Crack Testing / MT Testing – mobile on-site or in the Zeros GmbH lab

Magnetic Particle Testing MT | Crack Detection on Metals

Crack Testing / MT Testing – mobile on-site or in the Zeros GmbH lab

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  • Non-destructive crack testing
  • Mobile and stationary testing
  • High sensitivity for surface and near-surface defects
  • Certified according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025
  • Documented results
Zertifikat DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025 DIN EN ISO 9001 und DIN EN ISO/IEC 17011 Akkreditierung DAKKS Zertifikat DIN EN ISO 14001:2015 Zertifikat DIN 27201-7 Inspektionsbescheinigung Bahn

Non-Destructive

Magnetic Particle Testing

Schematic representation of magnetic particle testing

Schematic representation magnetic particle testing

Zeros GmbH is your certified partner for magnetic particle testing (MT) – both stationary in our accredited testing laboratory and mobile directly at your site. We use state-of-the-art MT technology such as coil and yoke magnetization, contrast as well as fluorescent methods to reliably detect even the finest cracks.

Whether welds, castings, forged parts, or rolled products: our experienced testing technicians ensure that your safety-relevant components are reliably inspected. We respond flexibly, deliver fast results, and provide complete documentation for your quality assurance.

Contact us for a non-binding offer or personal consultation. We look forward to your inquiry.

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Complementary Methods

Radiographic Testing

Radiographic Testing

 Ultrasonic Testing (UT)

Ultrasonic Testing (UT)

 Penetrant Testing (PT)

Penetrant Testing (PT)

 Crack Testing

Crack Testing
Magnetic Particle Testing on YouTube

The testing laboratory meets the requirements according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of magnetic particle testing?

Magnetic particle testing is fast, cost-effective, and highly sensitive. It is suitable for components regardless of shape or size and enables the detection of the finest surface defects. Due to its mobility, it can be carried out both in the laboratory and directly on-site at the customer.

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How does magnetic particle testing work?

Magnetic particle testing (MT) is a proven method of non-destructive testing. It is used to detect surface and near-surface defects such as cracks, pores, lack of fusion, or shrinkage cavities in ferromagnetic materials (e.g., steel, cast iron, nickel, or cobalt alloys).

Principle of Operation
The test piece is magnetized. When magnetic field lines inside encounter a discontinuity, flux leakage occurs at the surface. Magnetic powder or a suspension of magnetic particles accumulates at these leakage fields and makes the defects visible. Depending on the test medium, the indications appear dark or fluorescent under UV light.
Magnetic Particle Testing Procedure
  1. Cleaning: The surface must be free of oil, grease, rust, or paint and completely dry.
  2. Magnetization: The component is magnetized using a yoke, a coil, or current flow.
  3. Application of test medium: Magnetic powder is applied either dry or as a suspension.
  4. Visualization: The powder accumulates at discontinuities and makes them visible as lines or dots, optionally fluorescent under UV light.
  5. Evaluation and documentation: Indications are evaluated according to standards or customer specifications and documented.
  6. Demagnetization and cleaning: After testing, the component is demagnetized and cleaned.
Suitable Materials
- Ferromagnetic materials: steel, cast iron, nickel, and cobalt alloys. - Not suitable: non-magnetic materials such as aluminum, copper, or austenitic stainless steel.
Advantages
- High sensitivity even for fine cracks at or near the surface. - Fast and cost-effective method. - Applicable to components of different shapes and sizes. - Can be performed on-site or in a testing laboratory.
Typical Applications
- Weld inspections on steel structures. - Testing of castings and forgings. - Safety-relevant components in mechanical engineering, automotive, energy, and railway industries. - Quality assurance in serial production.

Thus, magnetic particle testing is an indispensable method in non-destructive testing of safety-critical components.

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What does magnetic particle testing cost?

Magnetic particle testing is a cost-effective non-destructive testing method. Prices mainly depend on the scope of testing and the type of components:

  • Serial testing: Often charged per piece or per kilogram.
  • Weld seam testing: Usually calculated per linear meter.
  • More complex components: For safety-relevant parts or areas that are difficult to access, the price may vary due to higher effort.

For an individual quote tailored to your specific components and the required scope of testing, you can always contact us without obligation.

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What materials can be tested with magnetic particle testing?

All magnetizable materials can be tested, for example steel, cast iron, nickel, or cobalt alloys. For non-magnetic materials such as aluminum or copper, other testing methods are more suitable (e.g., ultrasonic testing or radiographic testing).

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What is Magnetic Particle Testing?

Magnetic particle testing, abbreviated MT, is a non-destructive testing method for detecting surface and near-surface defects in ferromagnetic materials. The test piece is magnetized, and at discontinuities stray fields arise where applied magnetic powder visibly adheres. This makes even fine cracks reliably detectable. MT is a fast, cost-effective, and very sensitive method, particularly used in the quality control of safety-critical components.

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Technical Procedure of Magnetic Particle Testing (MT)

Procedure of a magnetic particle test
Technical Background and Procedure of Magnetic Particle Testing

Magnetic particle testing (MT) is a non-destructive testing method for detecting cracks and irregularities on or near the surface of ferromagnetic materials. By magnetizing the component, stray fields arise at material separations such as cracks, where applied magnetic powder collects and makes defects visible.

Various magnetization methods are used, for example coil magnetization (longitudinal magnetization), yoke magnetization (transverse or point magnetization), or current flow. The choice of technique depends on component geometry and testing task.

The magnetic powder can be applied dry (powder) or wet (suspension). For especially high sensitivity, fluorescent agents are used under UV light, alternatively contrast agents for visual inspection.

  1. Step 1 – Preparation and Cleaning

    The component is thoroughly cleaned to ensure optimal magnetization and particle adhesion.

  2. Step 2 – Magnetization

    The test piece is magnetized using coil, yoke, or current flow. Cracks and irregularities generate stray fields on the surface.

  3. Step 3 – Application of Magnetic Powder

    Magnetic powder – dry or as suspension – is applied. At defect locations, the powder collects and reveals even the finest cracks. Fluorescent agents are evaluated under UV light.

  4. Step 4 – Evaluation and Documentation

    Our certified testing technicians evaluate the indications according to standards and document the results completely for your quality assurance.

  5. Step 5 – Demagnetization

    After completion of the test, the component is properly demagnetized to avoid unwanted residual magnetization.

Application Examples & Advantages
  • Typical application areas: welds, castings, forged parts, rolled products, safety-relevant components in mechanical and plant engineering, rail vehicles, power plants, wind turbines, and more.
  • Advantages:
    • Very high sensitivity for surface and near-surface cracks
    • Non-destructive, mobile and stationary testing possible
    • Fast results and immediate evaluation
    • Certified procedures according to DIN EN ISO/IEC 17025
    • Complete documentation for your quality assurance

Magnetic particle testing is a proven standard method for the safety and longevity of your components.