ASTM A388/A388M-23 PDF
Name in English:
St ASTM A388/A388M-23
Name in Russian:
Ст ASTM A388/A388M-23
Original standard ASTM A388/A388M-23 in PDF full version. Additional info + preview on request
Full title and description
ASTM A388/A388M-23 — Standard Practice for Ultrasonic Examination of Steel Forgings. This practice specifies procedures, instrumentation, calibration, and acceptance guidance for contact, pulse-echo ultrasonic examination of heavy steel forgings using straight-beam and angle-beam techniques, including DGS (Distance Gain-Size) methods and reference-block calibration.
Abstract
This practice covers contact, pulse-echo ultrasonic examination procedures for steel forgings. It defines equipment and presentation requirements (pulsed, reflection-type instruments with linear presentation), calibration options (reference-block and DGS methods), transducers and couplants, machining/fixturing requirements for radial and axial examinations, and optional purchaser-specified supplementary requirements. Acceptance is based on limitations of number, amplitude, or location of ultrasonic indications, or combinations thereof.
General information
- Status: Active (current edition).
- Publication date: November 1, 2023.
- Publisher: ASTM International.
- ICS / categories: 77.040.20 (Nondestructive testing of metals); 77.140.85 (Iron and steel forgings).
- Edition / version: A388/A388M-23 (2023 revision; supersedes A388/A388M-19).
- Number of pages: 9.
Scope
The standard provides procedures for contact, pulse-echo ultrasonic testing of steel forgings using straight-beam and angle-beam techniques. It applies when an inquiry, contract, or specification requires ultrasonic examination of forgings in accordance with Practice A388/A388M. The practice includes calibration and sensitivity-setting methods (reference-block or DGS), requirements for machining surfaces for radial and axial scans, and optional supplementary purchaser requirements. Values are stated in both inch‑pound and SI units; the “M” designation applies when SI units are ordered.
Key topics and requirements
- Contact, pulse-echo ultrasonic examination for heavy steel forgings.
- Straight-beam and angle-beam techniques; use of DGS (Distance Gain-Size) method for straight-beam testing.
- Instrument requirements: pulsed reflection-type units with linear presentation for at least 75% of screen height; attenuator, search units, transducers, couplants, and DGS scales.
- Calibration and sensitivity: reference-block (reflection) technique or DGS method for establishing instrument sensitivity and calibration.
- Machining/fixturing requirements: cylindrical surfaces for radial exams, ends machined perpendicular for axial exams, flat/parallel faces for disk and rectangular forgings.
- Acceptance criteria based on number, amplitude, and location of discontinuities as specified by order or purchaser.
- Supplementary (optional) requirements that apply only when individually specified by the purchaser.
- Dual units policy: inch‑pound and SI units are independent; mixing units may cause non-conformance.
Typical use and users
This practice is used by forging manufacturers, nondestructive testing (NDT) service providers, quality assurance and inspection personnel, engineering and procurement teams specifying inspection requirements, and code or certification bodies (for example, users applying ASME materials and forgings requirements). It is applied when ultrasonic inspection is required for acceptance decisions based on ultrasonic indications.
Related standards
Commonly referenced documents include related ASTM standards and practices for forgings and ultrasonic testing such as ASTM A788/A788M (general requirements for steel forgings), E317, E428, E1065/E1065M, and E1316 (terminology for NDE), and corresponding ASME material designations (for example, SA-388/SA-388M in ASME Section II). Refer to the standard’s normative references and Summary of Changes for full cross-references.
Keywords
ultrasonic, pulse-echo, steel forgings, nondestructive testing, NDT, straight-beam, angle-beam, DGS, reference block, calibration, instrument sensitivity, acceptance criteria, ASME, forgings inspection.
FAQ
Q: What is this standard?
A: ASTM A388/A388M-23 is a practice that defines procedures for ultrasonic (pulse-echo) examination of steel forgings, including required equipment, calibration methods, machining/fixturing of forgings for inspection, and acceptance principles.
Q: What does it cover?
A: It covers contact, pulse-echo ultrasonic examination using straight-beam and angle-beam techniques, calibration by reference-block or DGS methods, instrumentation and presentation requirements, machining requirements for different forging shapes, and optional supplementary purchaser requirements.
Q: Who typically uses it?
A: Forging manufacturers, NDT inspectors and service companies, quality/inspection engineers, procurement/specification writers, and code users who require ultrasonic inspection of forgings.
Q: Is it current or superseded?
A: It is current as the A388/A388M-23 edition, published November 1, 2023; it revises and supersedes A388/A388M-19.
Q: Is it part of a series?
A: It is part of ASTM’s metallurgy and nondestructive-examination suite of practices and is often used alongside ASTM forging specifications (general and material-specific) and ultrasonic test method standards; it also aligns with ASME material designations where applicable.
Q: What are the key keywords?
A: Ultrasonic, pulse-echo, DGS, straight-beam, angle-beam, steel forgings, NDT, reference block, calibration, acceptance criteria.