The dye penetrant method of inspection is a nondestructive test for defects open to the surface. It may be used on such materials as aluminum, magnesium, brass, copper, cast iron, steel, stainless steel, carbides, stellite, certain plastics and ceramics. The essentials of the method are: penetration of the defect by the dye penetrant, removal of the excess penetrant from the surface, development of the indication, and inspection. A deep red indication will mark the defect.

Surfaces should be free of foreign materials and paint. Grease and oils prevent penetration and should be removed by precleaning with cleaner/remover or by solvent degreasing. Scale, sand, dirt, etc., trap penetrant and hinder removal, therefore wire brushing or similar precleaning is necessary. Paint must be removed from areas to be tested.

Cleaning

  1. Coat the part or section to be inspected with cleaner/remover.
  2. Allow cleaner to remain on part long enough to dissolve dirt or film.
  3. Wipe dry with a clean cloth.
  4. Repeat if necessary.
  5. After final clean wiping, allow time to dry before using penetrant.
  6. Clean the same day inspection is conducted.

Applying Penetrant

  1. Spray or brush the part or section to be inspected so that surface is covered with penetrant.
  2. If penetrant pulls back in droplets, stop and clean part again.
  3. Allow penetrant to remain on the part from 10 to 30 minutes.
  4. Longer penetration times may be needed for locating extremely fine, tight discontinuities.

Removing Penetrant

  1. When sufficient penetration time has been allowed, wipe the surface clean with a clean towel or cloth.
  2. Repeat if necessary. Some surfaces will require only wiping.
  3. In general, however, remove excess surface penetrant with clean cloths premoistened with cleaner/remover.
  4. DO NOT flush surface with cleaner/remover because this will impair sensitivity. Repeat this procedure with additional wiping until residual surface penetrant has been removed.
dye penetrant

Applying Developer

  1. Shake the pressure can vigorously until the agitators rattle inside, or thoroughly stir bulk developer.
  2. Spray the part or section to be inspected with developer, just enough to wet the part thinly and evenly, no more. Proper thickness will dry to an even white layer. Too much developer will mask indications; too little will not develop the indication sufficiently.
  3. For ease of application, hold spray can eight to 12 inches above part and spray short six to eight inch sections at a time.
  4. Allow developer to dry.
  5. Watch for large cracks to show up immediately. Smaller cracks may take a few minutes to develop the best indication.

Inspect the Test Area

Defects will be marked by a deep red indication. A line or dotted line marks a crack, lap, forging burst or cold shut. If wide and deep, the indication will grow and spread. Porosity, shrinkage, lack of bond, and leaks will appear as dots or local areas of color. These, too, will grow and spread if the defect is large or extensive.

dye penetrant

Tips for Penetrant Testing

  1. Check required specifications before beginning penetrant inspection.
  2. Verify that parts to be penetrant tested are clean and dry before applying penetrant.
  3. Certifications, SDS, PDS, and instructions are available at www.magnaflux.com.