Why is it important to establish a baseline for comparison in Eddy Current Testing?

Establishing a baseline for comparison in Eddy Current Testing is essential because it allows for effective monitoring of changes over time in materials. A baseline represents a set of reference measurements taken from a specific component, which can be compared to future test results. This comparison can reveal any degradation, wear, or other changes that may have occurred in the material or structure since the initial measurement. Being able to track these changes over time is crucial for preventative maintenance, predicting the lifespan of components, and ensuring safety and reliability in operational environments. Without a baseline, it would be challenging to determine whether a detected anomaly represents an actual change in the material condition or if it's within acceptable variations.

Establishing a baseline does not directly serve as a reference for global standards, nor is it necessary for the calibration of the equipment or specifically for selecting the right probe size. While those factors are important in their own right, they do not encapsulate the critical purpose of a baseline within the context of monitoring material integrity over time.