ASTM E 3169 : 2026

1.1This guide covers the ASTM International standard practices that address DICONDE and assistance in identifying the correct standard practices for different use cases. The display, transfer, and storage of digital nondestructive evaluation data in a common, open format is necessary for the effective interpretation and preservation of evaluation results. ASTM International has developed common open standards for Digital Imaging and Communication in Nondestructive Evaluation (DICONDE) based on the ubiquitous healthcare industry standard Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM).

1.2This guide provides an overview of how to utilize the ASTM DICONDE standard practices found in 2.1.2 on ASTM DICONDE Test Method Standards for the display, transfer and storage of digital nondestructive test data.

1.3This guide provides an overview of how to utilize the DICOM standard found in 2.2 on Other Documents for the display, transfer, and storage of digital nondestructive test data for examination methods not explicitly addressed by a DICONDE standard practice but having an equivalent medical imaging modality.

1.4This guide provides recommendations for the display, transfer and storage of nondestructive digital test data not addressed in 1.2 or 1.3.

1.5This guide provides an overview of how to utilize the ASTM DICONDE standard guide found in 2.1.4 for building DICONDE information models and the archival storage of DICONDE objects.

1.6This guide provides an overview of how to utilize the ASTM DICONDE standard practices found in 2.1.3 on ASTM DICONDE interoperability standards for validating a system that follows the ASTM DICONDE standard for the display, transfer and storage of digital nondestructive test data.

1.7This guide provides an overview of how to utilize the ASTM DICONDE standard practices found in 2.1.3 for validating that two or more systems that follow the ASTM DICONDE standard for the transfer of digital nondestructive test data can successfully transfer data.

1.8This guide provides an overview of how to utilize the ASTM DICONDE standard practices found in 2.1.3 for validating that two or more systems that follow the ASTM DICONDE standard for the display of digital nondestructive test data display data consistently.

1.9Although this guide contains no values that require units, it does describe methods to store and communicate data that do require units to be properly interpreted. The SI units required by this guide are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this guide.

1.10This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.11This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.