ASTM E709

The magnetic particle method of nondestructive testing indicates the presence of surface and near-surface discontinuities in materials that can be magnetized (ferromagnetic). This method can be used for production examination of parts/components or structures and for field applications where portability of equipment and accessibility to the area to be examined are factors. The ability of the method to find small discontinuities can be enhanced by using fluorescent particles suspended in a suitable vehicle and by introducing a magnetic field of the proper strength whose orientation is as close as possible to 90° to the direction of the suspected discontinuity (see 4.3.2). A smoother surface or a pulsed current improves mobility of the magnetic particles under the influence of the magnetic field to collect on the surface where magnetic flux leakage occurs.

1. Scope

1.1 This guide describes techniques for both dry and wet magnetic particle testing, a nondestructive method for detecting cracks and other discontinuities at or near the surface in ferromagnetic materials. Magnetic particle testing may be applied to raw material, semifinished material (billets, blooms, castings, and forgings), finished material and welds, regardless of heat treatment or lack thereof. It is useful for preventive maintenance testing.

1.1.1 This guide is intended as a reference to aid in the preparation of specifications/standards, procedures and techniques.

1.2 This guide is also a reference that may be used as follows:

1.2.1 To establish a means by which magnetic particle testing, procedures recommended or required by individual organizations, can be reviewed to evaluate their applicability and completeness.

1.2.2 To aid in the organization of the facilities and personnel concerned in magnetic particle testing.

1.2.3 To aid in the preparation of procedures dealing with the examination of materials and parts. This guide describes magnetic particle testing techniques that are recommended for a great variety of sizes and shapes of ferromagnetic materials and widely varying examination requirements. Since there are many acceptable differences in both procedure and technique, the explicit requirements should be covered by a written procedure (see Section 21).

1.3 This guide does not indicate, suggest, or specify acceptance standards for parts/pieces examined by these techniques. It should be pointed out, however, that after indications have been produced, they must be interpreted or classified and then evaluated. For this purpose there should be a separate code, specification, or a specific agreement to define the type, size, location, degree of alignment and spacing, area concentration, and orientation of indications that are unacceptable in a specific part versus those which need not be removed before part acceptance. Conditions where rework or repair is not permitted should be specified.

1.4 This guide describes the use of the following magnetic particle method techniques.

1.4.1 Dry magnetic powder (see 8.4),

1.4.2 Wet magnetic particle (see 8.5),

1.4.3 Magnetic slurry/paint magnetic particle (see 8.5.7), and

1.4.4 Polymer magnetic particle (see 8.5.8).

1.5 Personnel Qualification—Personnel performing examinations in accordance with this guide should be qualified and certified in accordance with ASNT Recommended Practice No. SNT-TC-1A, ANSI/ASNT Standard CP-189, NAS 410, or as specified in the contract or purchase order.

1.6 Nondestructive Testing Agency—If a nondestructive testing agency as described in Practice E 543 is used to perform the examination, the nondestructive testing agency should meet the requirements of Practice E 543.

1.7 The numerical values shown in inch-pound units are to be regarded as the standard. SI units are provided for information only.

1.8 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

2. Referenced Documents

A275/A275M Practice for Magnetic Particle Examination of Steel Forgings
A456/A456M Specification for Magnetic Particle Examination of Large Crankshaft Forgings
D445 Test Method for Kinematic Viscosity of Transparent and Opaque Liquids (and Calculation of Dynamic Viscosity)
D93 Test Methods for Flash Point by Pensky-Martens Closed Cup Tester
E1316 Terminology for Nondestructive Examinations
E1444 Practice for Magnetic Particle Testing
E165 Test Method for Liquid Penetrant Examination
E2297 Guide for Use of UV-A and Visible Light Sources and Meters used in the Liquid Penetrant and Magnetic Particle Methods
E543 Specification for Agencies Performing Nondestructive Testing
29CFR 1910.1200 Hazard Communication
A-A-59230 Fluid, Magnetic Particle Inspection, Suspension
AMS-I-83387 Inspection Process, Magnetic Rubber
AMS2300 Premium Aircraft Quality Steel Cleanliness Magnetic Particle Inspection Procedure
AMS2301 Aircraft Quality Steel Cleanliness Magnetic Particle Inspection Procedure
AMS2303 Aircraft Quality Steel Cleanliness Martensitic Corrosion Resistant Steels Magnetic Particle Inspection Procedure
AMS2641 Vehicle Magnetic Particle Inspection
AMS3040 Magnetic Particles, Non-fluorescent, Dry Method
AMS3041 Magnetic Particles, Non-fluorescent, Wet Method, Oil Vehicle, Ready to Use
AMS3042 Magnetic Particles, Non-fluorescent, Wet Method, Dry Powder
AMS3043 Magnetic Particles, Non-fluorescent, Oil Vehicle, Aerosol Packaged
AMS3044 Magnetic Particles, Fluorescent, Wet Method, Dry Powder
AMS3045 Magnetic Particles, Non-fluorescent, Wet Method, Oil Vehicle, Ready to Use
AMS3046 Magnetic Particles, Non-fluorescent, Wet Method, Oil Vehicle, Aerosol Packaged
AMS5062 Steel, Low Carbon Bars, Forgings, Tubing, Sheet, Strip, and Plate 0.25 Carbon, Maximum
AMS5355 Investment Castings
AS 4792 Water Conditioning Agents for Aqueous Magnetic Particle Inspection
AS5282 Tool Steel Ring Standard for Magnetic Particle Inspection
AS5371 Reference Standards Notched Shims for Magnetic Particle Inspection
CP-189 ASNT Qualification and Certification of Nondestructive Testing Personnel
FED-STD 313 Material Safety Data Sheets Preparation and the Submission of
NAS410 Nondestructive Testing Personnel Qualification and Certification
SNT-TC-1A Personnel Qualification and Certification in Nondestructive Testing

Index Terms

dye; evaluation; examination; fluorescent; inspection; magnetic particle; nondestructive; testing; Billets; Blooms; Castings; Cracking; Defects--metals/alloys; Discontinuities--metals/alloys; Dry magnetic particle inspection; Ferromagnetic material/testing; Forgings; Inclusions; Laps; Magnetic particle inspection; Metals and metallic materials; Steel; Surface analysis--metals/alloys; Welding/welds; Wet magnetic particle examination; ICS Number Code 77.040.20 (Non-destructive testing of metals)

Citing ASTM Standards

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