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: A609/A609M − 12 (Reapproved 2023)

Standard Practice for

Castings, Carbon, Low-Alloy, and Martensitic Stainless
Steel, Ultrasonic Examination Thereof1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A609/A609M; 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 U.S. Department of Defense.

1. Scope 1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the
2
1.1 This practice covers the standards and procedures for safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
the pulse-echo ultrasonic examination of heat-treated carbon, responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
low-alloy, and martensitic stainless steel castings. priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.2 This practice is to be used whenever the inquiry, 1.7 This international standard was developed in accor-
contract, order, or specification states that castings are to be dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
subjected to ultrasonic examination in accordance with Prac- ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
tice A609/A609M. Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
1.3 This practice contains two procedures. Procedure A is mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
the original A609/A609M practice and requires calibration Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
using a series of test blocks containing flat-bottomed holes. It
also provides supplementary requirements for angle beam 2. Referenced Documents
testing. Procedure B requires calibration using a back wall 2.1 ASTM Standards:3
reflection from a series of solid calibration blocks. A217/A217M Specification for Steel Castings, Martensitic
NOTE 1—Ultrasonic examination and radiography are not directly Stainless and Alloy, for Pressure-Containing Parts, Suit-
comparable. This examination technique is intended to complement Guide able for High-Temperature Service
E94/E94M in the detection of discontinuities. E94/E94M Guide for Radiographic Examination Using In-
1.4 Supplementary requirements of an optional nature are dustrial Radiographic Film
provided for use at the option of the purchaser. The supple- E317 Practice for Evaluating Performance Characteristics of
mentary requirements shall apply only when specified indi- Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Testing Instruments and Systems
vidually by the purchaser in the purchase order or contract. without the Use of Electronic Measurement Instruments
1.5 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units 2.2 Other Document:4
are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice for Nondestructive
each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each Testing Personnel Qualification and Certification
system shall be used independently of the other. Combining
values from the two systems may result in nonconformance 3. Ordering Information
with the standard. 3.1 The inquiry and order should specify which procedure is
1.5.1 Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets. to be used. If a procedure is not specified, Procedure A shall be
1.5.2 This practice is expressed in both inch-pound units used.
and SI units; however, unless the purchase order or contract
specifies the applicable M-specification designation (SI units), 3.2 The purchaser shall furnish the following information:
the inch-pound units shall apply. 3.2.1 Quality levels for the entire casting or portions
thereof,
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
3
A01.18 on Castings. For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Current edition approved Nov. 1, 2023. Published November 2023. Originally contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
approved in 1970. Last previous edition approved in 2018 as A609/A609M – 12 Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
(2018). DOI: 10.1520/A0609_A0609M-12R23. the ASTM website.
2 4
For ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code applications, see related Specifi- Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O. Box
cation SA-609 of Section II of that Code. 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

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3.2.2 Sections of castings requiring longitudinal beam
examination,
3.2.3 Sections of castings requiring dual element
examination,
3.2.4 Sections of castings requiring supplementary
examination, using the angle beam procedure described in
Supplementary Requirement S1 in order to achieve more
complete examination, and
3.2.5 Any requirements additional to the provisions of this
practice.
PROCEDURE A – FLAT-BOTTOMED HOLE
CALIBRATION PROCEDURE

4. Apparatus
4.1 Electronic Apparatus:
4.1.1 An ultrasonic, pulsed, reflection type of instrument
that is capable of generating, receiving, and amplifying fre-
quencies of at least 0.5 to 5 MHz.
4.1.2 The ultrasonic instrument shall provide linear presen-
tation (within 65 %) for at least 75 % of the screen height
(sweep line to top of screen). Linearity shall be determined in NOTE 1—Opposite ends of reference block shall be flat and parallel
accordance with Practice E317 or equivalent electronic means. within 0.001 in. [0.025 mm].
4.1.3 The electronic apparatus shall contain a signal attenu- NOTE 2—Bottom of flat-bottom hole shall be flat within 0.002 in.
[0.051 mm] and the finished diameter shall be 1⁄4 + 0.002 in. [6.4 + 0.050].
ator or calibrated gain control that shall be accurate over its
NOTE 3—Hole shall be straight and perpendicular to entry surface
useful range to 610 % of the nominal attenuation or gain ratio within 0°, 30 min and located within 1⁄32 in. [0.80 mm] of longitudinal
to allow measurement of signals beyond the linear range of the axis.
instrument. NOTE 4—Counter bore shall be 1⁄2 in. [15.0 mm] diameter by 1⁄8 in.
[5 mm] deep.
4.2 Search Units:
4.2.1 Longitudinal Wave, internally grounded, having a 1⁄2 FIG. 1 Ultrasonic Standard Reference Block
to 1 in. [13 to 25 mm] diameter or 1 in. [25 mm] square
piezo-electric elements. Based on the signals-to-noise ratio of TABLE 1 Dimensions and Identification of Reference Blocks in
the response pattern of the casting, a frequency in the range the Basic Set (See Fig. 1)
from 0.5 to 5 MHz shall be used. The background noise shall Metal Overall Width or Block
Hole Diameter
not exceed 25 % of the distance amplitude correction curve in 1⁄64 ths, in.
Distance Length Diameter Identifi-
(DAC). Transducers shall be utilized at their rated frequencies. [mm] (B), in.A (C), in. (D), min, cation
[mm] [mm] in. [mm] Number
4.2.2 Dual Element, 5 MHz, 1⁄2 by 1 in. [13 by 25 mm], 12° 16 [6.4] 1 [25] 13⁄4 [45] 2 [50] 16-0100
included angle search units are recommended for sections 1 in. 16 [6.4] 2 [50] 23⁄4 [70] 2 [50] 16-0200
[25 mm] and under. 16 [6.4] 3 [75] 33⁄4 [95] 2 [50] 16-0300
16 [6.4] 6 [150] 63⁄4 [170] 3 [75] 16-0600
4.2.3 Other frequencies and sizes of search units may be 16 [6.4] 10 [255] 103⁄4 [275] 4 [100] 16-1000
used for evaluating and pinpointing indications. 16 [6.4] B B + 3⁄4 [B + 20] 5 [125] 16-B00B
A
Tolerance ±1⁄8 in. [3 mm].
4.3 Reference Blocks: B
Additional supplemental blocks for testing thickness greater than 10 in.
4.3.1 Reference blocks containing flat-bottom holes shall be [250 mm], see 4.3.3.
used to establish test sensitivity in accordance with 8.2.
4.3.2 Reference blocks shall be made from cast steels that
give an acoustic response similar to the castings being exam-
ined. 4.3.5 Each reference block shall be permanently identified
along the side of the block indicating the material and the block
4.3.3 The design of reference blocks shall be in accordance
identification.
with Fig. 1, and the basic set shall consist of those blocks listed
in Table 1. When section thicknesses over 15 in. [380 mm] are 4.4 Couplant—A suitable couplant having good wetting
to be inspected, an additional block of the maximum test characteristics shall be used between the search unit and
thickness shall be made to supplement the basic set. examination surface. The same couplant shall be used for
4.3.4 Machined blocks with 3⁄32 in. [2.4 mm] diameter calibrations and examinations.
flat-bottom holes at depths from the entry surface of 1⁄8 in.
[3 mm], 1⁄2 in. [13 mm], or 1⁄2 t and 3⁄4 in. [19 mm], or 3⁄4 t 5. Personnel Requirements
(where t = thickness of the block) shall be used to establish the 5.1 Personnel performing ultrasonic examination in accor-
DAC for the dual element search units (see Fig. 2). dance with this practice shall be qualified and certified in

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 A609/A609M − 12 (2023)

NOTE 1—Entrant surface shall be 250 µin. [6.3 µm] or finer.

NOTE 2—The 3⁄32 in. [2.4 mm] flat-bottom hole must be flat within 0.002 in. [0.05 mm]. Diameter must be within +0.005 in. [0.13 mm] of the required
diameter. Hole axis must be perpendicular to the block and within an angle of 0°, 30 min.
NOTE 3—Hole shall be plugged following checking for ultrasonic response.
in. [mm] in. [mm]
⁄
18 [3] 11⁄4 [32]
1⁄4 [6] 11⁄2 [38]
1⁄2 [13] 13⁄4 [44]
3⁄4 [19.0] 2 [50]
1 [25] 10 [254]

FIG. 2 Ultrasonic Standard Reference Block for Dual-Search Unit Calibration

accordance with a written procedure conforming to Recom- markers, note the flat-bottom hole indication height for each of
mended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A or another national standard the applicable blocks on the instrument screen. Draw a curve
acceptable to both the purchaser and the supplier. through these marks on the screen or on suitable graph paper.
The maximum signal amplitude for the test blocks used shall
6. Casting Conditions peak at approximately three fourths of the screen height above
6.1 Castings shall receive at least an austenitizing heat the sweep by use of the attenuator. This curve shall be referred
treatment before being ultrasonically examined. to as the 100 % distance amplitude correction (DAC) curve. If
6.2 Test surfaces of castings shall be free of material that the attenuation of ultrasound in the casting thickness being
will interfere with the ultrasonic examination. They may be as examined is such that the system’s dynamic range is exceeded,
cast, blasted, ground, or machined. segmented DAC curves are permitted.

6.3 The ultrasonic examination shall be conducted prior to 8.3 The casting examination surface will normally be
machining that prevents an effective examination of the cast- rougher than that of the test blocks; consequently, employ a
ing. transfer mechanism to provide approximate compensation. In
order to accomplish this, first select a region of the casting that
7. Test Conditions has parallel walls and a surface condition representative of the
7.1 To ensure complete coverage of the specified casting rest of the casting as a transfer point. Next, select the test block
section, each pass of the search unit shall overlap by at least whose overall length, C (Fig. 1), most closely matches the
10 % of the width of the transducer. reflection amplitude through the block length. Place the search
unit on the casting at the transfer point and adjust the
7.2 The rate of scanning shall not exceed 6 in./s [150 mm/s]. instrument gain until the back reflection amplitude through the
7.3 The ultrasonic beam shall be introduced perpendicular casting matches that through the test block. Using this transfer
to the examination surface. technique, the examination sensitivity in the casting may be
expected to be within 630 % or less of that given by the test
8. Procedure blocks.
8.1 Adjust the instrument controls to position the first back 8.4 Do not change those instrument controls and the test
reflection for the thickness to be tested at least one half of the frequency set during calibration, except the attenuator or
distance across the instrument screen. calibrated gain control, during acceptance examination of a
8.2 Using the set of reference blocks spanning the thickness given thickness of the casting. Make a periodic calibration
of the casting being inspected and overlays or electronic during the inspection by checking the amplitude of response

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 A609/A609M − 12 (2023)
from the 1⁄4 in. [6.4 mm] diameter flat-bottom hole in the test TABLE 2 Rejection Level
block utilized for the transfer. NOTE 1—The areas in the table refer to the surface area on the casting
NOTE 2—The attenuator or calibrated gain control may be used to over which a continuous indication exceeding the amplitude reference line
change the signal amplitude during examination to permit small amplitude or a continuous loss of back reflection of 75 % or greater is maintained.
signals to be more readily detected. Signal evaluation is made by returning NOTE 2—Areas shall be measured from the center of the search unit.
the attenuator or calibrated gain control to its original setting.
NOTE 3—In certain castings, because of very long test distances or
8.5 During examination of areas of the casting having curvature of the test surface, the casting surface area over which a given
parallel walls, recheck areas showing 75 % or greater loss of discontinuity is detected may be considerably larger or smaller than the
back reflection to determine whether loss of back reflection is actual area of the discontinuity in the casting; in such cases, a graphic plot
due to poor contact, insufficient couplant, misoriented that incorporates a consideration of beam spread should be used for
realistic evaluation of the discontinuity.
discontinuity, etc. If the reason for loss of back reflection is not
Area, in.2 [cm2]
evident, consider the area questionable and investigate further. Ultrasonic Testing
(see 10.2.1 and
Length, max,
Quality Level in. [mm]
10.2.2)
9. Report
1 0.8 [5] 1.5 [40]
9.1 The manufacturer’s report of final ultrasonic examina- 2 1.5 [10] 2.2 [55]
3 3 [20] 3.0 [75]
tion shall contain the following data and shall be furnished to 4 5 [30] 3.9 [100]
the purchaser: 5 8 [50] 4.8 [120]
9.1.1 The total number, location, amplitude, and area when 6 12 [80] 6.0 [150]
7 16 [100] 6.9 [175]
possible to delineate boundaries by monitoring the movement
of the center of the search unit of all indications equal to or
greater than 100 % of the DAC,
NOTE 3—The areas for the ultrasonic quality levels in Table 2 refer to
9.1.2 Questionable areas from 8.5 that, upon further the surface area on the casting over which a continuous indication
investigation, are determined to be caused by discontinuities, exceeding the DAC is maintained.
9.1.3 The examination frequency, type of instrument, types NOTE 4—Areas are to be measured from dimensions of the movement
of search units employed, couplant, manufacturer’s identifying of the search unit by outlining locations where the amplitude of the
numbers, purchaser’s order number, and data and authorized indication is 100 % of the DAC or where the back reflection is reduced by
75 %, using the center of the search unit as a reference point to establish
signature, and the outline of the indication area.
9.1.4 A sketch showing the physical outline of the casting, NOTE 5—In certain castings, because of very long metal path distances
including dimensions of all areas not inspected due to geomet- or curvature of the examination surfaces, the surface area over which a
ric configuration, with the location and sizes of all indications given discontinuity is detected may be considerably larger or smaller than
the actual area of the discontinuity in the casting; in such cases, other
in accordance with 9.1.1 and 9.1.2.
criteria that incorporate a consideration of beam angles or beam spread
10. Acceptance Standards must be used for realistic evaluation of the discontinuity.

10.1 This practice is intended for application to castings PROCEDURE B – BACK WALL REFLECTION
with a wide variety of sizes, shapes, compositions, melting CALIBRATION PROCEDURE
processes, foundry practices, and applications. Therefore, it is
impractical to specify an ultrasonic quality level that would be 11. Apparatus
universally applicable to such a diversity of products. Ultra- 11.1 Apparatus shall be kept on a regular six-month main-
sonic acceptance or rejection criteria for individual castings tenance cycle during which, as a minimum requirement, the
should be based on a realistic appraisal of service requirements vertical and horizontal linearities, sensitivity, and resolution
and the quality that can normally be obtained in production of shall be established in accordance with the requirements of
the particular type of casting. Practice E317.
10.2 Acceptance quality levels shall be established between 11.2 Search Units—Ceramic element transducers not ex-
the purchaser and the manufacturer on the basis of one or more ceeding 1.25 in. [32 mm] diameter or 1 in.2 [645 mm2] shall be
of the following criteria: used.
10.2.1 No indication equal to or greater than the DAC over 11.3 Search Units Facing—A soft urethane membrane or
an area specified for the applicable quality level of Table 2. neoprene sheet, approximately 0.025 in. [0.64 mm] thick, may
10.2.2 No reduction of back reflection of 75 % or greater be used to improve coupling and minimize transducer wear
that has been determined to be caused by a discontinuity over caused by casting surface roughness.
an area specified for the applicable quality level of Table 2.
10.2.3 Indications producing a continuous response equal to 11.4 Calibration/Testing—The same system, including the
or greater than the DAC with a dimension exceeding the urethane membrane, used for calibration shall be used to
maximum length shown for the applicable quality level shall be inspect the casting.
unacceptable. 11.5 Other Inspections—Other frequencies and type search
10.2.4 Other criteria agreed upon between the purchaser and units may be used for obtaining additional information and
the manufacturer. pinpointing of individual indications.
10.3 Other means may be used to establish the validity of a 11.6 Couplant—A suitable liquid couplant, such as clean
rejection based on ultrasonic inspection. SAE 30 motor oil or similar commercial ultrasonic couplant,

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 A609/A609M − 12 (2023)
shall be used to couple the search unit to the test surface. Other 14. Preparation
couplants may be used when agreed upon between the pur- 14.1 Time of Inspection—The final ultrasonic acceptance
chaser and supplier. inspection shall be performed after at least an austenitizing heat
11.7 Reference Standards—Reference standards in accor- treatment and preferably after machining. In order to avoid
dance with Fig. 3 shall be used to calibrate the instrument for time loss in production, acceptance inspection of cast surfaces
inspecting machined and cast surfaces. Reference standards may be done prior to machining. Machined surfaces shall be
shall be flaw free and machined within tolerances indicated. acceptance inspected as soon as possible after machining.
Repair welds may be inspected before the post-weld heat
12. Ultrasonic Instrument treatment.
12.1 Type—Pulsed ultrasonic reflection instrument capable 14.2 Surface Finish:
of generating, receiving, and amplifying frequencies of 0.5 to 14.2.1 Machined Surfaces—Machined surfaces subject to
5 MHz shall be used for testing. ultrasonic inspection shall have a finish that will produce an
12.2 Voltage—Line voltage shall be suitably regulated by ultrasonic response equivalent to that obtained from a 250 µin.
constant voltage equipment and metal housing must be [6.3 µm] surface. The surface finish shall also permit adequate
grounded to prevent electric shock. movement of search units along the surface.
14.2.2 Casting Surfaces—Casting surfaces to be ultrasoni-
12.3 Linearity—The instrument must provide a linear pre- cally inspected shall be suitable for the intended type and
sentation (within 65 %) of at least 1.5 in. [40 mm] sweep to quality level (Tables 3 and 4) of inspection as judged accept-
peak (S/P). able by a qualified individual as specified in 13.1.
12.4 Calibrated Gain Control of Attenuator—The instru- 14.2.3 Surface Condition—All surfaces to be inspected shall
ment shall contain a calibrated gain control or signal attenuator be free of scale, machining or grinding particles, excessive
(accurate within 610 %) which will allow indications beyond paint thickness, dirt, or other foreign matter that may interfere
the linear range of the instrument to be measured. with the inspection.
12.5 Time-Corrected Gain—The instrument shall be 14.3 Position of Casting—The casting shall be positioned
equipped to compensate for signal decay with distance. A such that the inspector has free access to the back wall for the
method should be available to equalize signal response at purpose of verifying change in contour.
different depths.
15. Calibration
13. Personnel Requirements 15.1 Calibration Blocks—Determine the thickness of the
13.1 Personnel performing ultrasonic examination in accor- material to be ultrasonically inspected. For material thickness
dance with this practice shall be qualified and certified in of 3 in. [75 mm] or less, use the series of three blocks, 1⁄2, 2,
accordance with a written procedure conforming to Recom- 5 in. [13, 50, 125 mm] (Fig. 3, B dimension) for calibration.
mended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A or another national standard For a material thickness greater than 3 in., use the series of
acceptable to both the purchaser and the supplier.

TABLE 3 Acceptance Criteria for Single Isolated Indications

NOTE 1—The area measured by movement of the center of the

transducer over the casting surface.
NOTE 2—O = outer wall 1⁄3, or inner wall 1⁄3.
C = mid wall 1⁄3.
E = entire wall.

Maximum Nonlinear Indication, Position of

Quality Level
Area, in.2 [cm2] Indication
1 0 E
2 1 [6] E
3 1 [6] O
2 [13] C
4 3 [19] E
5 3 [19] O
Dimensions, in. [mm] Material 5 [32] C
2 [50] ⁄ [13]
12 Specification A217/A217M, 6 5 [32] E
2 [50] 2 [50] Grade WC6 or acoustically similar within 7 5 [32] O
±20 % or 2 dB. 7 [45] C
3 [75] 5 [125] 8 7 [45] E
6 [150] 10 [250] 9 7 [45] O
Tolerance 9 [58] C
All sides to be flat within 0.0002 in. [0.01 mm] and parallel with 0.001 in. 10 9 [58] E
[0.03 mm]. 11 9 [58] O
11 [71] C
FIG. 3 Calibration Blocks

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 A609/A609M − 12 (2023)
TABLE 4 Acceptance Criteria for Clustered Indications 15.3.6 Draw a line using overlays or electronic markers on
Cumulative Area
Minimum Area in the instrument screen parallel to the sweep line at 0.5 in.
Which Indications
Quality Level of Indications,
Must be Dispersed,
[13 mm] (S/P) amplitude. This will be the reference line for
in.2 [cm2]A,B reporting discontinuity amplitudes.
in.2 [cm2]C
1 0 0 15.3.7 For tests on machined surfaces, position the search
2–3 2 [13] 36 [232]
4–5 4 [26] 36 [232]
unit on a machined surface of casting where the walls are
6–7 6 [39] 36 [232] reasonably parallel and adjust the gain of the instrument until
8–9 8 [52] 36 [232] the back reflection signal height is 1.5 in. [40 mm] (S/P).
10–11 10 [64] 36 [232]
Increase the inspection sensitivity by a factor of three times
A
Regardless of wall location, that is midwall 1⁄3, innermost 1⁄3, or outermost 1⁄3.
B
Each indication that equals or exceeds the 0.5 in. [18 mm] reference line shall be
(10 dB gain) with the calibrated attenuator. Surfaces that do not
traced to the position where the indication is equal to 0.25 in. [6 mm]. The area of meet the requirements of 14.2.1 shall be inspected as specified
the location, for the purpose of this evaluation, shall be considered the area that is in 15.3.8.
confined within the outline established by the center of the transducer during
tracing of the flaw as required. Whenever no discernible surface tracing is 15.3.8 For inspections on cast surfaces, position the search
possible, each indication which equals or exceeds the 0.5 in. reference amplitude unit on the casting to be inspected at a location where the walls
shall be considered 0.15 in.2 [1 cm2] (three times the area of the 1⁄4 diameter
[6 mm] flat-bottomed hole to compensate for reflectivity degradation of natural are reasonably parallel and smooth (inside and outside diam-
flaw) for the cumulative area estimates. eter) and the surface condition is representative of the surface
C
The indications within a cluster with the cumulative areas traced shall be being inspected. Adjust the gain of the instrument until the
dispersed in a minimum surface area of the casting equal to 36 in.2 [230 cm2]. If
the cumulative areas traced are confined with a smaller area of distribution, the back reflection signal height is 1.5 in. [40 mm] (S/P). Increase
area shall be repair welded to the extent necessary to meet the applicable quality the inspection sensitivity by a factor of six times (16 dB) by use
level.
of the calibrated control or attenuator. A significant change in
surface finish requires a compensating adjustment to the gain.
15.3.8.1 Rejectable indications on as-cast surfaces may be
reevaluated by surface preparation to 250 µin. [6.3 µm] finish
three blocks, 2, 5, 10 in. [50, 125, 250 mm] (Fig. 3, B or better, and re-inspected in accordance with 15.3.7 of this
dimension) for calibration. practice.
15.2 Calibration of Search Units—For the thickness of 15.3.8.2 It should be noted that some instruments are
material to be inspected, as determined in 15.1, use the equipped with decibel-calibrated gain controls, in which case
following search units: the decibel required to increase the sensitivity must be added.
15.2.1 For materials 3 in. [75 mm] or less in thickness, use Other instruments have decibel-calibrated attenuators, in which
a 21⁄4 MHz, 1⁄2 in. [13 mm] diameter search unit. case the required decibel must be removed. Still other instru-
15.2.2 For material greater than 3 in. [75 mm] in thickness, ments do not have calibrated gains or attenuators. They require
use a 21⁄4 MHz, 1 in. [25 mm] diameter search unit. external attenuators.
15.3 Calibration Procedure:
16. Scanning
15.3.1 Set the frequency selector as required. Set the reject
control in the OFF position. 16.1 Grid Pattern—The surface of the casting shall be laid
15.3.2 Position the search unit on the entrant surface of the out in a 12 by 12 in. [300 by 300 mm] or any similar grid
block that completely encompasses the metal thickness to be pattern for guidance in scanning. Grid numbers shall be
inspected (Fig. 3) and adjust the sweep control such that the stenciled on the casting for record purposes and for grid area
back reflection signal appears approximately but not more than identity. The stenciled grid number shall appear in the upper
three quarters along the sweep line from the initial pulse signal. right-hand corner of the grid. When grids are laid out on the
15.3.3 Position the search unit on the entrant surface of the casting surface and they encompass different quality levels,
smallest block of the series of three blocks selected for each specific area shall be evaluated in accordance with the
calibration and adjust the gain until the back reflection signal requirements of the specific quality level designated for that
height (amplitude) is 1.5 in. [40 mm] sweep to peak (S/P). area.
Draw a line using overlays or electronic markers on the
instrument screen, parallel to the sweep line, through the peak 16.2 Overlap—Scan over the surface allowing 10 % mini-
of the 1.5 in. (S/P) amplitude. mum overlap of the working diameters of the search unit.
15.3.4 Position the search unit on the entrant surface of the 16.3 Inspection Requirements—All surfaces specified for
largest block of the series of three blocks selected for calibra- ultrasonic (UT) shall be completely inspected from both sides,
tion and adjust the distance amplitude control to provide a back whenever both sides are accessible. The same search unit used
reflection signal height of 1.5 in. [40 mm] (S/P). for calibration shall be used to inspect the casting.
15.3.5 Position the search unit on the entrant surface of the
intermediate calibration block of the series of three blocks 17. Additional Transducer Evaluation
being used for calibration and confirm that the back reflection
signal height is approximately 1.5 in. [40 mm] (S/P). If it is not, 17.1 Additional information regarding any ultrasonic indi-
obtain the best compromise between this block and the largest cation may be obtained through the use of other frequency,
block of the series of three blocks being used for calibration. type, and size search unit.

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 A609/A609M − 12 (2023)
18. Acceptance Criteria 18.3.4 All indications, regardless of their surface areas as
18.1 Rejectable Conditions—The locations of all indications indicated by transducer movement on the casting surface and
having amplitudes greater than the 0.5 in. [13 mm] line given regardless of the quality level required, shall not have a
in 15.3.6 when amplitude three times (machined surfaces) or through wall distance greater than 1⁄3 T, where T is the wall
six times (cast surfaces) shall be marked on the casting surface. thickness in the area containing the indication.
The boundary limits of the indication shall be determined by 18.3.5 Repair welding of cluster-type indications need only
marking a sufficient number of marks on the casting surfaces be to the extent necessary to meet the applicable quality level
where the ultrasonic signal equals one half the reference for that particular area. All other types of rejectable indications
amplitude, 0.25 in. [6 mm]. To completely delineate the shall be completely removed.
indication, draw a line around the outer boundary of the center 18.3.6 Repair welds of castings shall meet the quality level
of the number of marks to form the indication area. Draw a designated for that particular area of the casting.
rectangle or other regular shape through the indication in order 18.3.7 Any location that has a 75 % or greater loss in back
to form a polygon from which the area may be easily reflection and exceeds the area of the applicable quality level,
computed. It is not necessary that the ultrasonic signal exceed and whose indication amplitudes may or may not exceed the
the amplitude reference line over the entire area. At some 0.5 in. [13 mm] rejection line, shall be rejected unless the
locations within the limits of the indication, the signal may be reason for the loss in back reflection can be resolved as not
less than the reference line, but nevertheless still present such being caused by an indication. If gain is added and back echo
that it may be judged as a continuous signal indication. is achieved without indication percent amplitude exceeding the
Rejectable conditions are as follows and when any of the 0.5 in. [13 mm] rejection line, the area should be accepted.
conditions listed below are found, the indications shall be
19. Records
removed and repair welded to the applicable process specifi-
cation. 19.1 Stenciling—Each casting shall be permanently sten-
ciled to locate inspection zones or grid pattern for ease in
18.2 Linear Indications—A linear indication is defined as
locating areas where rejectable indications were observed.
one having a length equal to or greater than three times its
width. An amplitude of 1⁄2 in. [13 mm], such as would result 19.2 Sketch—A report showing the exact depth and surface
from tears or stringer-type slag inclusion, shall be removed. location in relation to the stencil numbers shall be made for
each rejectable indicator found during each inspection.
18.3 Nonlinear Indications:
19.2.1 The sketch shall also include, but not be limited to,
18.3.1 Isolated Indications—Isolated indications shall not
the following:
exceed the limits of the quality level designated by the
19.2.1.1 Part identification numbers,
customer’s purchase order listed in Table 3. An isolated
19.2.1.2 Purchase order numbers,
indication may be defined as one for which the distance
19.2.1.3 Type and size of supplemental transducers used,
between it and an adjacent indication is greater than the longest
19.2.1.4 Name of inspector, and
dimension of the larger of the adjacent indications.
19.2.1.5 Date of inspection.
18.3.2 Clustered Indications—Clustered indications shall be
defined as two or more indications that are confined in a 1 in. 20. Product Marking
[25 mm] cube. Clustered indications shall not exceed the limits
of the quality level designated by the customer purchase order 20.1 Any rejectable areas (those indications exceeding the
in Table 4. Where the distance between indications is less than limits of Section 19) shall be marked on the casting as the
the lowest dimension of the largest indication in the group, the inspection progresses. The point of marking shall be the center
cluster shall be repair welded. of the search unit.
18.3.3 The distance between two clusters must be greater
than the lowest dimension of the largest indication in either 21. Keywords
cluster. If they are not, the cluster having the largest single 21.1 carbon and low-alloy steel; castings; martensitic stain-
indication shall be removed. less steel; ultrasonic

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 A609/A609M − 12 (2023)
SUPPLEMENTARY REQUIREMENTS

The following supplementary requirement shall be applied only when agreed upon between the
purchaser and the supplier to achieve an effective examination of a critical casting area that cannot be
effectively examined using a longitudinal beam as a result of casting design or possible discontinuity
orientation.

S1. Angle Beam Examination of Steel Castings S1.2.1 Construct the distance amplitude correction curve by
S1.1 Equipment: utilizing the responses from the side-drilled holes in the basic
S1.1.1 Search Units—Angle beam search units shall pro- calibration block for angle beam examination as shown in Fig.
duce an angle beam in steel in the range from 30 to 75° S1.1 and Table S1.1.
inclusive, measured to the perpendicular of the entry surface of S1.2.1.1 Resolve and mark the amplitudes of the 1⁄4 t and
1⁄2 t side-drilled holes from the same surface. The side-drilled
the casting being examined. Search units shall have a fre-
quency of 0.5 to 5 MHz. hole used for the 1⁄4 t amplitude may be used to establish the
3⁄4 t amplitude from the opposite surface or a separate hole may
S1.1.2 Calibration Blocks—A set of blocks, as shown in
Fig. S1.1, with as-cast surface equivalent to SCRATA Com- be used.
parator A35 and of a thickness comparable to the sections being S1.2.1.2 Connect the 1⁄4 t, 1⁄2 t, and 3⁄4 t amplitudes to
examined with side-drilled holes at 1⁄4 t, 1⁄2 t, and 3⁄4 t (where establish the applicable DAC.
t = thickness of the block) shall be used to establish an S1.2.2 The basic calibration blocks shall be made of mate-
amplitude reference line (ARL). rial that is acoustically similar to the casting being examined.
S1.2 Calibration of Equipment: S1.2.3 Do not use basic calibration blocks with as-cast
surface equivalent to SCRATA Comparator A3 to examine
5
Available from Steel Founders’ Society of America (SFSA), 780 McArdle Dr., castings with surface rougher than SCRATA Comparator A3.
Unit G, Crystal Lake, IL 60014, http://www.sfsa.org. Use a machined calibration block for machined surfaces.

L = length of block determined by the angle of search unit and the vee-path used.
T = thickness of basic calibration block (see Table S1.1).
D = depth of side-drilled hole (see Table S1.1).
d = diameter of side-drilled hole (see Table S1.1).
t = nominal production material thickness.

FIG. S1.1 Basic Calibration Block for Angle Beam Examination

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 A609/A609M − 12 (2023)
TABLE S1.1 Dimensions of Calibration Blocks for Angle Beam Signal evaluation is made by returning the attenuator or
Examination calibrated gain control to its original setting.
NOTE 1—For each increase in thickness of 2 in. [50 mm] or a fraction S1.3 Data Reporting—The supplier’s report of final ultra-
thereof, the hole diameter shall increase 1⁄16 in. [1.6 mm].
sonic examination shall contain the following data:
NOTE 2—For block sizes over 3 in. [75 mm] in thickness, T, the distance S1.3.1 The total number, location, amplitude, and area of all
from the hole to the end of the block shall be 1⁄2 T, min, to prevent
coincident reflections from the hole and the corner. Block fabricated with indications equal to or greater than 100 % of the distance
a 2 in. [50 mm] minimum dimension need not be modified if the corner amplitude curve.
and hole indications can be easily resolved. S1.3.2 The examination frequency, type of instrument, type
Nominal Production Basic Calibration Hole Diameter Minimum and size of search units employed, couplant, transfer method,
Material Thickness Block Thickness (d), in 1.002 Depth
(t), in. [mm] (T), in. [mm] [mm ± 0.05] (D), in. [mm] examination operator, supplier’s identifying numbers, purchase
Up to 1 [25] incl. 1 [25] or t ⁄ [2.4]
3 32 11⁄2 [40] order number, date, and authorized signature.
Over 1 to 2 [25–50] 2 [50] or t ⁄ [3.2]
18 11⁄2 [40] S1.3.3 A sketch showing the physical outline of the casting,
Over 2 to 4 [50–100] 4 [100] or t 3⁄16 [4.8] 11⁄2 [40]
Over 4 to 6 [100–150] 6 [150] or t 1⁄4 [6.3] 11⁄2 [40] including dimensions of all areas not examined due to geomet-
Over 6 to 8 [150–200] 8 [200] or t 5⁄16 [7.9] 11⁄2 [40] ric configuration, with the location of all indications in accor-
Over 8 to 10 [200–250] 10 [250] or t 3⁄8 [9.5] 11⁄2 [40]
Over 10 [250] t See Note 1 11⁄2 [40]
dance with S1.3.1.
S1.4 Acceptance Standards—Acceptance quality levels
shall be established between the purchaser and the manufac-
S1.2.4 The search unit and all instrument control settings turer on the basis of one or more of the following criteria:
remain unchanged except the attenuator or calibrated gain S1.4.1 No indication equal to or greater than the DAC over
control. an area specified for the applicable quality level of Table 2.
S1.2.4.1 The attenuator or calibrated gain control may be
used to change the signal amplitude during examination to S1.4.2 Other criteria agreed upon between the purchaser
permit small amplitude signals to be more readily detected. and the manufacturer.

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