Magnetic Particle Training Overview

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Our Magnetic Particle Training Courses cover all the information you need to prepare for a career in the NDT Industry!

Magnetic Particle Inspection is basically inducing a magnetic field into a ferromagnetic material. Then, applying magnetic powder (Magnetic Particles) to the material to find and evaluate discontinuities or indications that appear on the surface. A variety of techniques allow us to find indications both below and on the surface of the part. So, we use a variety of techniques to achieve our goal.

AC or DC Yokes
Coils
Magnetic Particle Bench Units for Head Shots, Central Conductor Shots, and Wrapped Cable Techniques
Techniques include portable and in-lab options
We can also do both wet and dry techniques, which we will describe below.

Primary, we are looking for things like, cracks, lack of fusion in welds, undercut, overlap, etc. However, there are other types of indications. Some indications are specific to certain industries or processes. Therefore, special training is required for the inspector.

Magnetic Particle Training is important to the quality and safety of materials and structures. Therefore, it can be used on a wide variety of ferromagnetic materials. Indications missed during inspection could cause parts to fail. As a result, material failure could result in collapse, explosion, bodily injury or death.

Your job as a magnetic particle inspector is IMPORTANT! Because, You Keep the World Safe!!

Advantages and Limitations of MT

Advantages

Magnetic Particle is fairly inexpensive, depending on the equipment or amperage needed for the test.
Magnetic Particle Training Requirements are easy to achieve
Takes less time than Liquid Penetrant, due to less clean up and no dwell times required
More accurate than Liquid Penetrant
Can detect both surface and near-surface indications
And, MT can be used in conjunction with other NDT Inspection Methods

Limitations

Magnetic Particle only works on ferromagnetic materials. You cannot inspect materials such as, copper, aluminum, stainless steel, etc.
Large or thick items may need high amperages to perform the inspection
Interpretation of discontinuities is dependent on inspector training and experience with specific codes and standards
If applied incorrectly, the magnetic field will not be effective at locating discontinuities or indications
Flaws will be missed if techniques are not used correctly

Most Common Uses for Magnetic Particle Inspection

This inspection method is widely used for Flaw Identification, and Flaw Evaluation in materials and welds. So, let’s take a look at the role of the inspector for each.

Codes and standards are used as guidelines for accepting and rejecting parts. Therefore, Magnetic Particle Training must include code interpretation. As a result, Organizations like ASME, AWS, API, ASTM, and others develop processes, standards and evaluation criteria for a variety of situations.

Flaw Identification and Evaluation skills are applied to a variety of materials. Therefore, a magnetic particle inspector must have training to properly identify indications. He or she will also be able to evaluate the indication according to the requirements of appropriate codes and standards. And, be able to accurately measure and document the indications.

A properly trained magnetic particle inspector will have training on interpreting Codes and Standards used in industry. As a result, he/she will be better prepared for a variety of inspection situations.

Magnetic Particle is in use in a wide variety of industries. So, it is a great career option.

These industries include: Magnetic Particle Training

aviation
automotive
welding
manufacturing
fabrication
refineries
pharmaceuticals
petroleum
pipeline, and many more.

Therefore, there are many career opportunities available for the trained magnetic particle inspector.

Magnetic Particle Training – Basic MT Techniques

AC or DC Yoke

In this case, the MT inspector will use a tool called a Yoke. This makes the test portable. Therefore, magnetic particle testing is done in remote locations. A sufficient power supply is a requirement. You will use field generators to supply electricity to the equipment.

The Yoke techniques include both wet and dry powder. Also, all of the MT Techniques include both Visible and Fluorescent techniques.

Lab Set up

In this case, the magnetic particle inspector uses a stationary set up. Therefore, horizontal wet mag benches, head shots, central conductor shots, large coils, cables wraps and other specialized tools are all used in the inspection process. You will use Head Shots and Central Conductor Shots in the field along with portable power equipment. As a result, Magnetic Particle Training must include training on all of these types of equipment.

Coil Shots

Place item inside or within the effective range of the coil. Then, the coil is energized, inducing the magnetic field. Then, magnetic powder, either dry powder or powder suspended in a suitable liquid, is applied to the part. Disruptions in the magnetic field will appear. Then, evaluate the part for acceptance or rejection.

Head Shots

Place the components between the heads of a bench unit. We induce the magnetic field. Again, we apply magnetic particles to reveal indications for evaluation.

Central Conductor Shots

Hang the hollow parts on a Central Conductor Rod. We induce the magnetic field. Apply magnetic powder. As a result, any indications which appear on the surface of the part can be evaluated.

Wrapped Cables

Place the part you are inspecting inside cables wrapped around the part. These wraps act like a coil, inducing the magnetic field into the part. Again, apply magnetic powder and evaluate your findings.

Magnetic Particle Inspection Certification Requirements

Currently, the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT) certification requirements are as follows:

High School Diploma or equivalent
20 Hours of Formal Training in MT Method – Classroom, Online, or Hybrid Learning
Three Tests – General, Specific, and Practical

*General Test – This is a closed book general knowledge test related to the method being studied.

*Specific Test – This test will test your ability to read, interpret and apply work procedures.

*Practical Test – This is a Hands-On test, which will prove your ability to apply what you have learned.

All tests require a minimum score of 70% to pass the test. But, the Composite Score (average of the three) must be a minimum 80%

On-the-Job Training or Experience – Documented by company
70 hours OJT for Level I
ASNT requires an Additional 210 hours OJT to obtain Level II certification. So, a total of 280 hours of OJT Required
Annual Vision Acuity and color blindness test