Empire also has a robust non-destructive testing (NDT) tool known as Eddy Current Testing (ET)for detecting (near) surface defects in conductive materials without the need to remove the coating. A magnetic field is generated using an electromagnetic inductor. As this field is applied to the test piece’s surface, it causes “eddy currents” to form in the material. These currents produce their own magnetic field, which resists the inductor’s initial field. When a discontinuity disrupts the eddy currents, the resulting shift in coil impedance can be measured and registered.

ET inspections may be used for material and coating thickness measurements, material detection, and heat treatment control in addition to detecting defects on the (near) surface.