4.1 Description of Process—Magnetic particle testing consists of magnetizing the area to be examined, applying suitably prepared magnetic particles while the area is magnetized, and subsequently interpreting and evaluating any resulting particle accumulations. Maximum detectability occurs when the discontinuity is positioned on the surface and perpendicular to the direction of magnetic flux in the part.

4.2 This practice establishes the basic parameters for controlling the application of the magnetic particle testing method. This practice is written so that it can be specified on the engineering drawing, specification, or contract. It is not a detailed how-to procedure to be used by the examination personnel and, therefore, must be supplemented by a detailed written procedure that conforms to the requirements of this practice.

1.1 This practice establishes minimum requirements for magnetic particle testing used for the detection of surface or slightly subsurface discontinuities in ferromagnetic material. This standard is intended for industrial applications. Refer to Practice E1444/E1444M for aerospace applications. Guide E709 may be used in conjunction with this practice as a tutorial.

1.2 The magnetic particle testing method is used to detect cracks, laps, seams, inclusions, and other discontinuities on or near the surface of ferromagnetic materials. Magnetic particle testing may be applied to raw material, billets, finished and semi-finished materials, welds, and in-service parts. Magnetic particle testing is not applicable to non-ferromagnetic metals and alloys such as austenitic stainless steels. See Appendix X1 for additional information.

1.3 The values stated in either SI units or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be exact equivalents; therefore, each system shall be used independently of the other. Combining values from the two systems may result in non-conformance with the standard.

1.3.1 This standard is a combined standard, an ASTM standard in which rationalized SI units and inch-pound units are included in the same standard, with each system of units to be regarded separately as standard.

1.4 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.