ISO 12707:2016

Overview

ISO 12707:2016 - Non‑destructive testing - Magnetic particle testing - Vocabulary is an international standard that defines general terms specifically associated with magnetic particle testing (magnétoscopie). This first edition (2016) provides an authoritative glossary of NDT vocabulary to ensure consistent use of terminology across inspection procedures, reports, training, procurement and standards development.

Key topics

The standard focuses on clear definitions rather than performance limits or test procedures. Important technical topics and terms included are:

• Magnetization techniques - e.g., magnetization by adjacent conductor, coil (rigid and flexible), current flow through the part, induced current, circular and multidirectional magnetization, flux‑through techniques.
• Measurement and units - e.g., ampere‑turns (product of coil turns and current).
• Indicator media and methods - e.g., magnetic particles (wet/liquid carrier and dry powder), fluorescent and colored indicator products, concentrates, conditioning agents, magnetic ink (liquor).
• Equipment and components - e.g., current generators, portable electromagnets, fixed benches, coils, contact tips and central conductors.
• Inspection phenomena and quality terms - e.g., remanent field, writing (false indications), lift test for portable electromagnets, mechanical and fluorescent stability, tangential magnetic field and its intensity.
• Operational descriptors - e.g., simultaneous application technique, wet method, dry powder technique, use of contrast paint, magnetic extension pieces (rallonges).

Applications

ISO 12707:2016 is a reference vocabulary that supports practical activities associated with magnetic particle inspection (MPI):

• Ensures consistent terminology in inspection procedures, reports and certificates.
• Guides NDT training curricula and exam descriptions, improving clarity between trainers, students and certifying bodies.
• Assists engineers and inspectors in specifying tests, selecting appropriate media (fluorescent vs colored), and describing magnetization techniques accurately.
• Helps purchasing and quality teams write unambiguous equipment and consumable specifications.
• Supports standards writers and regulatory bodies when harmonizing requirements across documents and jurisdictions.

Who should use this standard

• NDT professionals and service providers performing magnetic particle testing
• Inspection engineers and quality managers in manufacturing, aerospace, oil & gas and transportation
• NDT instructors, certification bodies and technical authors
• Procurement specialists specifying MPI equipment and materials

Related standards

ISO 12707:2016 was prepared in cooperation with CEN and is based on EN 1330‑7:2005. Related vocabulary standards include:

• ISO 12706 (Terminology - Liquid penetrant testing)
• ISO 12718 (Terminology - Eddy current testing)

Keywords: ISO 12707:2016, magnetic particle testing, magnétoscopie, NDT vocabulary, magnetic particle inspection, magnetic particles, fluorescent particles,wet method, coil magnetization.