What type of defects can Eddy Current Testing effectively detect?

Eddy Current Testing (ECT) is proficient in detecting surface and near-surface defects, making it particularly effective for identifying issues like cracks, laps, and inclusions in a variety of conductive materials. The technique relies on electromagnetic induction to generate eddy currents within the test material. When these currents encounter defects such as cracks, which disrupt their flow, the resulting variations in the electrical resistance and impedance can be measured and interpreted.

This capability to detect discontinuities that are close to the surface is a significant advantage of ECT, enabling inspectors to evaluate the integrity and quality of materials without requiring extensive preparation or invasive procedures. ECT is less effective for detecting internal defects, as it primarily targets surface characteristics; it also requires sufficient conductivity for accurate results, thus limiting its application for only metal materials. This makes it exceptionally valuable for industries where surface integrity is critical, such as aerospace and automotive sectors.