(Johannes Gutenberg Universitaet Mainz) Magnetic test methods are used to detect damages to materials, which was previously impossible with non-magnetic steel. Researchers from Kaiserslautern and Mainz have now developed a process in which they apply a thin magnetic layer to steel. Changes in the microstructure can thus be detected by changes in magnetic effects. Materials such as aluminum can also be tested in this way. The corresponding paper has been published in the Journal of Magnetism and Magnetic Materials.