SPECIFICATION FOR ULTRASONIC EXAMINATION

OF HEAVY STEEL FORGINGS

SA-388 /SA-388M

(Identical with ASTM Specification A 388 /A 388M-94.) 98

1. Scope 2. Referenced Documents

1.1 This practice covers the examination procedures 2.1 ASTM Standards:
for the contact, pulse-echo ultrasonic examination of A 469 Specification for Vacuum-Treated Steel Forgings
heavy steel forgings by the straight and angle-beam for Generator Rotors
techniques. The straight beam techniques include utiliza- E 317 Practice for Evaluating Performance Characteris-
tion of the DGS (Distance Gain-Size) method. See tics of Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Testing Systems Without
Appendix X3. the Use of Electronic Measurement Instruments
E 428 Practice for Fabrication and Control of Steel Refer-
ence Blocks Used in Ultrasonic Inspection
1.2 This practice is to be used whenever the inquiry,
contract, order, or specification states that forgings are 2.2 ANSI Standard:
to be subject to ultrasonic examination in accordance B46.1 Surface Texture
with Practice A 388 /A 388 M.
2.3 Other Document:
Recommended Practice for Nondestructive Personnel
1.3 The values stated in either inch-pound or SI Qualification and Certification SNT-TC-1A, Supple-
units are to be regarded as the standard. Within the ment C Ultrasonic Testing
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. 3. Ordering Information
Combining values from the two systems may result in
nonconformance with the specification. 3.1 When this practice is to be applied to an inquiry,
contract, or order, the purchaser shall so state and shall
also furnish the following information:
1.4 This specification and the applicable material
specifications are expressed in both inch-pound units 3.1.1 Method of establishing the sensitivity in
and SI units. However, unless the order specifies the accordance with 7.2.2 and 7.3.3 (Vee or rectangular
applicable M specification designation [SI units], the notch),
material shall be furnished to inch-pound units. 3.1.1.1 The diameter and test metal distance of
the flat-bottom hole and the material of the reference
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all block in accordance with 7.2.2.2,
of the safety problems, if any, associated with its use.
3.1.2 Quality level for the entire forging or portions
It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to
thereof in accordance with 10.3, and
establish appropriate safety and health practices and
determine the applicability of regulatory limitations 3.1.3 Any options in accordance with 6.1, 6.2,
prior to use. and 7.1.10.

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SA-388 /SA-388M 1998 SECTION II

4. Apparatus cross-section of the forging to be examined. An example

of a DGS overlay is found in Appendix X3.
4.1 An ultrasonic, pulsed, reflection type of instrument
shall be used for this examination. The system shall
have a minimum capability for examining at frequencies
from 1 to 5 MHz. On examining austenitic stainless 5. Personnel Requirements
forgings the system shall have the capabilities for 5.1 Personnel performing ultrasonic examinations in 98
examining at frequencies down to 0.4 MHz. accordance with this practice shall be qualified and
certified in accordance with a written procedure con-
4.1.1 The ultrasonic instrument shall provide linear
forming to Recommended Practice SNT-TC-1A or an-
presentation (within 5%) for at least 75% of the screen
other national standard that is acceptable to both the
height (sweep line to top of screen). The 5% linearity
purchaser and the supplier.
referred to is descriptive of the screen presentation
of amplitude. Instrument linearity shall be verified in
accordance with the intent of Practice E 317. Any set
6. Preparation of Forging for Ultrasonic
of blocks processed in accordance with Practice E 317
Examination
or E 428 may be used to establish the specified 65%
instrument linearity. 6.1 Unless otherwise specified in the order or contract,
the forging shall be machined to provide cylindrical
4.1.2 The electronic apparatus shall contain an surfaces for radial examination in the case of round
attenuator (accurate over its useful range to 610% (+1 forgings; the ends of the forgings shall be machined
dB) of the amplitude ratio) which will allow measure- perpendicular to the axis of the forging for the axial
ment of indications beyond the linear range of the examination. Faces of disk and rectangular forgings
instrument. shall be machined flat and parallel to one another.
4.2 Search Units having a transducer with a maximum 6.2 The surface roughness of exterior finishes shall
active area of 1 in.2 [650 mm2] with 34 in. [20 mm] not exceed 250 min. [6 mm] unless otherwise shown
minimum to 118 in. [30 mm] maximum dimensions on the forging drawing or stated in the order or the
shall be used for straight-beam scanning (see 7.2); and contract.
search units equipped from 12 by 1 in. [13 by 25 mm]
to 1 by 1 in. [25 by 25 mm] shall be used for angle- 6.3 The surfaces of the forging to be examined shall
beam scanning (see 7.3). be free of extraneous material such as loose scale,
paint, dirt, etc.
4.2.1 Transducers shall be utilized at their rated
frequencies.
7. Procedure
4.2.2 Other search units may be used for evaluating
and pinpointing indications. 7.1 General:

4.3 Couplants having good wetting characteristics 7.1.1 As far as practicable, subject the entire
such as SAE No. 20 or No. 30 motor oil, glycerin, volume of the forging to ultrasonic examination. Be-
pine oil, or water shall be used. Couplants may not cause of radii at change of sections and other local
be comparable to one another and the same couplant configurations, it may be impossible to examine some
shall be used for calibration and examination. sections of a forging.

4.4 Reference Blocks containing flat-bottom holes 7.1.2 Perform the ultrasonic examination after heat
may be used for calibration of equipment in accordance treatment for mechanical properties (exclusive of stress-
with 4.1.1 and may be used to establish recording relief treatments) but prior to drilling holes, cutting
levels for straight beam examination when so specified keyways, tapers, grooves, or machining sections to
by the order or contract. contour. If the configuration of the forging required
for the treatment for mechanical properties prohibits a
4.5 DGS scales, matched to the ultrasonic test unit subsequent complete examination of the forging, it
and transducer to be utilized, may be used to establish shall be permissible to examine prior to treatment for
recording levels for straight beam examination, when mechanical properties. In such cases, reexamine the
so specified by the order or contract. The DGS scale forging ultrasonically as completely as possible after
range must be selected to include the full thickness heat treatment.

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 PART A FERROUS MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS SA-388 /SA-388M

7.1.3 To ensure complete coverage of the forging Recalibration is required for significant changes in
volume, index the search unit with at least 15% overlap section thickness or diameter.
with each pass.
NOTE 1 High sensitivity levels are not usually employed when
inspecting austenitic steel forgings due to attendant high level of
7.1.4 Do not exceed a scanning rate of 6 in. /s noise or hash caused by coarse grain structure.
[150 mm /s].
7.1.5 If possible, scan all sections of forgings in 7.2.2.2 Reference-Block Calibration The test
two perpendicular directions. surface roughness on the calibration standard shall be
comparable to but no better than the item to be exam-
7.1.6 Scan disk forgings using a straight beam ined. Adjust the instrument controls to obtain the re-
technique from at least one flat face and radially from quired signal amplitude from the flat-bottom hole in
the circumference whenever practicable. the specified reference block. Utilize the attenuator in
7.1.7 Scan cylindrical sections and hollow forgings order to set up on amplitudes larger than the vertical
by angle-beam technique. When practicable, also exam- linearity of the instrument. In those cases, remove the
ine the forging in the axial direction. attenuation prior to scanning the forging.
NOTE 2 When flat-surfaced reference block calibration is specified,
7.1.8 In addition, examine hollow forgings by adjust the amplitude of indication from the reference block or blocks
angle-beam technique from the outside diameter surface to compensate for examination surface curvature (an example is
as required in 7.3.1. given in Appendix A1).

7.1.9 In rechecking or reevaluation by manufacturer 7.2.2.3 DGS Calibration Prior to use, verify
or purchaser use comparable equipment, search units, that the DGS overlay matches the transducer size and
frequency, and couplant. frequency. Accuracy of the overlay can be verified by
7.1.10 Forgings may be examined either stationary reference blocks and procedures outlined in Practice E
or while rotating in a lathe or on rollers. If not specified 317. Overlays are to be serialized to match the ultrasonic
by the purchaser, either method may be used at the transducer and pulse echo testing system that they are
manufacturers option. to be utilized with.

7.2 Straight-Beam Examination: 7.2.2.4 Choose the appropriate DGS scale for the
cross-sectional thickness of the forging to be examined.
7.2.1 For straight-beam examination use a nominal Insert the overlay over the CRT screen, ensuring the
214 MHz search unit whenever practicable; however, DGS scale base line coincides with the sweep line of
1 MHz is the preferred frequency for coarse grained the CRT screen. Place the probe on the forging, adjust
austenitic materials and long testing distances. In many the gain to make the first backwall echo appear clearly
instances on examining coarse grained austenitic materi- on CRT screen. Using the Delay and Sweep control,
als it may be necessary to use a frequency of 0.4 shift the screen pattern so that the leading edge of the
MHz. Other frequencies may be used if desirable for initial pulse is on zero of the DGS scale and the
better resolution, penetrability, or detectability of flaws. backwall echo is on the DGS scale value corresponding
to the thickness of the forging. Adjust the gain so the
7.2.2 Establish the instrument sensitivity by either
forging backwall echo matches the height of the DGS
the reflection, reference-block technique, or DGS
reference slope within 61 Db. Once adjusted, increase
method (see Appendix X3 for an explanation of the
the gain by the Db shown on the DGS scale for the
DGS method).
reference slope. Instrument is now calibrated and flaw
7.2.2.1 Back-Reflection Technique (Back-Reflec- sizes that can be reliably detected can be directly read
tion Calibration Applicable to Forgings with Parallel from the CRT screen. These flaw sizes are the equivalent
Entry and Back Surfaces) With the attenuator set flat bottom reflector that can be used as a reference point.
at an appropriate level, for example 5 to 1 or 14 dB, NOTE 3 The above can be utilized on all solid forgings. Cylindrical
adjust the instrument controls to obtain a back reflection hollow forgings, and drilled or bored forgings must be corrected to
approximately 75% of the full-screen height from the compensate for attenuation due to the central hole (see Appendix X4).
opposite side of the forging. Scan the forging at the
maximum amplification setting of the attenuator (attenu- 7.2.3 Recalibration Any change in the search
ator set at 1 to 1). Carry out the evaluation of discontinu- unit, couplant, instrument setting, or scanning speed
ities with the gain control set at the reference level. from that used for calibration shall require recalibration.

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SA-388 /SA-388M 1998 SECTION II

Perform a calibration check at least once every 8 h the amplitude reference line. It is preferable to have
shift. When a loss of 15% or greater in the gain level the notches in excess metal or test metal when possible.
is indicated, reestablish the required calibration and When the OD notch cannot be detected when examining
reexamine all of the material examined in the preceding the OD surface, perform the examination when practica-
calibration period. When an increase of 15% or greater ble (some IDs may be too small to permit examination),
in the gain level is indicated, reevaluate all recorded as indicated above from both the OD and ID surfaces.
indications. Utilize the ID notch when inspecting from the OD,
and the OD notch when inspecting from the ID. Curve
7.2.4 During the examination of the forging, moni- wedges or shoes may be used when necessary and
tor the back reflection for any significant reduction in practicable.
amplitude. Reduction in back-reflection amplitude may
indicate not only the presence of a discontinuity but 7.3.4 Perform the examination by scanning over
also poor coupling of the search unit with the surface the entire surface area circumferentially in both the
of the forging, nonparallel back-reflection surface, or clockwise and counter-clockwise directions from the OD
local variations of attenuation in the forging. Recheck surface. Examine forgings, which cannot be examined
any areas causing loss of back reflection. axially using a straight beam, in both axial directions
with an angle-beam search unit. For axial scanning,
7.3 Angle-Beam Examination Rings and Hollow use rectangular or 60 V-notches on the ID and OD
Forgings: for the calibration. These notches shall be perpendicular
7.3.1 Perform the examination from the circumfer- to the axis of the forging and the same dimensions as
ence of rings and hollow forgings that have an axial the axial notch.
length greater than 2 in. [50 mm] and an outside to
inside diameter ratio of less than 2.0 to 1.
8. Recording
7.3.2 Use a 1 MHz, 45 angle-beam search unit
unless thickness, OD /ID ratio, or other geometric con- 8.1 Straight-Beam Examination Record the follow-
figuration results in failure to achieve calibration. Other ing indications as information for the purchaser. These
frequencies may be used if desirable for better resolu- recordable indications do not constitute a rejectable
tion, penetrability, or detectability of flaws. For angle- condition unless negotiated as such in the purchase
beam inspection of hollow forgings up to 2.0 to 1 order.
ratio, provide the transducer with a wedge or shoe that
will result in the beam mode and angle required by the 8.1.1 In the back-reflection technique, individual
size and shape of the cross section under examination. indications equal to or exceeding 10% of the back
reflection from an adjacent area free from indications;
7.3.3 Calibrate the instrument for the angle-beam in the reference-block or DGS technique, indications
examination to obtain an indication amplitude of approx- equal to or exceeding 100% of the reference amplitude.
imately 75% full-screen height from a rectangular or
a 60 V-notch on inside diameter (ID) in the axial 8.1.2 An indication that is continuous on the same
direction and parallel to the axis of the forging. A plane regardless of amplitude, and found over an area
separate calibration standard may be used; however, it larger than twice the diameter of the search unit. The
shall have the same nominal composition, heat treat- extent of such an indication shall be accurately measured
ment, and thickness as the forging it represents. The along with variations in amplitudes of reflections.
test surface finish on the calibration standard shall be 8.1.2.1 Planar indications shall be considered
comparable but no better than the item to be examined. continuous over a plane if they have a major axis
Where a group of identical forgings is made, one of greater than 1 in. [25 mm]. In recording these indications
these forgings may be used as the separate calibration corrections must be made for beam divergence at the
standard. Cut the ID notch depth to 3% maximum of estimated flaw depth.
the thickness or 14 in. [6 mm], whichever is smaller,
and its length approximately 1 in. [25 mm]. Thickness 8.1.3 In the back-reflection technique, discontinuity
is defined as the thickness of the forging to be examined indications equal to or exceeding 5% of the back
at the time of examination. At the same instrument reflection. In the reference-block technique, indications
setting, obtain a reflection from a similar OD notch. equal to or exceeding 50% of the reference amplitude
Draw a line through the peaks of the first reflections providing that they travel, are continuous, or appear
obtained from the ID and OD notches. This shall be as clusters.

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 PART A FERROUS MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS SA-388 /SA-388M

8.1.3.1 Traveling indications are herein defined level which would be universally applicable to such a
as indications whose leading edge moves a distance diversity of products. Ultrasonic acceptance or rejection
equivalent to 1 in. [25 mm] or more of metal depth criteria for individual forgings should be based on a
with movement of the search unit over the surface of realistic appraisal of service requirements and the quality
the forging. that can normally be obtained in the production of the
particular type forging.
8.1.3.2 A cluster of indications is defined as
five or more indications located in a volume representing 10.2 Heavy austenitic stainless steel forgings are
a 2 in. [50 mm] or smaller cube in the forging. more difficult to penetrate ultrasonically than similar
carbon or low-alloy steel forgings. The degree of attenu-
8.1.4 Reduction in back reflection exceeding 20% ation normally increases with section size; and the
of the original measured in increments of 10%. noise level, generally or in isolated areas, may become
too great to permit detection of discrete indications. In
8.1.5 Amplitudes of recordable indications in incre-
ments of 10%. most instances, this attenuation results from inherent
coarse grained microstructure of these austenitic alloys.
8.2 Angle-Beam Examination Record discontinuity For these reasons, the methods and standards employed
indications equal to or exceeding 50% of the indication for ultrasonically examining carbon and low-alloy steel
from the reference line. When an amplitude reference forgings may not be applicable to heavy austenitic steel
line cannot be generated, record discontinuity indications forgings. In general, only straight beam inspecting using
equal to or exceeding 50% of the reference notch. These a back-reflection reference standard is used. Because
recordable indications do not constitute a rejectable of attenuation, use of flat-bottom hole reference stan-
condition unless negotiated as such in the purchase dards or angle-beam examination of these grades is
order. normally impracticable.

10.3 Acceptance quality levels shall be established

between purchaser and manufacturer on the basis of
9. Report one or more of the following criteria.
9.1 Report the following information:
10.3.1 Straight-Beam Examination:
9.1.1 All recordable indications (see Section 8).
10.3.1.1 No indications larger than some percent-
9.1.2 For the purpose of reporting the locations age of the reference back reflection.
of recordable indications, a sketch shall be prepared
showing the physical outline of the forging including 10.3.1.2 No indications equal to or larger than
dimensions of all areas not inspected due to geometric the indication received from the flat-bottom hole in a
configuration, the purchasers drawing number, the pur- specific reference block or blocks.
chasers order number, and the manufacturers serial
number, and the axial, radial, and circumferential distri- 10.3.1.3 No areas showing loss of back reflection
bution of recordable ultrasonic indications. larger than some percentage of the reference back
reflection.
9.1.3 The specification to which the examination
was performed as well as the frequency used, method 10.3.1.4 No indications per 10.3.1.1 or 10.3.1.2
of setting sensitivity, type of instrument, surface finish, coupled with some loss of resultant back reflection per
couplant, and search unit employed. 10.3.1.3.
9.1.4 The inspectors signature and date examina- 10.3.1.5 No indications exceeding the reference
tion performed. level specified in the DGS method.

10.3.2 Angle-Beam Examination No indications

10. Quality Levels exceeding a stated percentage of the reflection from a
reference notch or of the amplitude reference line.
10.1 This practice is intended for application to
forgings, with a wide variety of sizes, shapes, composi- 10.4 Intelligent application of ultrasonic quality levels
tions, melting processes, and applications. It is, there- involves an understanding of the effects of many param-
fore, impracticable to specify an ultrasonic quality eters on examination results.

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SA-388 /SA-388M 1998 SECTION II

APPENDICES

(Nonmandatory Information)

X1. TYPICAL TUNING LEVEL X2.2 To utilize curve, establish amplitude from
COMPENSATION FOR THE EFFECTS OF ASTM reference block to coincide with values from
FORGING CURVATURE Appendix X1.
X1.1 The curve (Fig. X1.1) was determined for the
following test conditions: X3. BACKGROUND INFORMATION ON THE
Material nickel-molybdenum-vanadium alloy steel DGS METHODS
(Specification A 469, Class 4)
Instrument Type UR Reflectoscope X3.1 The DGS method was developed to determine
Search unit 118 in. [30 mm] diameter quartz flaw sizes by comparison to a back wall echo produced
Frequency 214 MHz on the part to be ultrasonic tested. The derivation of
Reference block ASTM No. 3-0600 (aluminum)
DGS curves is extensively covered and can be found
Reflection area of ref- 0.010 in.2 [6.5 mm2] in nickel-molybde-
erence curve num-vanadium alloy steel in standard texts on ultrasonic testing, and will not be
Surface finish 250 min. [6mm], max, roughness covered here. The distance or thickness of the forging
(A) to be tested, as noted on the overlay, must be
accurately defined on the CRT screen. The back reflec-
X1.2 To utilize curve, adjust reflectoscope sensitivity
tion (B) of the part must be established and suitable
to obtain indicated ultrasonic response on ASTM No.
gain added. Flaw echo indications that appear can be
3-0600 reference block for each diameter as shown. A
sized via the flaw size curves (C) on the overlay. Item
response of 1 in. [25 mm] sweep-to-peak is used for
(D) depicts the transducers that the overlay works in
flat surfaces. Use attenuator to obtain desired amplitude,
conjunction with and (E) depicts the series of curves
but do testing at 1 to 1 setting.
that the overlay scales are matched to.

X4. COMPENSATION FOR CENTER HOLE 98

ATTENUATION ON CYLINDRICAL
X2. INDICATION AMPLITUDE
BORED OR HOLLOW FORGINGS
COMPENSATION FOR TEST DISTANCE
UTILIZING THE DGS METHOD
VARIATIONS
X4.1 The hole in a cylindrical bored forging causes
X2.1 The curve (Fig. X2.1) has been determined for
sound scatter. In these cases, a correction is required
the following test conditions:
which depends on the wall thickness and bore diameter.
Material nickel-molybdenum-vanadium alloy steel
(Specification A 469, Class 4) X4.1.1 Determine the correction value in dB from
Instrument Type UR Reflectoscope the Nomogram (Fig. X3.1).
Search unit 118 in. [30 mm] diameter quartz
Frequency 214 MHz X4.1.2 Proceed as described in Section 7.2.2.3.
Couplant No. 20 oil
X4.1.3 With the GAIN-dB control, reduce the flaw
Reference block ASTM No. 3-0600 (aluminum)
Reflection area of ref- 0.010 in.2 [6.5 mm2] in nickel-molybde- detector gain by the correction value determined as
erence curve num-vanadium alloy steel per the Nomogram (Fig. X4.1). Thus, the flaw detector
Surface finish 250 min. [6mm], max, roughness gain is accurately adjusted.

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 PART A FERROUS MATERIAL SPECIFICATIONS SA-388 /SA-388M

FIG. X1.1 TYPICAL COMPENSATION CURVE FOR FIG. X2.1 TYPICAL DISTANCE-AMPLITUDE
EFFECTS OF FORGING CURVATURE CORRECTION CURVE

FIG. X3.1 EXAMPLE OF DGS OVERLAY

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SA-388 /SA-388M 1998 SECTION II

FIG. X4.1 THE INFLUENCE OF A CENTRAL BORE ON THE

BACKWALL ECHO AMPLITUDE OF CYLINDRICAL OR
PLANE PARALLEL FORGINGS

706