Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) is a very effective method for location of surface breaking and slight sub-surface defects such as cracking, pores, cold lap, lack of sidewall fusion in welds etc in magnetic materials.
There are many different techniques. The most versatile technique is using a 110v AC hand held electromagnetic yoke magnet, a white strippable paint as contrast background and a magnetic "ink" composed of iron powder particles in a liquid carrier base.
The area is magnetised with the yoke magnet. In the event of a surface or slightly sub surface defect being present, the lines of magnetic force will deform around the defect.
The magnetic ink is applied and the iron powder particles will bridge the gap caused by the defect and give a visible indication against the white contrast background.
Applications
Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) provides very good defect resolution and is used extensively on:
- Welded fabrications in magnetic material
- Castings
- Locating fatigue cracks in items subject to cyclical stress
