FAQs – Magnetic Yokes

FAQs – Magnetic Yokes

What is a Yoke and when would you use one?

A magnetic Yoke is a portable device for detecting surface and sub-surface cracking in any ferro-magnetic material. Magnaflux EMEA Yokes handle the most demanding inspection jobs with ease; their portability makes them ideal for in-plant inspection and repair of welds, automotive components, steel and grey iron castings, and many other applications.

What types of Yoke does Magnaflux manufacture?

Y-2 – an ergonomic lightweight AC electromagnetic Yoke
Y6 – a lightweight AC electromagnetic Yoke
Y7 – an AC/DC lightweight Yoke
Y8 – a battery powered DC Yoke

Magnaflux Yokes come with adjustable legs and pole pieces.

How can I check the performance of my Yoke?

There are two methods to test the performance of a yoke: one is a lift test using standard test weights, the other is to measure the field strength (according to DIN EN ISO 9934) between the two yoke legs.

What is the difference between using AC and DC when using a Yoke?

Several current forms can be used in magnetic particle inspection. Alternating current (AC) is used to detect surface defects, whereas rectified current and direct current (DC) are used when defects are likely to be sub-surface.

The ability to detect sub-surface defects and the limit of the defect is a contentious subject. This depends on many factors, not least of which is the test environment itself. For example, defects detected within a laboratory set-up on an ideal specimen will almost certainly not relate to a welder’s findings on-site in the middle of winter. Coupled with this, the size and orientation of a sub-surface defect can potentially have a major effect because the flux leakage on the surface will be present as a broad outline. This may not be easily detectable against the background.

Can I convert an AC electromagnetic Yoke into a DC Yoke?

Yes; if you attach the cable of the Yoke to a 12V DC battery, you can make an AC Yoke into a DC Yoke. It can then be used to detect sub-surface defects.

What is the correct orientation for a Yoke when looking for defects?

The correct orientation for a Yoke is perpendicular to the direction of the defects. Place the Yoke onto the surface of the test piece so that the defect is at 90° to the lines of force.

Are all Magnaflux Yokes certificated and CE marked?

All Magnaflux Yokes EXCEPT THE Y-7 are certificated and carry the CE marking. The Y-7 Yoke does NOT carry CE conformity.

All of our Yokes carry a unique serial number for identification purposes.