What type of material would typically be subjected to Magnetic Particle Testing?

The type of material that is typically subjected to Magnetic Particle Testing is ferromagnetic materials. This is because Magnetic Particle Testing exploits the magnetic properties of ferromagnetic materials, such as iron, nickel, and cobalt, which can be magnetized. When these materials are magnetized, any discontinuities or defects present will disrupt the magnetic field, causing a concentration of magnetic particles at those defect locations. This visibility of defects, often enhanced by the use of magnetic powders, is what makes Magnetic Particle Testing an effective method for detecting surface and near-surface flaws in ferromagnetic materials.

In contrast, composite materials and non-metallic materials do not possess the necessary magnetic properties for this testing method to work effectively. Non-magnetic metals, while they may be tested for other properties, do not allow the method to reveal discontinuities because they cannot be magnetized in a way that would reveal defects through the accumulation of magnetic particles. Thus, the effectiveness of Magnetic Particle Testing is fundamentally tied to the magnetic characteristics of ferromagnetic materials.