Overview
EN ISO 15708-2:2025 - Non-destructive testing - Radiation methods for computed tomography - Part 2: Principles, equipment and samples defines the fundamental principles and practical requirements for industrial X‑ray computed tomography (industrial CT). The 2025 edition provides a consistent set of definitions of CT performance parameters and explains how those parameters relate to CT system specifications, equipment selection and sample considerations. This standard is intended for non‑medical applications only and does not cover other tomography techniques such as translational tomography or tomosynthesis.
Key topics and technical requirements
- General principles of X‑ray CT: physics of attenuation, image formation, voxels and quantitative CT grey values.
- Main CT process steps: acquisition, reconstruction, visualization and analysis.
- CT performance parameters: standardized definitions and their relation to system specs (resolution, contrast, transmission, etc.).
- Equipment and apparatus: radiation sources, detectors (including semiconductor and photon‑counting examples), manipulators and system components (see informative Annex A).
- System stability and alignment: requirements for X‑ray stability, manipulator stability and geometric alignment to ensure repeatable results.
- Sample, material and geometry considerations: guidance on sample size/shape, material X‑ray transmission (including a table of X‑ray voltage versus 10 % transmission) and scanning strategy selection.
- Artefacts: common CT artefacts and implications for interpretation.
- Data handling: acquisition, reconstruction, visualization and storage system considerations.
Practical applications
EN ISO 15708-2:2025 is directly applicable where reliable, quantitative internal inspection is required in industrial settings. Typical use cases include:
- Inspection of castings, welds and assemblies for internal defects (porosity, inclusions, cracks).
- Quality control of additive manufacturing parts (porosity, internal geometry verification).
- Dimensional metrology and reverse engineering of complex components.
- Electronics and aerospace component inspection where non‑destructive internal imaging is critical.
Using the standard helps ensure consistent CT performance assessment, correct equipment selection and robust scan strategies for repeatable, auditable NDT results.
Who should use this standard
- NDT engineers and CT operators implementing industrial CT programs.
- Equipment manufacturers and system integrators defining system specifications.
- Quality managers, inspection labs and auditors requiring standardized CT performance metrics.
- Researchers and developers working on industrial X‑ray CT methods and workflows.
Related standards
EN ISO 15708-2:2025 is an essential reference for consistent, repeatable and auditable industrial CT practice in non‑destructive testing.