[en] A technique for constructing standards containing ferritic stainless steel in an austenite matrix is reported. Such a standard more closely resembles the metallurgical structure of a weld than either iron powder in a nonmagnetic matrix or various nonmagnetic coatings over a ferrite base. Also, a different type of measuring instrument is evaluated which utilizes the interaction of magnetic particles with an alternating magnetic field. Data taken with this device are compared with those obtained using the more common magnetic type instruments. The new instrument has three advantages: (1) faster collection of data, (2) greater sensitivity to small point-to-point fluctuations, and (3) ability to be used on large and/or rough weld surfaces