Today is still the most sensitive surface crack testing labotory method. In some applications with very clean, uneroded, or well machined surfaces of uniform cross section parts, ultrasonic and eddy current methods can reach close to equivalent sensitivity. But wherever surfaces are uneven and surface irregularities are greater in magnitude than the cracks that need to be detected, this type of test is generally considered the best surface crack detection method. The principle disadvantage in this type of inspection, as generally practiced today, is the combination of variable human judgment and interpretation, and variations in the critical components which are: liquid sensitivity, ultraviolet intensity variations, and magnetic field variations at the surface of the test piece. In high speed inspection systems, these variables can reduce the reliability of magnetic particle inspection flaw detection to only about 70%. What is needed is an on line, heavy duty, high speed parts inspection with on line documentation and near 100 percent flaw detectability within calibrated equipment, if possible, by using modern electronic systems that can also achieve lower costs. This article discusses new components for automated magnetic particle inspection. Bringing cost down on these procedures is also key in the sales process. Make sure to ask.