Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Technique (Ultrasonic Testing, Visual Inspection Testing, Magnetic Particle Testing, Liquid Penetrant Testing, Eddy-Current Testing, Radiographic Testing, and Acoustic Emission Testing), By Method (Visual Inspection, Surface Inspection, Volumetric Inspection), By Service (Ultrasonic Inspection, Equipment Rental Services, Calibration Services, and Training Services), By Vertical (Manufacturing, Oil & Gas, Aerospace, Public Infrastructure, Automotive, Power Generation), and Regional Forecast, 2022-2029

The global non-destructive testing (NDT) market size was valued at USD 6.30 billion in 2021. The market is projected to grow from USD 6.80 billion in 2022 to USD 16.66 billion by 2029, exhibiting a CAGR of 13.66% during the forecast period. The global COVID-19 pandemic has been unprecedented and staggering, with NDT equipment experiencing lower-than-anticipated demand across all regions compared to pre-pandemic levels. Based on our analysis, the global NDT market exhibited a decline of 14.96% in 2020 as compared to 2019.

Non-destructive testing is a technologically advanced technique to detect and evaluate defects in materials. Destructive testing is used to identify the characteristics of aircraft components, including tensile strength, fracture toughness, and flexibility. In the aerospace industry, NDT plays a primary role in designing, manufacturing, and maintenance of an aircraft. It is the most accurate methodology to test the aircraft component and materials without destruction.

With the advent of the fourth industrial revolution, NDT technologies are also integrating the advancements called NDT 4.0, aimed at greater connectivity. The connectivity is spread across all levels, from testing and measurement to data transfer and storage to decision-making and analysis to reporting and conclusive actions to resolve by decision-makers.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Economic Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Aviation Industry is Hampering Market Growth

The COVID-19 pandemic initiated in December 2019 affected over 1 million people across the globe. Strict lockdowns have been announced in several European countries from February 2020.  

• The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) over 4.3 million air passengers were recorded during 2019. The air passenger count has been hampered due to the ban on international traveling. The rapid spread of coronavirus in the U.S. and European countries impacted the global aviation industry.


• The aviation industry faces major challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic such as the oil crisis, economic recessions, and the declining graph of air passenger traffic.


• The key players in the market have witnessed decline in revenue in 2020 compared to 2019. GE and Nikon Metrology witnessed a decline of -19.59% and -19.90% in revenue in 2020 compared to the previous year.


• Non-destructive testing is used to decrease the risk of any potential catastrophic failure of aircraft parts, components, and materials. There has been a direct impact on the market, owing to the declining delivery of commercial aircraft worldwide.

LATEST TRENDS

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Innovation and Integration of Artificial Intelligence Algorithm to Enhance Accuracy Significantly

Non-destructive testing (NDT) methods use complex machinery and equipment for excellent results in flaw detection. The technological advancement in sensors, the advent of the Internet of Things (IoT), and wireless sensors fuel the demand for NDT due to exceptional accuracy in the testing results. The highest accuracy is provided by various ultrasonic testing tomography of rebar. The testing is well-equipped with the optical positioning system and A.I.-supported software algorithm. The analysis algorithm allows precise identification of probe positioning in the measurement procedure.

In 2018, Lynx Inspection Company launched Predictive 3D Radiography for flaw detection and analysis. The company combined 3D technology and X-ray imaging technology to analyze complex internal and external structures. The company is changing machine vision solutions for part manufacturing companies at affordable prices. For instance, in December 2021, according to VisiConsult, PFW Aerospace, the aviation supplier and a subsidiary of Hutchinson, has been evaluating the integration of AI to facilitate high non-destructive testing quality standards. PFW Aerospace will receive an AI prototype including test operation and a statistical qualification report for applications such as X-rays of longitudinally welded seams on titanium tubes and other test parts.

DRIVING FACTORS

Increasing Adoption of NDT in Aerospace Industry Will Boost the Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Market Growth

The aerospace industry requires the best quality structure, material, and strength standards. The technique is also called Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE), and Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI), Non-Destructive Examination (NDE). Failure in surface, strength, and cracks could lead to numerous risks, including fatal accidents and loss of lives. According to the report by an aviation consulting firm, in 2018, the rate of fatal accidents for large commercial planes was 0.3 accidents per million flights and decreased to 0.18 accidents per million flights in 2019. NDT is a regularly used testing method in which aircraft parts and components are inspected before being assembled. Aircraft components are highly prone to fatigue cracks that can grow after a certain period.

According to Oliver Wyman, the global fleet maintenance, repair, and overhaul market was USD 81.9 million in 2019 and is expected to surpass USD 116 million by 2029. Almost 80% of inspection is performed through the visual inspecting testing method in aircraft across the globe to identify signs of damages. However, several testing methods and techniques, such as liquid penetration, acoustic emission testing, electromagnetic testing, ground penetration, radiographic, magnetic particle, and eddy-current testing, are gaining traction in the inspection of an aircraft component. The availability of excellent methods for finding cracks, flaws, and leaks in the system, components, and parts of an aircraft will boost the market growth in future.

High Demand for NDT Methodology in Oil & Gas and Power Industries to Boost Market Growth

The NDT technique involves research & development (R&D) methods, training, and service-based supply chains used in the oil & gas, automotive, and power industries. In the oil & gas industry, this technique is used to inspect the internal & external corrosion of the oil & gas pipeline. Several methods are used, including visual inspection, liquid penetrant inspection, magnetic particle inspection, and ultrasonic inspection. The NDT technique is used in the power industry to inspect pressure systems and steam & gas turbines. This technique is used in the nuclear power plant to inspect fuel rods, small valves, waste containers, and waste management infrastructure. Therefore, the rising demand for NDT methodology in the oil & gas and power industries is propelling the market growth.

Furthermore, improvised NDT technologies can facilitate the inspections of pipes, valves, welds, pressure, and storage vessels in all production cycle phases to improve operational efficiency and reliability. These improvised NDT technologies inspect accurately and quickly due to technological advancements in instrumentation, probes, and software. For instance, in October 2020, Novosound launched the new advanced NDT products series such as Kelpie, Belenus, and Nebula. These products are designed to make NDT inspections simpler and more efficient to reduce downtime in the sector of energy, oil & gas, aerospace, and renewables.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Lack of Skilled & Qualified Personnel for Inspection Services May Limit Market Growth

Non-destructive testing (NDT) is used in several industrial, private, and commercial applications. Due to the excellent evaluation output, the array of end-use industries worldwide is projected to fuel the demand in the near future. The testing and analysis method has certain limitations faced by several users across the globe. NDT can be done only with high-value advanced instrumentations. The analysis operation to find cracks, flaws, leakages, and troubleshooting requires advanced machinery and instrumentations for the highest accuracy. Thus, shortage of qualified and skilled workforce to operate the testing instruments is anticipated to restrain the market growth. Furthermore, stringent government regulations and lack of skilled workforce hamper the market growth.

The NDT equipment usage requires a high level of training and several certifications to handle instrumentations, which can incur high costs for service providers operating in the market. Furthermore, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has majorly impacted NDT training worldwide due to the inability of movement, owing to government-imposed lockdowns and cancellation or delay of NDT training programs for the generation of skilled workforce.

SEGMENTATION

By Technique Analysis

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Ultrasonic Testing (UT) Segment Dominated the Market in 2021 Due to Rising Demand for Mapping Applications

Based on technique, the market is divided into ultrasonic testing, visual inspection testing, magnetic particle testing, liquid penetrant testing, eddy-current testing, radiographic testing, and acoustic emission testing.

The ultrasonic testing segment held a dominant share of the market in 2021. The dominance is attributable to the increasing use of UT techniques for composites and pipeline corrosion, mapping applications, weld inspection, and the overall screening coverage of the pipe.

The radiographic testing segment is projected to register a higher CAGR by 2029 due to its increasing use in X-ray testing, gamma-ray testing, and computed radiography. Visual inspection is used to inspect aircraft engines, diesel-based marine engines, and automotive engineering. The growing transportation sector is anticipated to fuel the market of the visual inspection segment.

Liquid penetrant testing is majorly used to inspect surface-breaking defects in non-porous materials. High demand for volumetric methods of NDT is anticipated to drive the segmental market growth.

Acoustic emission testing is majorly used in NDT inspections of the metal fabrication industry. The high adoption rate of acoustic emission testing is anticipated to propel the segmental growth.

Growing industrialization and increasing manufacturing infrastructure boost liquid penetrant, eddy-current testing, and acoustic emission testing segments.

By Method Analysis

Surface Inspection Segment to Record Fastest CAGR owing to High Adoption Rate of Surface Inspection Techniques

The market share is classified into visual inspection, surface inspection, volumetric inspection, and others based on method.

The volumetric inspection segment dominated the market share over 2022-2029. This dominance is due to the increasing use of ultrasonic and radiography inspections in the automotive, public infrastructure, and rail industries to test the volumetric integrity of critical welding components or structures.

The surface inspection segment is estimated to record the fastest CAGR during 2022-2029. This growth is attributed to the high eddy-current NDT inspection adoption rate for various surfaces and sub-surface applications. Furthermore, this growth is attributed to the increasing use of this method to detect cracks and discontinuities on the surface of the aircraft component.

By Service Analysis

Increasing Use of Ultrasonic Inspection in Aerospace & Automobile Industries to Propel Segment

The market is classified into ultrasonic inspection, equipment rental services, calibration services, and training services based on service.

The ultrasonic inspection segment will record the fastest CAGR from 2022 to 2029. The growth can be credited to its increasing use in the aerospace & automobile industries. Ultrasonic inspection is used to inspect the internal defects of the component with high-end accuracy.

Equipment rental, calibration, and training services improve the error reduction in testing equipment and inspection & monitoring of complex shapes. The rising use of these services is expected to drive the growth of equipment rental services, calibration services, and training services segment, which, in turn, will contribute to the market growth. 

By Vertical Analysis

Manufacturing Segment to Register Higher CAGR Owing to Increasing Investment by Industrial Companies

The market share is classified into oil & gas, manufacturing, public infrastructure, aerospace, power generation, automotive, and others based on vertical.

The public infrastructure segment is estimated to dominate the global share through 2029. The segment's growth is attributable to the adoption of this technology in airport security, railway, bridges & tunnels, decommissioning, and nuclear waste storage.

The manufacturing segment is predicted to grow at the highest CAGR over 2022-2029. The segment's growth is attributed to the increasing use of electromagnetic acoustic transducer (EMAT) techniques for industrial applications. Moreover, industrial companies' rising investment in advanced inspection instruments is anticipated to fuel the segment growth.

In the oil & gas industry, NDT techniques are used in oil and gas industry refineries, including radiography testing, visual inspection, x-ray testing, and ultrasonic testing.

Eddy-current testing is used to test aircraft engine parts in the aerospace sector.

In the automotive sector, the NDT technique improves the overall inspection quality of an automotive component. The technology is utilized for maintenance and inspection services in wind turbines in the power generation industry.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

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This market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Rest of the World.

The North American Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) market share hit USD 2.43 billion in 2021. The region is dominating owing to the growing demand for advanced material testing from the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The presence of established market players, such as Fischer Technology Inc., Acuren Inspection Inc., and Magnaflux Corporation, would drive the market in the U.S.

The market in Europe is set to register remarkable growth due to the rising aerospace vertical in France and the surging automobile verticals in Germany. Market players, such as Ashtead Technology, Bosello High Technology s.r.l., Labquip NDT Limited, Sonatest Ltd., YXLON International GmbH, are anticipated to propel the regional market growth during the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is expected to register the highest CAGR during over 2022-2029 due to expanding power generation verticals in China and India. Additionally, the domestic manufacturing industry in Japan will also boost the market growth. Furthermore, market players, such as Nikon Metrology and Olympus Corporation, are anticipated to drive the regional market growth during the forecast period.

The rest of the world would register significant growth during the forecast period. This growth is attributed to increasing spending on NDT inspection for commercial aircraft from Latin America and the Middle East & Africa.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Technological Advancements in NDT Technique Implemented by Key Players to Propel Market Growth

The design of technologically advanced NDT techniques, using a combination of techniques, and developing new materials are the upcoming trends in the market. General Electric Company adopted strategies such as acquisition, agreements, and partnerships for the company's growth. Moreover, investment in the research and development of new technologies is adopted by several key players to sustain their position in the market. A diversified product portfolio of NDT, along with innovative concepts accepted by key players, is a major factor boosting the market

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Acuren Inspection Inc.(U.S.)


• Ashtead Technology (U.K.)


• Bosello High Technology Srl (Italy)


• Eddyfi (Canada)


• Fischer Technology Inc. (U.S.)


• Fprimec Solutions Inc. (Canada)


• General Electric Company (U.S.)


• Labquip NDT Limited (U.K.)


• LynX Inspection (Canada)


• Magnaflux Corporation (U.S.)


• Mistras Group (U.S.)


• NDT Global GmbH & Co. Kg (U.S.)


• Nikon Metrology (Japan)


• Olympus Corporation (Japan)


• Sonatest Ltd. (U.K.)


• TD Williamson, Inc. (U.S.)


• YXLON International GmbH (Denmark)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• March 2021 – Zetec Inc. introduced the ElbowFlex scanner for quick, manual ultrasonic inspection of pipe elbows for petrochemical, manufacturing, and oil & gas industries. ElbowFlex is majorly used to measure the wall thickness of pipes and detect flow accelerated corrosion on elbows.


• February 2021 – NDT Global acquired Halfwave inspection services into the NDT Global business. Halfwave inspection services majorly provide ultrasound-based NDT techniques for high-precision measurement of gas pipelines. The acquisition is set to propel the company's growth in the NDT segment.

REPORT COVERAGE

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The global market research report provides an in-depth technical non-destructive testing (NDT) market analysis. It focuses on key aspects such as leading market players, COVID-19 effect on the market, and in-depth non-destructive testing techniques. Besides this, the report offers insights into the market trends and highlights key industry developments & trends. In addition to the factors mentioned earlier, it provides multiple factors that will contribute to the market growth during the forecast period.

Report Scope & Segmentation: