Magnetic Particle Inspection – CMH

Conventional NDT Services

Magnetic

Particle Testing

Detect fine surface and near-surface cracks in ferromagnetic welds, forgings, castings and components, quickly, reliably and without damaging the part.

Inspection Snapshot

Reliable crack detection at the surface

Weld Examination

Visible and fluorescent MPI methods

Crack Detection

Surface and near-surface discontinuities

Ferromagnetic Components

Steel welds, forgings, castings and machinery parts

Discuss your inspection

Certified Personnel

Qualified NDT professionals

Fast Turnaround

Responsive scheduling

Modern Equipment

Calibrated UT instruments

Detailed Reports

Clear inspection findings

Highly Sensitive

Reveal fine cracks while keeping the component fully usable.

What is magnetic particle testing?

Make fine cracks clearly visible

Magnetic Particle Testing (MT), also called Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI), is a non-destructive method used to detect surface and slightly subsurface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials.

The component is magnetized and fine magnetic particles are applied to the inspection area. Cracks and other discontinuities interrupt the magnetic field, producing leakage fields that attract the particles and form visible indications for evaluation by a qualified inspector.

Weld inspection

Surface cracks

Near-surface flaws

Fatigue cracking

Forgings & castings

Quality verification

--------- Our Process ---------

A controlled inspection from preparation to report

Every job is planned around the material, component geometry, surface condition, inspection access and applicable acceptance criteria.

Scope Review

We confirm the material is ferromagnetic and review geometry, access and acceptance criteria.

Surface Preparation

The inspection area is cleaned so contaminants do not interfere with particle movement or interpretation.

Magnetize & Inspect

The component is magnetized in suitable directions while visible or fluorescent particles are applied.

Evaluate & Report

Relevant indications are evaluated, documented and compared with the applicable acceptance criteria.

--------- Inspection capabilities ---------

Magnetic particle testing for critical steel components

Our MT/MPI services support fabrication quality control, maintenance inspection, repair verification,

asset integrity and failure investigations.

Weld Inspection

Inspect weld surfaces and heat-affected zones for cracking, laps and other relevant surface-breaking discontinuities.

Forgings & Castings

Detect surface and near-surface cracks, seams, laps, cold shuts and processing-related imperfections.

Machined Components

Evaluate shafts, gears, pins, bolts and other ferromagnetic parts after machining, grinding or heat treatment.

Visible & Fluorescent MPI

Select visible dry or wet fluorescent particle techniques to suit the component, environment and required sensitivity.

In-Service Inspection

Check crane hooks, lifting equipment, shafts, structural components and machinery for fatigue or service-induced cracking.

Repair Verification

Inspect repaired or ground areas to confirm that relevant surface-breaking discontinuities have been removed.

--------- Discontinuities ---------

What magnetic particle testing can detect

Detection capability depends on magnetization direction, defect orientation, surface condition, material permeability and the selected visible or fluorescent technique.

Surface Cracks

Fatigue Cracks

Grinding Cracks

Quench Cracks

Weld Cracks

Seams

Laps

Cold Shuts

Tears

Near-Surface Flaws

--------- Codes & standards ---------

Inspection aligned with your requirements

Testing can be performed to applicable customer procedures, drawings, specifications and recognized industry standards. The final method is confirmed after reviewing material suitability, component geometry, surface condition and acceptance criteria.

ASTM E1444

Magnetic particle testing

ASTM E709

MPI guide

ASME V

Article 7 requirements

AWS D1.1

Structural welding

CSA W59

Welded steel construction

Client Spec.

Project requirements

--------- Industries served ---------

Supporting quality, safety and asset integrity

CMH NDT Services is a trusted provider of non-destructive testing, metallurgical analysis and quality consulting across Ontario.

Our mission is simple: deliver accurate results, keep people safe and help our clients build confidence.

Oil, Gas & Pipeline

Construction & Infrastructure

Energy & Power

Manufacturing

What our clients say

Frequently asked questions

Answers before you schedule

Share the component type, material grade, dimensions, surface condition, inspection location and applicable standard so we can recommend the correct MPI approach.

Does magnetic particle testing damage the component?

No. MT/MPI is non-destructive. Magnetic particles and contrast paint, when used, are removed after inspection. Demagnetization can also be performed when required.

What materials can be inspected by MPI?

MPI is used on ferromagnetic materials such as carbon steel, low-alloy steel, cast steel and many tool steels. It is not suitable for aluminum, copper, titanium or most austenitic stainless steels.

Can testing be completed on-site?

Yes. CMH Metlabs can provide laboratory and field magnetic particle inspection, subject to site access, safety requirements, lighting conditions and equipment suitability.

What information is needed for a quotation?

Please provide the material grade, component type, dimensions, quantity, inspection area, surface condition, location, applicable code and required turnaround time.

Can MPI detect defects below the surface?

MPI is most sensitive to surface-breaking cracks and can detect some shallow near-surface discontinuities. It is not intended for deep internal flaw detection.

--------- Need an inspection? ---------

Reveal cracks before they become failures

Send us your material details, component drawings, inspection area and applicable acceptance criteria for a practical testing recommendation.

Contact CMH Metlabs

Plan your magnetic particle inspection

Our team can help confirm material suitability, the appropriate visible or fluorescent technique, surface preparation and reporting requirements.

Request a quote

Tell us about your MPI inspection

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