NDT and Inspection Market Size, Share & Growth

Updated on : September 20, 2024

NDT and Inspection Market Size & Growth

[313 Pages Report] The NDT and inspection market size is expected to reach USD 18.4 billion by 2029 from 11.6 billion in 2024, at a CAGR of 9.6% during the 2024-2029 period.

NDT and inspection methodologies play a pivotal role in evaluating the structural integrity and material properties of various components and equipment without inducing damage. These techniques serve as crucial quality control mechanisms throughout the manufacturing process, facilitating the early identification of surface and subsurface defects in both finished products and work in progress (WIP). Moreover, they are instrumental in identifying faults and ensuring structural reliability across industrial assets and public infrastructure such as factories, buildings, bridges, railway lines, pipes, and machinery.

NDT and inspection methods encompass a range of approaches tailored to specific applications, allowing for precise defect detection and quantitative evaluation. Techniques such as Visual Testing (VT), Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT), Liquid Penetrant Testing (LPT), Eddy-Current Testing (ECT), Ultrasonic Testing (UT), Radiographic Testing (RT), and Acoustic Emission Testing (AET) are key components in the market analysis conducted for estimating market size.

Historically, NDT, also known as Non-Destructive Examination (NDE), has roots dating back to the 18th century, when rudimentary methods involved visual inspection and auditory analysis for identifying flaws in objects. Over time, advancements led to the development and utilization of methods like LPT and MPT. The discovery of X-rays in 1895 laid the foundation for Radiographic Testing (RT), while Ultrasonic Testing (UT) emerged in the early 20th century. Subsequent innovations expanded the repertoire of NDT and inspection techniques, broadening their applicability. The selection of a particular technique is contingent upon factors such as the nature of the object under examination, the objectives of the inspection, and budgetary considerations.

Technological advancements in sensing and data processing have significantly bolstered the effectiveness of various Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and inspection techniques like Eddy-Current Testing (ECT), Ultrasonic Testing (UT), and Radiographic Testing (RT). These methods have become indispensable in industries for upholding product quality standards and maintaining favorable brand perception among consumers. Government regulations mandating safety and quality standards further drive the adoption of NDT and inspection practices, particularly in sectors like oil & gas, power generation, and aerospace, where even minor equipment defects can precipitate significant disasters.

UT and RT, pivotal techniques in this realm, are experiencing notable enhancements, thanks to developments in phased array (PA) and guided wave (GW) technologies for UT, and computed radiography for RT. Conversely, traditional surface inspection methods like Magnetic Particle Testing (MPT) and Liquid Penetrant Testing (LPT) are witnessing subdued growth due to the availability of more advanced alternatives for surface defect detection.

Growth is primarily fueled by stringent government regulations concerning public safety and product quality, alongside continuous advancements in electronics, automation, and robotics. However, challenges such as a shortage of skilled personnel for NDT and inspection tasks restrain market expansion.

Nevertheless, significant opportunities lie ahead, driven by extensive infrastructural developments in regions like Asia Pacific, Europe, and Latin America, heightened demand for NDT and inspection services in the power generation industry, technological advancements in inspection techniques, and the emergence of new applications for NDT and inspection technologies.

Some of the leading players in the NDT and Inspection market include General Electric (US), MISTRAS Group (US), Olympus Corporation (Japan), Ashtead Technology (Scotland), Nikon Metrology NV (UK), SGS Société Générale De Surveillance SA, (Switzerland), Magnaflux (US), Eddyfi Technologies (Canada), Sonatest (UK), Intertek Group plc (UK), Applus+ (Spain), Bureau Veritas (France), Comet Group (Switzerland), TUV Rheinland (Germany), FISCHER TECHNOLOGY INC. (US), Acuren (US), CREAFORM (Canada), Vidisco Ltd. (Israel), DEKRA (Germany), Team, Inc. (US), Labquip NDT (US), Cygnus Instruments Ltd. (UK), FPrimeC Solutions Inc. (Canada), Carestream Health (US), and  Element Materials Technology (UK).

Attractive Opportunities In the NDT and Inspection Market

NDT and Inspection Market Forecast to 2029

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NDT and Inspection Market Trends 

Driver: Growing demand for structural health monitoring of infrastructure and maintenance needs

In regions like North America and Western Europe, the aging of infrastructures coupled with the increasing demand for maintenance serves as a primary catalyst for the heightened need for NDT and inspection equipment and services. Constructing new infrastructures by demolishing existing ones entails significant capital expenditure and time investments. Consequently, there is a preference for periodic health monitoring inspections of existing aging infrastructures to extend their operational life. NDT and non-destructive evaluation (NDE) techniques are crucial in preventing damage to aging assets by providing accurate data during inspections and mitigating the risk of premature and unexpected failures.

These NDT and evaluation methods gather information on structural performance parameters, including displacements, strains, and stresses. Advanced post-processing tools are then applied to analyze this data, allowing for the inference of the structures' current operational state and remaining life. Techniques such as Acoustic Emission (AE), Ultrasonics (UT), Digital Image Correlation (DIC), and Infrared Thermography (IRT) are integral to this process. Various sectors, including oil & gas plants and infrastructure components such as buildings, bridges, and power plant structures, require inspections due to aging. The ongoing inspection and health monitoring of concrete and steel structures contribute to the global growth of the NDT and inspection market.

Restraint: Financial Barriers Impacting NDT Equipment and Technology

The substantial investments required for NDT equipment and advanced technologies like infrared thermography, computed tomography, and radiography pose a potential constraint on the market's growth. The elevated costs associated with these sophisticated tools may be beyond the means of several developing and underdeveloped countries, thereby limiting their ability to adopt NDT equipment. This financial barrier could result in reduced uptake of NDT equipment in multiple regions, leading to a decline in overall equipment adoption rates.

Opportunity: Growing need for NDT and inspection services within the power generation industry.

Anticipated growth in the global power generation industry is set to drive increased adoption of NDT and inspection services. NDT techniques play a vital role in inspecting pressure systems, steam, gas turbines, and components within nuclear power plants, such as rods, small valves, waste containers, and waste management infrastructure. This trend creates a strategic opportunity for the expansion of the NDT and Inspection market.

Emerging economies, including China, India, and Mexico, are witnessing extensive infrastructure development projects, emphasizing power generation facilities significantly. According to the US Department of Energy, worldwide energy consumption is projected to rise by approximately 56% by 2040. China and India are expected to contribute roughly 50% to the global energy consumption share. The continuous expansion of nuclear power plants globally and the growing demand for machinery in power generation facilities offer lucrative prospects for players providing NDT and inspection equipment and solutions tailored for the power generation sector.

NDT and inspection activities facilitate safe and comprehensive testing of critical components within nuclear power plants without causing damage or alteration to the installed machinery. As there is a global inclination towards adopting renewable energy sources for power generation, this shift is poised to serve as a valuable opportunity for the growth of the NDT and inspection market in the foreseeable future.

Challenge: Growing complexity of industrial structure and machines

Industries like aerospace and defense, oil & gas, packaging, marine, and power generation rely on intricate industry equipment, encompassing items such as turbomachinery in liquid-fuel rockets, circuit boards, pressure vessels, heat exchangers, pipes, and lithium-ion batteries. These operational assets, vital during production cycles, experience varying degrees of wear and tear over their lifespan. The utilization of carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) in aerospace and automotive applications further contributes to complexity, involving integrated components within a single CFRP structure through advanced curing and bonding methods.

The adoption of highly sophisticated NDT equipment, scan plans, and inspection processes has become imperative to ensure the safety and reliability of industrial equipment. NDT and inspection technologies are pivotal in analyzing materials, components, and products, detecting both inherent defects (such as fractures or cracks) and service-induced defects resulting from usage. However, the examination of smaller products like circuit boards demands the expertise of highly trained professionals to uphold stringent quality standards. Additionally, the associated programming necessary for analyzing inspected data is intricate, requiring skilled software developers to write codes. Consequently, the entire NDT and inspection process faces increasing challenges due to the escalating complexity of diverse industrial equipment.

NDT and Inspection Market Ecosystem

The prominent players in the NDT and Inspection market are SGS Société Générale De Surveillance SA, (Switzerland), Intertek Group plc (UK), General Electric (US), Applus+ (Spain), and Olympus Corporation (Japan).

NDT and Inspection Market Segmentation

The manufacturing vertical of the NDT and Inspection market is expected to grow at the highest CAGR in the forecast period.

NDT and inspection methods are widely employed in manufacturing to verify the integrity of manufactured parts. Mainly applied for preventative maintenance, analyzing failures, and assessing post-production, these methods are essential for maintaining the uninterrupted and safe functioning of various equipment. Before products such as consumer goods, electronics, and equipment are introduced to the market, they must undergo testing to meet regulatory standards. Sectors including mining, iron casting, pipe manufacturing, heavy engineering, agriculture, and metalworking are witnessing significant requirements for NDT and inspection services and equipment. These are utilized to monitor routine wear and tear and perform inspections according to predefined criteria and regulations.

In the mining industry, NDT and inspection techniques are employed for testing and inspecting pit-head equipment and underground transport to guarantee the safety of critical components. They are also utilized for swift analysis of gold, uranium, base metals, and iron ore. The frequency of testing mining equipment is often mandated by state or government regulations, which provide certificates and licenses to operators and equipment for use in the industry until another test is required. These tests consider factors such as the rate of equipment usage and potential risks to human life.

The shipbuilding industry, a pivotal segment of heavy engineering, relies on NDT and inspections for effective shipbuilding and maintenance operations, assessing the condition and quality of welds in plates, valves, and fabricated structures. Radiographic testing (RT) is commonly applied in shipbuilding. Testia, offering products, solutions, and services, addresses various NDT use cases for the naval industry, including ship hull inspection, tank and pipe inspection, digitalization solutions (Inspection 4.0), Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) on different structures, and more. In May 2021, Testia joined GICAN, the French naval industry group, expanding its network and activities in the NDT field for the marine industry. The post-World War II era witnessed rapid growth in the use of NDT and inspection in manufacturing plants, introducing techniques such as industrial radiography, phased array ultrasonic testing, and X-ray computed tomography.

In May 2023, Eddyfi Technologies, a prominent producer of sophisticated inspection technology equipment, is delighted to introduce the Panther 2 – the ultimate solution for rapid and versatile industrial inspections employing phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) and total focusing method (TFM). Tailored for application in manufacturing, laboratory, and field settings, Panther 2 stands out as a genuinely unique and flexible non-destructive testing tool.

NDT and Inspection Market Regional Analysis

India in the Asia Pacific region is expected to have the highest CAGR  in the forecast period.

In India, initiatives like Make in India are strategically aimed at fostering the development of domestic manufacturing facilities with substantial foreign direct investments. As the nation aligns itself with the upward trajectory of the domestic manufacturing industry, India is poised to emerge as a promising market for NDT and inspection equipment Industry and services in the forecast period. The Indian government is actively shaping policies and initiatives to facilitate the growth of the NDT and inspection market. A notable example is the Indian government's liberal Special Economic Zone (SEZ) policy, which establishes a competitive environment conducive to the expansion of export-oriented manufacturing companies. Given the overall growth of the manufacturing sector in India, the market for magnetic particle testing within the NDT and inspection technique is projected to witness significant expansion from 2018 to 2024. The swift development in infrastructure, industry, and the economy has heightened the country's reliance on alternative energy sources such as nuclear, wind, and solar power plants, thereby increasing the demand for NDT and inspection equipment and services. Substantial military expenditures, coupled with advancements in transportation and infrastructure, are key drivers propelling the growth of the Indian NDT and inspection market. Moreover, India boasts the manufacture of various aircraft, including HAL Rudra, HAL light combat helicopter, HAL Lancer, HAL Dhruv, HAL Chetak, Light Combat Aircraft-Tejas, Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT), and Multirole Transport Aircraft. This underscores the substantial potential for growth in the NDT and inspection market, particularly in the aerospace industry. However, hurdles such as the current state of the global economy, limited product knowledge among end users, bureaucratic delays, and corruption present challenges to the growth of the NDT and inspection market in India.

In August 2023, ASNT India, a for-profit subsidiary of the American Society for Nondestructive Testing (ASNT), unveiled its inaugural facility in India. The establishment aims to meet the increasing demand for enhanced non-destructive testing (NDT) capabilities in India, aligning with the country's ambitions to emerge as a formidable infrastructure hub.

NDT and Inspection Market by Region

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Top NDT and Inspection Companies: Key players

The major players in the NDT and Inspection companies with a significant global presence include

• General Electric (US),
• MISTRAS Group (US),
• Olympus Corporation (Japan),
• Ashtead Technology (Scotland),
• Nikon Metrology NV (UK),
• SGS Société Générale De Surveillance SA, (Switzerland),
• Magnaflux (US),
• Eddyfi Technologies (Canada),
• Sonatest (UK), Intertek Group plc (UK),
• Applus+ (Spain),
• Bureau Veritas (France),
• Comet Group (Switzerland),
• TUV Rheinland (Germany),
• FISCHER TECHNOLOGY INC. (US),
• Acuren (US), CREAFORM (Canada),
• Vidisco Ltd. (Israel), DEKRA (Germany),
• Team, Inc. (US), Labquip NDT (US),
• Cygnus Instruments Ltd. (UK),
• FPrimeC Solutions Inc. (Canada),
• Carestream Health (US), and 
• Element Materials Technology (UK).

NDT and Inspection Report Scope 

NDT and Inspection Market Highlights

The study segments the NDT and Inspection market based on technique, service, method, vertical, application, and region.

Recent Developments in NDT and Inspection Industry

• In November 2023, International subsea equipment rental and solutions specialist Ashtead Technology broadened its mechanical solutions service portfolio through the acquisition of ACE Winches. This marks Ashtead Technology's eighth acquisition in the last six years, following the 2022 acquisitions of Aberdeenshire-based companies, WeSubsea and Hiretech. This latest strategic move reinforces Ashtead Technology's comprehensive product and service offerings in both the oil & gas and offshore wind sectors. ACE Winches, headquartered globally in Turriff, Aberdeenshire, will play a pivotal role as a key operational facility for Ashtead Technology. Plans for ongoing investment and expansion are in place to support the company's continuous growth trajectory.
• In November 2023, Nikon Metrology NV launched three new models in its VOXLS 30 Series range of  X-ray CT (computed tomography) systems for non-destructive inspection. VOXLS 30 C 225, 30 C 320 and 30 C 450 models are now available.
• In October 2023, Eddyfi Technologies, at the forefront of advanced robotic solutions, took pride in introducing the revolutionary VersaTrax series of robotic inspection crawlers. These adaptable robots are set to transform industrial inspections by providing precision, flexibility, and safety in demanding environments.
• In July 2023, Nikon Americas Inc, the US based subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, acquired Avonix Imaging LLC* (Avonix), located in Maple Grove, Minnesota. Avonix has served as a crucial manufacturing partner for X-ray CT (computed tomography) equipment to Nikon Industrial Metrology Business Unit (IMBU) since 2015. With a history as a well-established provider of imaging inspection services, Avonix utilizes Nikon systems for both 3D and 2D X-ray/CT inspections. The company possesses extensive technical expertise in employing X-rays to examine the internal and external aspects of industrial components.
• In May 2023, Previan Technologies, Inc. revealed the completion of the acquisition of Sensor Networks, Inc. (SNI), a prominent supplier of sensing tools and technologies facilitating the inspection and remote monitoring of safety-critical components with enhanced productivity. Following this transaction, SNI will be officially integrated into the Previan Group, and its NDT solutions will be propelled through the Eddyfi Technologies business unit.
• In May 2023, Eddyfi Technologies, a prominent producer of sophisticated inspection technology equipment, is delighted to introduce the Panther 2 – the ultimate solution for rapid and versatile industrial inspections employing phased array ultrasonic testing (PAUT) and total focusing method (TFM). Tailored for application in manufacturing, laboratory, and field settings, Panther 2 stands out as a genuinely unique and flexible non-destructive testing tool.
• In May 2023, The company officially communicated the release of the MM-400N and MM-800N series measuring microscopes. Notably, both series are equipped with aperture diaphragm control on the diascopic illuminator, providing operators the capability to fine-tune the aperture for optimal contrast and resolution. Additionally, the lighting conditions for measuring cylindrical products can be customized as well.
• In May 2023, GE Aerospace, a division of General Electric, and Waygate Technologies, a leading provider of non-destructive testing (NDT) solutions for industrial inspection and a business under Baker Hughes, revealed the signing of a joint technology development agreement (JTDA). This collaboration aims to create advanced software and hardware inspection solutions tailored for commercial aircraft engines. The agreement is strategically structured to enhance the efficiency, precision, and quality of video borescope inspections while concurrently reducing costs for Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) shops and on-wing maintenance providers. Furthermore, GE Aerospace and Waygate Technologies will explore technology solutions emphasizing advanced analytics.
• In April 2023, The VOXLS 40 C 450, with its substantial volume capacity, is capable of examining items with varying sizes and densities, both internally and externally. This versatility enables it to undertake a wide range of tasks across industrial, inspection bureaus, and academic settings. Housed in a single-piece cabinet, the VOXLS 40 C 450 features a metrology-grade manipulator anchored on granite, complemented by sturdy steel towers. The inclusion of high-precision motors and encoders further enhances its performance.
• In April 2023, Nikon's Industrial Metrology Business Unit is set to unveil two additional systems as part of its upcoming generation of X-ray CT (computed tomography) inspection solutions later this year. Housed in a medium-sized cabinet, both the VOXLS 30 C 450 and VOXLS 30 M 450 models offer an impressive 450kV and 450 watts of continuous X-ray power. This level of power is notably high for a microfocus system, facilitating highly effective examination of samples, including those with substantial thickness and density.
• In November 2022, SGS entered into a strategic alliance agreement with Envirosuite Limited, a leading provider of advanced environmental intelligence technology worldwide. This agreement outlines terms for collaboration between Envirosuite and SGS to jointly promote, market, and offer integrated services. These services combine SGS's expertise in testing, inspection, and certification with Envirosuite's 'EVS Omnis environmental intelligence platform. The aim is to deliver comprehensive compliance and operational optimization solutions for companies across various global sectors, including mining, heavy industry, and oil & gas.
• In October 2022, Nikon Industrial Metrology introduced Laser Radar stations as a robust alternative to traditional Coordinate Measuring Machines (CMMs) for manufacturers in need of measuring the geometry of medium-to-large parts. These parts range from car doors, castings, and fabrications to entire car chassis or airframe structures.
• In September 2022, Ashtead Technology bolstered its rental fleet by making a substantial investment in NORBIT Subsea's wideband multibeam sonar systems. Advanced ROVs using multibeam sonars for inspection and survey tasks rely on cutting-edge subsea technology. Given the increasing demand for specialized multibeam systems, this investment promises mutual benefits for both companies.
• In September 2022, Waygate Technologies, the inspection arm of General Electric, inked a global technology collaboration deal with RINA (Registro Italiano Navale), a multinational group specializing in inspection, certification, and engineering. This partnership aims to introduce fresh and inventive solutions tailored for the marine shipyard industry. Through this agreement, customers will gain access to innovative approaches to digitize their welding inspections and leverage actionable data analytics. Consequently, shipyard inspectors will be equipped to promptly identify welding defects right after completion, mitigating potential delays and reducing costs associated with repairs or rework significantly.
• In September 2022, Sensoria, a division of MISTRAS Group, partnered with Bladena, a Danish blade specialist, to introduce a groundbreaking solution aimed at optimizing the integrity and operational efficiency of offshore wind blades. This collaboration is dedicated to addressing the structural challenges faced by wind turbine blades in harsh environmental conditions within the offshore wind market. Given the remote locations of offshore blades, accessing and inspecting them can be challenging, potentially resulting in the exacerbation of damages between scheduled inspections.
• In May 2022, SGS disclosed its acquisition of AIEX (France) as part of its ongoing efforts to bolster its portfolio within the nuclear energy sector. This acquisition of AIEX introduces complementary inspection capabilities to SGS's already robust testing expertise, thereby reinforcing the company's support for sustainable nuclear energy production in France.
• In April 2022, Olympus Corporation announced the successful separation of its Scientific Solutions business into a wholly owned subsidiary, Evident Corporation. This decision comes after the divestiture of its Imaging business and underscores the company's commitment to solidifying its position as a key player in the medical industry over the long term. Evident, now a newly established subsidiary headquartered in Japan, operates independently under the Olympus umbrella. The Scientific Solutions business, which comprises Olympus' Industrial and Life Science sectors, will benefit from this reorganization by gaining autonomy and agility to swiftly and flexibly address the needs of its Industrial and Life Science customers.
• In April 2022, Ashtead Technology unveiled a novel optical chain measurement system (CMS) designed to offer precise and consistent measurements of mooring chains. This system enables tracking of chain corrosion, wear, and elongation between surveys, along with inclination measurement to verify chain tension. Leveraging high-resolution video in tandem with machine vision algorithms, Ashtead Technology's innovative optical CMS not only cuts chain measurement time by over 50% but also delivers real-time results.
• In March 2022, Ashtead Technology signed an exclusive rental agreement with OceanTools, a subsea engineering company specializing in the design and manufacture of underwater technologies. This agreement facilitates the enhancement of Ashtead Technology’s existing inventory of leak detection equipment for underwater survey and inspection operations.
• In March 2022, Ashtead Technology signed a technical services agreement with Modus Subsea Services for the provision of survey and inspection equipment to integrate fully with Modus’ growing AUV fleet.
• In March 2022, Petronas entered a partnership with Waygate Technologies Robotics (WTR) to bring to market a robotic inspection device tailored for the oil and gas sector. This advanced device facilitates enhanced data management and enables inspections of confined spaces within both onshore and offshore oil and gas facilities. The upgraded technology incorporates a cleaning tool along with additional ultrasonic and Eddy current inspection capabilities. Through this collaboration, a solution is being developed to help Petronas mitigate safety risks for its personnel and reduce overall asset downtime.
• In March 2022, Olympus Corporation introduced the 72DL PLUS ultrasonic thickness gauge, offering accurate thickness measurements at rapid speeds within a portable and user-friendly device. Equipped with rapid scanning capabilities, sophisticated algorithms, and Olympus' most precise minimum thickness capability to date, this gauge excels in measuring the thickness of extremely thin layers, catering to demanding applications across various industries.
• In February 2022, Olympus Corporation unveiled the OmniScan X3 64 flaw detector, boasting enhanced power and performance. This 64-channel instrument is equipped with the pulse capacity necessary to propel phased array (PA) probes featuring a larger number of elements, thereby accelerating data acquisition speed for total focusing method (TFM) imaging. Users can leverage its augmented capabilities to broaden and diversify their range of applications.
• In January 2022, SGS announced a collaboration with Microsoft. The collaboration will integrate Microsoft’s cross-industry expertise, advanced data solutions, productivity platforms, and the global network and leading industry competence to develop innovative solutions for the testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) industry’s customers.

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