Magnetic particle testing can detect both production discontinuities and in-service damage in ferromagnetic materials. It works by magnetizing the test specimen, which will cause any discontinuities to disrupt the magnetic field and create leakage fields. Magnetic particles applied to the surface will cluster at these leakage fields, visually indicating the location of discontinuities. The basic procedure involves pre-cleaning the specimen, applying a magnetic field in at least two orientations, applying magnetic particles, and interpreting any indications found.