To make the right technical and engineering decision, it’s crucial to know both the advantages and disadvantages of a certain non-destructive inspection method. Knowing both the capabilities and limitations of a testing method and weighing your options are a must to ensure accuracy of results and that the method is truly suitable for your application.
Advantages of magnetic particle testing
It’s especially the case with magnetic particle inspection. This non-destructive testing method is known to be quick, straightforward and simple. Detection of surface and near-surface defects is quick and easy. Also, it’s a lot more affordable than radiographic testing and only a moderate skill level is required to do magnetic particle testing.
Many technicians also find the inspection method adequate for simple applications where the surface is easily accessible. With its fast application and results, technicians save a lot of time while corrective actions can also be done immediately (detection of discontinuity is fast and easy). In addition, portable instruments are available such as CrackCheck Spirit Series Portable LED UV Lamp. Under CrackCheck, there are also instruments that allow hands-free inspection such as the CrackCheck Jaguar Series Hands-free LED UV Lamp (first choice for fluorescent inspection, leading test, biological polymerization and oil detection).
When it comes to portability, hand-held magnetic yokes are available under the Parker brand (B300MRS and B-300S). These are specifically designed for field testing, spot inspections and demanding environments. The choice of tool or instrument can heavily depend on your specific application (competent technical advice is required here). After all, there are advantages and disadvantages in doing magnetic particle inspection (disadvantages include the surface should be smooth and prepared, only for ferromagnetic materials, could be messy and results interpretation could be misleading).
As with other non-destructive testing methods such as X-ray and gamma inspection, ultrasonic testing and eddy current testing, there are also pros and cons in magnetic particle testing. Cost and personnel skill level are huge considerations when choosing a method. Here at NDT Equipment Sales, we can discuss your requirements so you can choose the appropriate method. We can also help you select the set of instruments according to your requirements.
