To which types of materials is Eddy Current Testing primarily applied?

Eddy Current Testing (ET) is primarily applied to conductive materials, particularly metals, because the fundamental principle of the method relies on the generation of eddy currents when an alternating magnetic field is induced in a conductive material. When the probe generates an electromagnetic field, it penetrates the conductive material and causes the flow of eddy currents within it.

Metals exhibit the required electrical conductivity that allows these eddy currents to form, which is essential for detecting flaws such as cracks, corrosion, or changes in material properties. The response from the eddy currents is measured and analyzed to assess the condition of the material being tested.

In contrast, non-conductive materials, such as wood, plastic, or insulating materials, do not allow for the flow of eddy currents, rendering ET useless for these types of materials. Precious metals, while they are conductive, do not represent the entirety of the applications for ET, as the method can be effectively applied to a broader range of conductive materials including ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Therefore, the emphasis on conductive materials captures the essence of where Eddy Current Testing can be effectively implemented.