# Digital and computed radiography (DR/CR)

> Computed radiography (CR) captures the radiographic image on a reusable phosphor plate that is read by a laser scanner; digital radiography (DR) captures it directly on a digital detector array.

- Source: https://amps.global/glossary/digital-and-computed-radiography/
- Type: Glossary
- Published: 2026-09-05
- Tags: NDT, radiographic testing

## Key facts

- CR: flexible imaging plates, workflow similar to film; DR: rigid detector panel, near-instant image
- Shorter exposures and lower doses than film; no darkroom or chemicals; images stored and shared digitally
- Codes: ISO 17636-2 (digital RT of welds) and ASME BPVC Section V Article 2 digital appendices
- Image archives must remain readable for the record retention period required by the client or code

Also known as: DR, CR, computed radiography, digital detector array, DDA.

## CR versus DR

Both remove film processing. CR keeps a film-like workflow (plate placed behind the weld, then scanned), which suits field work on pipe with awkward geometry. DR gives an image within seconds on a fixed or portable panel and suits repetitive shop work and real-time review. Image quality is assessed with the same IQIs plus digital metrics such as signal-to-noise ratio and basic spatial resolution.

## Records

Digital radiography produces files, not film envelopes. Retention, naming and the link between an image, its exposure parameters and the report become a documentation task that auditors check.

## DR/CR in AMPS

Image files can be stored with the job in your own OneDrive, SharePoint or Google Drive through AMPS, next to the Word report generated from your template, so the image, the report and the job history stay together. Every action taken in AMPS is tracked by its history feature, and each job page holds the latest version of its documents with everyone notified when a document is updated.

## Related pages

- [Radiographic testing (RT)](https://amps.global/glossary/radiographic-testing/)
- [Document control](https://amps.global/glossary/document-control/)
- [Using the AMPS reporting system](https://amps.global/case-studies/04-reporting-system/)

## Sources

- [Industrial radiography on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Industrial_radiography)
- [ISO - International Organization for Standardization](https://www.iso.org/)
- [ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code](https://www.asme.org/codes-standards/bpvc-standards)