Magnaflux
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Magnafluxing, developed originaly by Carl E. Betz, is a method of testing ferrous metals for surface and subsurface flaws. The component being tested must be made of a ferromagnetic material such as iron, nickel or cobalt, or some of their alloys. This test is often used on industrial tools, and engine parts during maintenance inspections. It can also be used to diagnose failure, as in crash investigations.
It works by applying a magnetic field to the component under test, using e.g. a permanent magnet. This will cause a high concentration of magnetic flux at surface cracks, which can be made visible by dusting iron powder or a similar magnetic material over the component.
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Magnaflux is a brand name of a practice called magentic particle inspection. Primarilary used in manufacturing, but also used by race car enthuasist and fabricators.
Parts can be tested using one of two methods. The wet method consist of bathing the parts in a solution with iron oxide particles. The part is placed under a magnetic charge after being wetted down and inspected using a blacklight. The iron oxide particles are attracted to surface discontinuities or cracks and is visible by using a blacklight. The particles flux around the imperfections and is visible with black light.
The dry method is based on the same principle. Parts are dusted with the iron oxide particles and charged using a yoke. The particles are attracted to the discontinuities and visible by black light.
