Market Trends

The global acoustic emission testing (AET) market is experiencing significant growth, with an estimated size of USD 399.70 million in 2025, projected to reach USD 555.38 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period (2025–2030). This growth is driven by increasing safety concerns to enhance productivity and the rising demand in various industry verticals. The market is also being fueled by technological innovations such as advances in sensor technology and the development of advanced AE testing equipment. These innovations have enhanced the accuracy, reliability, and efficiency of structural integrity monitoring. The integration of AI and machine learning algorithms has further augmented the capabilities of AE testing systems, enabling predictive maintenance and real-time analysis. Stricter safety regulations across industries require regular inspections and maintenance of assets, driving the adoption of AE testing methods. The digital transformation of industries and increased investment in Maintenance 4.0 technologies also underscore the significant growth potential of the AE testing market.

Application Developments

• Structural Health Monitoring: AET is widely used for continuous, real-time assessment of critical infrastructure such as bridges, dams, and high-rise buildings. It helps identify micro-cracks and stress-induced failures before they evolve into structural hazards.
• Pipeline Inspection: AET is used for detecting active damage mechanisms in real-time in pipeline systems, including corrosion detection, crack growth monitoring, and leak detection. Improved sensor sensitivity enables the detection of micro-leaks in challenging environments.
• Pressure Vessels: AET facilitates early defect detection and real-time integrity assessment of pressure vessels during hydrostatic or pneumatic pressure tests.
• Aerospace: AET is applied to advanced metallic alloys and additive-manufactured (3D-printed) components in the aerospace industry. It is used for detecting voids or micro-cracks introduced during fabrication and for dynamic flight condition monitoring.
• Corrosion Monitoring in Offshore Structures: The offshore oil and gas industry is increasingly relying on AET for corrosion detection in structures such as risers, jackets, and platforms. AET provides live feedback on pitting and stress-corrosion cracking caused by aggressive saltwater conditions.
• Infrastructure and Urban Applications: AET is expanding its application to urban environments, including large-scale infrastructure projects such as smart cities, heritage structure preservation, wind turbine monitoring, and solar panel structural health.
• Leak Detection in Cryogenic Systems: AET is used for leak detection in cryogenic systems in space exploration and liquefied natural gas (LNG) transportation, identifying leaks caused by thermal stress in cryogenic tanks and pipelines.

Upcoming Events

• III AE 2025: The 27th International Acoustic Emission Symposium will be held from November 4–7, 2025, at the Nagoya Convention Hall, Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The conference is co-sponsored by the R&T Committee on AE, JSNDI (Japanese Society for Non-Destructive Inspection), EWGAE (European Working Group on Acoustic Emission), and AEWG (Acoustic Emission Working Group, U.S.A).
• SCHALL 25: This event will be held from March 27–28, 2025, in Dresden, Germany. It focuses on acoustic emission test methods and testing with guided waves. The event includes numerous presentations, exciting workshops, and an equipment exhibition.

Key Manufacturers and Their Developments

• Physical Acoustics
• Sales and Revenue: A leading player in the AET equipment market, Physical Acoustics has significant sales and revenue and continues to invest in R&D to enhance product offerings.
• Recent Developments: Launched advanced AE testing systems that integrate AI for predictive maintenance and real-time analysis.
• Vallen Systeme GmbH
• Sales and Revenue: Strong market presence in Europe with steady growth due to innovative products and extensive customer base.
• Recent Developments: Introduced new sensors with higher sensitivity and durability, suitable for harsh environments like offshore platforms and wind turbines.
• Qawrums Ltd.
• Sales and Revenue: Focusing on the European and Middle Eastern markets with growing sales and revenue due to innovative AE testing solutions.
• Recent Developments: Introduced new AE testing systems that integrate with IoT technologies, enabling remote monitoring and data analysis.
• Hexagon
• Sales and Revenue: A global leader in measurement and information technologies with robust AET equipment sales and revenue.
• Recent Developments: Focused on integrating advanced analytics and data management solutions into AE testing equipment, enhancing overall efficiency and accuracy.
• Senseven
• Sales and Revenue: Expanding market share in the Asia-Pacific region with growing sales and revenue due to cost-effective and high-performance products.
• Recent Developments: Launched new AE testing systems specifically designed for the wind power and aerospace industries.
• Score Group plc
• Sales and Revenue: Significant presence in the oil and gas industry with sales and revenue driven by increasing demand for corrosion and leak detection solutions.
• Recent Developments: Developed advanced AE testing equipment that can operate in high-temperature and high-pressure environments.
• Innerspec
• Sales and Revenue: Known for advanced AE testing solutions in the aerospace and defense sectors with growing sales and revenue.
• Recent Developments: Introduced new AE testing systems that combine multiple non-destructive testing techniques for more comprehensive structural health monitoring.
• Blue Star Engineering & Electronics Ltd
• Sales and Revenue: Expanding market share in the Indian and Southeast Asian markets with growing sales and revenue due to cost-effective and reliable AE testing equipment.
• Recent Developments: Launched new AE testing systems with advanced data analysis capabilities.

Market Trends and Future Outlook

• Technological Innovations: Manufacturers are focusing on integrating advanced sensor technology, AI, and machine learning algorithms to enhance the capabilities of AE testing equipment, enabling more accurate and efficient structural health monitoring.
• Expanding Applications: The market is expanding into new applications such as smart cities, heritage structure preservation, and renewable energy systems, creating new opportunities for specialized AE testing solutions.
• Regulatory Compliance: Stricter safety regulations and quality standards are driving the demand for AE testing equipment, with manufacturers investing in R&D to ensure compliance.
• Digital Transformation: The digital transformation of industries is leading to increased investment in Maintenance 4.0 technologies, with manufacturers developing AE testing systems that can integrate with these technologies for real-time data and predictive maintenance solutions.

These developments and trends highlight the ongoing growth and innovation in the field of acoustic emission testing and equipment manufacturing, showcasing the industry’s commitment to enhancing safety, efficiency, and reliability across various sectors.