Magnetic Particle Inspection

SWA offers magnetic particle testing (MPI Testing) in Perth, WA and offshore locations

Magnetic Particle Testing Perth

MPI is used to detect surface and slightly subsurface flaws in most ferromagnetic materials that can not normally be seen from visual inspections.

Key features

Preventing failures that occur from flawed parts making it into assemblies without prior inspection.
Compliance to fabrication construction codes.
NATA accredited testing facility
Suitable for testing near surface defects in ferromagnetic materials.
Remote testing of welds and structure.
Testing of Gears and machined components.

Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI Testing)

Magnetic particle Inspection (MPI) is a non-destructive testing (NDT) process for detecting surface and shallow subsurface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials such as nickel, cobalt and iron. The process puts a magnetic field into the item to be tested.

The piece can be magnetized by direct or indirect magnetization. Direct magnetization occurs when the electric current is passed through the test object and a magnetic field is formed in the material.
Indirect magnetization occurs when no electric current is passed through the test object, but a magnetic field is applied from an outside source.

The magnetic lines of force are perpendicular to the direction of the electric current, which may be either alternating current (AC) or some form of direct current (DC) (rectified AC).

The presence of a surface or subsurface discontinuity in the material allows magnetic flux leakage since air cannot support as much magnetic field per unit volume as metals.

To identify a leak, ferrous particles, either dry or in a wet suspension, are applied to a part. These are attracted to an area of flux leakage and form what is known as an indication, which is evaluated to determine its nature, cause, and course of action, if any.