Reveal imperfections both at and slightly below the surface of your metal part, unlike other flaw detection methods. Use these particles with a magnetic yoke to check for faulty seams, welding defects, and fatigue cracks to make sure metal parts will be safe under high stress. The yoke creates a magnetic field that draws the particles towards flaws, making them easy to spot. To prevent issues with other inspections down the line, make sure to fully demagnetize your part to remove all the particles.

Powder particles withstand higher temperatures than spray particles and are quick to use. They don’t need to dry, which means you can start testing immediately. Shake them out from a bottle or use a powder blower to apply them to your part. You can blow excess particles off even if your part is still magnetized. They come in different colors, so choose what will contrast best with your metal surface.

When testing round or hard-to-reach material, it’s easier to apply an even layer of spray particles than powder. They’re smaller than powder particles, so they’re good for detecting finer surface flaws and imperfections. Particles with a 360° sprayer won’t sputter or spatter even when the aerosol can is upside down, so you can coat parts evenly without straining your wrist. Water-based spray particles are easier to clean up than oil-based spray particles. Black spray particles are often used with white contrast paint to make flaws more visible.

Ultraviolet spray particles require a UV light, but stand out more than natural light particles, so you spend less time examining each part. For the best contrast, use these particles in dim lighting.