ISO 18563-3-2024 PDF

Full title and description

St ISO 18563-3-2024 — Non-destructive testing — Characterization and verification of ultrasonic phased array equipment — Part 3: Complete systems. This part establishes methods and acceptance criteria for verification and characterization of complete ultrasonic phased-array inspection systems (instrument + probe + cabling) used in contact or immersion techniques with centre frequencies typically in the 0.5 MHz to 10 MHz range.

Abstract

ISO 18563-3:2024 (Edition 2) describes standardized procedures to verify correct operation and absence of performance degradation of complete ultrasonic phased-array systems before or during use. The document specifies tests on beams and images, acceptance criteria suitable for shop- or site-level verification, and notes items outside its scope (for example system sensitivity setting for a specific application and mechanical scanning equipment verification).

General information

• Status: Published / Current (replaces ISO 18563-3:2015).
• Publication date: 1 May 2024 (ISO edition 2, 2024).
• Publisher: International Organization for Standardization (ISO); adopted as EN ISO by CEN members in 2024.
• ICS / categories: 19.100 — Non‑destructive testing.
• Edition / version: Edition 2 (2024).
• Number of pages: National/adopted publications vary (typical ISO PDF listed as 32 pages; some national EN adoptions/translations list 40–49 pages depending on editorial layout).

Scope

Specifies verification and characterization methods and acceptance criteria for complete ultrasonic phased-array systems (instrument, probe, cables) used in contact (with or without wedge/delay line) or immersion inspection techniques with centre frequencies in the range of about 0.5 MHz to 10 MHz. Tests are intended to verify correct system operation or detect degradation; they are not intended to prove suitability for a particular inspection application or to replace application‑specific calibration procedures.

Key topics and requirements

• Definitions and system description for a "complete system" (instrument + probe + interconnects).
• Standardized test methods for beam / image verification (beam characterization, image quality checks, beam stability and repeatability tests).
• Acceptance criteria and pass/fail rules appropriate for shop- or site-level verification.
• Use of calibration/verification blocks and test procedures to exercise relevant operating modes (phased-array beam steering, focusing, imaging modes such as TFM/TFM-related techniques where applicable).
• Guidance on limitations and items out of scope (sensitivity setting for a specific application, mechanical scanner verification, advanced post-processing techniques beyond simple delay laws).

Typical use and users

Used by NDT/inspection engineers, qualified ultrasonic technicians, calibration laboratories, equipment manufacturers, and quality/compliance personnel to verify the performance of phased‑array ultrasonic systems prior to inspection or after maintenance/repair. The standard is applied in fabrications shops, field inspection sites, certification/calibration labs, and by vendors that supply phased-array systems.

Related standards

ISO 18563 is a multipart series. Closely related parts include: ISO 18563-1 (Instruments) — functional characteristics and verification methods for phased-array instruments; and ISO 18563-2 (Array probes) — characterization tests for array probes. This part (‑3) complements parts 1 and 2 by addressing the complete combined system. Users often apply ISO 23243 / ISO 23865 and other imaging-related standards where TFM/TFM-related techniques are referenced.

Keywords

ultrasonic phased array; phased‑array UT; NDT; verification; characterization; complete system; beam characterization; acceptance criteria; contact inspection; immersion inspection; calibration block.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO 18563-3:2024 is Part 3 of the ISO 18563 series; it provides standardized methods and acceptance criteria to verify and characterise complete ultrasonic phased‑array inspection systems (instrument + probe + cabling).

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers verification tests for complete systems used in contact or immersion techniques (centre frequencies about 0.5–10 MHz), including beam and image checks, use of calibration blocks, and pass/fail criteria for shop‑ or site‑level verification. It does not set application‑specific sensitivity settings or cover mechanical scanner verification.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: NDT/ultrasonic technicians, inspection engineers, calibration and test laboratories, equipment manufacturers, and quality/compliance staff use the standard to confirm equipment performance before inspections.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: Current — ISO 18563-3:2024 (Edition 2) supersedes ISO 18563-3:2015. National adoptions as EN ISO 18563-3 were issued in 2024.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — ISO 18563 is a multipart standard. Key related parts are ISO 18563-1 (instruments) and ISO 18563-2 (array probes); part 3 addresses complete systems.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Ultrasonic phased array, NDT, verification, characterization, complete system, beam characterization, acceptance criteria, contact, immersion.