.1520/E0155-20. the ASTM website.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

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

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 E155 − 20
E505 Reference Radiographs for Inspection of Aluminum 3.2.7 reacted sand inclusions, n—appear on radiograph as
and Magnesium Die Castings “spotty segregation,” that is, sharply defined round light areas,
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations about 1 mm in diameter, and often with the rim lighter than the
E2422 Digital Reference Images for Inspection of Alumi- center.
num Castings 3.2.7.1 Discussion—They are entrapped sand particles that
E2869 Digital Reference Images for Magnesium Castings underwent reaction with molten magnesium alloys containing
2.2 ASTM Adjuncts: zirconium (Note 3).
Reference Radiographs for Inspection of Aluminum and
Magnesium Castings: 3.2.8 segregations, n—appear as variations in film density
Volume I, Aluminum and Magnesium Castings3 which can be explained by segregation of elements of atomic
Volume II, Magnesium Castings4 numbers different from that of the matrix.
2.3 AIA Document:5 3.2.8.1 gravity segregation, n—appears white on radiograph
NAS 410 Certification & Qualification of Nondestructive and may range from a mottling-type effect through white-
Test Personnel diffused spots blending with the matrix, to a cloud-like
2.4 ASNT Documents:6 appearance in more severe cases.
SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Personnel Qualifi- 3.2.8.1 Discussion—They are agglomerations of particles
cation and Certification in Nondestructive Testing precipitated at temperatures above liquidus (Note 3).
ANSI/ASNT-CP-189 ASNT Standard for Qualification and
Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel 3.2.8.2 eutectic segregation, n—type of segregation gener-
ally represented when a defect or discontinuity develops during
2.5 ANSI/ISO Standard:7
solidification and is fed with a near eutectic residual liquid rich
ISO 9712 NDT—Qualification and Certification of NDT
with alloying elements that have a high X-ray attenuation. One
Personnel
exception to this enrichment as illustrated in Reference Radio-
3. Terminology graphs E155 is flow line (or eutectic depletion), where there is
a local impoverishment of the alloying elements that have a
3.1 Definitions—Definitions of terms used in this standard
high X-ray attenuation (Note 3).
may be found in Terminology E1316.
(1) eutectic segregation—microshrinkage type, n—type of
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
segregation develops when a microshrinkage develops during
3.2.1 The terms relating to discontinuities used in these
solidification, and is fed with residual liquid rich in dense
reference radiographs are described based upon radiographic
alloying elements such as thorium. The area will show light on
appearance.
a radiograph (Note 3).
3.2.2 foreign materials, n—appear as isolated, irregular, or
(2) eutectic segregation—pipe-shrink type, n—type of seg-
elongated variations of film density, not corresponding to
regation develops during solidification when a pipe shrink
variations in thickness of material, nor to cavities.
forms and is immediately filled with eutectic liquid rich in high
3.2.2.1 Discussion—They may be due to the presence of
X-ray attenuation alloying elements. The area shows light on a
sand, slag, oxide or dross, or metal of different density.
radiograph as a feathery or dendritic feature (Note 3).
3.2.3 gas holes, n—appear as round or elongated, smooth- (3) eutectic segregation—hot-tear type, n—type of segre-
edged dark spots, occurring individually, in clusters, or distrib- gation develops during solidification when the hot tear that
uted throughout the casting. takes place is immediately filled with liquid rich in alloying
3.2.4 gas porosity, n—represented by round or elongated elements high in X-ray attenuation. The defect shows as white
dark spots corresponding to minute voids usually distributed or light irregular defined lines (Note 3).
through the entire casting. (4) eutectic depletion—flow line, n—type of segregation
3.2.5 microshrinkage (feathery type), n—microshrinkage develops when a section of a mold is filled by liquid and
having an elongated appearance resembling feather-like solidifies at the front before liquid from another feed meets the
streaks. solid front. A portion of the solid front then partially melts;
otherwise, the discontinuity would be a cold shut. Solidifica-
3.2.6 microshrinkage (sponge type), n—microshrinkage tion begins after this remelt and the initial crystals are of high
having a spongelike appearance, and more massive and equi- purity and contain fewer high-density alloying elements than
axed than the feathery type. the melt average. Since the metal is still flowing across these
crystals, the composition ahead of this solidifying front is
3
Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Reference Radio- depleted. This depletion of the eutectic shows on the radio-
graph No. RRE015501. graph as a dark diffused line (Note 3).
4
Available from ASTM International Headquarters. Order Reference Radio- (5) oxide inclusions in magnesium alloys containing
graph No. RRE015502.
5
Available from Aerospace Industries Association (AIA), 1000 Wilson Blvd., zirconium, n—show on a radiograph as well defined light area
Suite 1700, Arlington, VA 22209, http://www.aia-aerospace.org. of irregular shape and size resembling a radiograph of a
6
Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O. Box compacted fine steel wool. It is composed of complex magne-
28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org.
7
sium oxide film with high zirconium content, and, if present,
Available from International Organization for Standardization (ISO), ISO
Central Secretariat, BIBC II, Chemin de Blandonnet 8, CP 401, 1214 Vernier, rare earths and thorium oxides also. It is often associated with
Geneva, Switzerland, http://www.iso.org. zirconium-rich particles.

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 E155 − 20
NOTE 3—More detailed descriptions of these discontinuities can be 5.1.2 An area of like size to that of the reference radiograph
found in the article, “New Reference Radiographs for Magnesium Alloy shall be the unit area by which the production radiograph is
Castings,” by B. Lagowski, published in the Journal of Testing and
Evaluation, Vol 2, No. 4, July 1974.
evaluated, and any such area shall meet the requirements as
defined for acceptability.
3.2.9 shrinkage cavity, n—appears as a dendritic, 5.1.3 Any combination or portion of these reference radio-
filamentary, or jagged darkened area. graphs may be used as is relevant to the particular application.
3.2.10 shrinkage porosity or sponge (nonferrous alloys), Different grades or acceptance limits may be specified for each
n—a localized lacy or honeycombed darkened area. discontinuity type. Furthermore, different grades may be speci-
fied for different regions or zones of a component.
4. Significance and Use 5.1.4 Special considerations may be required where more
4.1 Personnel utilizing reference radiographs to this stan- than one discontinuity type is present in the same area. Any
dard shall be qualified and authorized to perform radiographic modifications to the acceptance criteria required on the basis of
interpretation in accordance with a nationally or internationally multiple discontinuity types shall be specified.
recognized NDT personnel qualification practice or standard 5.1.5 Where the reference radiographs provide only an
such as ANSI/ASNT-CP-189, SNT-TC-1A, NAS 410, ISO ungraded illustration of a discontinuity, acceptance criteria
9712 or a similar document and certified by the employer or may be specified by referencing a maximum discontinuity size,
certifying agency, as applicable. The practice or standard used or percentage of the discontinuity size illustrated.
and its applicable revision shall be identified in the contractual 5.1.6 Production radiographs showing porosity, gas,
agreement between the using parties. A certified Level III shall shrinkage, or inclusions shall be evaluated by the overall
be available to assist with interpreting specifications and condition with regard to size, number, and distribution. The
product requirements as applied to the reference radiographs (if aggregate size of discontinuities shall not exceed the total
the Level III is the radiographic interpreter, this may be the accumulation in area of the discontinuities of the reference
same person). radiograph. It is not the intent that the maximum size of the
4.2 These radiographs are intended for reference only but illustrated discontinuity shall be the limiting size for a single
are so designed that acceptance standards, which may be production radiographic discontinuity, or that the number of
developed for particular requirements, can be specified in discontinuities shown on the reference radiograph shall be the
terms of these radiographs. The illustrations are radiographs of limiting number for production radiographs. Also, caution
castings that were produced under conditions designed to should be exercised in judging a large discontinuity against a
develop the discontinuities. The radiographs of the 1⁄4 in. collection of small discontinuities on the basis of size alone.
(6.35 mm) castings are intended to be used in the thickness Each of the factors of size, number, and distribution shall be
range up to and including 1⁄2 in. (12.7 mm). The radiographs of considered in balance. The purchaser may provide documented
the 3⁄4 in. (19.1 mm) castings are intended to be used in the specific methods of evaluation.
thickness range of over 1⁄2 in. up to and including 2 in. 5.1.7 When the severity level of discontinuities per unit in
(51 mm). The grouping and system of designations are based the production radiograph being evaluated is equal to or better
on considerations of the best practical means of making these than the severity level in the specified reference radiograph,
reference radiographs of the greatest possible value. that part of the casting represented by the production radio-
graph shall be acceptable. If the production radiograph shows
4.3 Film Deterioration—Radiographic films are subject to discontinuities per unit area of greater severity than the
wear and tear from handling and use. The extent to which the reference radiograph, that part of the casting shall not be
image deteriorates over time is a function of storage accepted.
conditions, care in handling and amount of use. Reference 5.1.8 As a minimum, the acceptance criteria should contain
radiograph films are no exception and may exhibit a loss in information addressing: zoning of the part (if applicable), the
image quality over time. The radiographs should therefore be acceptable severity level for each discontinuity type, and the
periodically examined for signs of wear and tear, including specified area to which the reference radiographs are to be
scratches, abrasions, stains, and so forth. Any reference radio- applied.
graphs which show signs of excessive wear and tear which
could influence the interpretation and use of the radiographs NOTE 4—Caution should be exercised in specifying the acceptance
criteria to be met in a casting. Casting design coupled with foundry
should be replaced. practice should be considered. It is advisable to consult with the
manufacturer/foundry before establishing the acceptance criteria to ensure
5. Basis for Application the desired quality level can be achieved.
5.1 The reference radiographs may be applied as acceptance
standards tailored to the end use of the product. Application of 6. Description
these reference radiographs as acceptance standards should be 6.1 The radiographs listed in Table 1 illustrate each type of
based on the intended use of the product and the following discontinuity in eight grades. The radiographs listed in Table 2
considerations (see Note 4). illustrate each type of discontinuity in eight grades, with the
5.1.1 Compare the production radiographs of the casting exception of pipe shrink, flow line, hot tear, and oxide
submitted for evaluation with the reference radiographs appli- inclusion, where a single ungraded illustration is given for
cable to designated wall thickness in accordance with the each. Although eight grades of each discontinuity are shown
written acceptance criteria. (with the above exceptions), a numerically smaller graded set

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 E155 − 20
TABLE 1 Reference Radiographs for Aluminum and Magnesium TABLE 2 Reference Radiographs for Magnesium Castings—
Castings—Volume I Volume II
Applicable Applicable
Casting Casting
Casting Casting
Discontinuity Thickness, Discontinuity Thickness,
Thickness, Thickness,
in.A in.A
in.A in.A
Aluminum-Alloy Castings Eutectic segregation (discrete discontinui-
Gas holes 1 ⁄4 up to 1⁄2, incl ties)—pipeshrink, flow line, hot tears, oxide
Gas holes 3 ⁄4 over 1⁄2 to 2, incl inclusions 14⁄ all thicknesses
Gas porosity (round) 1 ⁄4 up to 1⁄2, incl Reacted sand inclusion 14⁄ all thicknesses
Gas porosity (round) 3 ⁄4 over 1⁄2 to 2, incl Eutectic segregation (microshrinkage type) 1 ⁄4 all thicknesses
Gas porosity (elongated) 1 ⁄4 up to 1⁄2, incl Gravity segregation 1 ⁄4 all thicknesses
Gas porosity (elongated) 3 ⁄4 over 1⁄2 to 2, incl A
1 in. = 25.4 mm.
Shrinkage cavity 1 ⁄4 All thicknesses
Shrinkage (sponge) 1 ⁄4 up to 1⁄2, incl
Shrinkage (sponge) 3 ⁄4 over 1⁄2 to 2, incl
Foreign material (less dense) 1 ⁄4 up to 1⁄2, incl TABLE 3 Actual Alloys Used to Reproduce Discontinuities
Foreign material (less dense) 3 ⁄4 over 1⁄2 to 2, incl
Foreign material (more dense) 1 ⁄4 up to 1⁄2, incl Discontinuity Alloy Used
Foreign material (more dense) 3 ⁄4 over 1⁄2 to 2, incl Aluminum
Magnesium-Alloy Castings Gas holes 356
Gas holes 1 ⁄4 up to 1⁄2, incl Gas porosity (round) 356
Gas holes 3 ⁄4 over 1⁄2 to 2, incl Gas porosity (elongated) 195
Microshrinkage (feathery) 1 ⁄4 up to 1⁄2, incl Shrinkage cavity 356
Microshrinkage (feathery) 3 ⁄4 over 1⁄2 to 2, incl Shrinkage (sponge) 356
Microshrinkage (sponge) 1 ⁄4 up to 1⁄2, incl Foreign material (less dense) 356
Microshrinkage (sponge) 3 ⁄4 over 1⁄2 to 2, incl Foreign material (more dense) 356
Foreign material (less dense) 1 ⁄4 up to 1⁄2, incl Magnesium
Foreign material (less dense) 3 ⁄4 over 1⁄2 to 2, incl Gas holes ZK51A
Foreign material (more dense) 1 ⁄4 up to 1⁄2, incl Eutectic segregation and flow line EZ33A
Foreign material (more dense) 3 ⁄4 over 1⁄2 to 2, incl Gravity segregation ZK91
A Microshrinkage (feathery) AZ91C
1 in. = 25.4 mm.
Microshrinkage (sponge) AZ91C
Foreign material (less dense) AZ91C
Foreign material (more dense) AZ91C
of discontinuities based on these reference radiographs could Reacted sand inclusions HK31A
Oxide inclusion in magnesium
be used for acceptance standards. Each grade is illustrated in alloys containing zirconium HZ11
approximately a 2 by 2 in. (51 by 51 mm) area. The radio-
graphic technique used is in agreement with Guide E94, and
produced a desired density of 2.0 to 2.25. 6.3 All of these references are original radiographs; they
6.2 The alloys used to reproduce the various discontinuities should be viewed by transmitted light.
were as listed in Table 3.
7. Keywords
NOTE 5—Misruns, core shift, cold shut, and surface irregularities are
not illustrated, as they are readily identifiable by surface inspection or by 7.1 aluminum; castings; discontinuities; magnesium; refer-
other means of nondestructive testing. ence radiographs; X-ray

SUMMARY OF CHANGES

Committee E07 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (E155 – 15)
that may impact the use of this standard.

(1) Added 4.1 and renumbered other subsections.

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 E155 − 20
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