Eddy Current Testing (ET) is a versatile NDT method that can be used to detect (near) surface defects in conductive materials without removing the coating. An electromagnetic inductor is used to generate a magnetic field. When this field is introduced in the surface of the test piece, it generates so called “eddy currents” in the material. These currents generate their own magnetic field which resists the initial field created by the inductor. When a discontinuity disturbs the eddy currents, this can be registered by measuring the resulting change in impedance of the coil.
Besides detecting defects in the (near) surface, ET inspections can also be applied for material and coating thickness measurements, material identification and heat treatment monitoring.
Alternating Current Field Measurement (ACFM) is an electromagnetic technique for the detection and sizing of surface breaking cracks. The main advantage of the technique is that it works through several millimeters of coatings. This means that paint and other protective coatings do not have to be removed and then reapplied.