Overview
ISO 16810:2024 - Non‑destructive testing - Ultrasonic testing - General principles defines the general principles and minimum requirements for ultrasonic testing (UT) of industrial products that transmit ultrasound. It establishes the foundational concepts for both the pulse‑echo and through‑transmission techniques, addresses equipment and test setup, and sets out requirements for qualified personnel and test documentation. ISO 16810:2024 is intended as a baseline; product standards, specifications or contractual documents provide application‑specific conditions (scan plans, acceptance criteria, etc.).
Key topics and requirements
- Scope and limits: Applies to products permitting ultrasound transmission; does not specify scan plans or acceptance criteria - these are set by referencing documents.
- Personnel: UT must be performed by personnel qualified and certified in accordance with ISO 9712.
- Principles of UT: Describes propagation of ultrasonic waves, use of longitudinal, transverse, and special waves (Lamb, Rayleigh), and choice of wave mode and direction.
- Techniques: Covers pulse‑echo (reflection/diffraction) and through‑transmission (monitor transmitted signal), using single or dual transducers; also notes applicability to array techniques with additional verifications.
- Equipment and probes: Minimum requirements for instruments, probe selection (frequency, dimensions, dead‑zone, damping, focusing), coupling media (contact, gap, immersion), and calibration/standard blocks.
- Settings and preparation: Guidance on range, sensitivity, pulse repetition frequency, surface preparation, datum points, and transfer corrections.
- Testing and evaluation: Coverage, overlapping, scanning speed, recording/evaluation levels for both techniques, and characterization of discontinuities.
- Documentation: Requirements for written procedures and a test report template including required pre‑test information (purpose, environment, sensitivity, extent of testing).
Practical applications
ISO 16810:2024 is useful where reliable ultrasonic inspection is required:
- Manufacturing quality control for metals, plastics, composites, and other materials that transmit ultrasound
- In‑service inspection and maintenance of industrial components and assemblies
- Development of UT procedures, procurement specifications, and inspection contracts
- Basis for automated and manual UT systems, including setups using contact, gap or immersion coupling
Who should use this standard
- NDT technicians and supervisors (ISO 9712 certified)
- Quality managers and inspection engineers
- Procedure writers and technical specifiers
- Equipment manufacturers and test service providers
Related standards
Key linked documents: ISO 5577, ISO 9712, ISO 16811, ISO 16823, ISO 16826, ISO 16827, ISO 16828, ISO 22232‑1, ISO 22232‑2, ISO 2400, ISO 7963. These provide detailed guidance on vocabulary, sensitivity/range setting, calibration blocks, and specialized UT techniques.
