Does an x-ray process used in detecting voids in castings need to be validated?

Yes it does

Do you have a protocol?

Yes you do, In essence you want to prove and document that your process will work. General questions you’ll be asking is What size am I trying to find (which should be better than… What size void will it detect) How can I verify it is working correctly, What needs calibration, verification, adjustment, Does it make a difference how the part is orientated, Need different View?

Head down this type of question path and you’ll answer a lot of your validation.

Do you have a protocol?

ASTM has dozens of standards covering X-Ray

http://www.astm.org/Standards/E94.htm

It is very enlightening to test "qualified" operators against each other on prepared samples. Tremendous variation, especially under production pressures.

Can someone site a regulatory requirement that states you have to validate a x-ray process? :nope:

Can someone site a regulatory requirement that states you have to validate a x-ray process?

I would think pretty much all ASTM specs around x-ray could be thought of as validation.

I guess it depends what you think validation means. There are requirements for certified operators, and for me that is pointing at validation.

There is an active thread about heat treating as a special process and it is clear that each of us understands something different when we hear validation.

I would think pretty much all ASTM specs around x-ray could be thought of as validation.

I guess it depends what you think validation means. There are requirements for certified operators, and for me that is pointing at validation.

There is an active thread about heat treating as a special process and it is clear that each of us understands something different when we hear validation.

Here is the thread on 'Is Heat Treatment for metal a Special Process?' (http://elsmar.com/Forums/showthread.php?t=35884) you have referred to.

7.5.2. Validation of processes for production and service provision:

The organisation shall validate any processes for production and service provision where the resulting output can not be verified by subsequent monitoring or measurement.........

"Special Process" is also clearly defined under 3.4.1.

3.4.1. Process Note 3 - A process where the conformity (3.6.1) of the resulting product (3.4.2) can not be readily or economically verified is frequently referred to asd a "Special Process"

OP's question is

"Does an X-Ray process used in detecting voids in castings need to be validated?"

The X-Ray has detected the voids now and it can readily verify again. Hence IMO it does not fall under the category of a "Special process".

Umang :D

The penetrameter quality and film or image density are the qualifying factors for a radiograph.

Mike :cool: