In 1990, ASTM E07.01 started work on a new draft for film system classification. This draft eventually emerged as ASTM 1815-96. The basis for the classification system was derived from the European Standard EN-584. Both systems utilize granularity and gradient to produce an index which represents the imaging systems capability.

In addition, the new standards recognize that film is only part of the system. Processing and chemistry type complete the picture and thus all three are used in the determination of a systems classification. These film classification systems, ASTM 1815-96 and EN-584, are relatively new. Their use is only now starting in contracts and specifications that are being written or updated. For companies to compete in the global economy, understanding how these standards classify film systems is important.

This talk provides an overview of both classification systems and how they impact film selection for NDT work.