ASTM A903/A903M-99(2024)

Standard Specification for Steel Castings, Surface Acceptance Standards, Magnetic Particle and Liquid Penetrant Inspection

ABSTRACT
This specification covers steel castings, surface acceptance standards, magnetic particle and liquid penetrant inspection. Liquid penetrant inspection or magnetic particle inspection shall be used for nondestructive inspection. Personnel performing examination shall be qualified in accordance with an acceptable written procedure as agreed upon between the purchaser and manufacturer. All relevant indications shall be evaluated in terms of the acceptance criteria. Individual relevant linear and nonlinear indications exceeding the specified acceptance levels shall be considered unacceptable.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers acceptance criteria for the surface inspection of steel castings when nondestructively examined by magnetic particle or liquid penetrant inspection.  
1.2 This specification is to be used wherever the inquiry, contract, order, or specification states that the acceptance standards for magnetic particle or liquid penetrant inspection shall be in accordance with Specification A903/A903M.  
1.3 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each system are not exact equivalents; therefore each system must be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in nonconformance with this specification.  
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

General Information

• Status: Published
• Publication Date: 29-Feb-2024
• ICS: 77.140.80 - Iron and steel castings
• Technical Committee: A01 - Steel, Stainless Steel and Related Alloys
• Drafting Committee: A01.18 - Castings

Relations

• Replaces: ASTM A903/A903M-99(2017) - Standard Specification for Steel Castings, Surface Acceptance Standards, Magnetic Particle and Liquid Penetrant Inspection
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Referred By: ASTM A957/A957M-21 - Standard Specification for Investment Castings, Steel and Alloy, Common Requirements, for General Industrial Use
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Referred By: ASTM A985/A985M-21 - Standard Specification for Steel Investment Castings General Requirements, for Pressure-Containing Parts
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Referred By: ASTM A990/A990M-23 - Standard Specification for Castings, Iron-Nickel-Chromium and Nickel Alloys, Specially Controlled for Pressure-Retaining Parts for Corrosive Service
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024
• Referred By: ASTM A703/A703M-20a - Standard Specification for Steel Castings, General Requirements, for Pressure-Containing Parts
• Effective Date: 01-Mar-2024

Overview

ASTM A903/A903M-99(2024): Standard Specification for Steel Castings, Surface Acceptance Standards, Magnetic Particle and Liquid Penetrant Inspection establishes comprehensive requirements for nondestructive surface inspection of steel castings. This standard specifies acceptance criteria for evaluating casting surfaces using magnetic particle inspection (MPI) and liquid penetrant inspection (LPI), ensuring consistent quality and robust reliability in steel components. The document supports international trade and aligns with globally recognized standardization practices, as referenced by agreements like the WTO Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.

Key Topics

• Nondestructive Testing (NDT) Methods
  The standard applies two principal NDT methods to detect surface discontinuities:

  • Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI)
  • Liquid Penetrant Inspection (LPI)

• Acceptance Criteria
  Surface indications, classified as linear or nonlinear, are evaluated against defined acceptance levels to determine compliance. Criteria include:

  • Maximum allowable size and number of relevant indications
  • Grouping or clustering restrictions for surface discontinuities

• Qualification and Procedures
  Requirements are set for:

  • Using established inspection practices (ASTM E165/E165M for LPI, ASTM E709 for MPI)
  • Inspector qualifications and agreed-upon written procedures between purchaser and manufacturer
  • Documentation and reporting, including certification for compliance

• Units of Measurement
  Both inch-pound and SI units are provided, but mixing units is prohibited to avoid nonconformance.

Applications

The ASTM A903/A903M-99(2024) standard is vital across multiple industries where the integrity of steel castings is critical. Common applications include:

• Foundries and Metal Casting Facilities
• Power Generation Components
• Pressure Vessels and Pipeline Fittings
• Heavy Equipment and Construction Machineries
• Transportation (e.g., Rail, Marine, Automotive Components)
• Oil & Gas Infrastructure

By following ASTM A903/A903M-99(2024), manufacturers and purchasers can clearly define surface inspection expectations, minimize risk of undetected defects, and ensure compliance in mission-critical steel casting applications. The specified procedures help reduce ambiguity, streamline procurement, and promote safety and reliability in finished components.

Related Standards

Organizations frequently use ASTM A903/A903M-99(2024) in conjunction with other key standards, including:

• ASTM E165/E165M - Practice for Liquid Penetrant Testing for General Industry
• ASTM E709 - Guide for Magnetic Particle Testing
• ASTM A703/A703M - General requirements for Steel Castings for Pressure-Containing Parts
• Industry-specific standards - (e.g., ASME codes for boilers and pressure vessels)

Proper reference and usage of ASTM A903/A903M-99(2024) in technical specifications promotes uniformity and high standards in steel casting surface quality. For further guidance and updates, consulting the latest ASTM publications and related NDT standards is recommended.

Standards Content (Sample)

This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: A903/A903M − 99 (Reapproved 2024)
Standard Specification for
Steel Castings, Surface Acceptance Standards, Magnetic
Particle and Liquid Penetrant Inspection
This standard is issued under the fixed designation A903/A903M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year
of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval.
A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 3.1.1 linear indications—an indication whose length is
equal to or greater than three times its width shall be classified
1.1 This specification covers acceptance criteria for the
as a linear indication.
surface inspection of steel castings when nondestructively
3.1.2 nonlinear indications—an indication whose length is
examined by magnetic particle or liquid penetrant inspection.
less than three times its width shall be classified as nonlinear.
1.2 This specification is to be used wherever the inquiry,
3.1.3 relevant indications—relevant indications are indica-
contract, order, or specification states that the acceptance
tions which result from mechanical discontinuities. Only indi-
standards for magnetic particle or liquid penetrant inspection
cations whose major dimension exceeds ⁄16 in. [1.6 mm] shall
shall be in accordance with Specification A903/A903M.
be considered relevant.
1.3 The values stated in either inch-pound units or SI units
are to be regarded separately as standard. Within the text, the
4. Ordering Information
SI units are shown in brackets. The values stated in each
4.1 The inquiry and order should indicate the following
system are not exact equivalents; therefore each system must
information:
be used independently of the other. Combining values from the
4.1.1 Nondestructive Practice—Practice E165/E165M for
two systems may result in nonconformance with this specifi-
liquid penetrant inspection or Guide E709 for magnetic particle
cation.
inspection. Unless a specific technique within a practice is
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
specified, the choice shall be the option of the manufacturer.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
4.1.2 Personnel Qualifications.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
4.1.3 Extent of Inspection—The number of castings and the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
extent of casting surfaces to be examined.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
4.1.4 Acceptance Level—If more than one acceptance level
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
is specified for different locations, a nondestructive test draw-
ing identifying acceptance levels and locations should accom-
2. Referenced Documents
pany the inquiry and order.
4.1.5 Supplementary Requirements, if any.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E165/E165M Practice for Liquid Penetrant Testing for Gen-
5. Personnel Qualifications
eral Industry
E709 Guide for Magnetic Particle Testing
5.1 Personnel performing examination shall be qualified in
accordance with an acceptable written procedure as agreed
3. Terminology
upon between the purchaser and manufacturer.
3.1 Definitions:
6. Evaluation of Indications
6.1 All relevant indications shall be evaluated in terms of
the acceptance criteria.
This specification is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee A01 on Steel,
Stainless Steel and Related Alloys and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee
6.2 Mechanical discontinuities are indicated by bleed-out of
A01.18 on Castings.
the penetrant or retention of the magnetic particle examination
Current edition approved March 1, 2024. Published March 2024. Originally
medium. However, false indications may be produced by
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2017 as A903/A903M – 99
(2017). DOI: 10.1520/A0903_A0903M-99R24.
localized surface irregularities, metallurgical discontinuities, or
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
magnetic permeability variations. Any indication in excess of
contact ASTM Customer Service at [e-mail]. For Annual Book of ASTM
the acceptance criteria which is believed to be false may be
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website. reexamined. Surface conditioning may pre
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