Overview
ISO/TS 16829:2017 - Non-destructive testing - Automated ultrasonic testing - Selection and application of systems - is a Technical Specification from ISO that guides the selection, configuration and verification of automated ultrasonic testing (AUT) systems. It covers ultrasonic inspection of components and complete structures for geometry checks, material property measurement (quality or defects) and fabrication assessment (for example, weld testing). The document supports both stationary (production-line) and mobile (in-service) testing applications.
Key topics
- System scope and objectives: defining the test task, scanning density, speed, coverage and environmental constraints.
- Essential system components: manipulators/positioning systems, ultrasonic probes and probe systems, coupling arrangements, electronics for transmission/reception, data acquisition, storage and display.
- Coupling techniques: selection and application of liquid, gaseous or solid couplants and their suitability for specific environments and ultrasonic requirements.
- Probe technology: guidance on piezoelectric probes, EMAT and laser ultrasonic options, plus probe cabling and connection considerations.
- Data handling: acquisition, position-recording (encoders, ultrasound or video), processing, reduction, storage and presentation of ultrasonic data.
- Evaluation and assessment: methods for interpreting test results and integrating customer specifications or regulatory procedures.
- Verification and performance checks: procedures to verify system performance for both manufacturing (stationary) and mobile systems.
- Operational factors: material properties, complex geometries, health and safety and degrees of automation.
Practical applications
ISO/TS 16829:2017 is practical for organizations that need to design, buy, commission or qualify AUT systems, including:
- Quality and NDT engineers selecting probes, electronics and positioning systems for production inspections (e.g., steel, composite structures).
- Inspection service providers conducting in-service or pre-service inspections (pipelines, pressure vessels, turbines, rails).
- Manufacturers implementing automated test lines for continuous product inspection (plates, tubes, billets, composite aerospace parts).
- System integrators and equipment suppliers specifying data acquisition, probe positioning and verification routines.
Using ISO/TS 16829 helps ensure robust system selection, reliable defect detection and repeatable data management workflows for automated ultrasonic inspection programs.
Who should use it
- NDT engineers and technicians, inspection planners, system integrators, QA managers, and procurement teams involved with ultrasonic inspection technology and automated NDT solutions.
Related standards
- ISO 5577 (Ultrasonic testing - Vocabulary) is cited as a normative reference.
- ISO/TS 16829:2017 was prepared by ISO/TC 135 (NDT) and is based on CEN/TR 15134:2005.
Keywords: ISO/TS 16829:2017, automated ultrasonic testing, AUT, non-destructive testing, NDT, probes, couplant, data acquisition, weld testing, inspection systems.