ASTM E1316-26C

1.1 This standard covers the terminology used in the standards prepared by the E07 Committee on Nondestructive Testing. These nondestructive testing (NDT) methods include: acoustic emission, electromagnetic testing, gamma- and X-radiology, leak testing, liquid penetrant testing, magnetic particle testing, neutron radiology and gauging, ultrasonic testing, and other technical methods.

1.2 Committee E07 recognizes that the terms examination, testing, and inspection are commonly used as synonyms in nondestructive testing. For uniformity and consistency in E07 nondestructive testing standards, Committee E07 encourages the use of the terms examination or inspection and their derivatives when describing the application of nondestructive test methods. In a specific standard, either examination or inspection shall be used consistently throughout the document. Similarly, E07 encourages the use of the term test and its derivatives when referring to the body of knowledge of a nondestructive testing method. There are, however, appropriate exceptions when the term test and its derivatives may be used to describe the application of a nondestructive test, such as measurements which produce a numeric result (for example, when using the leak testing method to perform a leak test on a component, or an ultrasonic measurement of velocity). Additionally, the term test should be used when referring to the NDT method, that is, Radiologic Testing (RT), Ultrasonic Testing (UT), and so forth. (Example: Radiologic Testing (RT) is often used to examine material to detect internal discontinuities.)

1.3 Section A defines terms that are common to multiple NDT methods, whereas the subsequent sections define terms pertaining to specific NDT methods.

1.4 As shown on the chart below, when a nondestructive examination or inspection produces an indication, the indication is subject to interpretation as false, nonrelevant, or relevant. If it has been interpreted as relevant, the necessary subsequent evaluation will result in the decision to accept or reject the material. With the exception of accept and reject, which retain the meaning found in most dictionaries, all the words used in the chart are defined in Section A.

1.5 In the context of Committee E07 NDT standards, the distinction between the terms “calibration” and “standardization” is significant. Most NDT techniques require some means of setting up associated equipment, often as a “system,” and ensuring that the instrumentation is adjusted properly as indicated by known or repeatable measurement responses, or both, from application of the technique to an external reference standard. This generally occurs prior to, during testing at various intervals, and at the conclusion of the nondestructive test. This process, typically performed in a field setting and not a laboratory setting, is referred to by the term standardization. The term, calibration of an NDT instrument, system, gauge, etc. refers to planned activity(ies) that typically take(s) place periodically, in a controlled environment, and is conducted by personnel trained in calibration-specific activities. Equipment should be calibrated when the measurement accuracy or measurement uncertainty affects the validity of the reported results, the required time has elapsed or is due to elapse, as required for customer, industry, or manufacturer specification, or calibration of the equipment is required to establish the metrological traceability of the reported results, or a combination thereof.

1.6 There are several distinguishing features between the standardization and calibration processes as applied to NDT applications. As an example, the time frames are different. Standardization is typically performed every several hours or daily while calibration is typically performed quarterly or annually. As another example, a calibrated instrument may be able to accommodate a wide range of conditions while the standardization process for a specific examination is generally over a narrow range of conditions.

1.7 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.