1. Magnetic particle testing: definition and principle

1.1 Definition and field of application

Magnetic particle testing (symbol MT) is a NDT method that is the logical extension of visual testing (symbol VT). It can be used to highlight surface and sub-surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials.

This tried-and-tested method is used in particular in two areas of NDT application:

• maintenance of installations and structures (nuclear, petrochemical, etc.);

• inspection of manufacturing or maintenance parts (automotive, aeronautics, railways, etc.).