ISO 18563-2-2024 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 18563-2-2024 — Non-destructive testing — Characterization and verification of ultrasonic phased array equipment — Part 2: Array probes. This part specifies characterization tests to be performed at the end of fabrication of array probes, defining both test methodology and acceptance criteria for a range of phased-array probe types used in contact and immersion ultrasonic NDT applications.

Abstract

This document sets out the factory-characterization tests and associated acceptance criteria for ultrasonic array probes (centre frequencies 0.5 MHz to 10 MHz) used with phased-array techniques and advanced signal-processing methods (for example full-matrix capture (FMC) and total-focusing technique (TFM)). It applies to 1-D (linear, curved, annular) and 2-D (matrix, sectorial annular and partial sectorial annular) probe constructions used in contact (with or without wedges/delay lines) or immersion techniques. The document does not cover characterization of the phased-array instrument or complete system performance (see ISO 18563‑1 and ISO 18563‑3).

General information

• Status: Published.
• Publication date: September 2024 (Edition 2, 2024).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO).
• ICS / categories: 19.100 (Non-destructive testing).
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2024).
• Number of pages: 10.

Scope

ISO 18563-2:2024 applies to characterization tests performed at the end of fabrication of array probes intended for ultrasonic non-destructive testing using phased-array or advanced signal-processing techniques. The standard covers array probes with elements arranged in one direction (1‑D linear, 1‑D curved, annular) and in two directions (2‑D matrix, sectorial annular, partial sectorial annular), for use in contact (with or without wedges or delay lines) or immersion techniques, with centre frequencies from 0.5 MHz to 10 MHz. It explicitly excludes methods and acceptance criteria for instrument performance and complete system performance, which are addressed in ISO 18563‑1 and ISO 18563‑3.

Key topics and requirements

• Factory characterization tests for array probes (procedures to verify probe element functionality and uniformity).
• Defined acceptance criteria for element and array-level performance at fabrication completion.
• Applicability to multiple probe geometries: 1‑D linear/curved, annular, 2‑D matrix and sectorial annular types.
• Frequency applicability: centre frequencies from 0.5 MHz to 10 MHz.
• Support for contact and immersion inspection modes and compatibility with FMC/TFM signal-processing workflows.
• Clarification that instrument and system performance characterization are covered in ISO 18563‑1 and ISO 18563‑3 rather than in this part.

Typical use and users

Used by ultrasonic array probe manufacturers for production acceptance testing and quality control; by NDT service providers and laboratories for procurement and incoming inspection of probes; by certification and conformity assessment bodies involved in probe qualification; and by R&D groups and inspectors implementing or validating phased-array inspection procedures. Typical users require repeatable, documented probe-characterization procedures to ensure array element performance and traceability of acceptance decisions.

Related standards

Part of the ISO 18563 series on characterization and verification of ultrasonic phased array equipment. Key related parts include ISO 18563‑1 (instrument characteristics and verification) and ISO 18563‑3 (system performance and verification). This edition (2024) supersedes ISO 18563‑2:2017.

Keywords

ultrasonic; phased array; array probe; probe characterization; acceptance criteria; factory testing; non-destructive testing; NDT; FMC; TFM; contact technique; immersion technique; probe qualification.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 18563‑2:2024 is an ISO International Standard that specifies factory characterization tests and acceptance criteria for ultrasonic phased-array array probes used in NDT.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test methods and acceptance criteria for array probes (1‑D and 2‑D types) with centre frequencies from 0.5 MHz to 10 MHz used in contact or immersion inspection; it does not cover instrument or entire-system performance.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Probe manufacturers, NDT service providers, inspection laboratories, conformity assessment bodies, and technical teams implementing phased‑array inspections use this standard for production acceptance, incoming inspection, and probe qualification.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: It is current (published September 2024, Edition 2) and replaces ISO 18563‑2:2017.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 18563 is a multipart series. Part 1 addresses instrument characteristics and verification, Part 2 (this document) addresses array probes, and Part 3 addresses system performance and verification.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Ultrasonic, phased array, array probe, probe characterization, factory acceptance, FMC, TFM, contact, immersion, NDT.