Paul Dunnwald is the Magnaflux (Glenview, IL) equipment business unit manager. For more information, call (847) 657-5300, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.magnaflux.com.
Magnetic particle inspection is one of the easiest methods to learn, one of the most repeatable processes and one of the least expensive systems to maintain in the NDT industry.
The difficulty with processing ring-shaped parts for aerospace applications is a risk of deformation, or burning or arcing of the part when clamped between contact plates. Correct part processing requires the part to be clamped twice, thus doubling the risk. The part must be turned 90 degrees between the two shots in order to inspect the area that comes in contact with the clamps because an indication may not develop in this area.