Understanding DICONDE: The Standard for Digital NDT Imaging

What ensures that digital imaging data in non-destructive testing (NDT) remains consistent, interoperable, and future proof across systems, vendors, and decades?

The answer lies in DICONDE - the Digital Imaging and Communication for Nondestructive Evaluation standard. As industrial inspection technologies evolve rapidly, DICONDE plays a pivotal role in ensuring that digital NDT data is not only accessible but also usable across platforms and time. At Waygate Technologies, we believe that embracing and advancing open standards like DICONDE is essential to delivering reliable, scalable, and intelligent inspection solutions for the industries we serve.

In this article, we’ll explore what DICONDE is, why it matters, and how Waygate Technologies is helping shape the future of digital NDT through innovation and standardization.

What Is DICONDE?

DICONDE is a standardized format for storing, transmitting, and interpreting digital NDT images and related metadata. It is based on the well-established DICOM (Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine) standard used in healthcare, adapted specifically for industrial applications.

Developed by ASTM International (E2339), DICONDE ensures that digital data from radiographic, ultrasonic, and other NDT modalities can be shared and interpreted consistently - regardless of the equipment manufacturer or software platform.

Why DICONDE Matters in NDT

1. Interoperability Across Systems

   In industrial environments, inspection data often needs to be accessed by multiple stakeholders, like inspectors, engineers, asset managers, and auditors, across different systems and locations. DICONDE ensures that data generated by one system can be read and interpreted by another, eliminating vendor lock-in and enabling seamless collaboration.

2. Data Longevity and Archiving

   Industrial assets often have lifespans of 30 years or more. DICONDE provides a standardized, future-proof format for archiving inspection data, ensuring that it remains accessible and interpretable for decades after it was acquired.

3. Regulatory Compliance

   Many industries - such as aerospace, oil & gas, and power generation - are subject to strict regulatory requirements for data traceability and auditability. DICONDE supports these needs by embedding metadata such as inspection parameters, operator ID, and timestamps directly into the image file.

4. Scalability for Digital Transformation

   As industries move toward digital twins, predictive maintenance, and AI-driven analytics, standardized data formats like DICONDE are essential. They enable integration with enterprise asset management (EAM) systems, cloud platforms, and machine learning pipelines.

Waygate Technologies and DICONDE: Driving Digital Excellence

At Waygate Technologies, we are committed to advancing the digital transformation of industrial inspection. Our portfolio of NDT solutions - from digital radiography systems to ultrasonic testing platforms - is built with DICONDE compatibility at its core.

DXR Flex

Seamless Integration with DICONDE

Our inspection systems, such as the DXR Flex 1025, the CRxVision and our Rhythm Software, support native DICONDE output, allowing customers to integrate inspection data directly into their digital workflows. Whether you're using our InspectionWorks platform or third-party software, DICONDE ensures that your data remains portable and interoperable.

Empowering Data-Driven Decisions

By leveraging DICONDE, Waygate Technologies enables customers to unlock the full value of their inspection data. Our solutions support advanced analytics, AI-assisted defect recognition, and cloud-based collaboration - all built on standardized, high-quality data.

Supporting Industry Standards

We actively participate in industry working groups and standards bodies to help shape the future of NDT. Our engineers and scientists contribute to the development and refinement of DICONDE and related standards, ensuring that our customers benefit from the latest innovations and best practices.

Real-World Applications of DICONDE

• Aerospace: Aircraft manufacturers and MRO providers rely on DICONDE to maintain consistent inspection records across fleets and facilities. This ensures compliance with FAA and EASA regulations and supports predictive maintenance strategies.
• Oil & Gas: Pipeline operators use DICONDE to centralize inspection data from remote sites, enabling centralized analysis and long-term asset integrity management.
• Power Generation: Nuclear and conventional power plants use DICONDE to archive inspection data for decades, supporting safety audits and lifecycle management.

Challenges and Opportunities

While DICONDE adoption is growing, challenges remain. Some legacy systems lack full DICONDE support, and interoperability can vary depending on implementation. At Waygate Technologies, we address these challenges by offering:

• DICONDE conversion tools for legacy data
• Training and consulting to support DICONDE integration
• Open APIs and SDKs for custom workflows

Conclusion: Standardization as a Catalyst for Innovation

DICONDE is more than a file format - it’s a foundation for the future of digital NDT. By enabling interoperability, traceability, and scalability, it empowers organizations to make smarter, faster, and more informed decisions.

At Waygate Technologies, we are proud to lead the way in DICONDE adoption and innovation. Our commitment to open standards, data integrity, and customer success ensures that your inspection data is not only secure, but also ready for whatever the future holds.

Ready to future-proof your NDT data with DICONDE? Explore our solutions, talk to our experts, and discover how Waygate Technologies can help you unlock the full potential of digital inspection.