Eddy current testing has been used for more than 30 years in testing steam
generator tubing and bar, tube and wire stock. More recently, it has been applied
to the testing of individual components on production lines. Eddy current offers
rapid testing that makes 100% inspection a reality, thus reducing both scrap
and warranty costs.
Current systems are used to detect anomalies in metallic objects. Manufacturers
are interested in whether cracks and flaws are present in a part, whether the
part has been correctly heat treated, whether parts have been made from the
correct material and whether physical attributes such as threads or splines
have been accurately machined. Modern eddy current systems can rapidly detect
these conditions and enable assembly line integration.