That team recognized titanium as an important research area and began funding of ETC in 1993. Since then, scientists at ISU's Center for Nondestructive Evaluation have worked with other ETC members to develop a device for fast, versatile inspection of engines. The scanner also offers controlled scanning with better sensitivity and reliability than existing detection methods at a much lower cost. The technique is an important supplement to fluorescent penetrant inspection, which can detect only surface cracks and discontinuities. Eddy current technology is able to detect near surface defects, making it better suited to engine inspection.
Probes can also be custom designed to increase versatility.
FAA funded development of the device, and the effort was completed in cooperation with the aircraft industry. Wash. The Center for Nondestructive Evaluation is a member of the Institute for Physical Research and Technology, a consortium of research, technology development, technology transfer and technical assistance entities at Iowa State University.