Circle Systems
Circle Systems is a US-based specialty chemicals manufacturer founded in 1961 that develops and produces magnetic particle inspection consumables (wet method, dry method, aerosols, and ultrasonic couplants) for the nondestructive testing market, selling exclusively through 50+ global distributors to oil and gas, aerospace, automotive, and railroad customers.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1961
- HeadquartersSt. Mary's, United States
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Circle Systems does
Circle Systems, Inc. is a US-based specialty chemicals manufacturer founded in 1961 (originally as Circle Chemical Co.) and headquartered in St. Marys, Georgia, with 11-50 employees. The company develops and manufactures magnetic particle inspection (MPI) consumables for the nondestructive testing (NDT) community, organized under three core product lines: Mi-Glow wet method particles (fluorescent and nonfluorescent powders, concentrates, and underwater variants), CircleSafe ready-to-use aerosols (water and oil carrier, packaged with CO2 propellant), and Sir-Chem dry method nonfluorescent powders in multiple colors. Supporting product lines include the CircleSonic ultrasonic couplant range, CircleSol carrier fluids, magnetic stripe card quality-control accessories, and support materials such as Wetting Agents 34, 483, and 771, corrosion inhibitors, cleaners, antifoam, and white contrast paint.
The company's technical differentiation centers on a proprietary bonding process that produces a durable pigment-to-iron particle bond, borate-free formulations designed to meet European regulatory standards, CO2-based aerosol propellant technology replacing flammable butane/propane, and dual-response particles operable under visible, UV-A, and blue light. Products are qualified to a comprehensive set of industry specifications including ASTM E 1444, AMS 3040/3042/3044/3046, MIL-STD-271, NAVSEA 250-1500-1, NTR-1E, and ASME B&PV Code Section V, with ISO 9001:2015 quality certification. Documented performance advantages include up to 55% lower product consumption versus conventional methods (e.g., Mi-Glow 834 at 5 g/L vs. competitor 11.25 g/L) and the first high-temperature MPI product (Mi-Glow 418) rated for post-heat treatment inspection up to 300°F.
Commercially, Circle Systems operates a 100% channel-based go-to-market, selling exclusively through a network of 50+ authorized distributors across 16+ countries in North America, Central/South America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Oceania, with no direct end-user sales. Target end markets are NDT service providers and quality-control departments in oil and gas (OCTG, pipelines, offshore), aerospace and automotive manufacturing, steel production, and railroad. The company has expanded into ultrasonic testing consumables via the CircleSonic line, signaling product-line diversification within the broader NDT consumables category. Pricing is quote-based with unit pricing across packaging sizes (2 lb jars through drums), and revenue is not publicly disclosed.
Circle Systems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Circle Systems
- Legal name
- Circle Systems, Inc.
- Website
- https://circlesafe.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1961
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- Circle Systems is a US-based specialty chemicals manufacturer founded in 1961 that develops and produces magnetic particle inspection consumables (wet method, dry method, aerosols, and ultrasonic couplants) for the nondestructive testing market, selling exclusively through 50+ global distributors to oil and gas, aerospace, automotive, and railroad customers.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Circle Systems industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Nondestructive Testing Consumables
- NAICS
- Testing Laboratories and Services (54138)
- SIC
- Miscellaneous Chemical Products (2890)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) & Advanced Inspection (Phased Array, TOFD, Guided Wave) (EUAEAKAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- NDT/NDE Inspection Equipment (Ultrasonic, eddy current, radiography, thermography) (IMAGAFAI)
Keywords
Where Circle Systems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- St. Mary's
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Circle Systems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Magnetic Particle Inspection Products: Circle Systems generates revenue through the sale of magnetic particle inspection consumables and related products including Mi-Glow powders and concentrates, CircleSafe aerosols, Sir-Chem dry method products, and support materials such as water conditioning agents, corrosion inhibitors, and carrier oils.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Industrial NDT Products |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels4 records
Circle Systems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Circle Systems develops and manufactures magnetic particle inspection (MPI) consumables for the nondestructive testing (NDT) community, organized across the Mi-Glow wet method line, CircleSafe aerosol line, and Sir-Chem dry method line, plus the CircleSonic ultrasonic couplant and a portfolio of accessories and support materials (wetting agents, corrosion inhibitors, white contrast paint, cleaners, defoamers, magnetic stripe cards, and reference blocks). The company serves industrial inspection of ferromagnetic materials across aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, and railroad end markets, with products sold globally through authorized distributors.
Product overview
Circle Systems is a manufacturer of magnetic particle inspection (MPI) consumables for nondestructive testing (NDT), not a software platform. The company offers a comprehensive portfolio of inspection materials organized into three main product lines: Mi-Glow wet method particles (fluorescent and nonfluorescent powders/concentrates), CircleSafe aerosols (water or oil carrier sprays), and Sir-Chem dry method powders. The portfolio is supplemented by the CircleSonic ultrasonic couplant line, accessories (magnetic stripe cards, reference blocks), and support materials (wetting agents, corrosion inhibitors, cleaning products, defoamers, and white contrast paint). Products are designed for ferromagnetic material inspection across industries including oil/gas, automotive, aerospace, and railroad, with innovations such as borate-free formulations and CO2 propellant aerosols.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Mi-Glow: Wet method magnetic particle inspection powders and concentrates, including fluorescent and nonfluorescent variants for various NDT applications.
- CircleSafe
- Sir-Chem
- CircleSonic
- CircleSol
Products and services
- Mi-Glow 106 Black nonfluorescent magnetic particles for visible light wet method inspection of components with finished surfaces or welds; compatible with CircleSol M or water-based wetting agents. Used by NDT departments and service companies.
- Mi-Glow 418 Fluorescent yellow-green powder for post-heat treatment MPI, combining Mi-Glow 800 and 920 particles with borate-free Wetting Agent 34 for high-temperature applications up to 300°F.
- Mi-Glow 601 Ultra-bright red dual response particles for use with visible light, UV-A, and blue light inspection, designed for use with CircleSol M petroleum-based suspension vehicle. Used for detecting discontinuities in structural fabrications, welds, and oil/gas fluid control components.
- Mi-Glow 634 Red particles premixed with borate-free Wetting Agent 34 for water media inspection, enhanced with UV-A or blue light.
- Mi-Glow 778 Fluorescent wet method magnetic particle concentrate for use with water conditioning agents.
- Mi-Glow 783 Liquid borate-free fluorescent magnetic particle inspection product for water-based systems.
- Mi-Glow 800 Fluorescent yellow-green particles with exceptional sensitivity, uniform size, and ideal magnetic characteristics for wet method MPI with CircleSol M carrier fluid.
- Mi-Glow 800L Liquid fluorescent magnetic particle concentrate with extended handle for easy pouring.
- Mi-Glow 834 Water-based fluorescent powder using Mi-Glow 800 particles premixed with borate-free Wetting Agent 34, designed for oil and gas tubular inspection (OCTG); requires 55% less product than competitors.
- Mi-Glow 920 Fluorescent magnetic particles for wet method inspection with CircleSol M petroleum carrier.
- Mi-Glow Underwater 12 Industry-exclusive underwater inspection particles using Mi-Glow 601 ultra-bright red particles with dual light characteristics for offshore structural welds, pipeline inspection, and ship husbandry.
- Mi-Glow Underwater 1 Red fluorescent particles pre-mixed with powdered Wetting Agent for underwater inspection using visible light, black light, and blue light.
- CircleSol M NDT approved petroleum-based magnetic particle carrier fluid with highest flash point in the industry, rated as non-flammable per 29 CFR 1910.106, for wet method fluorescent and nonfluorescent MPI.
- CircleSafe 778A Fluorescent aerosol spray combining Mi-Glow 800 yellow-green particles with Wetting Agent 771 in water media, packaged with CO2 propellant for odor-free inspection.
- CircleSafe 800A Fluorescent yellow-green aerosol with Mi-Glow 800 particles premixed with CircleSol M petroleum carrier fluid, featuring high flashpoint and low odor.
- CircleSafe 820A Nonfluorescent visible wet method aerosol using Mi-Glow 106 black particles with Wetting Agent 771 in water media for finished surfaces and welds inspection.
- CircleSafe 850A Dual response aerosol combining Mi-Glow 601 red particles with Wetting Agent 771 for inspection under visible light, UV-A, or combined lighting conditions.
- Sir-Chem Dry Powder 61 Highly refined nonfluorescent gray magnetic powder for dry method inspection revealing medium to coarse discontinuities on bridges, pipes, tanks, and machinery, up to 800°F.
- Sir-Chem Dry Powder 63 Highly refined nonfluorescent red magnetic powder for dry method inspection, designed for use on fabricated components and weldments up to 600°F.
- Sir-Chem Dry Powder 66 Highly refined nonfluorescent yellow magnetic powder for dry method inspection providing excellent colored contrast on polished surfaces.
- Sir-Chem Dry Powder 68 Highly refined nonfluorescent blue magnetic powder for dry method inspection on fabricated components and weldments.
- Sir-Chem Dry Powder Black Highly refined nonfluorescent black magnetic powder for dry method inspection.
- Type 2000 MSC (Magnetic Stripe Card) Magnetic stripe card for instantly evaluating the performance of wet fluorescent magnetic particle inspection baths, recognized in ASTM E 709 and E 3024.
- Type A MSC (Magnetic Stripe Card)
- Reference Block Type 1 (MTU-3) Tool for testing performance of MPI materials and lighting environment, utilizing residual magnetic field to detect induced cracks for daily sensitivity checks.
- CircleSonic General Purpose Couplant (GPC) Field-proven water-based ultrasonic couplant designed for flaw detection and thickness testing, providing enhanced acoustic transmission and corrosion protection with operating range of 10°-220°F; glycerin-free, ASME B&PV Code compliant.
- Wetting Agent 34 Borate-free wetting agent with excellent corrosion inhibitors and defoaming properties for water-based magnetic particle inspection systems.
- Wetting Agent 483 Borate-free wetting agent developed to relieve health hazard concerns associated with borate-containing chemistries.
- Wetting Agent 771 Liquid conditioning agent providing superior surface coverage and particle mobility with corrosion inhibitors, surfactants, and defoaming agents.
- Corrosion Inhibitor 7 Concentrated corrosion inhibitor supplement for water-based MPI systems, providing exceptional protection for equipment and inspected components in high humidity and hard water regions.
- Cleaner 500 Mild alkaline cleaner for cleaning oil-based or water-based NDT systems before switching to new systems or for maintenance between baths.
- Antifoam 3 Highly concentrated silicone-based defoamer for water-based MPI systems to reduce excessive foaming.
- Mi-Glow WCP (White Contrast Paint) Fast-drying opaque non-reflective white contrast paint for creating consistent high-contrast background in wet method nonfluorescent MPI, ISO 9934-2 compliant.
Quantifiable outcome
- Up to 55% less product consumption compared to conventional MPI methods
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Circle Systems
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Circle Systems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature5 records
Circle Systems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Ten partnerships are on record, tiered core.
- 3E NDTcoreUS-based distributor with multiple locations in La Porte TX, Salt Lake City UT, and San Leandro CA providing local sales and support for Circle Systems MPI products.
- AIP (Arnett Inspection Products)coreLong-standing distributor based in Houston, Texas serving the oil and gas industry with Circle Systems magnetic particle inspection products. Customer testimonial indicates excellent service and delivery times.
- MPM ProductscoreMulti-location distributor serving Texas, Georgia, Minnesota, Ohio, Oregon, and California with Circle Systems NDT products.
- Test Equipment Distributors, LLCcoreNational US distributor with locations in Michigan, Oregon, California, Georgia, New Jersey, and Ohio providing comprehensive distribution of Circle Systems products.
- InTech NDEcoreCanadian distributor with locations in Edmonton Alberta and Oakville Ontario serving the Canadian NDT market.
- Stuart Hunt & AssociatescoreCanadian distributor with locations in Mississauga ON and Edmonton AB representing Circle Systems products in Canada.
- Callington Haven Pty LtdcoreAustralian distributor based in Rydalmere NSW serving the Australia and Oceania NDT market with Circle Systems products.
- Arora TechnologiescoreIndian distributor based in Navi Mumbai serving the Indian NDT market with Circle Systems magnetic particle inspection products.
- AB KontrollmetodcoreSwedish distributor serving the Nordic and Scandinavian NDT markets with Circle Systems products.
- CGM CigiemmecoreItalian distributor based in Opera (Milan) serving the Italian NDT market with Circle Systems products.
Scale indicators3 records
Recent moves7 records
Expansion highlights4 records
Circle Systems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentRegional players
- Sonatest Limited: Sonatest is a UK-based manufacturer of ultrasonic flaw detectors, thickness gauges, and phased array instruments, with related couplant consumables. It is a regional peer that overlaps with Circle Systems' ultrasonic testing consumable expansion (CircleSonic) in the European and Middle Eastern markets.
Broad incumbents
- Evident (formerly Olympus Scientific Solutions): Evident (formerly Olympus Industrial) is a global leader in NDT instrumentation including ultrasonic flaw detectors, eddy current, and visual inspection equipment, and also offers consumables including ultrasonic couplants. It competes with Circle Systems' CircleSonic couplant line as a broader incumbent in NDT inspection solutions.
- Eddyfi Technologies (now part of Previan): Eddyfi Technologies is a major advanced NDT solutions provider specializing in eddy current, ultrasonic, phased array, and remote visual inspection, with complementary consumables. As a broader incumbent serving aerospace, energy, and industrial inspection markets, it overlaps with Circle Systems' customer base though not its core chemistry product line.
- Baker Hughes (Waygate Technologies): Baker Hughes' Waygate Technologies (formerly GE Inspection Technologies) is a major NDT equipment and solutions provider offering ultrasonic, radiographic, and eddy current solutions along with related consumables. It serves overlapping aerospace, oil & gas, and power generation customers with a much broader portfolio than Circle Systems.
- Mistras Group: Mistras Group is a major provider of NDT services, equipment, and consumables globally, with broad capabilities spanning ultrasonic, eddy current, acoustic emission, and magnetic particle inspection. It overlaps with Circle Systems as a large incumbent that supplies MPI consumables as part of a wider NDT portfolio.
Direct peers
- Parker Research Corporation: Parker Research is a US-based manufacturer of NDT equipment and magnetic particle inspection consumables, including wet and dry method particles. It directly competes with Circle Systems in the MPI consumables niche, serving similar NDT service providers and industrial inspection departments.
- Helling GmbH: Helling is a German manufacturer of NDT equipment and consumables, including magnetic particle inspection products and ultrasonic testing accessories. It is a direct competitor to Circle Systems in the European market with an overlapping MPI consumables portfolio and similar focus on industrial inspection chemistry.
- Magnaflux (a division of Illinois Tool Works): Magnaflux is the global market leader in magnetic particle inspection consumables, offering wet method particles, dry method powders, aerosols, and carrier fluids that directly overlap Circle Systems' Mi-Glow, Sir-Chem, and CircleSafe product lines. As a division of ITW, Magnaflux has significantly greater R&D, manufacturing scale, and global distribution.
- Sherwin Incorporated: Sherwin is a US-based manufacturer of magnetic particle inspection products and related NDT consumables. It competes directly with Circle Systems in fluorescent and nonfluorescent MPI particles, dry method powders, and aerosols, serving similar aerospace, oil & gas, and general industrial inspection customers.
Others
- Comet Group (YXLON): Comet Group, through its YXLON division, is a global provider of industrial X-ray and CT inspection systems used in nondestructive testing for aerospace, automotive, and electronics. It is an adjacent rather than direct peer to Circle Systems, operating in a complementary NDT modality (radiographic vs magnetic particle) with related end-customer overlap.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
Circle Systems social profiles
Digital presenceCircle Systems compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance4 records
Circle Systems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Circle Systems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Circle Systems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Circle Systems M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Circle Systems
What does Circle Systems do?
Circle Systems develops and manufactures magnetic particle inspection (MPI) consumables for the nondestructive testing (NDT) community, organized across the Mi-Glow wet method line, CircleSafe aerosol line, and Sir-Chem dry method line, plus the CircleSonic ultrasonic couplant and a portfolio of accessories and support materials (wetting agents, corrosion inhibitors, white contrast paint, cleaners, defoamers, magnetic stripe cards, and reference blocks). The company serves industrial inspection of ferromagnetic materials across aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, and railroad end markets, with products sold globally through authorized distributors.
Is Circle Systems a public or private company?
Circle Systems is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Circle Systems founded?
Circle Systems was founded in 1961. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is Circle Systems based?
Circle Systems is headquartered in St. Mary's, United States, in the North America region.
How does Circle Systems make money?
One revenue line is on record: magnetic Particle Inspection Products.
Who are Circle Systems's main competitors?
Sonatest Limited is listed as a regional player. Broad incumbents are Evident (formerly Olympus Scientific Solutions), Eddyfi Technologies (now part of Previan), Baker Hughes (Waygate Technologies) and Mistras Group. Direct peers are Parker Research Corporation, Helling GmbH, Magnaflux (a division of Illinois Tool Works) and Sherwin Incorporated. Comet Group (YXLON) is listed as an others.
Does Circle Systems have an API?
No public API is recorded for Circle Systems.
What industry is Circle Systems in?
Circle Systems's product category is Nondestructive Testing Consumables. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUAEAKAF, Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) & Advanced Inspection (Phased Array, TOFD, Guided Wave), with a secondary code of IMAGAFAI, NDT/NDE Inspection Equipment (Ultrasonic, eddy current, radiography, thermography). Its NAICS code is 54138 and its SIC code is 2890.