Magnetic Particle Testing: Standard Practice For
Magnetic Particle Testing: Standard Practice For
Magnetic Particle Testing: Standard Practice For
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This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope* priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
1.1 This practice establishes minimum requirements for bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
magnetic particle testing used for the detection of surface or
slightly subsurface discontinuities in ferromagnetic material. 2. Referenced Documents
Guide E709 can be used in conjunction with this practice as a 2.1 The following documents form a part of this standard
tutorial. practice to the extent specified herein.
NOTE 1—This Practice replaces MIL-STD-1949. 2.2 ASTM Standards:2
1.2 The magnetic particle testing method is used to detect A275/A275M Practice for Magnetic Particle Examination of
cracks, laps, seams, inclusions, and other discontinuities on or Steel Forgings
near the surface of ferromagnetic materials. Magnetic particle A456/A456M Specification for Magnetic Particle Examina-
testing may be applied to raw material, billets, finished and tion of Large Crankshaft Forgings
semi-finished materials, welds, and in-service parts. Magnetic E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive
particle testing is not applicable to non-ferromagnetic metals Testing
and alloys such as austenitic stainless steels. See Appendix X1 E709 Guide for Magnetic Particle Testing
for additional information. E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
E2297 Guide for Use of UV-A and Visible Light Sources and
1.3 All areas of this Practice may be open to agreement Meters used in the Liquid Penetrant and Magnetic Particle
between the Cognizant Engineering Organization and the Methods
supplier, or specific direction from the Cognizant Engineering E3022 Practice for Measurement of Emission Characteris-
Organization. tics and Requirements for LED UV-A Lamps Used in
1.4 This standard is a combined standard, an ASTM stan- Fluorescent Penetrant and Magnetic Particle Testing
dard in which rationalized SI units and inch-pound units are 2.3 ASNT Documents:3
included in the same standard, with each system of units to be SNT-TC-1A Recommended Practice No. “Personnel Quali-
regarded separately as standard. fication and Certification in Nondestructive Testing
1.4.1 Units—The values stated in either SI units or inch- ANSI/ASNT CP-189 Standard for Qualification and Certifi-
pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The cation of NDT Personnel
values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents;
2.4 Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)-AMS
therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other.
Documents:4,5
Combining values from the two systems may result in non-
AMS 2641 Magnetic Particle Inspection Vehicle
conformance with the standard.
1.5 This standard does not purport to address all of the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the 2
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
the ASTM website.
3
Available from American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), P.O. Box
1
This practice is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee E07 on Nonde- 28518, 1711 Arlingate Ln., Columbus, OH 43228-0518, http://www.asnt.org.
4
structive Testing and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee E07.03 on Liquid Copies of standards, specifications, drawings, and publications required by
Penetrant and Magnetic Particle Methods. manufacturers in connection with specification acquisition should be obtained from
Current edition approved June 1, 2016. Published June 2016. Originally the contracting activity or as directed by the contracting officer.
5
approved in 1991. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as E1444 - 12. DOI: Available from SAE International (SAE), 400 Commonwealth Dr., Warrendale,
10.1520/E1444_E1444M-16ϵ1. PA 15096-0001, http://www.sae.org.
5.3.1.11 Directions of magnetization to be used, the order in grinding, or both, of electroplated surfaces.
which they are applied, and any demagnetization procedures to (1) Electroplated surfaces with a final plating thickness of
be used between shots; 0.0050 in. [0.13 mm] or greater shall be examined before
5.3.1.12 The current level, or the number of ampere turns, to electroplating, or grinding, or both, of electroplated surfaces.
be used and the duration of its application; (2) Magnetic particle examination after electroplating is
5.3.1.13 Type of magnetic particle material (dry or wet, not required for steels with a tensile strength less than or equal
visible or fluorescent, etc.) to be used and the method and to 160 ksi.
equipment to be used for its application and, for the case of wet
5.4.3.4 Use caution when examining parts with an electro-
particles, the particle concentration limits;
plated nickel coating as indications may form from the
5.3.1.14 Type of records and method of marking parts after
resulting leakage fields within the nickel plating itself.
examination;
5.3.1.15 Acceptance requirements, to be used for evaluating 5.4.3.5 For in-service examination, plating or coatings do
indications and disposition of parts after evaluation; and not require removal prior to examination unless they are
5.3.1.16 Post-examination demagnetization and cleaning re- damaged, or they interfere with the examination process.
quirements. 5.5 Materials:
5.4 Examination Sequence—Perform magnetic particle ex- 5.5.1 Dry Particle Requirements—Dry particles shall meet
amination after all operations which might cause or reveal the requirements of AMS 3040.
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6.4.2.2 The magnetizing current shall be applied for a indications will be identified as relevant or nonrelevant. Rel-
duration of at least 0.5 second for each application, with a evant indications will be compared to the proper accept/reject
minimum of two shots being used. The second shot shall criteria and the parts accepted or rejected accordingly.
follow the first while the particles are still mobile on the 6.5.1 Eye Glasses—When using fluorescent materials, per-
surface of the part. sonnel shall not wear eye glasses that are photochromic or that
6.4.2.3 Under special circumstances, such as the use of have permanently darkened lenses. This is not intended to
automated equipment or for critical parts, the 0.5–second prohibit the use of eyeglasses with lenses treated to absorb
duration and the two-shot requirement may be waived provided ultraviolet light.
it is demonstrated that the procedure can detect known discon- 6.5.2 Dark Adaptation—Personnel must wait at least one
tinuities in reference parts. minute after entering a darkened area for their eyes to adjust to
6.4.2.4 Care shall be exercised to prevent any damage to the the low-level lighting before performing fluorescent magnetic
part due to overheating or other causes. Weakly held indica- particle testing.
tions on highly finished parts are readily washed away, and 6.5.3 Acceptance Requirements—The acceptance require-
care must be exercised to prevent high-velocity flow over ments applicable to the part or group of parts shall be
critical surfaces. incorporated as part of the written procedure either specifically
6.4.2.5 Particle application by continuous immersion shall or by reference to other applicable documents containing the
be used only when specifically approved by the Cognizant necessary information. When parts are zoned, the acceptance
Engineering Organization or when it has been documented that criteria for each zone shall be specified. Methods for establish-
it can detect discontinuities or artificial discontinuities in parts ing acceptance requirements for large crankshaft forgings are
under examination. covered in Specification A456/A456M. Methods for establish-
6.4.3 Residual Magnetization Method—In the residual mag- ing requirements for steel forgings are covered in Practice
netization method, the magnetic particles are applied to the part A275/A275M. Methods for classifying metal castings are
under examination after the magnetizing force has been dis- given in AMS 2175 and AMS 5355.
continued. The residual method is not as sensitive as the 6.6 Recording of Indications—When required by the written
continuous method. It can be useful on materials with high procedure, the location of all rejectable indications shall be
retentivity. It is also useful for the examination of parts or areas marked on the part, and permanent records of the location,
of parts, which because of geometric constraints, cannot be direction, and frequency of indications may be made by one or
examined with the continuous method. The residual method more of the following methods:
shall be used only when specifically approved by the Cognizant 6.6.1 Written Description—By recording the location,
Engineering Organization or when it has been documented that length, direction, and number of indications in sketch or tabular
it can detect discontinuities or artificial discontinuities in parts form.
under examination. The test parts shall have the same material 6.6.2 Transparent Tape—For dry particle indications, by
and processing steps, and similar geometry, to the actual parts applying transparent adhesive-backed tape to which the indi-
being examined. cations will adhere and placing it on an approved form along
6.4.4 Magnetic Slurry/Paint Application—Magnetic paints with information giving its location on the part.
or slurries are applied to the part with a brush, squeeze bottle, 6.6.3 Strippable Film—By covering the indication with a
or aerosol can before or during the magnetization operation. spray-on strippable film that fixes the indications in place and
This method is for special applications, such as overhead or placing the resultant reproduction on an approved form along
underwater examination. This method may be used only when with information giving its location on the part.
specifically approved by the Cognizant Engineering Organiza- 6.6.4 Photography—By photographing or video recording
tion. the indications themselves, the tape, or the strippable film
6.4.5 Magnetic Polymer Application—Polymerizable mate- reproduction and placing the photograph in a tabular form
rial containing magnetic particles shall be held in contact with along with information giving its location on the part.
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correct magnetic particle indications can be produced and a continuous even film forms over the entire part. If the film of
identified in these representative parts, the overall system suspension breaks, exposing bare surface, insufficient wetting
performance is verified. Parts used for verification will be agent is present or the part has not been cleaned adequately.
demagnetized, cleaned thoroughly following the examination, For adequacy, this visual observation shall be performed
and checked under black or visible light, as appropriate to the individually under both white light and black light conditions
examination process, to ensure that residual indications do not as applicable.
remain. 7.2.3 Determination of Particle Sensitivity—Appendix X2
describes several devices that can demonstrate the sensitivity
7.1.2 Fabricated Test Parts with Artificial Discontinuities—
of either wet-method or dry-method particles. These devices
When actual production parts with known discontinuities of the
contain permanent magnetization in some form and are inde-
type, location, and size needed for verification are not available
pendent of the magnetizing system. They should not be
or are impractical, fabricated test or production parts with
magnetized or demagnetized before or after use. Such devices
artificial discontinuities or a ring specimen similar to the ring
can be useful whenever performance of the particles are subject
in Annex A4 may be used. Artificial discontinuities may be
to question or need to be verified.
fabricated to meet a particular need or may be commercially
available magnetic field indicators or shims as shown in Annex 7.3 Lighting:
A2. All applicable conditions for the use of such reference 7.3.1 Visible Light—Conduct visible light intensity mea-
parts, as described in 7.1.1, shall apply. surements upon initial light installation, or when changes occur
that would cause the light intensity to change and at the
7.2 Suspension Vehicle Tests (Not required for aerosol can intervals specified in Table 1.
suspensions): 7.3.1.1 Visible light shall be used when examining with
7.2.1 Concentration/Contamination Tests—Particle concen- nonfluorescent magnetic particles and for interpretation of
tration and contamination shall be determined upon start up, at indications found with fluorescent magnetic particles. A mini-
regular intervals thereafter, and whenever the bath is changed mum light intensity of 100 fc [1076 lx] shall be available at the
or adjusted. The required testing intervals are stated in Table 1. surface of the part undergoing examination or evaluation.
7.2.1.1 Determination of Wet Particle Concentration— 7.3.1.2 Ambient Visible Light—Fluorescent magnetic par-
Agitate the particle suspension a minimum of 30 min to ensure ticle examinations shall be performed in a darkened area with
uniform distribution of particles throughout the bath. Place a a maximum ambient visible light level of 2 fc [22 lx] measured
100-mL sample of the agitated suspension in a pear-shaped at the part surface.
centrifuge tube with a graduated stem in 0.05-mL increments 7.3.2 Black Lights—Black lights used for evaluation pur-
for fluorescent baths and 0.1 mL for non-fluorescent baths. poses shall meet the requirements of 7.4.5. The minimum
(Centrifuge tubes shall be as specified in Guide E709). De- acceptable intensity is 1000 µW/cm2 at the surface being
magnetize the sample and allow the tube to stand undisturbed examined. Black lights shall be checked daily for cleanliness
for a settling time of at least 60 min if using petroleum distillate and integrity and shall be cleaned, repaired or replaced as
or at least 30 min for conditioned water suspension. Read the appropriate. These daily checks of cleanliness/integrity need
volume of settled particles. If the concentration is out of the not be recorded. LED UV-A lamps used for evaluation pur-
tolerance stated in the written procedure add particles or poses shall comply with Practice E3022.
suspension vehicle, as required, and re-determine the particle 7.3.3 Restricted Area Examination—Where lamps are
concentration. If the settled particles appear to be loose physically too large to directly illuminate the examination
agglomerates rather than a solid layer, repeat the process with surface, special lighting, such as UV pencil lights, or UV light
a second sample. If the second sample also appears guides, or borescopes shall be used. The image viewed must
agglomerated, replace the entire bath suspension. Thirty- have sufficient resolution to effectively evaluate the required
minute settling times (for oil suspensions), or other accelerated discontinuities. Light intensity shall be measured at the ex-
tests, may be used if they have been verified to give results pected working distance and shall meet the requirements of
equivalent to the procedure described in this clause. 7.3.2 as appropriate.
7.2.1.2 Determination of Wet Particle Contamination— 7.4 Equipment Calibration—Magnetic particle testing
Perform the tests specified in 7.2.1.1. Examine the graduated equipment shall be checked for performance and accuracy at
portion of the tube, under both black light (for fluorescent baths the time of purchase and at intervals thereafter as indicated in
only) and visible light (for both fluorescent and nonfluorescent Table 1; whenever malfunction is suspected, when specified by
baths), for striations or bands, different in color or appearance. the Cognizant Engineering Organization, or whenever electri-
Bands or striations may indicate contamination. If the total cal maintenance that might affect equipment accuracy is
volume of the contaminants, including bands or striations, performed.
ANNEXES
(Mandatory Information)
A1.1 Application of Shims—The Reference Standard NOTE A1.1—Polar solvents such as water, will break down the
Notched Shims of AS 5371, as shown in Annex A2, require cynoacrolate based (super glue) adhesives commonly used to apply these
specific handling, attachment, and care for accurate indication shims.
of magnetic field strength and direction. To select amperage A1.4 The shim shall be placed in intimate contact with the
settings for multi-directional magnetization, the use of part with the flaw side next to the material to be examined.
AS 5371 shims or parts described in 6.3.1.1 is mandatory.
A1.5 The shim shall be securely fastened to the part by
A1.2 Shims 0.002 in. [0.05 mm] thick shall be used on using an adhesive or tape (such as Scotch Brand 191, 471, or
curved or complex surfaces.
600 series) that prevents the magnetic particle suspension from
A1.3 Shims are manufactured of low carbon steel and must entering between the shim and part. Whatever means is used to
be protected from corrosion when not in use. They may be secure the shim to the part shall not interfere with the visibility
submerged in a solvent such as MEK or naphtha for storage. of the indications.
Before attaching the shim to the part, both the shim and part
shall be clean and dry.
served. When magnetized, one leg of the X will be indicated sidual fields when developing magnetic particle testing proce-
perpendicular to the field direction and the circle shim will dures.
show quadrants that are approximately perpendicular to the
A1.11 In unidirectional applications, the actual field
direction of the applied field.
strength measurements can be obtained by placing a Hall Effect
A1.9.3 In multi-directional magnetization, longitudinal and probe adjacent to the shim or at a nearby location where probe
circular fields shall be determined separately as follows: placement can easily be replicated.
A2. REFERENCE STANDARD NOTCHED SHIMS FOR MAGNETIC PARTICLE TESTING IN ACCORDANCE WITH AS 5371
A2.1 The following standard flawed shims are typically square of Fig. A2.3. The shims of Fig. A2.3 are cut, by the user,
used to establish proper field direction and ensure adequate into four 0.395 in. [10 mm] square shims for use in restricted
field strength during technique development in magnetic par- areas.
ticle testing. The shims shown in Fig. A2.1 may be used to
ensure the establishment of fields in the unidirectional magne- A2.1.3 Shims shall be low carbon steel, AMS 5062 or
tization method and to ensure the establishment and field equivalent.
balance in the multidirectional magnetization method. A2.1.4 Shims shall be used as specified in AS 5371. Shims
A2.1.1 Except for shims illustrated in Fig. A2.3, the shims are placed in the area(s) of interest with the notches toward the
are available in two thicknesses, 0.002 in. [0.05 mm] and 0.004 surface of the part being examined. Use enough shims by
in. [0.10 mm]. Thinner shims are used when the thicker shims placing the shims in multiple areas to ensure proper field
cannot conform to the part surface in the area of interest. directions and strengths are obtained.
A2.1.2 The shims are available in two sizes, 0.75 in. [19
mm] square for Figs. A2.1 and A2.2 and 0.79 in. [20 mm]
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FIG. A2.1 Shims for Magnetic Particle Testing
part shall neither cover nor interfere with the visibility of the
A3.1.4 The center steel layer of the strips is made of a high indications.
“µ” magnetic material. A3.2.4 Re-use of the strips is acceptable, provided they are
A3.1.5 Strips shall be placed in the area(s) of interest part or not distorted when removed and intimate contact is achieved
surface being examined. Use enough strips, or place the strips when replaced.
in multiple areas to ensure that proper field directions are A3.2.5 Use care when applying the suspension to the strips.
obtained. Proper strip indications may not form unless the suspension is
A3.2 Instructions for the Use of Flexible Laminated Strips applied in a gentle manner.
A3.2.1 Application of Strips A3.2.6 The active center layer of the strips are made of a
Flexible laminated strips, as shown in Annex A3, require low retentivity and high permeability material. Use of the strips
specific handling, attachment, and care for accurate indication in verifying the presence of residual magnetic fields can only
of magnetic field direction. be made with approval of the Cognizant Engineering Organi-
zation.
A3.2.2 Strips are manufactured of high permeability carbon
steel and must be protected from corrosion when not in use. A3.2.7 Determining Field Direction
They should be stored in a dry location. Before placing the Strips provide the strongest particle indications on the three
strip onto the part, both the strip and part shall be clean and dry. lines when positioned such that the longitudinal axis of the
strip is perpendicular to the applied magnetic field. A strip
A3.2.3 The strip shall be placed in intimate contact with whose longitudinal axis is parallel to the applied field will not
material to be examined. The strip may be held in place provide any particle indications. Refer to Fig. A3.3 and Fig.
manually or with the use of an adhesive or tape. A3.4.
A3.2.3.1 If the strip is to be fastened to the part by using an A3.2.7.1 To use the strips to determine field direction, first
adhesive or tape select one (such as Scotch Brand 191, 471, or determine the location(s) for the strip(s) to be placed.
A3.2.7.2 Position a strip onto the surface so that it is
perpendicular to the direction of the applied magnetic field.
(1) A second strip may be placed perpendicular to the first.
A3.2.7.3 Using the continuous method, begin by starting the
amperage selection at a minimum level and increasing the
amperage slowly until the indications of the lines in one or both
FIG. A3.1 The longitudinal lines represent the location of the
strip(s) are readily observed.
slots cut into the center steel layer of either the General or Aero- A3.2.7.4 If both strips show particle indications, the applied
space flexible laminated strips. field is at an angle of between 30° to 60° to them. If no
FIG. A3.4 Weak particle indications can mean that the longitudi-
FIG. A3.3 Particle indications are strongest when applied mag- nal axis of the strip is at an angle (θ) from the applied magnetic
netic field (H) is of sufficient strength and perpendicular to the field (H), or that the applied field is not strong enough to gener-
longitudinal axis of the strip. No indications will form when the ate indications.
longitudinal axis is parallel to the applied field or the strength of
H is insufficient. A3.2.7.5 Actual field strength measurements (in the air at
the point of measurement) can be obtained by placing a Hall
indications are visible in either strip when the field is applied, Effect probe adjacent to the strip or at a nearby location where
the field is not strong enough to generate indications. probe placement can easily be replicated.
A4. AS 5282 TOOL STEEL RING SPECIMEN FOR SYSTEM PERFORMANCE TEST
A4.1 A ring specimen similar to Fig. A4.1 may be used to TABLE A4.2 Amperage and Hole Indication Requirements for
perform the system performance verification of subsection 7.1. Ketos 01 Tool Steel Ring Specimen
Amperage
Minimum Number
A4.2 Wet Particle Test. (Conducted in accordance with a Type of Suspension FW or HW
of Holes Indicated
Rectified
written procedure.)
Fluorescent Oxide 1400 3
A4.2.1 Demagnetize the ring. (Wet) 2500 5
3400 6
A4.2.2 Place a non-ferromagnetic conductor with a diam- Visible Oxides 1400 3
eter between 1 and 1.25 in. [25.4 and 31.75 mm] through the (Wet) 2500 5
center of the ring. 3400 6
Dry Powder 1400 4
A4.2.2.1 Center the ring on the conductor. 2500 6
A4.2.3 Magnetize the ring circularly by passing the required 3400 7
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Hole 1 2 3 4 5 6
Diameter 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07
Note 1 [1.78 [1.78 [1.78 [1.78 [1.78 [1.78
mm] mm] mm] mm] mm] mm]
“D” 0.07 0.14 0.21 0.28 0.35 0.42
Note 2 [1.78 [3.56 [5.33 [7.11 [8.89 [10.67
mm] mm] mm] mm] mm] mm]
Hole 7 8 9 10 11 12
Diameter 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07
Note 1 [1.78 [1.78 [1.78 [1.78 [1.78 [1.78
mm] mm] mm] mm] mm] mm]
“D” 0.49 0.56 0.63 0.70 0.77 0.84
Note 2 [12.45 [14.22 [16.00 [17.78 [19.56 [21.34
mm] mm] mm] mm] mm] mm]
NOTE 1—All hole diameters are 60.005 in. [60.13 mm]. Rings with holes 10 through 12 are optional.
NOTE 2—Tolerance on the D distance is 60.005 in. [60.13 mm].
NOTE 3—All other dimensions are 60.03 in. [60.76 mm].
FIG. A4.1 AISI KETOS Tool Steel Ring
A4.3 Dry Particle Test. (Conducted in accordance with a A4.3.4 Apply the particles to the ring using a squeeze bulb
written procedure.) or other suitable applicator while the current is flowing.
A4.3.1 Place a non-ferromagnetic conductor with a diam- A4.3.5 Examine the ring within 1 min after current appli-
eter between 1 and 1.25 in. [25.4 and 31.75 mm] through the cation under a minimum of 100 fc [1076 lx] of visible light.
center of the ring. A4.3.5.1 The number of hole indications visible shall meet
A4.3.2 Center the ring on the conductor. or exceed those specified in Table A4.1, Table A4.2, or the
written procedure, or both.
A4.3.3 Magnetize the ring circularly by passing the required
A4.3.5.2 Current levels used and number of holes observed
current through the conductor. Use the applicable current levels
may be limited by equipment current capacity.
of Table A4.1 or Table A4.2, as applicable to the ring being
used. A4.3.6 Demagnetize the ring.
A5.1 Care must be exercised when measuring the tangential to read the peak value during the shot. The gaussmeter should
applied field strengths as specified in 6.3.2. The active area of have a frequency response of *300 Hz or higher. The direction
the Hall Effect probe should be no larger than 0.2 in. [5.1 mm] and magnitude of the tangential field on the part surface can be
by 0.2 in. [5.1 mm] and should have a maximum center determined by two measurements made at right angles to each
location 5 mm from the part surface. The plane of the probe other at the same spot. The gaussmeter probe leads should be
must be perpendicular to the surface of the part at the location shielded or twisted to prevent reading errors due to voltage
of measurement to within 5 degrees. This is difficult to induced during the large field changes encountered during
accomplish by hand orientation, therefore the probe should be magnetic particle testing.
held in a jig or fixture of some type. If the current is being NOTE A5.1—Lack of effective bandwidth could have a significant effect
applied in shots, or if alternating current or half-wave rectified on the resultant value when measuring fields generated by pulse-width
alternating current is being used, the gaussmeter should be set modulated MPI equipment.
APPENDIXES
(Nonmandatory Information)
X1.1 Some materials are far more suitable for magnetic tized but should not be examined with the residual method.
particle testing than others. In some cases, liquid penetrant
testing may be a more reliable testing method. X1.5 Fig. X1.1 is a tabulation of stainless and corrosion
resistant steels and their suitability for examination with the
X1.2 Some of the precipitation hardening (PH) steels are magnetic particle testing method.
austenitic in the annealed or low heat treat ranges. Austenitic X1.6 Aluminum and aluminum based alloys, copper and
materials cannot be examined by the magnetic particle testing copper based alloys, and nickel based alloys cannot be exam-
method. ined by the magnetic particle testing method.
X1.3 Care must be taken with low permeability steels, such X1.7 All low-alloy carbon steels, 1000 series (1020, 1050,
as the PH steels, to use a high enough amperage to provide 1117, 1340 etc.), 4000 series (4130, 4330 4340M, and so
proper field strength. forth), 5000, 6000, 8000, 9000 series, HY 80, HY 100,
9Ni-4Co, and Maraging steels are ferro-magnetic and can be
X1.4 Steels with very high permeability are easily magne- examined with the magnetic particle testing method.
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X2.2.5 Particle Application—Wet Method and Dry Method X2.4.1 Encoded Magnetic Media—The magnetic encoding
materials should be consistent with the method of application process can generate magnetic gradients in a highly controlled
that will be used for examination. manner. These gradients, when encode into a media (that is, a
X2.2.5.1 Wet Method Materials—Fluorescent or non- magnetic strip card) can be used as an indicator of magnetic
fluorescent particles suspended in a liquid vehicle at the particle performance. Fig. X2.1 illustrates how particles can be
required concentration shall be applied as they would be used attracted to the encoded strip on the magnetic strip card.
for examination by gently spraying or flowing the suspension X2.4.2 Permanently magnetized devices—Cracks in perma-
over the area to be examined or by immersion of the device in nently magnetized disks provide the flux leakage required for
the suspension. Excess bath shall be allowed to flow away from magnetic particle indications. Observation of the intensity and
the device. The device shall be observed under appropriate brightness of indication allow a comparison or evaluation of
illumination for the formation of particle indications. Obser- particle performance. Fig. X2.2 illustrates cracks that have
vations shall be noted as to the quality of particle indications been formed in a small disk.
and the clarity thereof.
X2.2.5.2 Dry Method Materials—Apply dry powder so that X2.4.3 Devices containing permanent magnets—The seam
a light, uniform, dust-like coating settles on the surface of the between two magnetically coupled blocks provide the flux
device. The applicators shall introduce the particles into the air leakage required for magnetic particle indications. The flux
in a manner such that they reach the part surface in a uniform density decrease as the distance from the magnet increases and
cloud with a minimum of force. Excess particles shall be the resulting magnetic particle indication reduces. Fig. X2.3
removed by a gentle air current. The device shall be observed illustrates how a permanent magnet can be located to result in
under appropriate illumination for the formation of particle a particle indication along the seam between two precision
indications. Observation shall be noted as to the quality of formed steel blocks. The seam can be incremented so that the
particle indications and the clarity thereof. particle performance can be graded.
FIG. X2.1 Particle indications appear where magnetic gradients have been encoded in the magnetic strip of the card. In this case the
gradients decrease in value from “0” (strongest) to “X” (weakest). Particle performance can be graded on the basis of the weakest
indication.
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FIG. X2.2 Typical dimensions (millimetres) of a disk containing surface cracks that has been permanently magnetized. In this case (1)
indicates larger cracks formed by grinding and (2) indicates finer cracks caused by stress (induced by quenching)
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FIG. X2.3 One type of device containing a permanent magnet held next to two precision formed steel blocks with a brass cover. The
seam between the steel blocks acts as a discontinuity; particles form an indication on the seam that is strongest close to the magnet
and weakens with distance away from the magnet.
X3. FORMULAS FOR DETERMINING PROPER CURRENT VALUES FOR CIRCULAR MAGNETISM
X3.1 Magnetization Current Levels—The current values X3.3 Direct Circular Magnetization—When magnetizing
given in X3.2 and X3.3 are average current values and are by passing current directly through the part the nominal current
applied directly to full-wave direct current. For other types of shall be 300 to 800 A/in. of part diameter [12 to 32 A/mm]. The
current, the operator’s manual, the equipment manufacturer, or diameter of the part shall be taken as the greatest distance
the Cognizant Engineering Organization should be consulted. between any two points on the outside circumference of the
part. Currents will normally be 500 A/in. [20 A/mm] or lower,
X3.2 Prod Current Levels—When using prods on material with the higher currents up to 800 A/in. [32 A/mm] being used
⁄ in. [19 mm] in thickness or less, 90 to 115 A/in. of prod
34 to examine for inclusions or to examine low-permeability
spacing [3.5 to 4.5 A/mm] shall be used. For material greater alloys such as precipitation-hardened steels. Amperages of less
than 3⁄4 in. [19 mm] in thickness, 100 to 125 A/in. of prod than 300 A/in. [12 A/mm] may be used when part configuration
spacing [4.0 to 5.0 A/mm] shall be used. Prod spacing shall not dictates and approval is obtained from the Level III and the
be less than 2 in. [50 mm] or greater than 8 in. [200 mm]. The Cognizant Engineering Organization.
effective width of the magnetizing field when using prods is
one fourth of the prod spacing on each side of a line through X3.4 Central Conductor Circular Magnetization—Circular
the prod centers. magnetization may be provided by passing current through a
FIG. X3.1 The Effective Region of Examination When Using an Offset Central Conductor is Equal to Four Times the Diameter of the
Conductor as Indicated
X4.1 Longitudinal Magnetization Using Coils— than 2, pole pieces (pieces of ferromagnetic material with the
Longitudinal magnetization is often accomplished by passing same diameter as the part being examined) may be placed on
current through a coil encircling the part, or section of the part, one or each end to effectively increase the L/D to 2 or greater.
to be examined (that is, by using a coil shot). This produces a If the part has hollow portions, D may be replaced with Deff as
magnetic field parallel to the axis of the coil. The effective field outlined in X4.3.4. If the part has a length longer than the
extends a distance on either side of the coil center approxi- effective length of the coil (as described in 6.3.1.1) the length
mately equal to the radius of the coil. The actual effective of the part when calculating the L/D ratio shall be the actual
distance must be demonstrated based on the particular part to length of the section of the part to be examined.
be examined. For parts longer than these effective distances,
the entire length shall be examined by repositioning the part X4.3.1 Longitudinal Magnetization with Low Fill Factor
within the coil, allowing for approximately 10 % effective Coils—When the cross-sectional area of the coil is ten or more
magnetic field overlap. times the cross-sectional area of part being examined, the
following formulae apply:
X4.2 The following formulas have been used for many X4.3.1.1 For parts positioned to the side of the coil:
years to develop techniques for examining parts using longi-
tudinal fields produced by coils and cable wraps. Recent K
NI 5
L/D
~ 610 % ! (X4.1)
studies have indicated that the fields produced by these
formulas may be excessive for some parts. They may be used where:
as a guide to establish preliminary magnetizing current values
N = the number of turns in the coil,
and shall be verified by one of the magnetic field strength I = the current in amperes applied to the coil,
monitoring methods referenced in 6.3.1. K = 45 000 permeability constant,
X4.3 Coil and Cable Wrap—The following formulas hold L = length of the part, and
D = the diameter of the part in the same units as the length.
only if the L/D is greater than 2 and less than 15. If L/D is less
where:
N = the number of turns in the coil,
D eff 5 Œ
2 ~ A t 2 A h!
π
I = the current in amperes applied to the coil, where:
K = 35 000 A turns,
At = the total cross-sectional area of the part, and
L = the length of the part, and
Ah = the total cross-sectional area of the hollow sections of
D = the diameter of the part in the same units as the length.
the part.
X4.3.3 Longitudinal Magnetization for Intermediate Fill For hollow cylindrical parts this is equal to the following:
Factor Coils—When the cross-sectional area of the coil is
D eff 5 @ ~ OD! 2 2 ~ ID! 2 # 1/2 (X4.7)
between 2 and 10 times the cross-sectional area of the part
being examined, the following formula applies: or
NI 5 ~ NI! h F 10 2 τ
8 G
1 ~ NI! l F G
τ22
8
(X4.4)
D eff 5 =~ OD! 2 2 ~ ID! 2
where: where:
N = the number of turns in the coil, OD = the outside diameter of the cylinder, and
I = the current in amperes applied to the coil, ID = the inside diameter of the cylinder.
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NOTE 1—Only a changing magnetic field will generate a resulting eddy current in the ring-shaped part, such as when the magnetic field in the
magnetizing coil suddenly collapses, or when using a moving waveform such as AC; no eddy current is produce in the part by a non-moving waveform.
The resultant toroidal shaped magnetic field may be used to detect circumferential discontinuities in the part.
FIG. X5.2 Example of Induced Current Magnetization
Committee E07 has identified the location of selected changes to this standard since the last issue (E1444 - 12)
that may impact the use of this standard. (June 1, 2016)
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