Eddy Current Testing

It is widely known that eddy current measurements can provide useful information on the properties of ferrous materials. Modifications of the micro-structure and of the dislocation distribution caused by heat treatment or work hardening result in variations of the magnetic domain wall motion, which affect the electromagnetic response of the sample.

While the underlying microscopic mechanism relating these quantities is difficult to describe quantitatively, the relation between the electromagnetic response and the micro-structure is a very efficient empirical tool to sort parts, both by comparison with reference batches or by statistical analysis of samples.

Eddy current testing services uses electromagnetic induction to detect flaws in conductive materials. The eddy current test set-up consists of a circular coil placed on a test surface. The alternating current in the coil generates changing magnetic field which interacts with the conductive surface and generates an eddy current.

The flow of eddy current can be disrupted due to changes in resistivity or conductivity, magnetic permeability, any physical discontinuity. The change in eddy current flow and a corresponding change in phase and amplitude is measured against known values.

Eddy current test method can detect very small cracks in or near the surface of the material, the surfaces need minimum preparation. The biggest advantage of the eddy current test method is that it can be employed to determine surface flaws on painted or coated surfaces. Eddy current flaw detection is used aerospace industry, crane industry, concrete industry, pumping industry and other general industries where the protective surface coating cannot be removed.