Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT/MT)

Magnetic particle testing or MPT is a nondestructive testing method for locating

surface and near surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials. It depends for
its operation on the fact that when the material or part under test is magnetized,
discontinuities that lie in a cause leakage field to the direction of the magnetic field
will cause a leakage field to be formed at and above the surface of the part. The
presence of this leakage field, and therefore the presence of the discontinuity, is
detected by the use of finely divided ferromagnetic particle applied over the
surface, some of the particle being gathered and held by the leakage field. This
magnetically held collection of particle forms an outline of the discontinuity and
generally indicates its location, size, shape and extent. Magnetic particles are
applied over a surface as dry particles, or as wet particle in a liquid.

Ferromagnetic materials include most of the iron, nickel and cobalt alloys. These
materials lose their ferromagnetic properties above a characteristic temperature
called the Curie point which is approximately 760◦ C for most of the ferromagnetic
material.

Applications

The principal industrial uses of magnetic article testing are final inspection,
receiving inspection, in process inspection and quality control, maintenance and
overhaul in the transportation industries, plant and machinery maintenance and
inspection of large components.

Limitations
Thin coatings of paint and other non-magnetic coverings, such as plating;
adversely affect sensitivity of magnetic particle inspection. Other limitations are:

1. Magnetic particle inspection methods will work only on ferromagnetic materials.

2. For best results, the magnetic field must be in a direction that will intercept the principle
plane of the discontinuity. Sometimes this requires two or more sequential inspections.
With different magnetizations.
3. Demagnetization following magnetic particle testing is often necessary.
4. Post cleaning to remove remnants of the magnetic particle clinging to the surface may
be required after testing and demagnetization.
5. Exceedingly large currents sometimes are required for very large parts.
6. Care is necessary to avoid local heating and burning of finished parts or surface at the
points of electric contact.
7. Although magnetic particle indications are easily seen, experience and skill in
interpreting their significance are needed.

Magnetic particle inspection facilities at 'Trinity NDT', Bangalore, India

1. Specialized magnetic particle inspection equipments for Aerospace NDT applications

2. Modern high amperage magnetic particle testing equipments including electromagnetic
yokes
3. Powerful mobile type of prod equipments
4. 6000 amperes stationery wet horizontal type equipments for inspection of mass
production components, coils, solenoids, central conductors with AC, HWDC and FWDC
facilities.
5. High intensity black light kits for fluorescent inspection and demagnetizing equipments
6. Magnetic particle testing professionals are qualified and certified to MT Level I, II as per
ASNT recommended practice SNT-TC-1A, IS:13805 certified by Indian Society for
Nondestructive testing (ISNT) and are approved by leading third party inspection
authorities
7. Experienced in house ASNT NDT Level III consultants and experts for providing
techniques establishment, procedure preparation, approval and consultancy services.
8. ASNT NDT Level III trainers for conducting in house or external NDT Level 1, 2 training
and certification courses on Magnetic particle testing and other NDT inspection
methods. Read more about Magnetic Particle Testing personnel Certifications.
9. Strong team of NDT professionals to provide magnetic particle testing services across
India
10. Sales and Supply of magnetic particle inspection (MPI), powders, consumables and other
accessories. Read more about sales of Magnetic particle inspection equipment.