Overview - ISO 24647:2023 (Robotic ultrasonic test systems)
ISO 24647:2023 defines general requirements and acceptance criteria for robotic ultrasonic test systems used in non‑destructive testing (NDT). The standard covers the necessary hardware components, system characteristics, component requirements and application conditions for automated ultrasonic inspection systems that use one or more robots. It applies to conventional straight‑beam probes, immersion techniques, and is applicable to phased‑array equipment (with additional tests potentially required).
Keywords: ISO 24647:2023, robotic ultrasonic test systems, NDT, ultrasonic testing, robotic scanning, phased array.
Key topics and technical requirements
- System composition: Robots, ultrasonic instrument(s), probe(s), coupling medium (fluid, gas or contact) and end‑effectors.
- Test techniques supported: Pulse‑echo and through‑transmission; single‑pulse or tone‑burst excitation; 2D/3D imaging.
- Design principles: Maintain constant probe-to-surface distance, minimize electrical/mechanical interference, and design for application‑specific ambient conditions.
- Robots and motion control: Requirements for single‑robot and twin‑robot configurations, trajectory/scan path planning, cartesian vs. articulated robots, and end‑effector/tool coordinate systems.
- Synchronization: Minimum and optional requirements for synchronizing ultrasonic acquisition with robot position data to ensure accurate imaging and defect localization.
- Verification and acceptance: System‑level verification procedures including instrument and probe checks, robot performance, synchronization, and combined system tests - e.g., signal‑to‑noise ratio, image distortion, and detection sensitivity.
- Personnel: Verification personnel must be qualified (see ISO 9712) and familiar with robotic ultrasonic scanning and motion control.
- Documentation: Requirements for documenting verification results; informative annexes cover trajectory planning and example verification reports.
Practical applications
ISO 24647:2023 is intended for industries using automated ultrasonic inspection, including:
- Aerospace and aviation component inspection
- Automotive manufacturing and weld inspection
- Oil & gas (pipe, pressure vessel and offshore structure inspection)
- Shipbuilding and heavy fabrication
- Composite material inspection and production QA
The standard supports integration of robotic manipulators with ultrasonic instrumentation for production‑scale, repeatable, high‑throughput NDT and for inspecting complex geometries.
Who should use this standard
- NDT engineers and inspectors implementing robotic ultrasonic systems
- Robotics integrators and system designers
- Quality assurance managers and manufacturing engineers
- Equipment manufacturers and test laboratories
- Certification bodies and technical procurement teams
Related standards
Relevant cross‑references include ISO 22232 (ultrasonic equipment verification), ISO 9712 (NDT personnel qualification), ISO 9283 / ISO 230 series (robot/machine accuracy), ISO 5577 (NDT vocabulary) and ISO 8373 (robotics vocabulary). These should be consulted alongside ISO 24647 for comprehensive compliance and implementation.