When should a Magnetic Particle Test be performed?

A Magnetic Particle Test should be performed when inspecting critical components for discontinuities. This method is particularly effective for detecting surface and near-surface flaws in ferromagnetic materials. It is essential to ensure the integrity and safety of components that are critical to the performance of a structure or system. Performing this test at the right time—especially when defects could have significant consequences—ensures that any potential issues can be identified and rectified before they lead to failure.

The other options suggest limitations or specific contexts that do not fully capture the versatility and importance of magnetic particle testing. It is not restricted to the initial manufacturing phase alone, as ongoing inspections throughout a component's life cycle are crucial. Additionally, while other tests may have their advantages, relying only on them before a magnetic particle test may overlook surface-level defects. Finally, while regular maintenance checks are important, conducting a magnetic particle test should not be confined solely to scheduled maintenance; it should be performed whenever there's a potential risk of discontinuity, regardless of whether maintenance is due.