What is the purpose of a field test prior to actual inspection?

The purpose of conducting a field test prior to the actual inspection is to ensure that the inspection setup is functioning correctly. This involves checking that all equipment involved in the Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) process is working as intended, which includes verifying that the magnetic field is properly generated, the magnetic particles are appropriately applied, and the detection equipment is operational.

By performing a field test, inspectors can identify any issues with the equipment or the setup that could lead to inaccurate results during the actual inspection. This proactive step is critical because it helps maintain the integrity of the inspection process, ensuring that any defects in the material being inspected are reliably detected. Without this validation, the inspection could produce false negatives or lead to undetected flaws, compromising safety and quality.

While training new inspectors and calibrating measurement tools are important tasks, they are distinct from the immediate goal of a field test, which is specifically focused on the readiness and proper function of the inspection setup itself.