Magnaflux is a trade name for Magnetic Particle Inspection. It is a process
that shows cracks in ferrous based alloys. It uses powdered iron in an oil
solution that glows when placed under black light. The part to be tested is
energized with a strong magnetic coil and sprayed with this Magnaflux oil.
Current eddies (fluxes) are strongest around cracked areas and attract the
iron filings in the oil. The contrast of the black light makes the filings
along the crack more visible. A similar process called Dye Penetrant
Inspection is typically done for non magnetic materials but can also be done
on ferrous metals. It does not require the part to be magnetized and does
not use iron filings in the carrier oil.
You can do Dye Penetrant Inspection at home. It's used in the handy spray
can form in industry to primarily check welded joints for cracks. The "home"
process uses a cleaner, a dye, and a developer that you can purchase in
spray cans from your local weld supply shop. I think Eastwood sells a small
kit also. Both of these processes are known as NDT, or Non Destructive
Testing.
Hope this helps.
Allyn
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