What is magnaflux?
The magnetic particle (magnetic particle inspection, also called a magnetic control or more popular magnaflux inspection) is a type of non-destructive testing used to search for indications of surface and subsurface in metal parts. It is based on the attraction of ferromagnetic particles dispersed in a liquid and attracted by the magnetic field dispersed in the vicinity of any cracks. The magnetic particles may have a fluorescent pigmentation (therefore visible in darkened environment using UV lamp) or a contrasting colour (visible with white light environment). It consists in the magnetization of the piece: in correspondence of indications is manifested a deviation of the magnetic lines of force towards the outside to form a dispersed flow. Sprinkling the piece with magnetic powders, dry or in liquid suspension, they are attracted by the indication. The accumulation of such powders allows the detection of dust.
Practical procedure
As regards the control in wet (with ferromagnetic particles in aqueous or oily suspension) the practical procedure is divided into 6 basic stages:
- Preparation of the surface. The surface of the work piece observation must be perfectly clean and degreased to avoid false indications.
- Magnetization. The procedure is done by introducing an electric current into the piece with high intensity and low voltage or with the use of electromagnets. The ideal direction of the magnetic field and the one perpendicular to the discontinuity of which you are looking for.
- Spraying the detector. The detector can be applied in dry form or liquid dispersion.
- Inspection. Takes place under natural light in case of contrasting colour detector or in a darkened booth where the piece is illuminated by black light in the case of fluorescent detector.
- Demagnetization. The operation will result in loss of residual magnetism piece where it is detrimental.
- Final cleaning. Allows to remove residual detector remained on the piece to bring it back to the initial appearance.
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