Eddy Current Testing
Induced electrical currents used to detect surface and near-surface flaws, often without removing coatings.
Eddy current testing detects surface and near-surface flaws by inducing electrical currents in a conductive component and monitoring how a flaw disturbs them. Its particular strength is that it can find cracks through thin coatings and on complex geometries, making it valuable where stripping paint from every suspect area would be impractical. We apply it selectively where its coating tolerance and sensitivity to fine surface cracks give it an advantage over other methods.
How eddy current testing works
A coil carrying alternating current induces circulating eddy currents in the conductive material beneath it. A crack or change in material interrupts those currents, altering the coil's impedance in a way the instrument detects. Because no couplant or direct metal contact is needed, the method suits painted or coated surfaces.
It is highly sensitive to fine surface-breaking cracks, particularly at fastener holes and other stress concentrations that are common failure initiation sites.
- Surface and near-surface crack detection
- Tolerant of thin coatings and paint
- Effective around fastener holes and stress raisers
- No couplant required, suited to rapid scanning
Where we apply it
Eddy current is useful on aluminium structures found on some access equipment, on coated components, and for rapid screening of areas prone to fine cracking. It complements magnetic particle and ultrasonic methods rather than replacing them.
Reporting
Indications are located, characterised and reported against the acceptance criteria, with any significant finding fed into the wider inspection or investigation conclusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
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