LGB-177R NONDESTRUCTIVE TESTING: AN EXPANDING MARKET

The nondestructive testing industry is changing rapidly. The core NDT technologies are evolving in important ways, providing new benefits to end users. NDT is no longer sirnple a technique to meet safety standards, rather it is increasingly seen as an important tool to reduce costs and improve quality in a variety of applications. The applications in which NDT is used also are changing. Many of the industries that have traditionally used NDT techniques are stagnant or declining, while other industries that have rarely used NDT techniques are showing increasing interest in employing NDT. In addition, a wave of consolidations and mergers has recently swept over the NDT industry, with many large companies leaving the market.

These changes are creating a market that is in flux for both NDT equipment manufacturers and end users. This study identifies the major industry movements and trends and serves as a guide for suppliers, manufacturers, and users of NDT techniques. Readers of this study, therefore, will not only understand where the NDT industry is now, but also where it is heading.

This study is one of the few reports to examine in detail new and emerging NDT technologies in the context of the overall nondestructive testing market. While other research reports may detail technological trends that are already several years old, this report provides information on up-to-date, cutting-edge technologies. In fact, many of these new techniques have not even been introduced to the market. Specific R&D contact people are listed in the report's appendix.

This study analyzes the nondestructive testing (NDT) equipment market in the United States and abroad. Detailed market forecasts are presented and important economic trends are analyzed. This, combined with comprehensive coverage of technologies, market shares, R&D, and major players, will provide meaningful, objective information into the hands of marketing directors, strategic planners and decision-makers who both produce and use nondestructive testing equipment.

Nondestructive Testing will help you to increase market share in areas of strong growth, guard your position in areas of decline, and identity new opportunities.

SCOPE OF REPORT

This report primarily focuses on the U S market for nondestructive testing equipment However, the study also provides an overview of the international NDT market. The report is limited to the eight techniques widely accepted as the main nondestructive testing methods: acoustic emission. eddy current infrared and thermal testing liquid penetrant, magnetic particle radiography, ultrasonics, and visual and optical testing. Discussion of each NDT technique is organized as follows

A. INTRODUCTION
The background of each NDT technique is covered, as are its important development milestones and major applications.

B. MARKET FORECASTS
Sales forecasts are presented for each technique for the years 1996 to 2002 with an average annual growth rate calculated for the period of 1997 to 2002 For certain techniques where different types of equipment are sold. sales are further broken down hy equipment type In addition sales forecasts and average annual growth rates are presented for each major application area for the years 1996 to 2002 Then market share estimates for each major company are presented for the year 1997. Finally, profiles of the major market participants are presented, including company history, product line; and new technologies

C. INDUSTRY TRENDS
Major technology trends shaping each technique are presented and analyzed In addition trends in end-user industries are analyzed with particular emphasis on new markets and future impacts on demand.

REPORT HIGHLIGHTS

• The estimated world market for NDT equipment amounts to over $1 5 billion
• NDT techniques have seen heaithy growth from the rnid-1990s particularly in civilian aerospace, automotive and plant maintenance.
• Of all the end-user industries, chemical and petrochemical plants are expected to show the greatest increase in demand for NDT equipment.
• The estimated U.S market for NDT equipment in 1997 is $675 million
• Growth in the U.S will be around 4.9%/year, so that the market for NDT equipment in 2002 will be $839 million
• The technologies showing the fastest growth are infrared and thermal

INFORMATION SOURCES

In addition to industry, government and research literature, information was obtained from detailed personal interviews with industry experts, including consultants, marketing managers, researchers, and executives of leading NDT companies These interviews were used to obtain quantitative data as well as views on market and technological trends

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