INTRODUCTION
The nondestructive testing (NDT) industry continues to change. The core NDT technologies are evolving in important ways and the applications in which NDT is used are also changing rapidly. Many of the industries that have traditionally used NDT techniques continue to stagnate or decline, while other industries that have only recently begun to use NDT techniques are expanding. In addition, a wave of consolidations and mergers is still affecting the NDT industry.
The NDT techniques expected to experience the fastest growth over the next five years are x-ray radiography and infrared and thermal imaging. The major reason for growth in the radiography technology markets is the increased emphasis on homeland security issues and combating terrorism.
While most NDT techniques are experiencing various levels of growth, film-based radiographic testing, liquid penetrant, and magnetic particle testing are expected to continue their long-term decline. These techniques do not easily lend
themselves to automation or computerization, causing many end users to abandon the techniques in favor of others, such as eddy current, ultrasound, real time radiography or infrared. Overall, the field of NDE is in a mature stage and plays a significant role in our manufacturing economy.
The research and development in materials science, computers, electronics, automation and related fields continue to reshape the nondestructive testing industry. The drive to integrate several nondestructive testing methods will continue. The companies remaining in the NDT industry are making nondestructive technology their prime focus and are enhancing their market position through mergers and acquisitions. These companies are expected to incorporate technology such as telerobotics, wireless communications, neural networks, and use of the Internet into their future products. Such features will enable remote monitoring where centrally located know-how, database, analytical software and
decision-making criteria, etc. will be available to the inspectors.
Of all end-user markets, transportation security or cargo and baggage inspection-as a defense in the area of homeland security-are expected to lead the increase in demand for NDT equipment over the next five years. The participants in this market use x-ray technology, and further developments and combination uses with other technologies can be expected in this area. Infrared and thermal imaging techniques also constitutes a significant market for NDT testing. Electronic manufacturers, in particular, are expressing strong demand for nondestructive inspection equipment, such as radioscopy, infrared, and acoustic imaging systems that can be integrated into production lines for quality assurance purposes. The use of visual and optical inspection technology is projected to grow at a measurable rate because of the needs of electronic products manufacturing. Additionally, the manufacturing plants will continue to use eddy
current and ultrasonic NDT equipment as a key component in maintenance programs designed to reduce plant shutdowns, operating costs and process control aimed at producing consistent quality. The companies participating in the NDT market will continue to develop smaller and smarter instruments and systems. The user friendliness and high speed will be the major features of these new products.
This review is one of the few to detail new, emerging NDT technologies in the context of the overall nondestructive testing market. This review gives readers an opportunity to learn about extremely up-to-date, cutting-edge technologies. In addition, the latest business developments and company changes have been included in this publication, giving readers an up-to-the-minute perspective on the market.
As a manager or administrator of nondestructive testing, you will be kept up to date on developments in:
- Ultrasonics
- Infrared
- Software
- Radiology
- Acoustics
- Optical
- Eddy currents
- Standards
- Regulations
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