UNE-EN ISO 17638-2017 PDF

Full title and description

UNE-EN ISO 17638:2017 — Non-destructive testing of welds — Magnetic particle testing. This national adoption (UNE) reproduces EN ISO 17638:2016 / ISO 17638:2016 and specifies techniques for detecting surface imperfections in welds and adjacent heat-affected zones of ferromagnetic materials by magnetic particle testing (MT / MPT).

Abstract

Specifies magnetic-particle testing methods, magnetization techniques, use of detection media (fluorescent and non‑fluorescent), viewing conditions, demagnetization, recording and reporting of indications, and safety considerations for inspection of ferromagnetic welds. It gives procedural and equipment guidance but does not itself set acceptance criteria for indications.

General information

• Status: Published / In force (national adoption of EN ISO 17638:2016).
• Publication date: 29 March 2017 (UNE national publication adopting EN ISO 17638:2016 / ISO 17638:2016).
• Publisher: AENOR (UNE — national adoption of the EN/ISO document); original international document ISO 17638:2016 / CEN adoption EN ISO 17638:2016.
• ICS / categories: 25.160.40 (Welded joints and welds) / NDT categories.
• Edition / version: 2017 (UNE-EN ISO 17638:2017 — identical to EN ISO 17638:2016 / ISO 17638:2016).
• Number of pages: 23 pages (typical published national adoption PDF length).

Basic bibliographic and scope details are taken from the EN/ISO adoption and national publication records.

Scope

Applies to the detection of surface-breaking and near-surface discontinuities in welds and adjacent heat-affected zones of ferromagnetic materials by magnetic particle testing. It is intended to cover most welding processes and joint configurations and gives options/variations of basic techniques that influence test sensitivity (see Annex A). The standard does not define acceptance criteria for indications — users should refer to acceptance-level standards or product/application specifications.

Key topics and requirements

• Definition of applicable test techniques for welds and heat‑affected zones (longitudinal, circular, yoke, longitudinal current, longitudinal field, etc.).
• Requirements for surface preparation and conditions to ensure reliable detection of surface indications.
• Magnetization procedures, verification of magnetizing conditions and demagnetization guidance.
• Detection media guidance (fluorescent and non‑fluorescent particles), application methods and viewing conditions.
• Inspection procedure documentation, recording of indications, interpretation guidance and reporting requirements.
• Health, safety and environmental considerations (electrical safety, UV lighting for fluorescent methods, containment/handling of detection media).
• Recommendation for qualified personnel (qualification/certification in accordance with ISO 9712 or equivalent schemes) and reference to competency requirements.
• Clarification that acceptance criteria are outside the scope of this document and are given in separate acceptance standards.

These technical points and the recommendation on personnel qualification follow the standard and related EN/ISO NDT documents.

Typical use and users

Used by NDT practitioners and technicians performing magnetic particle inspections on welded components, welding inspectors, QA/QC engineers in fabrication and maintenance, metallurgists, inspection bodies, and organisations that develop or apply welding and product specifications. Common application sectors include steel fabrication, pressure equipment, power generation, pipelines, shipbuilding and heavy industry.

Related standards

Commonly referenced companion and related standards include ISO 9934‑1/2/3 (Magnetic particle testing — general principles, detection media, equipment), ISO 23278 (acceptance levels for magnetic particle testing of welds), ISO 9712 (qualification and certification of NDT personnel), and other ISO NDT-of-welds standards such as ISO 17636/17637/17640 for radiographic, visual and ultrasonic weld inspection. Users should consult these documents for equipment, media, acceptance criteria and personnel certification requirements.

Keywords

magnetic particle testing, magnetic-particle inspection, MT, MPT, weld inspection, non-destructive testing, ferromagnetic materials, heat affected zone, magnetization, demagnetization, detection media, viewing conditions, ISO 17638.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: UNE-EN ISO 17638:2017 is the Spanish national adoption of EN ISO 17638:2016 / ISO 17638:2016 — a standard that defines magnetic particle testing techniques for detecting surface and near-surface imperfections in ferromagnetic welds.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers test techniques, magnetization methods, detection media use, viewing conditions, demagnetization, reporting and safety for magnetic particle testing of welds; it does not include acceptance criteria for indications.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: NDT technicians and engineers, welding inspectors, QA/QC personnel, inspection bodies and organizations responsible for fabrication and in-service inspection of ferromagnetic welded components.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The 2017 UNE-EN ISO adoption corresponds to ISO 17638:2016 / EN ISO 17638:2016 and replaced earlier national/EN editions (for example the 2010 edition). Users should confirm national status periodically with their national standards body for any later amendments or revisions.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it forms part of the family of standards for non‑destructive testing of welds (ISO 17636‑17640 and related documents) and is linked to the broader magnetic-particle testing series ISO 9934‑1/2/3 and acceptance/assessment documents such as ISO 23278.

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Magnetic particle testing, weld inspection, ferromagnetic, detection media, magnetization, demagnetization, viewing conditions, NDT, acceptance levels (refer to separate standard).