Thread: MPI tested bolts

Think they're worth the extra coin? I mean how do you know that the bolt was actually tested?

what is their testing process?

Got this off wikipedia.

Magnetic-particle inspection

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia



Magnetic particle inspection processes are non-destructive methods for the detection of surface and sub-surface defects in ferrous materials. They make use of an externally applied magnetic field or electric current through the material, and the principle that the magnetic flux will leave the part at the area of the flaw.
The presence of a surface or near surface flaw (void) in the material causes distortion in the magnetic flux through it, which in turn causes leakage of the magnetic fields at the flaw. This deformation of the magnetic field is not limited to the immediate locality of the defect but extends for a considerable distance; even through the surface and into the air if the magnetism is intense enough. Thus the size of the distortion is much larger than that of the defect and is made visible at the surface of the part by means of the tiny particles that are attracted to the leakage fields.
The most common method of magnetic particle inspection uses finely divided iron or magnetic iron oxide particles, held in suspension in a suitable liquid (often kerosene). This fluid is referred to as carrier. The particles are often colored and usually coated with fluorescent dyes that are made visible with a hand-held ultraviolet (UV) light (sometimes referred to as black light). The suspension is sprayed or painted over the magnetized specimen during magnetization with a direct current or with an electromagnet, to localize areas where the magnetic field has protruded from the surface. The magnetic particles are attracted by the surface field in the area of the defect and hold on to the edges of the defect to reveal it as a build up of particles.
This inspection can be applied to raw material in a steel mill (billets or slabs), in the early stages of manufacturing (forgings, castings), or most commonly to machined parts before they are put into service. It is also very commonly used for inspecting structural parts (e.g., landing gear) that have been in-service for some time to find fatigue cracks.
Usually tested pieces needs to be demagnetized by a degaussing tool before use. Parts are demagnetized by applying AC current through the part and reducing the current which scrambles the magnetic domains causing it to demagnetize.
It is a quite economic non-destructive test because it is easy to do and much faster than ultrasonic testing and radiographic testing.
Common test methods used include BS6072:1981 (1986 - AMD 4843) - Magnetic Flow - Colour Contrast Method, and ASTM E709.
Because of the left hand rule, there are two different ways of magnetizing a part, Longitudinal and Circular magnetization. Longitudinal Magnetization passes current through a coil and the magnetic flux lines go through the part. Circular magnetization passes current through the part and establishes a magnetic field around the part. The two different methods are used because cracks can only be seen 45 to 90 degrees to the magnetic flux lines.
Magnetic Particle Inspection cannot be used for non-ferrous materials and non-magnetic ferrous materials such as austenitic stainless steels. In such cases, other methods such as dye penetrant inspection are used.

ok MAGNAFLUX - like what a machine shop uses to check for cracks in a cylinder head, con rod etc.

like how much extra are they charging over a run of the mill bolt???

i paid the extra coin, and the only difference i notice is it looks like a 4 year old wrote mpi on it with a hand engraver

I think the mag testing is a good thing. It's not a very expensive process except for the time factor. It's time consuming when you think how many bolts somebody could crank out in a mfg run, then having to slow down and do the testing. DD's is according to what I've seen. I don't know the proof of testing unless like JB said.

If it is being used on a weapon I might have to trust my life to, the extra few bucks is worth the peace of mind to me. IIRC, the bolt is one of the weaker links in a 16" barrel AR with a carbine length gas system due to the increased gas pressure and resulting wear on parts.

How much more does it cost compared to a non-mpi'ed bolt? If the mfg is offering the service, I can't see how they could charge more than say, $5 for the service, just for the minute of time and the cost of the flux...

Some manufactures dont MPI all the bolts out of a run. So the one you get may not be actualy tested but it will be marked MPI. This is why the Colt bolts are so valuable. Every colt bolt is MPI'd.