A new report from market research firm Frost & Sullivan, Non-Destructive Testing Technologies for Composites, covers ultrasonic, radiography, thermography and shearography testing.
"Composite applications are strictly compliance-driven and there are stringent government safety regulations to which the composites industry must adhere," notes Frost & Sullivan Technical Insights research analyst Mousumi Dasgupta.
"These regulations have generated significant demand for NDT methods and inspection services. They also act as one of the key drivers for growth in the composite-focused NDT market."
However, a major challenge faced by the NDT for composites industry is the lack of trained operators, according to Frost & Sullivan.
Limited knowledge about the structural complexity of composites is also hindering market growth.
| For inspecting exceptionally large parts and production volumes, computer-controlled robotic systems are being integrated with NDT devices. Rapid data processing is now possible with advancements in hardware and software, which allows the operator to detect damage in real time. |
| Mousumi Dasgupta, Frost & Sullivan Technical Insights research analyst |
NDT device manufacturers are attempting to introduce easy to use systems that would require minimal operator knowledge for carrying out the inspection. They are also developing automated tools that offer improved defect detection capability, which might replace manual testing techniques, the report says.