New ASTM E1444 2011 Edition on Standard Practice for Magnetic Particle Testing

ASTM E1444, “Standard Practice for Magnetic Particle Testing,” has been issued as a new 2011 Edition with a redesignation to ASTM E1444/E1444M-11.  This new document number shows that the document has been revamped to include both feet and inches and metric measurements.  It replaces MIL-STD-1949, as well as the previous ASTM E1444-05 Edition from 2005.

This practice establishes minimum requirements for magnetic particle testing used for the detection of surface or slightly subsurface discontinuities in ferromagnetic material. Guide ASTM E709 can be used in conjunction with this practice as a tutorial.

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 magnetic flux.

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.

ASTM E1444/E1444M 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.

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