During the eddy current inspection process, what kind of materials can significantly hinder testing performance?

Magnetic materials can significantly hinder testing performance during the eddy current inspection process due to their influence on the flow of electrical currents. Eddy current testing relies on the principle of electromagnetic induction, which generates currents in conductive materials. When magnetic materials are present, they can distort the magnetic field and alter the eddy currents by providing additional pathways for the magnetic flux. This can lead to inaccurate readings and make it difficult to interpret the data, as the presence of ferromagnetic materials can mask defects or misleadingly suggest the presence of defects due to their magnetic properties.

In contrast, non-conductive materials do not affect the flow of eddy currents directly, while thin materials may be tested successfully under the right conditions. High-frequency materials could potentially be used effectively within certain limits, but it is the magnetic materials that present the most significant challenge to the integrity of the inspection process. This is why the presence of magnetic materials is critical to consider when performing eddy current inspections.