本報告已在2011年07月19日停止出版。
非破壞性試驗（NDT）與非破壞性檢查（NDI）技術所受的認知度較低，因此 Phased Array 超音波、數位 X 光攝影等最新技術尚未大量普及。從終端用戶的觀點來看，Phased Array 技術初期的高昂成本也是引進態度消極的一大因素，且顧客過高的期待也成為廠商極大的壓力。
擅長多種尖端領域之產業策略性調查的美國專業公司 Technical Insights, Inc. （總公司：紐約），調查分析了非破壞性檢查新動向後，出版了一本綜合報告書 "Emerging Trends in Non-Destructive Testing"。
報告書內容包括：各種非破壞性技術的最新研發、影響要素、課題、非破壞性技術的商用進展、主要專利、主要企業與學術機構的研發等等，內容綱要摘記如下：
1. 摘要
2. 技術與用途看法
- 非破壞性試驗概要
- 目視檢查與 Acoustic Emission 檢查
- 目視檢查
- Acoustic Emission 檢查
- 表面檢查
- X 光檢查
- Gamma 射線檢查
- 高能量放射線檢查與放射線軟片檢查
- X 光
- X 光 CT、直接攝影法
- 超音波探傷檢查與渦電流探傷檢查
3. 技術引進要項分析
4. 研究與革新相關評量
- 大學與國家研究所的研究
- 飛機用複合材料的紅外線 Thermographer（希臘）
- LBNL 的汽車組裝生產線新式 NDE 系統研發（美國）
- 複合材料空氣結合超音波檢查（美國）
- 光纖感測器的保護（中國）
- 表面 Crack 檢測用脈衝渦電流系統（英國）
- 非破壞性試驗的 Bayesian 分析利用（美國）
- PZT Patch用結構檢測（印度）
- Laser Acoustic Emission 用 Ceramic Coating 缺陷檢測（日本）
- 複合材料各層間剝離檢測的板波活用（日本）
- Gas Turbine 的強磁性粒子檢測（德國）
- 防制缺陷的結構內部 Crack 檢定（希臘）
- 汽車用智慧型纖維（英國）
- 金屬 Chrome Layer 的厚度測量（德國）
- 使用超音波評估材料特性（西班牙）
- 企業研究
- 受 GE 認定對減少生產時間有貢獻的 Phased Array 系統（美國）
- 數位化的 Manual UT 設備（德國）
- 由 Panametrics NDT 而來的缺陷檢查軟體（美國）
- Lockheed Martin 公司的 F-35 UT 檢查設備（美國）
- Electrophysics 的新紅外線影線攝影機（美國）
- 金屬結構物取向的新非破壞性試驗系統（澳洲）
- SAAB 的航空結構物取向新 UT 系統設置（瑞典）
- 焊接分割檢測用 Flat 回折時間（新加坡）
- 大洋州獨立的元件檢測（美國）
- 電子晶片缺陷檢測用設備（美國）
5. 主要專利與市場企業資料庫
6. Frost & Sullivan 2005 Science and Technology Awards
Abstract
Research Overview
Uninformed End Users Hinder Extensive Adoption of Recent NDT Techniques
Low awareness regarding non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques is limiting
the uptake of some of the newer techniques such as phased array ultrasonics
and digital radiography. End users also seem hesitant to adopt phased array
into the mainstream due to its high initial cost. An additional challenge for
NDT manufacturers is meeting the high customer expectations. Customers are
demanding a host of features in the new equipment, which may not be possible
due to technology or economic limitations. These NDT techniques, however,
continue to be within the reach of well-trained consumers who understand and
appreciate the benefits.
This Technical Insights study provides an overview of emerging trends in NDT.
A synopsis of the emerging techniques, analysis of recent developments in the
fields of ultrasonic testing, eddy current testing, surface inspection, visual
inspection, and radiographic inspection is included in this study. The study
identifies commercial applications for NDT testing and provides a summary of
key patents that will offer an insight into notable activities and important
market participants. A report on technology drivers, restraints, and
challenges in NDT is also presented to enable companies to align their
positioning strategies so as to benefit from these emerging technologies.
Drawbacks of NDT Techniques Reduce Chances of Monopolizing the Market
The inbuilt disadvantage of NDT methods curbs it from monopolizing the market.
"NDT inspection requirements depend entirely on the material and structural
configuration and lifecycle stage of the product," explains the analyst. "For
example, ultrasound testing is influenced by background noise, which may
result in off the-mark measurements." Nonetheless, a series of advancements
related to computers and other interdisciplinary fields have made major
impacts on the NDT methods thereby making them indispensable and increasing
the occurrences of NDT usage.
In fact, advancements in the development of new materials are expected to reap
rich results in terms of renewed demand for NDT testing. These materials are
expected to have the strength and resilience of traditional materials while
being lightweight and affordable. The advent in microelectronics is
anticipated to bring a horde of other beneficial improvements in NDT such as
reduction in cost, instrumentation weight, and size. All these factors combine
to boost the future of NDT technique despite its inherent shortcomings.
Modernization Increases Acceptance of New Techniques
"Efforts are being made to integrate several NDT methods; data fusion
techniques are being developed to enable effective data-acquisition,
processing, and interpretation of the test parameters in relation to the
material integrity," notes the analyst. "Phased array technology with its
electronically controlled multiple probes has moved from the medical to the
manufacturing industry and other technologies such as eddy current and
magnetic particle inspection are being widely utilized in the aerospace
sector."
Advances in sensors, development of new materials, and miniaturization of
devices are all paving the way for NDT techniques. The future of NDT looks
bright with possibilities of intensive adoption across several
interdisciplinary fields.
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary
Key Findings
- Noteworthy Emerging Technologies
- Noteworthy Applications
Scope & Methodology
2. Technology and Applications Viewpoint
Overview of Non-Destructive Testing
- What Is Non-Destructive Testing?
- Technology Roadmap
Visual Inspection and Acoustic Emission Testing
- Visual Inspection
- Acoustic Emission Testing
Surface Inspection
- Penetrant Testing
- Magnetic Inspection
Radiographic Inspection
- Gamma Radiography
- High Energy Radiography and Radiographic Film Testing
- X-Radiography
- X-Ray Computerized Tomography and Direct Radiographic Imaging
Ultrasonic Inspection and Eddy Current Testing
- Ultrasonic Inspection
- Eddy Current Testing
3. Technology Adoption Factor Analysis
Analysis of Overall Technology Accelerators and Barriers
- Overall Technology Accelerators
- Overall Technology Barriers
Market Factors and Regulatory Issues
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Regulatory Issues and Standards
- Industry Trends
4. Assessment of Research and Innovation
Assesment of Research in Universities and National Laboratories
- Infrared Thermography for Assessment of Aircraft Composites--Greece
- LBNL Develops Novel NDE System for Automotive Assembly Lines--US
- Air-Coupled Ultrasonic Testing for Composites--US
- Protection for Optical Fiber Sensors--China
- Pulsed Eddy Current Systems To Detect Surface Cracks--UK
- Using Bayesian Analysis for NDT--US
- Structural Health Monitoring Using PZT Patches--India
- Detecting Defects in Ceramic Coatings Using Laser Acoustic Emission--Japan
- Using Lamb Waves To Detect Delamination in Composites--Japan
- Detecting Ferromagnetic Particles in Gas Turbines--Germany
- Understanding Cracks in Structures to Avoid Failure--Greece
- Smart Fibers for Automotive Applications--UK
- Measuring Thickness of Chromium Metal Layers--Germany
- Using Ultrasound To Assess Material Properties--Spain
Assesment of Research in Companies
- GE Certified Phase Array System Helps in Reduction of Manufacturing
Time--US
- Digitized Manual UT Instrument--Germany
- Flaw Detecting Software from Panametrics NDT--US
- UT Testing Equipment for the Lockheed Martin' s F-35--US
- Novel Thermal Imgaging Camera from Electrophysics--US
- Novel NDT System for Metallic Structures--Australia
- SAAB Installs New UT System for Aerospace Structures--Sweden
- Time of Flight Diffraction for Detecting Weld Cracks--Singapore
- Independent Component Health Monitor from Oceania--US
- Breakthrough Inspection Equipment for Defects in Electronic Chips--US
5. Key Patents and Database of Key Industry Participants
Key Patents
- Patents in Eddy Current Testing
- Patents in Ultrasonic Testing
- Patents in X-Ray Inspection
Database of Key Industry Participants
- Universities and National Laboratories
- Companies
6. Frost & Sullivan 2005 Science and Technology Awards
Excellence in Technology Award
- Award Description
- Award Recipient
Technology Innovation Award
- Award Description
- Award Recipient
Product Innovation Award
- Award Description
- Award Recipient
7. Critical Reference Tables
Decision Support Database
- Primary Aluminium Production (1999-2006)
- Crude Steel Production (1999-2006)
- Total Number of Aircraft (1999-2006)
- Total Number of Military Aircraft (1999-2006)
- Total Number of Airports (1999-2006)
- Total Number of Commercial Aircraft in Service Worldwide (1999-2006)
- Total Bus Production (1999-2006)
- Total Car Production (1999-2006)
