BS EN 12681-1:2017

What is BS EN 12681-1- Radiographic testing through field techniques about? 

BS EN 12681-1 is a safety standard on radiographic testing. 

BS EN 12681-1 gives specific procedures for industrial X-ray and gamma radiography for discontinuity detection purposes, using NDT (Non-destructive testing) film techniques. BS EN 12681-1 specifies the requirements for film radiographic testing of castings.  

BS EN 12681-1 also specifies the recommended procedure for the choice of operating conditions and radiographic practice. These procedures are applicable to castings produced by any casting process, especially for steel, cast iron, aluminium, cobalt, copper, magnesium, nickel, titanium, zinc, and any alloys of them. 

Note: BS EN 12681-1 does not apply to: 

• Radiographic testing of castings for aerospace applications  
• Radiographic testing of welded joints  
• Radiography with digital detectors (see EN 12681-2) 
• Radioscopic testing  

Who is BS EN 12681-1- Radiographic testing through field techniques for?  

BS EN 12681-1 on radiographic testing is relevant to: 

• Testing authorities of radiography 
• Radiography engineers 
• NDT personnel 
• Manufacturers of radiographic testing machines 

Why should you use BS EN 12681-1- Radiographic testing through field techniques? 

Radiography is used to detect internal discontinuities in a casting. 

The discontinuities can be gas holes, non-metallic inclusions, shrinkage, cracks, inserts or chills, or inclusions that have lower or higher densities than the parent metal.  

BS EN 12681-1 gives acceptance criteria through severity levels. Radiographic techniques are divided into two classes: 

• Class A: Basic techniques 
• Class B: Improved techniques 

Overall, BS EN 12681-1 is helpful as it assists the user in examining the internal structure of manufactured components. 

What’s changed since the last update? 

BS EN 12681-1:2017 supersedes BS EN 12681:2003, which is withdrawn. 

Within its programme of work, Technical Committee CEN/TC 190 requested CEN/TC 190/WG 10 

“Testing for inner discontinuities”: 

• To revise EN 12681:2003 into EN 12681-1, Founding — Radiographic testing — Part 1: Film techniques 
• To prepare a further standard EN 12681-2, Founding — Radiographic testing — Part 2: Techniques with digital detectors 

Annex G covers the significant technical changes between BS EN 12681-1:2017 and EN 12681:2003.