What is Magnetic Particle Testing?

Magnetic particle inspection (often abbreviated MT or MPI) is a nondestructive inspection method that
provides detection of linear flaws located at or near the surface of ferromagnetic materials. It is viewed
primarily as a surface examination method.

Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) is a very effective method for location of surface breaking and slight
sub-surface defects such as cracking, pores, cold lap, lack of sidewall fusion in welds etc in magnetic
materials.

MPT is a fairly simple process with two variations: Wet Magnetic Particle Testing (WMPT) and Dry
Magnetic Particle Testing (DMPT). In either one, the process begins by running a magnetic current
through the component. Any cracks or defects in the material will interrupt the flow of current and will
cause magnetism to spread out from them. This will create a “flux leakage field” at the site of the
damage.

There are many different techniques. The most versatile technique is using a 110v AC hand held
electromagnetic yoke magnet, a white strippable paint as contrast background and a magnetic "ink"
composed of iron powder particles in a liquid carrier base.

The area is magnetised with the yoke magnet. In the event of a surface or slightly sub surface defect
being present, the lines of magnetic force will deform around the defect.

The magnetic ink is applied and the iron powder particles will bridge the gap caused by the defect and
give a visible indication against the white contrast background.

Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) provides very good defect resolution and is used extensively on:
Welded fabrications in magnetic material, Castings, Locating fatigue cracks in items subject to cyclical
stress

MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION IS PERFORMED IN FOUR STEPS:

1. Induce a magnetic field in the specimen

2. Apply magnetic particles to the specimen's surface

 3. View the surface, looking for particle groupings that are caused by defects

4. Demagnetize and clean the specimen

ADVANTAGES OF MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION

 Can find both surface and near sub-surface defects

 Some inspection formats are extremely portable and low cost

 Rapid inspection with immediate results

 Indications are visible to the inspector directly on the specimen surface

 Can detect defects that have been smeared over

 Can inspect parts with irregular shapes (external splines, crankshafts, connecting rods, etc.)

LIMITATIONS OF MAGNETIC PARTICLE INSPECTION

 The specimen must be ferromagnetic (e.g. steel, cast iron)

 Paint thicker than about 0.005" must be removed before inspection

 Post cleaning and post demagnetization is often necessary

 Maximum depth sensitivity is typically quoted as 0.100" (deeper under perfect conditions)

 Alignment between magnetic flux and defect is important

Standards (EH UPOD TA PANI?) HAHAHA

STANDARDSINTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR STANDARDIZATION (ISO)

 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

EUROPEAN COMMITTEE FOR STANDARDIZATION (CEN)

 EN 1290, Surface Crack Testing

 EN 1330-7, Non-destructive testing - Terminology - Part 7: Terms used in magnetic particle

testing

 EN 1369, Founding - Magnetic particle inspection

 N 10228-1, Non-destructive testing of steel forgings - Part 1: Magnetic particle inspection

 EN 10246-12, Non-destructive testing of steel tubes - Part 12: Magnetic particle inspection of
seamless and welded ferromagnetic steel tubes for the detection of surface imperfections

 EN 10246-18, Non-destructive testing of steel tubes - Part 18: Magnetic particle inspection of
the tube ends of seamless and welded ferromagnetic steel tubes for the detection of laminar
imperfections

AMERICAN SOCIETY OF TESTING AND MATERIALS (ASTM)

 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

Sources

http://www.wermac.org/others/ndt_mpi.html

https://inspectioneering.com/tag/magnetic+particle+inspection