Tag: NDT

New NDT Standard ASTM E543 2015 Edition

ASTM E543, “Standard Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing,” has just been updated and the new 2015 Edition is available now from Document Center Inc.  The standard is used to assess the competence of any public, independent or in-house NDT facility.  It was developed so that when nondestructive testing is part of the purchasing requirements, there’s a methodology for assuring the customer that the testing is done properly.

This specification covers your requirements from A to Z.  Clauses cover:

  • The organization of the “agency” (the testing facility)
  • It’s responsibilities and duties (what kind of testing it’s qualified to do)
  • Personnel requirements and Certifications
  • Requirements for a procedure manual
  • Equipment (included in mandatory Annex A1)

Appendix X1 is a chart that compares selected NDE methods (provided for your information only, not as a requirement).    This is particularly helpful since many ASTM NDT specifications are called out in the reference documents section.  This will help you choose the appropriate tests and standards.

Since this specification sets out the minimum requirements for NDT facilities, it is entirely possible to expand your requirements as necessary.  It is expected that this would be done in the purchasing contract.

If you’re using the ASTM E543, you’ll want to know what the changes are.  The committee E07 has provided you with the following information at the end of the document:  Subclauses 9.4.3 and 9.4.4 have been revised.  And of course, you’ll be needing a copy of the 2015 Edition in order to stay current with this material.

Head to the Document Center Inc. webstore at www.document-center.com to order a copy in either paper format or as a pdf download.  Want multi-user access to this ASTM publication?  Contact our staff about setting up an account for our Standards Online subscription service.  It’s an easy way to maintain your conformance documentation and offer your staff convenient access any time, any where.  You can reach us by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com).  Make Document Center your Standards Experts!

New ASTM E1444 2011 Edition on Standard Practice for Magnetic Particle Testing

ASTM E1444, “Standard Practice for Magnetic Particle Testing,” has been issued as a new 2011 Edition with a redesignation to ASTM E1444/E1444M-11.  This new document number shows that the document has been revamped to include both feet and inches and metric measurements.  It replaces MIL-STD-1949, as well as the previous ASTM E1444-05 Edition from 2005.

This practice establishes minimum requirements for magnetic particle testing used for the detection of surface or slightly subsurface discontinuities in ferromagnetic material. Guide ASTM E709 can be used in conjunction with this practice as a tutorial.

Magnetic particle testing consists of magnetizing the area to be examined, applying suitably prepared magnetic particles while the area is magnetized, and subsequently interpreting and evaluating any resulting particle accumulations. Maximum detectability occurs when the discontinuity is positioned on the surface and perpendicular to the magnetic flux.

The magnetic particle testing method is used to detect cracks, laps, seams, inclusions, and other discontinuities on or near the surface of ferromagnetic materials. Magnetic particle testing may be applied to raw material, billets, finished and semi-finished materials, welds, and in-service parts. Magnetic particle testing is not applicable to non-ferromagnetic metals and alloys such as austenitic stainless steels.

ASTM E1444/E1444M establishes the basic parameters for controlling the application of the magnetic particle testing method. This practice is written so that it can be specified on the engineering drawing, specification, or contract. It is not a detailed how-to procedure to be used by the examination personnel and, therefore, must be supplemented by a detailed written procedure that conforms to the requirements of this practice.

This ASTM Standard and all current (as well as many obsolete) Editions can be purchased from Document Center Inc. at our website, www.document-center.com.  Or contact us by phone (650-591-7600), fax (650-591-7617) or email (info@document-center.com).  We are able to answer many questions about standards and welcome your inquiries.