At Hansen Aerospace, we specialize in magnetic particle testing (MPI) services, ensuring the integrity and safety of crucial components. Using advanced MPI methods, our expert technicians can help to identify cracks and defects that could affect the performance and reliability of components.
What is Magnetic Particle Testing?
Magnetic Particle Testing (MPI), or a magnetic particle inspection test, is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method which is widely used for detecting surface and slightly subsurface defects in ferromagnetic materials.
Mag particle testing involves applying a magnetic field to a component, and flowing magnetic particles in a carrier fluid over the surface. Where defects are identified, it disturbs the magnetic field causing particles to accumulate at the defective location.
The Role of Magnetic Particle Testing in Non-Destructive Testing (NDT)
MPI Magnetic particle inspection, carried out in magnetic inspection labs, is crucial for quality assurance, helping to detect hidden surface defects that, if undetected, could compromise a component’s performance.
Magnetic particle inspection is vital for industries such as aerospace, automotive, and power generation, where the quality and integrity of component parts are essential for ensuring safety and performance.
Why Magnetic Particle Testing is Critical for Quality Assurance
As mentioned earlier, quality assurance in industries such as aerospace, automotive, and power generation is essential for ensuring the reliability, performance, and safety of critical components.
Magnetic particle testing provides quick, accurate results that help prevent failures by identifying defects early and ensuring components meet stringent reliability and safety standards.
MPI Magnetic Particle Inspection: Standards and Certifications
At Hansen Aerospace, we adhere to rigorous standards and certifications for magnetic particle inspection methods, including compliance with ASTM standards such as ASTM E709 and E1444.
This standard helps ensure that our magnetic inspection laboratories deliver reliable, consistent results that align with industry best practices.
Step-by-Step Guide to a Magnetic Inspection Test
The process of magnetic particle testing involves several important steps:
Step One: Cleaning of the surface of the component to remove contaminants such as dirt, grease, or oil.
Step Two: Application of a magnetic field to the component, typically using a magnetic wet bench unit.
Step Three: Application of magnetic particle testing material to the component, which may be in the form of wet fluorescent particles.
Step Four: Inspection of the component for any accumulation of particles, which can indicate the presence of surface or subsurface defects.
Step Five: Documenting and analyzing the results, providing a detailed inspection report.
Wet Magnetic Particle Testing
The primary method of mag particle testing is wet.
Wet magnetic particle testing: This is typically used for smaller, more detailed inspections and often uses a suspension of magnetic particles in a liquid carrier. It provides a higher level of sensitivity.
Fluorescent Magnetic Particles
This method is typically used for detecting smaller or more subtle surface-breaking flaws. They are used under an ultraviolet light (UV) to highlight defects that are usually very difficult to see in normal lighting.
What is Included in a Magnetic Particle Inspection Test Report?
A magnetic inspection test report prepared by Hansen Aerospace contains detailed findings from the inspection process. The report typically includes information on the type of test conducted, the inspection results, any detected flaws. In some cases, our reports may include images or diagrams illustrating defects.
Our reports provide valuable insights that help maintenance teams make informed decisions and adjustments to a component’s condition before proceeding with additional testing.
As a standard, our reports also include a statement confirming compliance with relevant industry standards or regulations, such as ASTM E709 and E1444.
Magnetic Particle Testing Applications
Magnetic particle testing is used in a range of industries where the integrity and safety of materials are crucial, including:
Magnetic Particle Testing in Aerospace
Mag particle testing is critical for inspecting turbine blades, engine parts, and other vital components in aerospace. These tests help detect surface defects that, if left undetected, could lead to catastrophic failures.
Magnetic Particle Testing in Automotive and Manufacturing
Mag testing methods are commonly used in the automotive and manufacturing industries to inspect critical parts, such as engine components, suspension systems, and structural elements, ensuring they meet safety standards.
Mag Particle testing Applications in Critical Infrastructure and Power Generation
In power generation and critical infrastructure, magnetic particle testing is essential for detecting cracks in pressure vessels, pipelines, and other high-stress components to prevent failures and downtime.
Advantages of Magnetic Particle Testing
There are several key benefits of magnetic particle testing, including:
Sensitivity and Detection of Surface and Subsurface Defects
MPI magnetic particle inspection provides a detailed assessment of material integrity and is highly sensitive to surface and subsurface defects.
Cost-Effectiveness and Speed of Magnetic Particle Testing
Magnetic particle testing is cost-effective and fast, allowing for rapid detection of defects without compromising the component's usability.
Non-Destructive Process
As a non-destructive testing method, a magnetic particle test allows for inspection without damaging the tested material. This ensures that the component remains functional after testing.
Magnetic Inspection Laboratories and MPI Services
At Hansen Aerospace, our magnetic inspection laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to deliver reliable, quick, and cost-effective magnetic particle inspection results.
Our team of experts ensures that all magnetic particle testing is performed to the highest industry standards, guaranteeing the reliability, performance, and safety of the components for their intended application.
Why Choose Hansen Aerospace?
Availability
We provide 24/7/365 access to our management team and senior executives, ensuring we’re always available to support our customers.
Partnerships
We have a proven ability to grow alongside our customers, proactively assessing their future capacity needs and ensuring a long-term, successful collaboration.
Experience and Expertise
With unmatched ultrasonic testing expertise, we are proud to have the largest concentration of IUT testing capacity for jet engine parts in the world, setting us apart as a leader in the industry.
Service
We are committed to providing exceptional customer service, as consistently praised by our clients. As a US-based NDT house, we strive to exceed expectations with every interaction.
Quality and Trust
Our commitment to quality is unwavering. With 4 decades of excellence, we have consistently passed every audit and maintained all necessary certifications, reinforcing the trust our customers place in us.
Magnetic Particle Testing FAQs
What is a MT?
MT, MAG, or magnetic particle testing (MPI) is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method used to detect surface and slightly subsurface defects in ferromagnetic materials.
How does magnetic particle testing work?
Magnetic particle testing works by applying a magnetic field to a material and using magnetic particles to detect any flaws.
What is magnetic particle testing used for?
A magnetic particle test is typically used to inspect critical components such as turbine blades, pressure vessels and engine parts to ensure they meet industry safety and performance standards.