Magnaflux ZL-60D Level 2 Water Washable Fluorescent Penetrant

A medium-sensitivity workhorse penetrant for rough machined surfaces

Magnaflux ZL-60D is a Level 2, water-washable fluorescent penetrant from the Zyglo range. The manufacturer developed it for rough machined surfaces and describes it as one of the most versatile work-horse penetrants: one product used across many part types to reveal cracks, seams, laps, cold shuts, laminations and porosity. Its selling point against other Level 2 penetrants is that excess penetrant washes off quickly with water and leaves less fluorescent background, even on rough surfaces, so real indications stand out under UV light.

The data sheet also states excellent alloy compatibility, with use on most engineering and aerospace materials including aluminium, steel, nickel and titanium. ZL-60D is listed on the QPL SAE AMS 2644 Qualified Product List and is approved for use by Pratt and Whitney, according to the sheet.

Features listed by the manufacturer

• Level 2 medium sensitivity, bright high-contrast indications
• Water washable with good removability, including on rough surfaces
• High flash point, low volatility and very low odour
• Better surface wetting and optimised capillary action
• High thermal resistance and high UV stability
• Very low toxicity; NPE-free
• Alloy compatibility with aluminium, steel, nickel and titanium

Technical specification

Selection and ordering guide

ZL-60D is sold in one aerosol format and three bulk formats. The data sheet prints these part numbers:

Pick the aerosol for spot checks and the pail or drum for a tank-based water-washable line. Choose Level 2 when parts have a rough as-cast or machined finish and a very fine flaw is not the main concern; the sister product ZL-67 is the Level 3 high-sensitivity option for precision work.

Process notes

The data sheet states that a UV light source is required and gives the 5 to 52 C usage window. It does not print a dwell time or wash pressure. General practice, not from the sheet: clean and dry the part, apply penetrant for the dwell the written procedure sets, rinse with controlled water spray so that the part is not over-washed, dry, apply developer and inspect in a darkened area. Follow the applicable specification, for example ISO 3452 or ASTM E1417, for the exact parameters.

Because the product is water-washable, keep water temperature and pressure within the limits of your procedure and run periodic system checks against a known test panel.

Applications in industrial inspection

The sheet lists castings, forgings, extrusions, welds and machined components as ideal uses. In oil, gas, petrochemical and power plant maintenance that translates to casting acceptance, valve body and pump casing checks, and machined shafts and flanges. A water-washable fluorescent line is common where many parts are processed and a darkened UV station is available. For field work in sunlight or without UV lamps, a visible dye system such as SKL-SP2 is the usual alternative.

ZL-60D compared with ZL-67 and why it matters

Both products are Type 1, Method A and C, water-washable fluorescent penetrants with the same flash point and the same use and storage temperature windows. The data sheets differ in sensitivity and physical properties, shown below, so the choice is mostly about the finish and criticality of the part.

Choosing the higher level is not automatically better: a more sensitive penetrant picks up more background on rough surfaces, which is why ZL-60D is positioned by the manufacturer for rough machined surfaces. Follow the sensitivity level required by the inspection specification or the customer procedure.

Purchasing checklist for ZL-60D

Before an order is placed, three points should be confirmed against the inspection procedure: the sensitivity level the specification requires, the removal method, and the pack format that suits the line. The data sheet prints Type 1, Method A and Method C, and a medium sensitivity Level 2 rating, so a procedure that calls for Level 3 or a different type needs a different product. Record the data sheet revision used for the purchase, which for this product is July 2023, so that later audits can trace the material to the document that was supplied with it.

Storage, handling and records

The sheet gives a storage range of 10 to 30 C and a usage range of 5 to 52 C. Keep drums and pails closed, out of direct sun and away from freezing conditions, and label tanks with the date the penetrant was put into service. Because the flash point is printed as above 93 C, the liquid is far less flammable than solvent cleaners, but the Safety Data Sheet remains the reference for protective equipment and disposal. Keep batch numbers, the daily system check results and the black light intensity record with the inspection file, since customers and auditors commonly ask for them.

What to include in a quotation request

To receive an accurate offer, send the part number from the table above, the quantity of aerosol cases, pails or drums, the delivery location in Oman or the wider GCC, and any specification or customer approval that the shipment must reference. State whether a UV light, developer or cleaner is also needed, so that the whole penetrant line can be quoted together.

Related products

Typical companions are the Zyglo ZP-9F solvent developer, the Spotcheck SKC-S remover and a UV inspection light. Browse the full Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) range for further NDT consumables.

Frequently asked questions

Is ZL-60D water washable?

Yes. It is a water-washable fluorescent penetrant, Type 1 Method A and C, with Level 2 medium sensitivity.

What is its flash point?

Above 200 F / 93 C according to the data sheet.

Which materials is it compatible with?

The data sheet names aluminium, steel, nickel and titanium among compatible engineering and aerospace materials.

What equipment is required?

A UV light source.

What pack sizes are listed?

Aerosol case of 12, 5 gal pail, 20 gal drum and 55 gal drum.

Documents and quotation

The manufacturer data sheet is attached for download. Values here are taken from it; confirm pack size and the specification approvals your project requires before ordering. Seven Star LLC is an independent supplier in Muscat; send the part number and quantity for a quotation.