Magnaflux water-based fluorescent penetrants are nondestructive testing (NDT) materials designed for liquid penetrant inspection. These penetrants contain no petroleum distillates, allowing direct drain disposal in many cases, making them environmentally advantageous compared to solvent-based alternatives.
ZL-400 Series
The ZL-400 Series represents Magnaflux's water-based, water-washable, fluorescent penetrants, specifically developed for automotive and industrial applications.
ZL-405 (Level 1/2)
- Water-based, water washable level 1/2 fluorescent penetrant; contains no petroleum distillates allowing direct drain disposal
- Features excellent rinse removability and is self-developing, which means that separate developer may not be necessary depending on the application
- Designed to be environmentally sensitive, meeting EN ISO 3452-2 and can be used in place of any conventional water-washable penetrant
ZL-425 (Level 1)
- Water-based, water washable level 1 fluorescent penetrant; contains no petroleum distillates allowing direct drain disposal
- Low sensitivity level, suitable for detecting larger discontinuities
- Ideal for general inspection applications where high sensitivity is not required
ZL-440 (Level 2)
- Water-based, water washable level 2 fluorescent penetrant; contains no petroleum distillates allowing direct drain disposal
- Used for finding indications in castings, forgings, extrusions and other materials with rough surfaces commonly found in automotive part applications
- Medium sensitivity level for general-purpose inspections
- Ideal solution when waste water produced during the inspection process is a concern for the operation
ZL-4C (Specialty Water-Based)
Developed for testing materials that can be affected by petroleum-based penetrants, ZL-4C water-based fluorescent penetrant contains no petroleum derivatives and is harmless to materials that can be attacked by petroleum-based solvents, such as plastics. It is also safe for use on ceramics.
Material Compatibility
-
Plastics and Polymers: Water-based penetrants are safe for plastic components that could be damaged by petroleum-based solvents
-
Ceramics: Safe for ceramic materials that might be affected by harsh solvents
-
Composite Materials: Suitable for modern composite structures
Industrial Applications
-
Automotive Industry: Particularly suited for automotive parts inspection, including castings, forgings, and extrusions
-
Aerospace: Can be used on sensitive materials common in aerospace applications
-
General Manufacturing: Suitable for quality control in manufacturing processes
Surface Conditions
-
Rough Surfaces: Specifically designed to work effectively on rough machined surfaces, castings, and forgings
-
Smooth Surfaces: Also effective on machined and finished surfaces
Advantages of Water-Based Penetrants
Environmental Benefits
- No petroleum distillates means easier waste disposal
- Reduced environmental impact compared to solvent-based alternatives
- Often allows direct drain disposal (subject to local regulations)
Safety Features
- Lower toxicity compared to petroleum-based penetrants
- Reduced fire hazard due to water base
- Better worker safety profile
Operational Benefits
- Washes off parts quickly and easily, leaving less fluorescent background
- Suitable for automated inspection systems
- Compatible with water-wash stations
These water-based fluorescent penetrants represent Magnaflux's response to increasing environmental regulations and the need for safer, more environmentally friendly NDT materials while maintaining the effectiveness required for quality nondestructive testing applications.
