What are casting defects in the context of Magnetic Particle Testing?

In the context of Magnetic Particle Testing, casting defects refer specifically to flaws that occur during the casting process itself. This includes issues such as porosity, shrinkage, inclusions, and cracks that may develop as the molten material cools and solidifies. These defects are critical to identify because they can significantly affect the integrity and performance of the final cast component.

Magnetic Particle Testing is particularly effective in detecting surface and near-surface discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials, making it a pertinent method for evaluating the quality of castings. Identifying these defects early in the manufacturing process can prevent costly failures in service and ensure that components meet the required specifications for safety and reliability.

In contrast, the other options describe different categories of defects or issues. Thermal treatment defects might arise from processes after casting, wear and tear pertains to material degradation over time during use, and damage from improper handling involves physical damage incurred during transport or installation. These are not specifically related to the casting process itself, which is why they do not define casting defects in the context of Magnetic Particle Testing.