Eddy current array technology is an advance on the classic current technique: - In order to generate eddy currents for an inspection, an AC driven probe comprising a coil of electrical conductor is used to induce electrical currents into the sample. A sense coil is used to pickup the induced electrical currents called eddy currents because of their circular motion. If there is a defect in the sample, the eddy currents will be disturbed from their normal circular motions, and the sense coil will detect this. In the MS5800 an array of individual sensors is used to produce mappings of different profiles. An encoder can also be employed to give exact positioning and 2D scans can be built up allowing spatial visualisation of defects on a sample surface. The MS5800 has the capability for 64 multiplexed channels. Compared to a single channel inspection, the array probe technology allows faster and easier surface coverage.

Eddy current can be used for crack detection, material thickness measurements, coating measurements and coating thickness measurements on conductive materials. The technique is an ideal replacement to dye penetrant inspection and is sensitive to small cracks and other defects. Depending on the material, the orientation and location of the defect, cracks as small as 0.1mm deep can be detected. Equipment is portable and can be brought on site.