Material type: Magnetic particle inspection is preferred for ferromagnetic materials, while ultrasonic or radiographic testing is used for non-conductive materials.
Defect location: Choose magnetic particle or penetrant testing for surface defects, and ultrasonic or radiographic testing for internal defects.
Inspection volume: Automated equipment (such as phased array ultrasonic systems) suits large-volume testing, while portable equipment suits small-scale testing.
Budget: X-ray machines cost more but offer high accuracy; eddy current flaw detectors cost less but are limited to conductive materials.
For surface and near-surface cracks in ferromagnetic parts such as shafts, crankshafts, forgings and wellhead components, see our magnetic particle inspection machines.