ETher

Case Study

ETher NDE + University of Strathclyde

To design, build, test, and commercialise a High-Temperature Eddy Current (EC) Non-Destructive Array Probe and Controller

First prototype of the novel eddy current array developed by the KTP associate, where the design and assembly was made by the associate, and shows initial promising measurements.

ETher NDE

ETher NDE designs, manufactures, and sells Eddy Current Electronic Hardware and Firmware and Eddy Current Probes for the NDT market. We are the only UK manufacturer of Eddy Current NDT equipment.

What was the need?

The Challenge

Conventional NDT sensors struggle to maintain performance in elevated temperatures, limiting their effectiveness for real-time, in-process defect detection. This limitation results in increased inefficiencies, higher costs, and safety concerns in industries such as aerospace, power generation, and transportation, where precision and rigorous quality control are essential.

The challenge lies in advancing ETher NDE’s technology to develop a sensor that can withstand these demanding conditions while providing reliable, real-time data. The project requires overcoming complex technical hurdles, including designing advanced sensor arrays, implementing efficient cooling systems, and developing robust transmit/receive topologies. Successful completion of this project will allow ETher NDE to lead the high-temperature NDT niche and expand its capabilities, offering a unique solution that enhances safety, reduces waste, and improves manufacturing efficiency. With prototype development and testing conducted at the University of Strathclyde’s advanced facilities, the project is strategically positioned to deliver cutting-edge innovation and create significant value for industries requiring high-temperature inspection solutions.

What did we do?

The Solution

Current solutions for non-destructive testing (NDT) rely on low-temperature eddy current sensors or alternative techniques such as ultrasonic and radiographic testing. However, these methods are unsuitable for high-temperature environments and often fail to provide real-time, in-process inspection. Competitors in the NDT market have yet to develop a commercially viable high-temperature eddy current array sensor, creating an opportunity to lead this niche. Our project addresses this gap by developing an innovative eddy current array sensor capable of sustained operation in high-temperature environments. This sensor provides real-time, in-process inspection for additive manufacturing (AM) and welded components, enabling early defect detection and reducing waste, downtime, and costs. While the solution is technically complex, involving advanced sensor design, custom cooling systems, and sophisticated electronic transmit/receive topologies, the final product integrates seamlessly into existing manufacturing processes. By combining robust sensor hardware with intuitive software interfaces, we ensure the system remains user-friendly and delivers accurate, reliable results, even in demanding manufacturing environments.

What changed?

The Impacts and Benefits

Impact for the Company

The Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) project with the University of Strathclyde provides ETher NDE with a unique opportunity to expand its expertise in high-temperature non-destructive testing (NDT) technologies. By integrating a highly skilled associate into the team, the company benefits from fresh academic insights and advanced research methodologies, accelerating the development of next-generation eddy current array sensors.

One of the immediate impacts is the structured onboarding of the associate, ensuring alignment with the company’s values and operational workflows. Through hands-on involvement in internal projects, the associate contributes to enhancing ETher NDE’s product development strategies.

Additionally, this project facilitates knowledge exchange between industry and academia, ensuring that ETher NDE stays at the forefront of technological advancements. By leveraging the university’s expertise, the company can refine sensor designs, optimise signal processing techniques, and enhance product reliability. Ultimately, the successful implementation of this project will enable ETher NDE to offer innovative, high-value solutions for NDT techniques.

Impacts for the Academic Team

The project offers the academic team at the University of Strathclyde an excellent opportunity to advance their research in high-temperature electromagnetic NDT technologies. By collaborating with ETher NDE, the team can test and refine advanced sensor designs in real-world industrial environments, generating high-impact data that can lead to significant research outcomes.

The project also enables the academic team to explore new methodologies for improving sensor performance under extreme conditions, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in electromagnetic sensing. Additionally, it strengthens the team’s expertise in applying advanced cooling techniques and innovative transmit/receive topologies, opening pathways for future research and commercialisation opportunities. By demonstrating successful technology transfer, the academic team can build a strong case for securing future research grants and industry collaborations, further solidifying their role in NDT innovation.

Impacts for the Knowledge Transfer Associate

The KTP Associate gains significant professional and technical development by collaborating with ETher NDE’s technical team and the academic experts at the University of Strathclyde. This partnership provides hands-on experience in designing, developing, and calibrating high-temperature eddy current array sensors for non-destructive testing (NDT) applications. The associate will develop a comprehensive understanding of the company’s architecture, processes, and supply chain, enhancing their knowledge of industry workflows and customer requirements. Additionally, the associate will learn various coding languages used in sensor instrumentation, boosting their software development expertise.

Beyond technical knowledge, the associate will benefit from opportunities to attend professional courses in technical development and project management, equipping them with essential skills to manage complex projects and contribute effectively to the company’s innovation goals. These courses enhance their ability to lead projects, coordinate multidisciplinary teams, and ensure successful project outcomes. This combination of technical expertise, hands-on experience, and project management knowledge positions the associate for career growth in advanced manufacturing, NDT, and related industries. Through this experience, the associate not only develops a strong technical foundation but also gains valuable industry insights and project management capabilities, preparing them for future leadership roles.

The People

Meet the Team

Marco Alexis Hernandez Arroyo

KTP Associate

Dr Ehsan Mohseni

Knowledge Base Supervisor

Ian Gough

Company Supervisor