January 2026 Brings New Advances in Testing Standards: X-ray, Additive Manufacturing, and Environmental Assessment

January 2026 marks a pivotal update in the testing sector, with the publication of five influential international standards. These fresh standards expand the technical requirements for non-destructive testing, additive manufacturing, and environmental assessment, supporting enhanced product quality, safety, and operational excellence across industries. Organizations now have access to new methodologies for measuring focal spots in X-ray systems, robust guidelines for classifying imperfections in metal 3D printing, and more comprehensive classifications of environmental conditions affecting ground vehicle installations. These developments represent a significant step forward for quality managers, engineers, and compliance professionals seeking to remain at the forefront of industry requirements.

Overview

The testing field underpins quality assurance and product reliability in sectors as diverse as manufacturing, transportation, medical devices, and materials science. International standards in this area provide the technical backbone for consistent, accurate, and safe product assessment, from initial prototype to field deployment. The new January 2026 releases covered in this article address key advances:

• Non-destructive X-ray testing standards with new measurement techniques for industrial X-ray equipment.
• Additive manufacturing of metals with standardized classification of imperfections specific to powder bed fusion processes.
• Environmental condition classifications for ground vehicle installations, encompassing the full range of real-world stresses electronics and equipment may encounter.

Professionals will discover crucial updates, actionable best practices, and compliance insights to help ensure testing programs remain up to date and in step with international best practices.

Detailed Standards Coverage

EN ISO 32543-2:2026 – Edge Method for X-ray Focal Spot Characterization

Non-destructive testing – Characteristics of focal spots in industrial X-ray systems – Part 2: Edge method with hole or disk type test objects (ISO 32543-2:2026)

The EN ISO 32543-2:2026 standard details a method using the edge technique to measure the effective focal spot dimensions (>0.2 µm) of industrial X-ray systems by imaging hole or disk type test objects. Imaging quality and spatial resolution in industrial X-ray applications are highly sensitive to the size and two-dimensional intensity profile of the focal spot. This method is invaluable when the pinhole method (ISO 32543-1) is impractical, providing a practical approach for routine measurement or long-term monitoring of standard, mini, and micro focal spot X-ray tubes.

Scope includes detailed procedures for detector setup, digital imaging, alignment, and profile analysis. Accuracy is slightly reduced compared to pin hole methods due to manufacturing tolerances of test gauges but remains highly relevant for most industrial settings. Manufacturers using hole test objects with lower tolerances can enhance the method’s accuracy.

Who should use it: Manufacturers and users of industrial X-ray systems, NDT service providers, and QA managers in sectors requiring consistent image quality and rigorous defect detection.

Key highlights:

• Edge method applicable for focal spot sizes above 0.2 μm
• Ideal for long-term focal spot monitoring without pinhole cameras
• Clarifies accuracy differences compared to other spot measurement techniques

Access the full standard:View EN ISO 32543-2:2026 on iTeh Standards

EN ISO 32543-3:2026 – Measurement of Focal Spot Size in Micro and Mini X-ray Tubes

Non-destructive testing – Characteristics of focal spots in industrial X-ray systems – Part 3: Measurement of the effective focal spot size of mini and micro focus X-ray tubes (ISO 32543-3:2026)

This standard complements Part 2 by providing a specialized method for accurately measuring focal spot sizes in the micro (5 μm to 300 μm) range for X-ray tubes operating up to 225 kV. The method uses digital evaluation of recorded images through a defined edge, and is particularly relevant for microfocus and minifocus X-ray tubes common in detailed NDT applications. The quality and resolution of X-ray images, particularly at high magnification, depend on precision in these measurements.

The guideline addresses not only general imaging setups but also calibration, image acquisition, and mathematical profile analysis. It is essential for verifying the suitability of microfocus tubes in applications like electronics inspection and high-precision defect analysis.

Who should use it: Suppliers and users of microfocus/mini X-ray tubes, metrology labs, research institutions, and organizations focused on defectoscopy and intricate internal structure analysis.

Key highlights:

• Measurement range covers 5 μm to 300 μm focal spots
• Designed for micro and mini focus X-ray tubes up to 225 kV
• Addresses accuracy at higher voltages and provides preferred nominal values for consistent reporting

Access the full standard:View EN ISO 32543-3:2026 on iTeh Standards

EN ISO/ASTM 52948:2026 – Additive Manufacturing Metal Imperfection Classification

Additive manufacturing of metals – Powder bed fusion – Classification of imperfections (ISO/ASTM 52948:2026)

As additive manufacturing (AM) of metals matures for aerospace, automotive, and medical applications, standardized classification of process imperfections is crucial for quality, repeatability, and safety. EN ISO/ASTM 52948:2026 introduces a comprehensive classification for imperfections specific to powder bed fusion processes, both laser beam (PBF-LB) and electron beam (PBF-EB), for metallic parts.

The standard provides a systematized taxonomy for discontinuities such as cracks, porosity, inclusions, lack of fusion, shape/dimensional irregularities, and other defects. Tables and illustrations help users identify imperfection types, probable causes, and occurrence patterns. The scope covers only imperfection classification, not acceptance criteria, making it a foundational document for subsequent inspection, qualification, and acceptance procedures.

Who should use it: Metal AM manufacturers, quality engineers, process developers, R&D labs, and organizations establishing design-for-additive standards.

Key highlights:

• Covers imperfections for both PBF-LB and PBF-EB metallic AM processes
• Provides designation system for standardized defect reporting
• Includes illustrations and probable causes for each imperfection class

Access the full standard:View EN ISO/ASTM 52948:2026 on iTeh Standards

IEC 60721-3-5:2026 – Environmental Condition Classification for Ground Vehicle Installations

Classification of environmental conditions – Part 3-5: Classification of groups of environmental parameters and their severities – Ground vehicle installations

The latest edition of IEC 60721-3-5:2026 is a critical update for professionals specifying, designing, or qualifying products that will be installed in ground vehicles. The standard classifies groups of environmental parameters—including climatic, biological, chemical, mechanical, and contaminant factors—and their severities, to which vehicle-installed products (not forming an intrinsic part of the vehicle) are subject.

This new edition replaces the previous 1997 version, reflecting the latest environmental data and technical feedback. It introduces completely new classes for many environmental conditions, updates key tables (1 through 7), and incorporates or eliminates annexed content for clarity. It now covers products installed in an expanded range of vehicles: road, rail, tracked, overland, handling, storage, and self-propelled machinery. The standard does not address accidental events, but serves as a basis for selection of appropriate test and endurance criteria.

Who should use it: Vehicle electronics/equipment designers, procurement specialists, test labs, and quality managers in automotive, transportation, and logistics sectors.

Key highlights:

• New environmental condition classes and revised severity tables
• Applicable to wide range of vehicles, from passenger cars and trains to handling vehicles
• Integrated content and improved references for practical implementation

Access the full standard:View IEC 60721-3-5:2026 on iTeh Standards

Industry Impact & Compliance

The January 2026 editions of these standards have significant implications for test planning, compliance, and operational risk management:

• Testing laboratories will benefit from increased consistency and clarity in measurement and reporting, particularly around focal spot assessment and defect taxonomy.
• Manufacturers get a streamlined approach to demonstrating compliance, supporting global trade and customer requirements.
• Automotive and transportation companies can better align product design and qualification with the most current environmental risk profiles, reducing early field failures and warranty costs.
• Additive manufacturing companies gain an authoritative reference for traceability, process control, and performance optimization through standardized defect classification.

Compliance considerations:

• New standards may become mandatory through contractual obligations or regulatory references.
• Transition plans should be set to train staff, update procedures, and purchase or calibrate new test equipment as needed.
• Early adoption enables competitive differentiation by demonstrating commitment to best practices and technical rigor.
• Risk management strategies should reflect new requirements, especially for critical infrastructure or safety applications.

Technical Insights

Common technical requirements and implementation tips:

• Measurement Techniques: Both EN ISO 32543-2 and -3 rely on precision image acquisition and digital analysis methods, highlighting the importance of high-quality detectors, proper alignment, and rigorous calibration routines. Automated software evaluation is encouraged for consistency.
• Defect Classification: For additive manufacturing, alignment with EN ISO/ASTM 52948 supports integration with other quality management systems, traceability documentation, and non-destructive testing regimes.
• Environmental Simulation: Compliance with IEC 60721-3-5 requires test planning for a variety of real-world conditions (temperature, humidity, vibration, chemical/biological exposures) based on exact installation scenarios.
• Documentation & Reporting: All standards emphasize the need for thorough recordkeeping—test setups, conditions, results—to ensure traceability and repeatability.

Best practices for implementation:

1. Conduct a gap analysis between existing processes and new requirements
2. Upgrade imaging and detection systems as necessary to match standard specifications
3. Train quality, engineering, and production teams on new measurement, classification, and documentation techniques
4. Work with accredited labs or certification bodies for third-party validation
5. Continuously monitor results and update procedures as standards evolve

Conclusion & Next Steps

The January 2026 update introduces critical advancements in the science and practice of testing, from non-destructive evaluation to robust environmental qualification and the unique demands of additive manufacturing. By adopting these standards, organizations can guarantee higher quality, easier compliance, and a clear technical advantage in a demanding marketplace.

Key takeaways:

• Incorporate new focal spot measurement and monitoring guidelines for X-ray applications
• Implement comprehensive defect classification for metal additive manufacturing
• Update and expand environmental testing protocols for vehicle-installed products

Recommendation: Industry professionals should review and implement these standards without delay, ensuring continued access to global markets, reduced risk, and superior product performance. Stay informed—explore the full texts and further resources at iTeh Standards and stay tuned for Part 2 covering additional January 2026 testing standards.