Applications of Eddy Current Testing in Non-Destructive Testing

 

One of the most trusted methods in non-destructive testing is the eddy current, which is based on the principle of electromagnetism to find flaws in conductive materials. This makes it useful for many purposes, like measuring coating and material thickness, flaw detection, establishing conditions for heat treatments of specific materials, and material identification. Probes, devices, and other relevant instruments are available to make it easier to use in any application, especially in characterising and detecting sub-surface and surface flaws.

 

 

How does it work in NDT?

 

A specially designed coil is involved in eddy current testing, and it is placed near the test surface to be energised by an alternating current. It creates a magnetic field that links to the test part and generates eddy currents in its vicinity. Changes in various phases and the magnitude of the currents are then monitored using a receiver coil. Alternatively, you can measure variations in the alternate current as it goes through the primary coil.

 

Any discontinuities or variations in electrical conductivity will trigger a change in the current and alter the amplitude and phases of the current you’re measuring. These changes are then displayed on the screen, ready for interpretation to help you find the defects.

 

 

Where is it used?

 

Eddy current is among the most versatile NDT methods that eliminate the need to take samples, drill holes, or cause any harm to the component or structure. As such, it finds many uses in the following tasks:

 

 

·     Weld testing: High-frequency testers can examine ferrous welds to find toe cracks, even where paint layers are present.

·     Material sorting: Conductivity metres available for identifying aluminium and copper alloys and hardened steel.

·     Crack detection: Eddy current testers come in high-frequency devices to find surface-breaking cracks in ferrous and non-ferrous components. They are also available in low-frequency instruments to check subsurface cracks within non-ferrous objects.

·     Tube and wire testing: Automated systems can be calibrated to examine tubes, wires, and bars to help identify and remove defective parts from your production line.

·     Coating thickness measurement: Eddy Current testing offers excellent surface resolution for measuring coating thickness on components.

 

 

Get the best instruments online.

 

Our team here at PCTE is ready to supply you with the right eddy current systems and probes. Browse our range here or send a message for a quote.

 

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