Overview
EN ISO 15708-3:2025 - "Non-destructive testing - Radiation methods for computed tomography - Part 3: Operation and interpretation" is the CEN-endorsed (ISO) standard that guides the practical operation and result interpretation of industrial computed tomography (CT). Applicable to computed axial tomography and industrial imaging (non-medical), it defines how to select CT parameters, interpret CT outputs, and relate CT performance parameters to system specifications. This edition supersedes EN ISO 15708-3:2019.
Key topics and requirements
The standard focuses on operational and interpretive steps rather than introducing new equipment designs. Major technical topics include:
- CT system set-up: geometry, X‑ray source and detector considerations for reliable imaging.
- Reconstruction parameters: guidance on choosing reconstruction settings that impact image quality.
- Visualization and analysis: workflows for viewing, measuring and assessing CT volume data.
- Image quality parameters: consistent definitions and procedures for evaluating contrast, noise, signal‑to‑noise ratio (SNR), contrast‑to‑noise ratio (CNR) and spatial resolution.
- Testing approaches: procedures for feature/defect testing and dimensional testing in industrial contexts.
- Acceptance and suitability: how to establish examination suitability, interpretation criteria and reporting requirements.
- Artefact recognition: identification and discussion of common CT artefacts (beam hardening, ring artefacts, motion artefacts, centre-of-rotation errors, cone-beam effects, etc.).
- Record keeping: requirements for documentation, reporting and traceability of CT examinations.
The document references and complements other parts of the series (ISO 15708-1, ISO 15708-2:2025, ISO 15708-4:2025) and uses the vocabulary defined in Part 1.
Practical applications and users
EN ISO 15708-3:2025 is intended for professionals involved in industrial non‑destructive testing using CT:
- NDT operators and inspectors performing CT scans for quality control, failure analysis or R&D.
- Quality assurance teams establishing acceptance criteria and documentation procedures.
- Metrology and inspection labs conducting dimensional measurements with CT.
- Manufacturers of CT systems and software vendors aligning performance specifications and user guidance.
- Design and materials engineers using CT for defect detection, assembly inspection or reverse engineering.
Practical value: it enables consistent parameter selection, improves repeatability of CT inspections, helps diagnose imaging artefacts, and standardizes reporting for compliance and traceability.
Related standards
Keywords: EN ISO 15708-3:2025, computed tomography, CT, non-destructive testing, industrial imaging, CT performance parameters, operation and interpretation, CT artefacts, image quality.