Non-destructive Testing Services Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Type (Inspection, Training, Others), Method (Radiographic, Ultrasonic, Others), Application (Flaw Detection, Others), End-use Industry (Oil & Gas, Manufacturing, Others), & Geography - Global Forecast to 2031

Non-destructive Testing Services Market Size & Forecast

The Non-destructive Testing Services Market is expected to reach above $18.58 billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 9.4% from 2024 to 2031. The growth of the NDT services market is driven by stringent regulatory standards imposed by governments regarding public safety and product quality, the rising need to assess the structural integrity of aging infrastructure and assets, and the rising significance of advanced NDT techniques in the industrial sector. However, the high cost of NDT services restrains the growth of this market.

In addition, increasing investment in infrastructure projects in developing economies and a high inclination towards outsourcing NDT processes are expected to generate growth opportunities for the stakeholders in this market. However, the lack of a skilled workforce and the increased complexity of machines and structures are major challenges impacting market growth. Additionally, the growing use of robots for NDT and the integration of AI technology in the NDT process are prominent trends in the NDT services market.

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Non-destructive Testing Services Market Growth Drivers

Stringent Regulations for Public Safety and Product Quality Driving the Demand for NDT Services

Non-destructive Testing (NDT) is a quality control and quality assurance management tool. It is used to examine materials and components without causing damage or alteration. NDT can help prevent failures that can adversely impact product, asset, and infrastructure safety and reliability. Several industries need to comply with regulations for public safety and product quality.

The aerospace industry employs several quality management systems (QMS) to ensure compliance with regulations and standards. The most widely used QMS in the aerospace industry is the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 standard. Another important aspect of quality management in the aerospace industry is the use of inspection and testing to ensure that products and services meet or exceed customer expectations. This includes both in-process and final inspections, as well as NDT techniques. These techniques are used to detect defects in aerospace components before they are installed in aircraft and are critical for ensuring the safety and reliability of the final products.

Furthermore, a well-functioning healthcare system requires affordable medical products that are safe, effective, and of standard quality. As medical products are vital in the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases, the consequences of using substandard or falsified medical products can be life-threatening. There are several ISO standards for medical devices, with 14971, 10993, 62304, and 13485 being the most widely applied.

NDT is essential in ensuring the safety of products, transportation systems, and infrastructure. Non-destructive testing is extremely important in preventing catastrophic failures. NDT measurements help validate product quality and avoid economic losses due to product failure. Also, they prevent poor-quality products from reaching consumers. Hence, stringent regulations for public safety and product quality are boosting the demand for NDT services, driving the growth of his market.

Non-destructive Testing Services Market Growth Restraint

High Costs Limiting the Adoption of NDT Services

Non-destructive testing services are provided using various NDT equipment and systems such as probes, testers, maps, analysis software, and consumables. Service providers have to incur the costs of NDT equipment and devices. The delivery of NDT services requires specialized equipment and trained personnel. NDT service providers also have to spend on access tools, climbing gear, insurance, and additional labor for methods such as rope access and swing stages. These factors increase NDT service costs.

Also, the total cost of procuring NDT services depends on multiple factors, including the structure to be inspected, the number of products, access to the structure, and the level of NDT expertise. Moreover, these services need to be delivered on-site and involve labor costs. Non-destructive testing services providers have to pay significant amounts in salary to NDT experts based on their level of expertise, which further adds to the cost of NDT services. Thus, businesses may find it burdensome to procure NDT services, limiting their adoption and restraining the growth of this market.

Non-destructive Testing Services Market Growth Opportunity

Increasing Investments in Infrastructure Projects Creating Opportunities for NDT Service Providers

Many developing countries have increased their infrastructure investments in recent years, primarily through public spending but also through increased private sector participation. Infrastructure investments in developing countries are expected to further boost construction activities. For instance, in September 2023, the Brazilian Development Bank (BNDES) announced plans to provide R$20 billion (USD 4.1 billion) in funding for infrastructure projects in the country.

NDT helps construction managers, project coordinators, and design engineers better evaluate the integrity of concrete elements. During construction, certain problems can result in defects or anomalies in the structure. NDT services can help construction professionals identify and address issues early on, preventing accidents.

Furthermore, countries are increasingly investing in transport infrastructure such as railways and highways. For instance, the Indian government increased its spending on the infrastructure sector in its 2023–2024 budget, nearly tripling it to 3.3% of the country’s GDP compared to its spending in 2019-20. The budget has allocated INR 75000 crores for 100 projects deemed critical to improving the country’s overall multimodal logistics infrastructure. Such investments are expected to boost the demand for NDT services, generating growth opportunities for the players in this market.

Non-destructive Testing Services Market Growth Challenge

Increasing Complexity of Machines and Infrastructures Leading to Inaccuracies in NDT Inspections and Results

NDT involves the use of sophisticated techniques and equipment to evaluate the properties of machines, materials, and structures. These techniques can be complex and require a high level of expertise to use effectively. Inspecting complex structures and machines can present several challenges, including inspecting multiple surfaces and inaccessible areas, which can make it difficult to get accurate and reliable results.

One of the biggest challenges in inspecting complex structures such as bridges, tunnels, pipelines, buildings, and towers is accessing the top surfaces, high walls, and other inaccessible areas. In the oil & gas industry, offshore environments are hazardous, and the risk of injury or death is high. Rope access and scaffolding are needed when inspecting equipment and structures such as derricks, risers, pipelines, and tanker loading areas, requiring highly trained personnel familiar with safety procedures and equipment required to work in high areas.

The NDT services market is gaining significant traction, encouraging new companies to enter this market. For instance, in February 2023, Apellix (U.S.), an aerial robotics company, launched APELLIX NDT, a non-destructive testing field services company, which will use Apellix Opus X4 NDT robotic systems to overcome the accessibility challenges faced during NDT inspections.

Non-destructive Testing Services Market Analysis: Key Findings

By Type: In 2024, the Inspection Services Segment to Dominate the Non-destructive Testing Services Market

Based on type, the global NDT services market is segmented into inspection services, training services, calibration and evaluation services, equipment rental services, and consulting services. In 2024, the inspection services segment is expected to account for the largest share of 43.1% of the global NDT services market. The segment’s large market share is attributed to factors such as the increasing focus of players operating in the market on strategic developments to build inspection service capabilities and the need to inspect mass quantities of products among manufacturers. Various key players operating in the market are enhancing their inspection service capabilities through growth strategies such as acquisitions. For instance, in June 2020, Acuren (U.S.) acquired Suspendem (Canada), a leading provider of wind turbine maintenance and inspection services in North America.

However, the calibration and evaluation services segment is expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The need to keep equipment calibrated as per industry standards and the growing need for equipment calibration to broaden service capabilities for customers is expected to drive the growth of this segment in the coming years. In addition, regular calibration of NDT equipment is essential for accurate measurements and inspections, enabling informed decision-making and maintaining quality standards in operations. Such requirements are contributing to the growth of this segment.

By Method In 2024, the Ultrasonic Testing Segment to Dominate the Non-destructive Testing Services Market

Based on method, the global NDT services market is segmented into visual testing, ultrasonic testing, liquid penetrant testing, radiographic testing, electromagnetic testing, acoustic emission testing, and other methods. In 2024, the ultrasonic testing segment is expected to account for the largest share of 30.8% of the global NDT services market. The segment’s large market share is attributed to the greater accuracy offered by ultrasonic testing compared to other non-destructive testing techniques for detecting the depth of internal faults and the thickness of parts with parallel surfaces and the growing use of ultrasonic testing for the evaluation of pipelines. In addition, the increased use of ultrasonic testing for the evaluation of welds contributes to the growth of this segment. For instance, in December 2022, GF Piping Systems (Switzerland), a company specializing in maintenance-free piping systems made of plastics, evaluated the condition of each weld to test plastic piping systems by ultrasound, using a sophisticated algorithm to predict future performance.

However, the electromagnetic testing segment is expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The benefits of electromagnetic testing across end-use industries, the increasing focus of NDT equipment manufacturers in the development of electromagnetic testing equipment, and the growing use of various electromagnetic tests for testing the integrity of aircraft and aircraft parts are expected to drive the growth of this segment in the coming years. In addition, the growing focus of NDT equipment manufacturers on the development of NDT devices is contributing to the growth of this segment. For instance, in November 2022, UniWest (U.S.), a leader in the sensing technology industry, launched an EddyView II portable eddy current flaw detector.

By Application In 2024, the flaw detection Segment to Dominate the Non-destructive Testing Services Market

Based on application, the global NDT services market is segmented into flaw detection, dimensional measurement, chemical composition determination, stress and structure analysis, and physical properties estimation. In 2024, the flaw detection segment is expected to account for the largest share of 40.3% the global NDT services market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the growing use of inspection testing for detecting variations in sizes, orientations, and shapes of materials and the increasing use of ultrasonic testing for multilayer material flaw detection. In addition, many industries are investing in advanced systems for flaw detection, contributing to the growth of this segment. For instance, in January 2023, Indian Railways announced plans to procure a modern ultrasound flaw detection system worth INR 10,000 million (USD 121.3 million) for detecting rail defects.

Moreover, the flaw detection segment is expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing use of NDT testing in manufacturing for flaw detection due to extreme temperatures, stress, fatigue, and dynamic loads, and the implications and increasing initiatives of companies for the development of NDT equipment for flaw detection, is expected to drive the growth of this segment in the coming years. In addition, various NDT equipment manufacturers are focusing on the development of NDT devices for the detection of flaws. For instance, in June 2020, Eddyfi Technologies launched its PAUT flaw detector with TFM.

By End-use Industry In 2024, the Manufacturing Segment to Dominate the Non-destructive Testing Services Market

Based on end-use industry, the global NDT services market is segmented into oil & gas, aerospace, power generation, healthcare and medical devices, manufacturing, military & defense, supply chain and transportation, public infrastructure, water and waste management, and other end-use industries. In 2024, the manufacturing segment is expected to account for the largest share of 41.0% of the global NDT services market. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the growing focus of companies on the development of radiography testing systems and the growing need for material testing in automotive manufacturing to ensure the structural integrity and reliability of components used in safety-critical areas such as bodywork, brakes, and steering systems.

Additionally, key players are actively focusing on the development of radiography technology due to the growing adoption of radiography testing in automotive manufacturing. For instance, in May 2023, the Industrial Metrology Business Unit of Nikon Corporation (Japan) launched VOXLS 40 C 450, an innovative range of high-performance X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) systems.

Moreover, the manufacturing segment is expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. The increasing adoption of X-ray technology and computed tomography (CT) for materials testing and the rising inclination of manufacturers towards additive manufacturing are expected to drive the growth of this segment in the coming years.

Geographical Analysis

In 2024, Asia-Pacific is expected to account for the largest share of 43.3% of the global non-destructive testing services market. Asia-Pacific non-destructive testing services market is estimated to be worth USD 4.29 billion in 2024. The large market share of this segment is attributed to the increasing industrialization, growing power generation projects in the region, the surge in oil and gas production across the region, and the growing need for inspection services in the oil and gas industry.

However, the Middle East & Africa is expected to record the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Factors such as the region’s leading position in the oil and gas industry, government focus on increasing production of oil and gas, growing integration of robots for inspection of oil and gas infrastructure, stringent regulations for inspection of oil & gas industry assets and infrastructure are expected to drive the growth of the NDT services market in the coming years.

Non-destructive Testing Services Market: Key Companies

The report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players’ product portfolios, geographic presence, and key growth strategies adopted in the last 3–4 years. Some of the key players operating in the Non-destructive Testing Services market are SGS SA (Switzerland), Bureau Veritas (France), DEKRA SE (Sweden), Intertek Group plc (U.K.), TÜV Rheinland (Germany), MISTRAS Group, Inc. (U.S.), TEAM, Inc. (U.S.), Waygate Technologies (Germany), Element Materials Technology (U.K.), Applus Services, S.A. (Spain), TÜV SÜD AG (Germany), Acuren (U.S.), Applied Technical Services, LLC (U.S.), Siemens Energy AG (Germany), PTS Group (U.K.), Vertech Group (Australia), TWI Ltd. (U.K.), NDT Group Inc. (Canada), Axess AS (Norway), Control Union (Netherlands), and Testia (France).

Non-destructive Testing Services Industry Overview: Latest Developments from Key Industry Players

• In October 2023, Applied Technical Services, LLC (U.S.) acquired Phoenix National Laboratories, LLC (U.S.), a provider of traditional and advanced NDI services to clients on the U.S. West Coast with a full suite of TIC service offerings.
• In October 2021, Team, Inc. (U.S.) entered into a multi-year agreement with multi-year contract Chevron Corporation (U.S.), an American multinational energy corporation, to provide inspection, testing, and analytics as part of their industry-leading mechanical integrity program.
• In February 2021, DEKRA SE (Sweden) acquired Ingenieurbüro Witte (Germany), an engineering firm, to add its network of non-destructive material testing sites in the region in northern Germany. A particular focus is being placed on testing services for the energy industry and pipeline construction.

Non-destructive Testing Services Market Research Summary

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