Tech Insights

Magnetic Particle Testing

Last updated May 16, 2025, generated by Sumble

What is Magnetic Particle Testing?

Magnetic Particle Testing (MT) is a non-destructive testing (NDT) method used to detect surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials such as iron, nickel, cobalt, and some of their alloys. It involves inducing a magnetic field in the part and then applying magnetic particles to the surface. Discontinuities disrupt the magnetic field, causing the particles to concentrate at the flaw, making it visible. It is commonly used to inspect welds, castings, forgings, and machined parts for cracks, seams, and other defects.

Find organizations using Magnetic Particle Testing on Sumble →

What other technologies are related to Magnetic Particle Testing?

Magnetic Particle Testing Competitor Technologies

Ultrasonic Testing

Ultrasonic Testing uses high-frequency sound waves to detect internal flaws in materials. It is a competitor as it provides an alternative method for detecting subsurface defects.

mentioned alongside Magnetic Particle Testing in 39% (690) of relevant job posts

Liquid Penetrant Testing

Liquid Penetrant Testing uses a dye to reveal surface-breaking flaws. It competes with Magnetic Particle Testing for surface flaw detection but is applicable to non-ferrous materials.

mentioned alongside Magnetic Particle Testing in 74% (365) of relevant job posts

Penetrant Testing

Penetrant Testing uses a dye to reveal surface-breaking flaws. It competes with Magnetic Particle Testing for surface flaw detection but is applicable to non-ferrous materials.

mentioned alongside Magnetic Particle Testing in 63% (236) of relevant job posts

Radiographic Testing

Radiographic Testing uses X-rays or gamma rays to inspect materials for internal flaws. It competes by providing a method for detecting subsurface flaws, especially in situations where magnetic particle testing is not suitable.

mentioned alongside Magnetic Particle Testing in 45% (186) of relevant job posts

Eddy Current Testing

Eddy Current Testing uses electromagnetic induction to detect surface and near-surface flaws in conductive materials. It competes as it can be used to detect flaws in materials where magnetic particle testing is not applicable and provides similar surface-level detection.

mentioned alongside Magnetic Particle Testing in 39% (194) of relevant job posts

Dye Penetrant Testing

Dye Penetrant Testing uses a dye to reveal surface-breaking flaws. It competes with Magnetic Particle Testing for surface flaw detection but is applicable to non-ferrous materials.

mentioned alongside Magnetic Particle Testing in 44% (104) of relevant job posts

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing

Phased Array Ultrasonic Testing is an advanced ultrasonic technique that allows for beam steering and focusing. It competes as it can provide more detailed information about subsurface flaws than standard ultrasonic testing and is an alternative to magnetic particle.

mentioned alongside Magnetic Particle Testing in 30% (62) of relevant job posts

TOFD

Time-of-Flight Diffraction (TOFD) is an advanced ultrasonic technique used for detecting and sizing flaws. It competes with Magnetic Particle Testing as an alternative method for detecting subsurface defects.

mentioned alongside Magnetic Particle Testing in 10% (53) of relevant job posts

Magnetic Particle Testing Complementary Technologies

Visual Testing

Visual Testing involves the inspection of materials with the naked eye or with simple tools. It's complementary as it's often used to prepare for or verify the results of Magnetic Particle Testing.

mentioned alongside Magnetic Particle Testing in 40% (152) of relevant job posts

Visual Inspection

Visual Inspection involves direct observation and is complementary as a preliminary or follow-up step to Magnetic Particle Testing.

mentioned alongside Magnetic Particle Testing in 21% (139) of relevant job posts