Supermagna WD 55: The Best in High-Temperature Magnetic Particle Inspection

by Metal Chek Catalog

Magnetic particle inspection is one of the most effective techniques for detecting discontinuities in ferromagnetic materials, playing an essential role in sectors where structural integrity is crucial. However, a  common limitation  in the market is the sensitivity of traditional products to  high temperatures . Many of the available colored particles, such as yellow, red, or gray, undergo color change and performance degradation when exposed to temperatures above 180 °C, restricting their use in harsh industrial environments such as foundries, refineries, and thermal power plants.

To overcome this challenge, Metal-Chek developed  Supermagna WD 55,  a white dry-process magnetic particle , originally designed to meet the demands of the nuclear sector and expand the limits of inspection in extreme conditions. The result was a unique product on the market: a white magnetic powder with high thermal stability, ready for use under visible light and  capable of withstanding temperatures up to 400 °C without loss of performance .

High Sensitivity and Stability for Precise Inspections

Supermagna WD 55 has particles with an average size of 80 µm, guaranteeing optimal dimensional stability and excellent magnetic accumulation. Its high sensitivity allows it to achieve at least 8 lines on the SAE AS5282 ring, ensuring that the tests are accurate and reliable. Furthermore, being non-flammable, it provides greater safety in inspections carried out in hazardous environments.

The choice of white was strategic: among all options, white offers the best contrast under visible light, allowing the magnetic markings to be clearly defined even on surfaces darkened by thermal processes or oxidation. This difference is crucial in demanding industrial applications, where the visibility of the markings can determine the quality of the inspection.

Applications in High Temperature Environments

While Supermagna YD 404, a widely used dry-type yellow particle, is recommended for temperatures up to 180 °C, WD 55 was developed specifically for inspections requiring superior thermal resistance. This makes it the ideal choice for testing in environments where cooling the part is not feasible or desired.

Among the main applications of WD 55, the following stand out:

  • Foundry and steel industries, where inspection takes place immediately after rolling or forging processes.
  • Refineries and petrochemical plants, which perform inspections during shutdowns, require reliable solutions within short time windows.
  • Factories producing railway components and industrial axles, where parts are evaluated while still hot.
  • Turbines and boilers in thermal power plants and combined cycle plants, where hot inspection prevents lengthy and costly shutdowns.

Compliance with Technical Standards and Technological Advancement

The introduction of WD 55 to the national market represents a genuinely Brazilian innovation, aligned with the most demanding technical standards, such as  ASTM E3024, ASME SE-709, AMS 3040 and PETROBRAS N-1598 . Its arrival not only expands the field of application of the magnetic particle testing technique, but also offers greater safety and reliability in critical inspection conditions.

With exceptional thermal resistance, high sensitivity, and superior visual contrast, the Supermagna WD 55 revolutionizes magnetic particle inspection, allowing Non-Destructive Testing (END) professionals to perform tests with maximum defect definition and excellent repeatability, even under extreme temperatures.

Metal-Chek do Brasil is available to provide detailed technical information, practical usage guidelines, and product samples to engineers, inspectors, and specialists seeking the best solution for high-temperature magnetic inspection.

Request a sample and discover the future of industrial inspection!