Eddy Current Testing (ECT) is most commonly used to inspect surfaces and tubes. It is an incredibly sensitive testing method and can identify even very small flaws or cracks in a surface or just beneath it. On surfaces, ECT can be done with both ferromagnetic and non-ferromagnetic materials.

Eddy current equipment can be used for a variety of applications such as the detection of cracks (discontinuities), measurement of metal thickness, detection of metal thinning due to corrosion and erosion, determination of coating thickness, and the measurement of electrical conductivity and magnetic permeability. Eddy current inspection is an excellent method for detecting surface and near-surface defects when the probable defect location and orientation are well known.

Defects such as cracks are detected when they disrupt the path of eddy currents and weaken their strength.

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