Magnetic Particle Inspection

Magnetic Particle Inspection uses electrically induced magnetic fields in parts made from
ferromagnetic materials to detect flux leakage at the site. A magnetic field is induced in the test
specimen, which is then dusted with iron particles, either dry or in a liquid suspension. The
particles will collect along the edges of any cracks or other discontinuities that distort the
induced magnetic field to provide a readily visible indication of the flaw.
While limited to examining parts made from iron and steel which are strongly affected by
magnets (ferromagnetic), Magnetic Particle Inspection is very useful for detecting minute surface
and near-surface cracks down to a depth of about 0.100.
Magnetic Particle Inspection is used to test a wide variety of raw or manufactured materials and
components, including castings, forgings and weldments, safety critical automotive parts, and
infrastructure, such as bridges or storage tanks.
High volume applications

Magna Chek is equipped with high quality Magna Flux machines to perform magnetic particle
testing on a wide variety of parts in terms of both size and geometry. The speed and relative

simplicity of this technology make it ideal for high volume applications. Testing is provided on
large lots at rates up to 1,500 parts per hour.
12 ft Wet Magna-Glo Unit is our 6,000 amp wet Magna-Glo unit with a secondary 2,000 amp
coil that accommodates parts from 1 to 12 long and up to 24 inches in diameter. The production
rate is approximately 1,000 pieces per hour. Utilization of the secondary coil operation allows us
to perform head and coil inspection simultaneously.
Conveyorized Two-Shot Magna-Glo Unit with an automatic coil, de-magnetizer and conveyor
handles up to 1,500 pieces per hour and is ideal for testing high volume parts such as bolts,
screws, etc.
Conveyorized Duo-VEC Wet Magnetic Particle Inspection induces a multi-vector field in the
part to detect both longitudinal and transverse defects. This specially designed unit is ideal for
testing irregular part configurations up to 24 long such as connecting rods, steering arms, yokes,
suspension components, small forgings and castings.
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Mobile magnetic particle units
Magna Chek can perform Magnetic Particle Inspection on-site with one of our mobile units.
These units may be equipped with a wide variety of NDT units as required by the customer,
which allows us to schedule a multiple approach to your materials, and discover both surface and
sub-surface discontinuities. We are available for on-site inspection of power generating turbines,
boilers, pressure, vessels, structural weld joints, crane assemblies and hooks, handling equipment
and pipelines.
Advantages

Fast, cost effective, easy to interpret, instant results.

Training is less stringent than for UT, RT or ET.

Positive and reliable method of testing suitable components.

Surface preparation not as critical

Limitations

Only effective in ferromagnetic materials

Discontinuity detection is limited to at or near surface

Parts need to be de-greased and de-magnetized before and after inspection

Magnetic flux must be normal to the plant of the defect to show indications

Acceptable Standards

ASTM E1444-05

ASTM A 275/A 275M Test Method for Magnetic Particle Examination of Steel Forgings

ASTM A456 Specification for Magnetic Particle Inspection of Large Crankshaft Forgings

ASTM E543 Practice Standard Specification for Evaluating Agencies that Performing
Nondestructive Testing

ASTM E 709 Guide for Magnetic Particle Testing Examination

ASTM E 1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations

ASTM E 2297 Standard Guide for Use of UV-A and Visible Light Sources and Meters
used in the Liquid Penetrant and Magnetic Particle Methods

ISO 3059, Non-destructive testing Penetrant Testing and magnetic particle testing
Viewing conditions

ISO 9934-1, Non-destructive testing Magnetic particle testing Part 1: General

principles

ISO 9934-2, Non-destructive testing Magnetic particle testing Part 2: Detection media

ISO 9934-3, Non-destructive testing Magnetic particle testing Part 3: Equipment

ISO 17638, Non-destructive testing of welds Magnetic particle testing

ISO 23279, Non-destructive testing of welds Magnetic particle testing of welds

Acceptance levels