This European Standard describes a method for the ultrasonic testing of uncoated flat steel product for internal discontinuities. It is applicable to flat product in nominal thickness range of 6 mm to 200 mm of non-alloyed or alloyed steel, excluding austenitic or austenoferritic steels. However, this standard may be applied to the latter types of steels provided that the difference between the amplitude of the noise signal and that of the echo detection threshold is sufficient for the limit fixed.
This standard also defines four quality classes for the flat product body (classes S0, S1 , S2 and S3) and 5 classes (E0, E1, E2, E3, E4) for the edges in accordance with the criteria specified in clause 9.
Other methods of testing (e.g. by transmission) or other test equipments may be used at the manufacturer's discretion provided that they give identical results to those obtained under the conditions of this standard. In the event of a dispute, only the method defined in this standard shall prevail.
Testing of flat product of thickness less than 6 mm may be the subject of special agreements between the parties concerned.
The inspection is normally carried out in the place of production or on the premises of the supplier. If specified on the order, the inspection may take place in the presence of the purchaser or his representative *).
A list of equivalent terms in several European languages is given in annex A.
*) In this case, all steps should be taken to ensure that the production process is not disturbed.