Test method
Magnetic particle testing is a method to confirm presence of flaws on or near the surface by magnetizing the test specimen.
It is the inspection most suitable for ferromagnetic materials such as iron, and it is possible to detect flaws in a short time.
Materials covered in the testing
- Ferromagnetic materials
Products used
- Flaw detection material
- Magnetizer
- Black light
Features of testing
feature
Testing method applicable to ferromagnetic materials such as iron
feature
It is possible to confirm inspection results immediately by magnetizing the test specimen and applying the inspection liquid
feature
It is necessary to choose the magnetizing method according to shape of test specimen, direction of flaw, etc.
Flow of flaw detection
Magnetic particle inspection tests are generally conducted using the following procedure.
①Pretreatment
②Magnetization※
③Generation of flux leakage
④Application of magnetic powders
⑤Examination
※Generally, magnetization is performed using a magnetic particle detector or a hand magnetizer.
Flaw detection material lineup


Products used in magnetic particle testing can be selected from the following three types according to application and material.
Fluorescent magnetic particle concentrated solution type
Concentrated magnetic particle liquid type in which magnetic powder, dispersant, corrosion inhibitor, antifoaming agent, etc. are blended.
It is possible to prepare the inspection liquid only by pouring it into water.
Powder type
Standard type to be prepared by measuring magnetic powder and dispersant.
Corrosion inhibitor and antifoaming agent are poured if necessary.
Aerosol type
Aerosol type with no change in magnetic powder concentration filled with prepared magnetic powder solution. Ideal for outdoor testing of large castings and welded structures.
Fluorescent magnetic particle concentrated solution type Product List
Name | Fluorescent color | Particle size (μm) *2 | Compliant standard *1 | Usage |
---|---|---|---|---|
Eco Magna LY-10 Conc. | Greenish yellow | 10 to 15 | AMS3044 SAE AS4792 | Exclusively for water dispersion, general-purpose product |
Eco Magna LY-20 Conc. | Greenish yellow | 12 to 20 | Exclusively for water dispersion, high brightness, for precision testing of steel material | |
Eco Magna LY-30 Conc. | Greenish yellow | 4.5 to 6.5 | Exclusively for water dispersion, for ultraprecision testing, polished round bar, etc. | |
Eco Magna LY-40 Conc. | Greenish yellow | 8 to 15 | Exclusively for water dispersion, general-purpose product |
*1 Meets applicable requirements for : AMS3044, SAE AS4792, ASTM E1444/E1444M, ASTM E709
*2 Particle size: Laser diffraction/scattering type (Volume standard)
Powder type lineup
Fluorescent magnetic particle/Nonf luorescent magnetic particle
Name | Fluorescent factor (cd/W) *1 | Particle size (μm) *2 | Compliant standard *3 | Usage |
---|---|---|---|---|
Super Magna LY-10 | 7.6±10% | 10 to 15 | AMS3044 | Exclusively for water dispersion, general-purpose product |
Super Magna LY-20 | 10.1±10% | 12 to 20 | Exclusively for water dispersion, high brightness, for precision testing of steel material | |
Super Magna LY-30 | 4.9±10% | 4.5 to 6.5 | Exclusively for water dispersion, for ultraprecision testing, aircraft, polished round bar, etc. | |
Super Magna LY-40 |
| 8 to 15 | Exclusively for water dispersion, general-purpose product | |
Super Magna LY-50 | 4.7±10% | 10 to 15 | Exclusively for oil dispersion, general-purpose product | |
Super Magna WD-55 | – | – | AMS3040 | Dry type, general-purpose product |
Super Magna WD-104 | – | – | – | Dry type, general-purpose product |
Super Magna BW-334 | – | – | – | Wet type, general-purpose product |
*1 Evaluation by fluorescent factor (cd/W) Fluorescent factor = Brightness/UV intensity
*2 Particle size (μm): Laser diffraction/scattering type (Volume standard)
*3 Meets applicable requirements for : AMS3044, ASTM E1444/E1444M, ASTM E709
Magnetic dispersant, anti-rust agent, defoaming agent
Name | Recommended density | Feature |
---|---|---|
Super Magna BC-1S | 0.1 to 0.2% | Adding even a small amount effectively provides dispersibility and defoaming ability to the magnetic particle solution. |
Super Magna BC-700 | 11.0 to 2.0% | Ideally, apply after flaw detection. |
Eco Magna EC-4 | 0.5% | Friendly to humans and the environment, with superior dispersibility/wettability for magnetic particles. Compatible with AMS3044. |
Super Magna SO-220B | – | High flashing point, low odor, no fluorescence Suitable for inspecting smooth surfaces with high viscosity. Compatible with AMS2641. |
Super Magna SO-220C | – | High flashing point, low odor, no fluorescence Suitable for rough surfaces with low viscosity. Compatible with AMS2641. |
Super Keep AR-100K | 1.0 to 5.0% | Add a temporary anti-rusting property to the magnetic particle solution. |
Super Magna 71A | 0.1 to 0.2% | Control foaming in the magnetic particle solution. |
Aerosol type
Oil based
No concerns about rust on the test piece. The dispersing agent has low toxicity and no odor, ensuring a comfortable test environment.
Quick-drying
The magnetic particle solution dries immediately after being applied, which facilitates transfer of the flaw indication. Due to its quick-drying property, the liquid will not dribble even when sprayed upwards.
Water based
Purified water is used as the dispersing agent, so foul odors are not generated. The Fire Defense Law does not apply to the dispersing agent and safety is improved.
Oil based | Quick-drying | Water based | |
---|---|---|---|
Charged gas | LPG | LPG | DME/CO2 |
Main dispersing agent/flashing point (undiluted solution) | Hydrocarbon solvent/95°C | Hydrocarbon solvent/-4°C | Purified water, nonhazardous substance*2 |
Magnetic particle density | 2.0g/L | 1.5g/L | 0.75g/L |
Quantity contained | 290g | 280g | 420g |
Fluorescent factor (cd/W) *1 | 4.7±10% | 4.7±10% | 7.6±10% |
Particle size | By laser diffraction scattering type measurement (Volume standard) 10 to 15μm |
*1: Evaluation by fluorescent factor (cd/W) Fluorescent factor = Brightness/UV intensity
*2: Though the undiluted solution is nonhazardous, this product is regarded as a hazardous substance during transportation because it is an aerosol.
How to use each product
How to use Fluorescent magnetic particle concentrated solution type (how to make magnetic powder solution)
- STEP
Add 500mL of magnetic particle concentration to 100L of water.
- STEP
By stirring, a uniform magnetic particle solution (density: 1.0g/L) can be prepared.
- STEP
After 5 to 10 minutes, confirm suspension of the magnetic particle solution, and start testing.
How to use the Powder type (how to make magnetic powder solution)
- STEP
Calculate the necessary amount of magnetic particles and dispersant, weigh them, and place in containers.
- STEP
Slowly add the dispersant into the magnetic particles, and knead well to form a paste.
- STEP
Add the magnetic particle paste into the tank and stir it.
- STEP
After 5 to 10 minutes, confirm suspension of the magnetic particle solution, and start testing.
How to use Aerosol type
- STEP
Shake the aerosol well before use to agitate the magnetic powder liquid in the container.
- STEP
Spray the area to be probed and start the inspection.
Details of product
- Fluorescent magnetic particle
- Nonf luorescent magnetic particle
- Water-soluble magnetic dispersant
- Magnetic particle dispersing oil
- Water-soluble anti-rusting agent
- Water-soluble defoaming agent
Super Magna
The standard for magnetic particle inspection. We have a lineup of various types of products and can offer the best solution for your application.
- Fluorescent magnetic particle concentrated solution
- Dispersant
Eco Magna
Friendly to living things and the environment. The magnetic particle solution can be easily prepared. User-friendly fluorescent magnetic particle concentrated solution has appeared on the market.
Magnetic particle equipment
Introduction of magnetic particle equipment is common in the case of mass inspection of mass produced items, etc. MARKTEC can propose magnetic particle equipment, including feeding, for castings and forgings of ferromagnetic materials (iron, etc.) and billets manufactured by steel manufacturers.
Related products
Black light・UV intensity tester
MARKTEC’s black lights (ultraviolet flaw detection lights) are designed and fabricated under the most suitable conditions for flaw detection testings in which ultraviolet rays (UV-A) including 365 nm are irradiated.
Tesla meter
MARKTEC provides tesla meters (analogue-type, digital-type) to measure the magnetic flux density of the objects.
Magnetic particle liquid evaluation equipment
Sedimentation meters used for management of inspection liquid have issues such as being unable to distinguish magnetic powders and scales, being unable to evaluate the deterioration of inspection liquid contaminated with oil, etc. Towards such issues, MARKTEC developed the magnetic particle liquid evaluation equipment to enable management of inspection liquid by quantifying it as “detection level”. We can offer a trial, so please feel free to contact us.
Sedimentation meter
If the inspection liquid is poured into the tank of the magnetic particle equipment and continuously used, the magnetic powders are taken away by the test specimen and the concentration of magnetic powder is lowered. The sedimentation meter is used for measuring the concentration of magnetic powder from the amount of deposited magnetic powder, by sampling the inspection liquid in the tank with the sedimentation meter and leaving it for a certain period of time.
Test pieces for magnetic particle testing (link destination)
They are used for checking the strength and direction of the magnetic field on the testing surface, performance inspection of flaw detection equipment and inspection liquid, checking the effective range of flaw detection and conditions of flaw detection, etc.
Hand-Magna
A portable magnetizer of inter-polar type is generally called “Hand Magna”. It is often used for outdoor inspections, large test specimen, etc. It is possible to conduct flaw detection on corner parts other than flat planes by attaching a yoke. It is the magnetizer easy to introduce as it is less expensive than the stationary flaw detection equipment.
Product Column

Well-understood course
A Course to Better Understand Magnetic Particle Testing

About designated quantities
in the Fire Service Law
Non-destructive testing・Printing and marking
About designated quantities in the Fire Service Law

Preparation of inspection liquid
Non-destructive testing・Printing and marking
Preparation of inspection liquid (magnetic particle liquid)

Non-destructive testing・Printing and marking
Test pieces for magneticparticle testing

Non-destructive testing・Printing and marking
How to apply magnetic particles to test objects
Product information for
Magnetic Particle Testing Materials
can also be found in the catalog.
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