ISO 8203-2:2025

Overview

ISO 8203-2:2025 - Fibre-reinforced plastic composites - Non-destructive testing - Part 2: Array and air-coupled ultrasonics provides standardized procedures for mechanized ultrasonic inspection of FRP composites using array ultrasonic testing (A-UT) and air-coupled ultrasonic testing (AC-UT). The standard covers use of linear and matrix array probes together with synthetic-focusing signal processing (e.g., SAFT, FMC/TFM, PWI/TFM, FFM), as well as single‑element air‑coupled transmission testing (pitch‑catch/through‑transmission). It is intended for inspection of CFRP and GFRP with thermoset or thermoplastic matrices, primarily on flat test objects with thickness variations less than 20%.

Key topics and technical requirements

• Scope and materials: Applies to continuous unidirectional and multidirectional composites; also usable on woven, stitched fabrics and pultrusions. Targets CFRP and GFRP.
• Inspection techniques:
  • Mechanized array ultrasonic testing (contact or immersion) using array probes and electronic beam steering.
  • Air‑coupled ultrasonic testing in transmission using single‑element probes and air as the couplant.
• Signal processing: Use of synthetic focusing algorithms (SAFT, FMC/TFM, plane wave imaging and related methods) to generate space‑resolved C‑scan, B‑scan and voxel images.
• Test setup and equipment: Guidance on selection and configuration of array systems, air‑coupled systems, manipulators, delay paths and reference blocks.
• Procedure elements: Preparation (cleaning, visual inspection, surface roughness), scan grid definition, determination of sound velocity and damping, scanning, recording and signal processing.
• Data analysis and reporting: Image evaluation, sizing of discontinuities, signal‑to‑noise and contrast metrics, qualification of personnel and standardized test reporting (annexes for A‑UT and AC‑UT report sheets).

Practical applications

• Detection and sizing of manufacturing defects (delaminations, inclusions, porosity) and in‑service damage in structural FRP components.
• Thickness measurement, material characterization (sound velocity), and depth localization of flaws.
• Quality control in aerospace, wind energy (blades), marine, automotive and industrial composite production lines where mechanized, repeatable NDT is required.
• Non-contact inspection where water or couplant use is impractical (air‑coupled transmission).

Who should use ISO 8203-2:2025

• NDT engineers and inspection technicians specifying or performing ultrasonic inspections on composites.
• Quality managers and production engineers in aerospace, wind, marine and automotive sectors.
• Manufacturers of ultrasonic array and air‑coupled equipment developing compliant procedures.
• Certification bodies and training providers aligning personnel qualification and reporting.

Related standards

• ISO 5577 (Ultrasonic testing - Vocabulary)
• ISO 9712 (Qualification and certification of NDT personnel)
• ISO 22232-3 (Characterization and verification of ultrasonic test equipment)
• ISO 23243 (Ultrasonic testing with arrays - Vocabulary)
• ISO 23865 (FMC/TFM and related techniques)

Keywords: ISO 8203-2:2025, fibre‑reinforced plastic composites, non‑destructive testing, array ultrasonics, air‑coupled ultrasonics, CFRP, GFRP, FMC/TFM, SAFT, mechanized ultrasonic testing.