ISO 15708-2:2025

Overview

ISO 15708-2:2025 - "Non-destructive testing - Radiation methods for computed tomography - Part 2: Principles, equipment and samples" defines the general principles, equipment requirements and basic sample considerations for industrial X‑ray computed tomography (CT). This third edition focuses exclusively on non‑medical, industrial CT and provides consistent definitions of CT performance parameters and their relationship to CT system specifications. It does not apply to translational tomography or tomosynthesis.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Fundamental CT principles: explanation of X‑ray attenuation, CT grey values, and how multiple radiographic projections are reconstructed into 2D slices or 3D volumes.
• Main CT process steps: acquisition (projections and reference images), reconstruction, visualization and analysis.
• Performance parameters: definitions relating spatial resolution, noise and artefacts to system specifications and the number of projections.
• Artefacts and limitations: common imaging artefacts, partial‑volume effects, and limitations on quantitative accuracy; guidance to recognize and discount artefacts.
• Equipment and apparatus: requirements and considerations for radiation sources, detectors (including camera and semiconductor examples), manipulators and data acquisition/reconstruction/storage systems. Annex A lists CT system components.
• System stability and alignment: requirements for X‑ray stability, manipulator stability and geometric alignment to ensure repeatable CT results.
• Sample and material considerations: guidance on sample size, shape and material selection, including a table relating X‑ray voltage to ≥ 10% transmission requirement across projection angles.
• Scope constraints: applicable only to industrial CT; normative references and cross‑links to other parts of the ISO 15708 series.

Practical applications

ISO 15708-2:2025 is intended to support:

• Non‑destructive testing (NDT) workflows for defect detection and volumetric inspection of parts.
• Industrial metrology and reverse engineering, where internal and external dimensions are required without contact.
• Quality assurance for manufacturing sectors (aerospace, automotive, energy, additive manufacturing) requiring reliable CT performance characterization.
• CT equipment manufacturers and service providers documenting system specifications and validating imaging capability.

Who should use this standard

• NDT engineers and inspectors
• Metrology and reverse‑engineering specialists
• CT system designers, manufacturers and integrators
• Quality managers and technical leads responsible for industrial inspection programs

Related standards

• ISO 15708-1 - Terminology
• ISO 15708-3 - Operation and interpretation
• ISO 15708-4 - Qualification
• ISO 9712 - Qualification and certification of NDT personnel

Keywords: ISO 15708-2:2025, industrial computed tomography, X‑ray CT, non‑destructive testing, CT performance parameters, CT equipment, CT artefacts.