This document is not an ASTM standard and is intended only to provide the user of an ASTM standard an indication of what

changes have been made to the previous version. Because

it may not be technically possible to adequately depict all changes accurately, ASTM recommends that users consult prior editions as appropriate. In all cases only the current version
of the standard as published by ASTM is to be considered the official document.

Designation: E127 − 19´1 E127 − 20

Standard Practice for

Fabrication and Control of Flat Bottomed Hole Ultrasonic
Standard Reference Blocks1
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E127; 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.

This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.

ε1 NOTE—Editorial corrections were made to 10.4 in February 2020.

1. Scope*

1.1 This practice covers a procedure for fabrication and control of metal alloy reference blocks used in ultrasonic examinations
that contain flat bottom holes (FBH).

iTeh Standards
1.2 These blocks may be used for checking the performance of ultrasonic examination instrumentation and search units and for

(https://standards.iteh.ai)
standardization and control of ultrasonic examination of metal alloy products.

1.3 The reference blocks described are suitable for use with either the direct-contact method or immersion pulse-echo ultrasonic
methods. Document Preview
1.4 Standard sets are described for flat surface sound entry; the Basic set, Area-Amplitude set, and Distance Amplitude set.
ASTM E127-20
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1.5 The requirements for FBH fabrication may be applied to round bar/billet reference standards and reference standards
fabricated from other product forms.

1.6 This practice does not specify reference reflector sizes or product rejection limits. It does describe fabrication practices and
applied tolerances. In all cases of conflict between this practice and customer specifications, the customer specification shall
prevail.

1.7 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical
conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.8 This practice has incorporated the requirements of Practice E428 and Guide E1158. Reference standards that were
manufactured under Practice E428 and Guide E1158 comply with the requirements of this practice.
1.9 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility
of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of
regulatory limitations prior to use.

1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nondestructive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.06 on Ultrasonic Method.
Current edition approved July 15, 2019Dec. 1, 2020. Published October 2019January 2021. Originally approved in 1958. Last previous edition approved in 20152019 as
E127 – 15.E127 – 19ε1. DOI: 10.1520/E0127-19E01.10.1520/E0127-20.

*A Summary of Changes section appears at the end of this standard

Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States

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 E127 − 20
1.10 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.

2. Referenced Documents

2.1 ASTM Standards:2

B107/B107M Specification for Magnesium-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Profiles, Tubes, and Wire
B221 Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Extruded Bars, Rods, Wire, Profiles, and Tubes
B241/B241M Specification for Aluminum and Aluminum-Alloy Seamless Pipe and Seamless Extruded Tube
B594 Practice for Ultrasonic Inspection of Aluminum-Alloy Wrought Products
E317 Practice for Evaluating Performance Characteristics of Ultrasonic Pulse-Echo Testing Instruments and Systems without the
Use of Electronic Measurement Instruments
E428 Practice for Fabrication and Control of Metal, Other than Aluminum, Reference Blocks Used in Ultrasonic Testing
(Withdrawn 2019)3
E1065 Practice for Evaluating Characteristics of Ultrasonic Search Units
E1158 Guide for Material Selection and Fabrication of Reference Blocks for the Pulsed Longitudinal Wave Ultrasonic Testing
of Metal and Metal Alloy Production Material (Withdrawn 2019)3
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
E1324 Guide for Measuring Some Electronic Characteristics of Ultrasonic Testing Instruments
E2375 Practice for Ultrasonic Testing of Wrought Products
2.2 SAE Standards:4
AMS 4928 Titanium Alloy Bars, Wire, Forgings, and Rings 6Al - 4V Annealed
AMS 6409 Steel, Bars, Forgings, and Tubing 0.80Cr - 1.8Ni - 0.25Mo (0.38 - 0.43C) (SAE 4340) Special Aircraft Quality
Cleanliness, Normalized and Tempered
iTeh Standards
AMS 6415 Steel, Bars, Forgings, and Tubing 0.80Cr - 1.8Ni - 0.25Mo (0.38 - 0.43C) (SAE 4340)
AMS 6484 Steel, Bars, Forgings, and Tubing 0.80Cr - 1.8Ni - 0.25Mo (0.38 - 0.43C) (SAE 4340) Normalized and Tempered
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
QQ-A225/6 Aluminum Alloy, 2024, Bar, Rod, and Wire; Rolled, Drawn, or Cold Finished
QQ-A225/9 Aluminum Alloy 7075, Bar, Rod, Wire, and Special Shapes; Rolled, Drawn, or Cold Finished

3. Terminology Document Preview

3.1 Definitions—For definitions of terms not specific to this practice, refer to Terminology E1316.
3.2 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
ASTM E127-20
3.2.1 https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/af9f20e9-9eeb-4917-ad55-950c36aba071/astm-e127-20
angular error, n—the condition observed in ultrasonic tests of reference blocks when the response from the hole bottom is
not maximum while the search unit is positioned to obtain either a maximum number of back reflections from a reference block
or a maximum indication from its entry surface.
3.2.1.1 Discussion—
Angular error results when the entry surface, hole bottom, and back surface are not parallel to each other.

3.2.2 entry surface, n—the end of a reference block through which ultrasonic energy must pass when reflections from the hole
bottom are obtained.

3.2.3 hole bottom, n—the flat reflecting surface in a reference block that is obtained by making the entire end of a drilled hole
smooth and flat using best machining practices; the hole bottom is parallel to the entry surface of the block.

3.2.4 hole size, n—the diameter of the hole in a reference block that determines the area of the hole bottom.

3.2.5 metal distance, n—the distance in a reference block from its entry surface to the hole bottom.

3.2.6 non-standard blocks, n—blocks fabricated from production material shapes, round and flat bar and billet, concave surface
standards, extruded, forged and additive manufactured shapes.

2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or contact ASTM Customer Service at [email protected]. For Annual Book of ASTM Standards
volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on the ASTM website.
3
The last approved version of this historical standard is referenced on www.astm.org.
4
Available from SAE International (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale, PA 15096, http://www.sae.org.

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 E127 − 20

3.2.7 standard block sets, n—flat entry surface blocks fabricated per Fig. 1.
3.2.7.1 Discussion—
Recommended Area Amplitude, Distance Amplitude, and Basic sets of these blocks are described in Section 6.

4. Summary of Practice

4.1 Standard Sets (See 3.2.7)

4.1.1 These recommended sets are described in Section 6. Reference standard material is ultrasonically evaluated to ensure
freedom from significant discontinuities and is then precisely fabricated into cylindrical blocks of prescribed lengths. A single,
flat-bottom hole of specific diameter is drilled to a constant depth into the end of each block at its center, and the blocks are grouped
into sets according to hole size and block length, or metal distance.

4.1.2 Each block is checked ultrasonically using a calibrated ultrasonic test system at a prescribed test frequency. Distance-
amplitude and area-amplitude characteristics are established for sets of fabricated blocks using specific reflectors to provide a
standard response. Curves are plotted to establish the interrelationship between the various blocks in the sets.

4.2 Non-Standard Blocks (See 3.2.6)

4.2.1 Reference standard material is ultrasonically evaluated to ensure freedom from significant discontinuities. The entry surface
shall be free of surface discontinuities that would interfere with the sound beam.

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4.2.2 Due to the variability of the end user test conditions, the curves plotting the interrelationship between the FBHs in the
standard are typically performed by the end user, not the fabricator.

4.3 Selection of Material (https://standards.iteh.ai)

Document Preview
ASTM E127-20
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FIG. 1 Standard Set Block Dimensions

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 E127 − 20

4.3.1 Section 7 of this standard contains guidance on the selection and testing of material for ultrasonic reference standards.

5. Significance and Use

5.1 Standard reference block sets per 4.1 fabricated in accordance with this practice will exhibit specific area-amplitude and
distance amplitude relationships only with an immersion test at 5 MHz using the search unit, test instrument, and test parameters
described in this practice. Comparison tests at other frequencies or with uncalibrated instruments will not necessarily give the same
relationships shown in this practice. See Ref (1)5 for area-amplitude limitations at other frequencies and transducer diameters. Also
see Ref (2) for cautions regarding use of standard blocks for test standardizations.

5.2 Reference standards fabricated per 4.2 may utilize the fabrication and verification techniques herein. Due to the variable nature
of non-standard blocks, the details should be agreed upon in the ordering documents.

6. Description of Various Recommended Sets

6.1 In ultrasonic testing of metals, a standard reference usually is necessary to establish a specified test sensitivity. A standard
ultrasonic reference also is required frequently to determine the effect of variations in metal distance upon the ultrasonic response
from detected discontinuities. Test sensitivity standardizations and corrections for metal distance are most reliable when made
under the same conditions employed for the actual tests. For these purposes, reference blocks containing various combinations of
hole size and metal distance are necessary.

6.2 The following combinations or sets of blocks are recommended:

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6.2.1 Basic Set—The basic set consisting of ten reference blocks is listed in Table 1. Area-amplitude relations are obtained by
intercomparison of blocks containing the 3 in. (76.2 mm) metal distance and 3⁄64 in., 5⁄64 in., and 8⁄64 in. (see Table 2 note) diameter
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
holes, respectively. Distance-amplitude relations are obtained by intercomparison of the blocks of various lengths which contain
5⁄64 in. diameter holes.

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NOTE 1—Direct conversion from inches to millimetres (1 in. = 25.4 mm) gives hole size dimensions for which there are no standard metric drills; however,
Table 2 gives the nearest standard metric drill size.

ASTMofE127-20
6.2.2 Area-Amplitude Set—The area-amplitude set consisting eight ultrasonic standard reference blocks is listed in Table 3.
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Area-amplitude relationships are obtained by intercomparison of any three or more blocks with different flat bottom-hole sizes at
the same metal distance from front surface to hole bottom.

TABLE 1 Dimensions and Identification of Reference Blocks in

the Basic Set (see Fig. 1)
NOTE 1—Direct conversion from inches to millimeters
(1 in. = 25.4 mm) gives hole size dimensions for which there are no
standard metric drills; however, Table 2 gives the nearest standard metric
drill size.
Hole Metal Overall
Block Diameter Distance Length
Identi- (A) (B) (C)
fication
Number ⁄
1 64 ths
in. mm in. mm
in.
3-0300 3 3.000 76.2 3.750 95.2
5-0012 5 0.125 3.2 0.875 22.2
5-0025 5 0.250 6.4 1.000 25.4
5-0050 5 0.500 12.7 1.250 31.8
5-0075 5 0.750 19.0 1.500 38.1
5-0150 5 1.500 38.1 2.250 57.2
5-0300 5 3.000 76.2 3.750 95.2
5-0600 5 6.000 152.4 6.750 171.4
8-0300 8 3.000 76.2 3.750 95.2
8-0600 8 6.000 152.4 6.750 171.4

5
The boldface numbers in parentheses refer to a list of references at the end of this standard.

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 E127 − 20
TABLE 2 Diameter of Flat-Bottom Holes in Inch-Pound Units and
the Nearest Metric Drill Hole Diameter
NOTE 1—Ratio of the area of the nearest metric drill size to the area of
the inch-pound drill size is 1.016 throughout.
Hole Diameter in Inch- Nearest Metric Drill
Pound Units, in. Size, mm
1/64 0.40
2/64 0.80
3/64 1.20
4/64 1.60
5/64 2.00
6/64 2.40
7/64 2.80
8/64 3.20

TABLE 3 Dimensions and Identification of Reference Blocks in

the Area-Amplitude Set (see Fig. 1)
Hole Metal Overall
Block Diameter Distance Length
Identi- (A) (B) (C)
fication
Number ⁄
1 64 ths
in. mm in. mm
in.
1-0300 1 3.000 76.2 3.750 95.3
2-0300 2 3.000 76.2 3.750 95.3
3-0300 3 3.000 76.2 3.750 95.3
4-0300 4 3.000 76.2 3.750 95.3
5-0300 5 3.000 76.2 3.750 95.3
6-0300 6 3.000 76.2 3.750 95.3
7-0300
8-0300 iTeh Standards
7
8
3.000
3.000
76.2
76.2
3.750
3.750
95.3
95.3

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Document
6.2.3 Distance-Amplitude Set—A distance-amplitude Preview
set may include any convenient number of the reference blocks shown in
Table 4 and does not necessarily include all blocks listed. A recommended distance-amplitude set contains at least 12 blocks, and
each set contains only one of the three hole sizes shown in Table 4. Blocks comprising the 19 block distance-amplitude sets, which
are customarily supplied commercially, are indicated in ASTM
Table 4. E127-20
Increments of metal distance in each of the three groups of blocks
in the https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/af9f20e9-9eeb-4917-ad55-950c36aba071/astm-e127-20
recommended set should be identical. Distance-amplitude relationships are obtained by intercomparison of all blocks
containing the same size hole.

6.3 If the blocks are to be used for immersion testing, they should be suitably anodized or otherwise protected to enhance
resistance to corrosion. Uncoated blocks shall be designated as Type 1; coated blocks shall be designated as Type 2.

6.4 A number of important variables that affect the response from reference blocks can be controlled during fabrication by accurate
machining practices. The roughness of the entry surface; the alignment of entry surface, hole bottom, and back surface; and the
surface condition of the hole bottom are the more important physical variables that must be controlled during the fabrication of
reference blocks. The quality of material used for blocks also is a factor.

6.5 Non-Standard Blocks—There are many different types of reference blocks used in industry depending upon the size and shape
of the material to be examined. Some of the more common flat bottom hole (FBH) types are described in Appendix X2.

7. Material Selection

7.1 Recommended materials for standard block sets are listed in Table 5 (Practice E2375).

7.2 For non-standard blocks, it is good practice to use a sample removed from the production lot of material as the reference block
material. When this is not possible the reference block material should be of the same general shape and dimensions, surface finish,
chemical composition, and microstructure as the production material to be examined.

7.3 To ensure that the material chosen is suitable for use as reference block material and is free of potentially interfering reflectors,

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TABLE 4 Dimensions and Identification of Reference Blocks in
Distance-Amplitude Sets
Block Identifica- Metal Distance (B) Overall Length (C)
tion Number, 3-,
5-, and 8-A in. mm in. mm
−0006B 0.0625 1.6 0.812 20.6
−0012B 0.125 3.2 0.875 22.2
−0025B 0.250 6.4 1.000 25.4
−0038B 0.375 9.5 1.125 28.6
−0050B 0.500 12.7 1.250 31.8
−0062B 0.625 15.9 1.375 34.9
−0075B 0.750 19.1 1.500 38.1
−0088B 0.875 22.2 1.625 41.3
−0100B 1.000 25.4 1.750 44.5
−0125B 1.250 31.8 2.000 50.8
−0150 1.500 38.1 2.250 57.2
−0175B 1.750 44.5 2.500 63.5
−0200 2.000 50.8 2.750 69.9
−0225B 2.250 57.2 3.000 76.2
−0250 2.500 63.5 3.250 82.6
−0275B 2.750 69.9 3.500 88.9
−0300 3.000 76.2 3.750 95.3
−0325B 3.250 82.6 4.000 101.6
−0350 3.500 88.9 4.250 108.0
−0375B 3.750 95.3 4.500 114.3
−0400 4.000 101.6 4.750 120.7
−0425B 4.250 108.0 5.000 127.0
−0450 4.500 114.3 5.250 133.4
−0475B 4.750 120.7 5.500 139.7
−0500 5.000 127.0 5.750 146.1
−0525B 5.250 133.4 6.000 152.4
−0550 5.500 139.7 6.250 158.8

A
iTeh Standards
−0575B
−0600
5.750
6.000
146.1
152.4
6.500
6.750
165.1
171.5

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Hole diameters (A)3⁄64, 5⁄64, and 8⁄64 in.
B
Blocks customarily included in commercial 19 block distance-amplitude sets.

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TABLE 5 Recommended Reference Block Material
Material to be Tested Reference Material Typical Specification
Aluminum 7075-T6 ASTM B221, ASTM
B241/B241M, QQ-
ASTM E127-20 A225/9
https://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/af9f20e9-9eeb-4917-ad55-950c36aba071/astm-e127-20
--- 2024 ASTM B221, ASTM
B241/B241M, QQ-
A225/6
Magnesium ZK60 ASTM B107/B107M
Titanium Ti-6Al-4V annealed AMS 4928
Low Alloy Steels 4340 annealed AMS 6484, AMS 6415,
AMS 6409

ultrasonically examine the reference block material at the anticipated frequency and at a sensitivity that produces an acoustic noise
level of 20 % screen height. The entire block should be scanned from the surface which will be used for standardization. Any
discrete indication that exceeds 40 % screen height should be cause to remove the material from consideration as an ultrasonic
reference block.

7.3.1 For materials with very low noise levels, this test may be over-sensitive. Such materials may be ultrasonically examined at
a sensitivity that assures no signals will be present in the material that is more than half the response of the intended flat bottomed
hole response. Suitable reference standards in acoustically similar material will be required for standardization of the test.

7.4 Methods for determining acoustic compatibility of reference standards and material under test are typically defined by the
governing ultrasonic test specification.

8. Fabrication Procedure

8.1 Standard sets per 4.1 shall be fabricated to the dimensions of Fig. 1 and Table 6.

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 E127 − 20
TABLE 6 Fabrication Tolerances for Standard Set Blocks
Parameter Dimension Tolerance Dimension Metric (mm) Tolerance Metric (mm)
A. FBH Diameter Per Table 1, Table 3 ±0.0005 in. Per Table 1, Table 3 ±0,0127
B. Metal Distance Per Table 1, Table 3, Table 4 ±0.015 in. Per Table 1, Table 3, Table 4 ±0,381
C. Overall Length Per Table 1, Table 3, Table 4 ±0.005 in. Per Table 1, Table 3, Table 4 ±0,127
D. Hole Depth 0.75 in. ±0.005 in. 19,05 ±0,127
E. Block Diameter 2.0 in. ±0.020 in. 50,8 ±0,508
Block Diameter >6 in. TMD 2.5 in. ±0.030 in. 63,5 ±0,762
F. End Face Flatness Within 0.0005 in. --- Within 0,0127 ---
G. Parallelism Within 0.001 in. --- Within 0,0254 ---
H. FBH Perpendicularity Within 20 minutes --- Within 20 minutes ---
I. Hole Bottom Flatness 0.001 in. Per 0.125 in. 0.0254 Per 3,175
J. Centered Within 0.010 in. --- Within 0,254 ---
K. Counterbore 0.25 in. x 0.063 in. --- 6,35 x 1,6 ---
L. Block ID Size 0.12 in. min height 3,048 min height
M. Block ID Location 0.25 in. min from top 6,35 min from top
N. Entry Surface Finish 32 µinch max 0,8 µmeter max
Other Surface Finish 63 µinch nominal 1,6 µmeter nominal

8.2 The following machining sequence is recommended:

8.2.1 Machine all blocks to a uniform entry surface finish and to the required dimensional tolerances.

8.2.2 Drill the test hole to the nominal depth with a standard drill point.

8.2.3 Carefully prepare a flat-bottom drill or cutter with cutting edges square and flat within 0.0005 in. (0.013 mm) and
iTeh Standards
perpendicular to its longitudinal axis (flatness, squareness, etc., should be checked at a minimum of 60× magnification on an optical
comparator).

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8.2.4 Continue to drill as needed to remove all the conical configuration of the bottom of the hole

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8.2.5 Remove drill, check cutting edge, regrind, if necessary.

8.2.6 Remove an additional 0.005 in. (0.13 mm) of material from the hole bottom.
ASTM E127-20
8.2.7 Recheck cutting edges of the drill on the optical comparator, regrind, if necessary, and repeat 8.2.5 and 8.2.6. Careful
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attention must be given to the squareness of corners of the cutter; the slightest radius reduces the reflective area of the hole bottom.

8.2.8 Typical Block Identification:

7075 = Typical alloy designation,

5 = Hole size in 1⁄64 in. increments, and
0150 = 1.50 in. metal travel in 00.00 in.

8.3 Non-standard Blocks, fabricated from production shapes, bar/billet standards, curved surface standards, etc. will use the
fabrication methods of 8.2 and the tolerances defined in Table 6 as far as is practical. Surface finish on bar and billet standards
is typically the finish supplied on the bar or as specified by the customer. For blocks such as concave standards where the surface
is fabricated, the surface finish tolerance of Table 6 may be applicable. Metal distance is typically defined by governing Ultrasonic
Method Specifications or as specified by the customer.

8.4 Counterbore Method for Deep Flat Bottomed Holes—This describes a method for fabricating deep FBHs that can be simpler,
faster, and less expensive than those used to fabricate the blocks shown in to Figs. X2.2-X2.5. A pilot hole is used to locate and
position the FBH thus eliminating the milling of the steps. This allows the bar circumference to remain for support during
standardization which is much more representative to production material. This method also results in an added advantage for
mechanical examination of rotating material by allowing signals from the reference block to be more easily evaluated dynamically
as the block is moved at the maximum scanning rate.

8.4.1 The method is simply to use a larger pilot drill to produce a hole to within a short distance of the depth of the FBH. The
body and bottoming drills for the FBH are then successively mounted in a holder of the same diameter as the pilot drill for the

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 E127 − 20
final drilling and flattening operations. This helps to ensure that the flat bottom of the final hole will be parallel to a tangent of the
top surface at a point immediately above the hole. This is due to the increased stiffness of the pilot drill and the holder being much
greater than that of the smaller final drills. That prevents skewing of the final holes that could result from deep drilling of a small
hole due to excess drilling speed or pressure or to grain anomalies or small hardness variations in the material that might deflect
smaller drills if used for the total distance.

8.4.2 The size of a typical pilot hole used for this purpose is 0.375 in. (9.53 mm). The pilot hole is typically drilled to within
approximately 0.50 in. (12.7 mm) of the final desired FBH depth. After the FBH is drilled, cleaned, and verified the entrance to
the pilot hole must be sealed to prevent the entry of couplant or other foreign material.

8.4.3 Fig. X2.1 shows cross sectional views of FBHs placed in a round bar by this method.

8.4.4 For standardization of a system for examination of cylindrical material, the bottom of the FBH fabricated in accordance with
this procedure at any depth in the material may be used for “static” standardization (that is, with no relative motion between
standard and search unit). “Dynamic” standardization is performed with rotary and translational motion between standard and
search unit at the maximum speeds to be used for the final examination. In this case, the instrument alarm gate may be set to be
activated by the signal from any FBH drilled to a depth of less than a radius of the material while not responding to signals from
the sides of the pilot or FBH drills as they enter the beam from the search unit. For C-scan standardization, all FBH depths can
be gated at once, the pilot holes show up separate from the FBH indications.

8.5 Diffusion Bonding Method—The diffusion bonding technique offers an alternative method of reference block manufacture.
With this method, it is possible to fabricate reference blocks containing flat disc-shaped ultrasonic reflectors instead of FBHs. In
many cases, this permits the examination of the reference block from more than one direction, thus enhancing the utility of the
block.

iTeh Standards
8.5.1 A typical example is shown in Fig. X2.6 in Appendix X2. A diffusion-bonded reference block for small diameter rounds
could be fabricated as shown. A section is removed from one of the round bars to be examined. The bar section is split lengthwise
(https://standards.iteh.ai)
and both split surfaces are carefully ground. An end mill of the desired diameter is used to mill a shallow (typically 1⁄2 the hole
diameter in depth) FBH in one of the split sections. The sections are then bonded back together using the diffusion bonding process.
Document Preview
(The application of heat and pressure on the two sections for a period of time results in a sound diffusion bond which is
indistinguishable ultrasonically from the normal structure.) (See Note 2.) The result is a reference standard that can be examined
from either of two sides.
ASTM E127-20
NOTE 2—The time, temperature, and pressure requirements for a diffusion bond are both material and configuration dependent and therefore are beyond
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the scope of this practice. The American Welding Society can furnish information on the subject.

8.5.2 With developed skills, all of the reference blocks shown in Figs. X2.1-X2.5 along with many more types can be successfully
fabricated using the diffusion bonding technique.

8.5.3 Replication of the disc-shaped reflector in diffusion bonded reference blocks is not possible. An alternative method of
determining whether the reflector has been distorted by the bonding process is to fabricate a second block under identical
conditions for destructive examination at the conclusion of the process.

9. Checking Physical Characteristics

9.1 All dimensions of the reference blocks including the diameter and perpendicularity of the examination hole may be checked
by normal quality control procedures for physical measurements. The configuration, squareness, flatness, and surface finish for
hole bottoms 3⁄64 in. (1.2 mm) in diameter and larger may be checked by the following recommended technique for making and
evaluating plastic replicas:

9.1.1 Clean hole with a suitable oil-free noncorrosive solvent and dry with a stream of dried and filtered air.

9.1.2 Mix the replicating material in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

9.1.3 Force the material into the hole with a disposable medical syringe and needle of adequate size.

9.1.4 Fill the hole beginning at the bottom and gradually moving outward making certain that no air pockets or bubbles remain
in the hole.

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 E127 − 20

9.1.5 Insert a small wire, pin, needle, or other suitable object that will serve as a rigid core and facilitate removal of the replica.

9.1.6 After curing, the replica may be removed and examined. The replica shall indicate that the hole diameter and hole bottom
flatness are within Table 6 tolerances and hole bottom roughness shall not be greater than 16 µinch Ra finish. For record purposes,
the replica may be projected on a comparator screen and photographed as shown in Fig. 2, or other equivalent techniques.

10. Procedure for Assessing Ultrasonic Characteristics of Blocks

10.1 For standard block sets, all measurements of area/amplitude and distance amplitude characteristics are to be made using a
5 MHz, 3⁄8 in. (9.5 mm) flat transducer at a water path distance equal to the measured distance to the last near-field maximum (Y0+)
and a calibrated test instrument. The transducer shall be characterized according to Practice E1065. Reference blocks that exhibit
satisfactory external physical characteristics and proper configuration of the hole shall be subjected to additional examination to
check their ultrasonic response characteristics. If the ultrasonic-response characteristics are to be established by immersion
techniques, the drilled flat-bottom holes shall be cleaned and temporarily plugged or sealed by some other suitable technique to
ensure a leak-tight closure. It is recommended that blocks fabricated as sets be compared with each other to determine their relative
ultrasonic-response characteristics. This is particularly desirable in the cases of sets containing flat-bottom holes smaller than
3⁄64 in. (1.2 mm) in diameter that cannot be satisfactorily replicated.

10.2 Area/Amplitude Response Curves—An area/amplitude set may contain several blocks with same external dimensions and
distance from the entry surface to the selected FBHs of varying sizes. An area/amplitude-response curve may be obtained by
recoding the gain setting required to set each block response to a set full screen height reference level (choosing a set value in the
range of 50 % to 90 % is recommended). Relative area on the X axis is the block number squared (a #8 block is plotted as 64
relative area units.) The Relative Area X axis is plotted on a logarithmic scale. A typical area/amplitude curve for a set of blocks
iTeh Standards
is shown in Fig. 3. Any block that exhibits an erratic ultrasonic response and does not fall within the apparent normal
area/amplitude-response curve is considered unsatisfactory and shall not be used. Modification of the FBH to meet the required

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ultrasonic response is not an acceptable procedure. Area/amplitude responses between different FBH sizes are calculated by the
formula dB=20*LOG(A1⁄A2) where A1 and A2 are the areas of the flat bottomed holes. See S1 for additional ordering options.

10.3 Distance Amplitude Response Curves—A Document

distance/amplitude setPreview
may contain a number of blocks with identical dimensions
and hole sizes but with varying distances from the entry surface to the FBHs. A distance/amplitude-response curve may be obtained
by adjusting and recording the gain setting in dB which gives a response at a set full screen height reference level (choosing a set
value in the range of 50 % to 90 % is recommended). A ASTM
typicalE127-20
distance/amplitude curve for a set of 15 blocks is shown in Fig.
4. Anyhttps://standards.iteh.ai/catalog/standards/sist/af9f20e9-9eeb-4917-ad55-950c36aba071/astm-e127-20
block that exhibits an erratic ultrasonic response and does not fall within the apparent normal distance/amplitude-response

FIG. 2 Shadow-Graph (20× Magnification) of ⁄ in. (6.4 mm) Diameter Flat-Bottom Hole Replica as Viewed on 62.5× Optical Comparator
16 64

with Commercial Viewing Screen (Reduced 1⁄2)

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 E127 − 20

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FIG. 3 Area Amplitude Response Plot

curve should be considered unsatisfactory and shall notASTM

be used.E127-20
Under no circumstances may the FBH be altered to change the
ultrasonic response characteristics of the reference block.
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NOTE 3—Because of the resolution obtainable with 5 MHz transducers, blocks with metal distances of less than 0.500 in. (12.7 mm) may not be able to
be checked in accordance with this recommended practice. See S2 for additional ordering options.

10.4 Basic Set—The 3-0300, 5-0300, and 8-0300 blocks may be plotted as an area amplitude set. The 5-#### blocks may be
plotted as a distance amplitude set. The 8-0600 block response may be compared to response of the 5-0600 block.

10.5 Non-Standard Blocks are typically not plotted by the fabricator due to the variabilities of probe styles that will be used during
test. Any testing to be performed by the fabricator should be detailed in contract documents. End users may use the techniques
above to gauge the non-standard block response.

10.6 See Appendix X1 for alternate amplitude based plotting techniques.

11. Block Identification and Finish

11.1 Reference blocks exhibiting acceptable physical dimensions and ultrasonic-response characteristics may be submitted to the
following procedures for identification and application of protective finish:

11.1.1 Identification—Each block must be permanently marked (metal stamping or engraving required) with the material AISI
alloy or grade, or both, size of the examination hole in 1⁄64 in. (0.4 mm) increments and distance in inches from the entry surface
to the FBH. For example, the identification of 4340-5-0300 signifies an AISI 4340 steel reference block with a 5⁄64 in. (2.0 mm)
diameter FBH at a 3 in. (76 mm) distance from the examination surface. Serial numbers shall be traceable to the certification and
block response curves. For non-standard blocks, the identification shall be specified by the customer.

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FIG. 4 Distance Amplitude Response Plot
ASTM E127-20
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11.1.2 Protective Finish—After plugging of the FBHs per Section 13, a protective coating may be applied to the exterior surfaces
of reference blocks fabricated from corrodible-type materials. However, the coating must not significantly affect the physical
dimensions or ultrasonic-response characteristics of the blocks. Generally, nickel plating to a maximum thickness of 0.0008 in.
(0.020 mm) is an acceptable coating for carbon and alloy steel blocks and anodizing is acceptable for aluminum blocks which are
to be used in a corrosive environment.

12. Additional and Equivalent Blocks

12.1 Additional blocks can be used, where advantageous, to supplement the recommended sets. If additional blocks are fabricated,
their ultrasonic response should conform to the area-amplitude and distance-amplitude interrelationships defined by the curves in
Fig. 3 and Fig. 4.

12.2 Blocks that do not meet the ultrasonic response requirements given in Section 10 are not considered equivalent to the ASTM
E127 Ultrasonic Standard Reference Blocks. If they meet all other requirements, and if a correction curve or table is furnished with
these blocks so that their amplitude response can be corrected to give a response equivalent to the requirements of this
recommended practice, they may be considered ASTM-type reference blocks.

12.3 Excessive wear and use may require the occasional introduction of a newly-fabricated block into an existing set. These
replacement blocks must align (fit in) with Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, or both.

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