Magnetic Particle Inspection

Finding Surface And Near-surface flaws

Magnetic Particle Testing

Magnetic Particle Inspection, also known as Crack Testing or Magnetic Particle Testing, is a method of non-destructive testing that can be used to find any surface and near-surface flaws in ferromagnetic materials such as steel and iron. Magnetic Particle Inspection is a quick and relatively easy NDT technique and is widely used in all industry sectors including Aerospace, Power Generation, Automotive and Construction.

The Benefits Of Magnetic Particle Inspection

  • Instant indication of defects
  • Cost-effective
  • On site inspection
  • Reliable testing method
  • Batch testing available

How can we help you?

Contact us today to find out how Capital NDT can help you with our wide range of non-destructive testing services.

What Magnetic Particle Inspection Is Used For

Magnetic Particle Inspection is used to detect surface or near-surface flaws such as cracks, laps, seams and inclusions in ferromagnetic materials such as steel and iron. One of Magnetic Particle Testing’s main advantages is that it immediately identifies any surface or near-surface defects in ferromagnetic components.

Magnetic Particle Testing can be used on a variety of components and equipment such as engine parts, suspension and braking components, castings, forgings and weldments.

How Magnetic Particle Inspection Works

During the process of Magnetic Particle Inspection, the specimen is magnetised either locally or overall depending on the size of the specimen and a magnetic field is induced in the component. The testing process analyses the magnetic flux around the tested component.

If the tested material is sound, then the magnetic flux will predominantly remain inside the material. However, if there is a surface-breaking flaw during the Magnetic Particle Inspection then the magnetic field will be distorted, causing local magnetic flux leakage around the flaw on the surface.

This leakage can be detected by dusting the surface of the specimen with fine magnetic particles such as ferrous iron filings. The particles will then be attracted to the area of the flux leakage, creating a visible indication of the defect.

The indication is then noted and evaluated by the operator to determine what might have caused the flaw and suggest action to take.

There are two methods of Magnetic Particle Inspection. The first is white colour contrast, which is ideal for daylight and site work. the other makes use of Ultra Violet light. Here at Capital NDT, we provide both an ultraviolet method as well as the black and white contrast method.

NDT

On-site NDT Services Available UK Wide

Our team of NDT Technicians can carry out Magnetic Particle Inspection both on-site across the UK with a portable electromagnet or in-house with a static bench unit. Our specialist testing facility at Colnbrook, just off the M25, is fully equipped to test a range of specimens to meet your requirements and provide a complete and comprehensive inspection service.

Our static benches enable us to effectively test large components and large batch quantities of bar stock, forgings and finished components. Our Magnetic Particle Inspection service is available for a wide range of components and industries.

All of our NDT technicians are all qualified with industry recognised PCN (Personnel Certification in Non-Destructive Testing) in accordance with BS EN ISO 9712. Here at Capital NDT, our testing facility is also accredited by a number of well-known bodies, such as ADIPS.

For More Information On Our NDT Inspection Services

For more information on any of our non-destructive testing services contact our team by calling us on 01753 684 896
or by filling out our contact form: