Acoustic Emission Testing Market Size
Study Period | 2019 - 2030 |
Market Size (2025) | USD 399.70 Million |
Market Size (2030) | USD 555.38 Million |
CAGR (2025 - 2030) | 6.80 % |
Fastest Growing Market | Asia Pacific |
Largest Market | North America |
Market Concentration | Low |
Major Players*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
Acoustic Emission Testing Market Analysis
The Acoustic Emission Testing Market size is estimated at USD 399.70 million in 2025, and is expected to reach USD 555.38 million by 2030, at a CAGR of 6.8% during the forecast period (2025-2030).
- The Acoustic Emission (AE) Testing market is witnessing a surge in demand, driven by the growing reliance on non-destructive testing (NDT) methods. These techniques are pivotal for evaluating the integrity and performance of materials, structures, and machinery across diverse sectors. AE testing focuses on identifying high-frequency stress waves, or acoustic emissions, which arise from the swift release of energy in stressed materials. Such emissions serve as indicators of potential faults or structural alterations, facilitating timely issue detection.
- Industries spanning manufacturing, aerospace, automotive, oil & gas, and power generation are increasingly adopting NDT methods, with AE testing leading the charge. The advantages of AE testing are manifold: it enables real-time monitoring, early crack detection, and in-situ assessments without damaging the materials or structures. This growing trend underscores industries' heightened emphasis on safety, cost-efficiency, and reliability.
- With the burgeoning rise of the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), AE testing is seamlessly integrating with smart sensors and IoT platforms. This fusion allows for remote monitoring and instantaneous data analysis. Such advancements not only bolster AE testing's ability to detect emissions but also facilitate data transmission for centralized analysis. This capability empowers industries to make proactive maintenance choices and manage assets more effectively.
- Furthermore, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into AE testing is gaining momentum. Leveraging AI and ML algorithms enables AE systems to decipher intricate patterns in acoustic signals, leading to precise defect identification and an overall enhancement of the testing process.
- In sectors like aerospace and automotive, where ensuring structural integrity is paramount, AE testing is becoming a staple. It's increasingly employed to inspect aircraft structures and vital automotive components. By identifying fatigue cracks, fractures, or material delamination, AE testing not only bolsters safety and performance but also curtails the need for costly part replacements. As electric vehicle (EV) production continues its upward trajectory, AE testing is stepping in to oversee the durability and safety of EV batteries, electric motor components, and chassis materials.
- While acoustic emission testing excels at monitoring specific areas for stress and damage, its effectiveness can be curtailed by factors like sensor placement, material type, and environmental background noise. Monitoring large or intricate structures may necessitate a broad array of sensors, posing both cost and installation challenges. For example, AE testing may struggle to pinpoint minor internal defects in thick materials or in structures with subpar acoustic properties. Consequently, these detection limitations in certain settings could hinder the broader acceptance of AE testing.
- Macroeconomic and geopolitical challenges significantly impact the Acoustic Emission Testing Market. Factors such as economic downturns, inflation, and conflicts can hinder market growth by elevating operational costs, dampening demand, and complicating logistics and supply chains. Rising costs associated with AE equipment and services may render AE testing less accessible. Companies might prioritize essential testing, sidelining AE testing for non-critical operations. Furthermore, diminished investment in infrastructure and maintenance in conflict-affected areas could lead to a decreased demand for AE testing services.
Acoustic Emission Testing Market Trends
Sensors is Expected to Witness Remarkable Growth
- The sensors segment in the Acoustic Emission (AE) Testing Market is poised for significant growth driven by advancements that bolster the effectiveness and precision of AE testing. At the heart of acoustic emission testing are sensors, typically piezoelectric or piezoresistive, which detect high-frequency stress waves emitted by materials under strain or damage. These sensors are pivotal in monitoring the structural integrity of essential infrastructure and machinery.
- Aerospace, oil and gas, energy, and automotive industries increasingly demand real-time structural health monitoring to avert catastrophic failures. The growing sales of electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles create numerous market opportunities. AE testing system sensors facilitate continuous equipment monitoring, delivering immediate data on potential damage or degradation and enabling predictive maintenance.
- As sensor technology advances, companies can monitor infrastructure in real-time, promptly identifying issues like cracks, leaks, or material fatigue. This capability fuels the adoption of sophisticated sensor systems across vital industries.
- The miniaturization and heightened sensitivity of sensors enhance their appeal across diverse applications. Smaller, more sensitive sensors can seamlessly integrate into various industrial settings, ensuring accurate detection even in challenging conditions. Further, smart sensors, infused with Internet of Things (IoT) technology, can transmit data remotely, enhancing their role in predictive maintenance systems. Furthermore, these sensors utilize machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms, refining their ability to detect and diagnose flaws.
Asia Pacific is Expected to Witness a High Market Growth Rate
- Rapid industrialization, the expansion of key industries, and a heightened demand for safety and predictive maintenance are driving the Acoustic Emission (AE) Testing Market's remarkable growth in the Asia Pacific region. Coupled with technological advancements in AE testing methods, these factors underscore the region's robust industrial base and its commitment to real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.
- Massive investments are pouring into the region's infrastructure, with projects spanning smart cities, bridges, roads, railways, and energy plants. Given its pivotal role in ensuring the safety and longevity of these assets, acoustic emission testing is witnessing a surge in adoption.
- Across the Asia Pacific, industries are increasingly turning to non-destructive testing (NDT) techniques like AE testing. These methods can detect material failures without inflicting damage, a crucial advantage in high-stakes sectors such as oil and gas, nuclear energy, and power generation. Here, the costs of downtime or equipment failure can be astronomical. With a growing emphasis on predictive maintenance, AE testing emerges as the go-to method for real-time structural health monitoring, solidifying its prominence in the region.
- Countries like China, India, South Korea, and Japan position the Asia Pacific as a global manufacturing and industrial epicenter. As sectors such as automotive, aerospace, construction, energy, and electronics expand, the demand for high-quality materials and robust maintenance processes intensifies. In this context, acoustic emission testing becomes indispensable, monitoring material integrity and detecting early damage signs, thereby ensuring equipment safety and reliability.
Acoustic Emission Testing Industry Overview
The acoustic emission testing market is highly fragmented, with global and local conglomerates and specialized players operating across various segments. While several large multinational companies dominate specific high-value segments, numerous regional and niche players contribute to the overall competition, making the market highly diverse. This fragmentation is driven by the demand for acoustic emission testing across a wide range of end-user verticals, allowing both large and small companies to coexist and thrive in the market.
Leading companies in the acoustic emission testing market include Mistras, General Electric, TUV Nord, Parker Hannifin, Acoustic Emission Consulting, KRN Services, and Others. These companies have established strong brand recognition and extensive global operations, enabling them to command significant market share. Their strengths lie in innovation, broad product portfolios, and strong distribution networks. These leaders often engage in strategic acquisitions and partnerships to maintain their competitive edge and expand their market reach.
Major players in the acoustic emission (AE) testing market are ramping up investments in research and development (R&D). Their goal? To refine and elevate the capabilities of AE testing technologies. These companies are honing in on crafting sensors that are not only more sensitive but also boast heightened accuracy. They're also advancing data acquisition systems and harnessing AI-driven analytics, all in a bid to bolster the reliability and efficiency of AE testing. Furthermore, a significant number of these firms are melding AE testing equipment with Internet of Things (IoT) devices and Artificial Intelligence (AI). This integration amplifies monitoring capabilities, paving the way for real-time data transmission and proactive maintenance.
Acoustic Emission Testing Market Leaders
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Mistras
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General Electric
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TUV Nord
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Parker Hannifin
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KRN Services
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order
Acoustic Emission Testing Market News
- December 2024: Hexagon Digital Wave, launched in-situ requalification services for Type 3 gas distribution trailers. This is made possible through its proprietary Modal Acoustic Emission (MAE) technology. Notably, Hexagon Digital Wave stands as the sole provider of in-situ MAE requalification. The company has already leveraged its MAE technology to successfully requalify over 750 Type 4 gas distribution trailers. Now, the firm is broadening its horizons, extending its services to gas distribution trailers equipped with Type 3 cylinders, with these services slated to launch in early 2025.
- June 2024: Rohde & Schwarz expanded its R&S BBA130 RF amplifier lineup. The new additions boast power outputs of 6,500 W, 9,500 W, and a robust 13,000 W. Tailored for high intensity radiated field (HIRF) test applications, these amplifiers deliver saturated power up to 13 kW, spanning frequencies from 80 MHz to 1 GHz.
Acoustic Emission Testing Market Report - Table of Contents
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 Study Assumptions and Market Definition
1.2 Scope of the Study
2. RESEARCH METHODOLOGY
3. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. MARKET INSIGHTS
4.1 Market Overview
4.2 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis
4.2.1 Threat of New Entrants
4.2.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
4.2.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
4.2.4 Threat of Substitute Products
4.2.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
4.3 Impact of COVID-19 Aftereffects and Other Macroeconomic Factors on the Market
5. MARKET DYNAMICS
5.1 Market Drivers
5.1.1 Increasing Demand for Nondestructive Testing (NDT) in Industrial Applications
5.1.2 Increase in Infrastructure Development and Maintenance
5.2 Market Restraints
5.2.1 High Initial Setup and Operational Costs
6. MARKET SEGMENTATION
6.1 By Equipment
6.1.1 Sensors
6.1.2 Amplifiers
6.1.3 Detection Instruments
6.1.4 Calibrators
6.1.5 Others (Cables, Terminal Blocks, and Connectors)
6.2 By Application
6.2.1 Storage tank
6.2.2 Pipeline
6.2.3 Aging Aircraft
6.2.4 Turbine
6.2.5 Structural monitoring
6.2.6 Nuclear Tank
6.2.7 Marine
6.2.8 Tube Trailer
6.2.9 Advanced Material
6.3 By Geography***
6.3.1 North America
6.3.2 Europe
6.3.3 Asia
6.3.4 Australia and New Zealand
6.3.5 Middle East and Africa
6.3.6 Latin America
7. COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE
7.1 Company Profiles
7.1.1 Mistras
7.1.2 General Electric
7.1.3 TUV Nord
7.1.4 Parker Hannifin
7.1.5 Acoustic Emission Consulting
7.1.6 KRN Services
7.1.7 Vallen Systeme
7.1.8 Score Atlanta
7.1.9 TUV Austria
- *List Not Exhaustive
8. INVESTMENT ANALYSIS
9. FUTURE OUTLOOK OF THE MARKET
Acoustic Emission Testing Industry Segmentation
Acoustic Emission (AE) Testing is a non-destructive testing (NDT) technique used to identify and monitor stress or sound waves released due to the rapid energy discharge within a material. These waves, referred to as acoustic emissions, occur when a material experiences deformation, crack formation, or other structural changes under stress.
The study tracks the revenue accrued through the sale of acoustic emission testing by various players across the globe. It also tracks the key market parameters, underlying growth influencers, and major vendors operating in the industry, which supports the market estimations and growth rates over the forecast period. The study further analyses the overall impact of COVID-19 aftereffects and other macroeconomic factors on the market. The report’s scope encompasses market sizing and forecasts for the various market segments.
The acoustic emission testing market is segmented by equipment (sensors, amplifiers, detection instruments, calibrators, and others), application (storage tank, pipeline, aging aircraft, turbine, structural monitoring, nuclear tank, marine, tube trailer, advanced material), and geography (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America). The market sizes and forecasts regarding value (USD) for all the above segments are provided.
By Equipment | |
Sensors | |
Amplifiers | |
Detection Instruments | |
Calibrators | |
Others (Cables, Terminal Blocks, and Connectors) |
By Application | |
Storage tank | |
Pipeline | |
Aging Aircraft | |
Turbine | |
Structural monitoring | |
Nuclear Tank | |
Marine | |
Tube Trailer | |
Advanced Material |
By Geography*** | |
North America | |
Europe | |
Asia | |
Australia and New Zealand | |
Middle East and Africa | |
Latin America |
Acoustic Emission Testing Market Research FAQs
How big is the Acoustic Emission Testing Market?
The Acoustic Emission Testing Market size is expected to reach USD 399.70 million in 2025 and grow at a CAGR of 6.80% to reach USD 555.38 million by 2030.
What is the current Acoustic Emission Testing Market size?
In 2025, the Acoustic Emission Testing Market size is expected to reach USD 399.70 million.
Who are the key players in Acoustic Emission Testing Market?
Mistras, General Electric, TUV Nord, Parker Hannifin and KRN Services are the major companies operating in the Acoustic Emission Testing Market.
Which is the fastest growing region in Acoustic Emission Testing Market?
Asia Pacific is estimated to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period (2025-2030).
Which region has the biggest share in Acoustic Emission Testing Market?
In 2025, the North America accounts for the largest market share in Acoustic Emission Testing Market.
What years does this Acoustic Emission Testing Market cover, and what was the market size in 2024?
In 2024, the Acoustic Emission Testing Market size was estimated at USD 372.52 million. The report covers the Acoustic Emission Testing Market historical market size for years: 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024. The report also forecasts the Acoustic Emission Testing Market size for years: 2025, 2026, 2027, 2028, 2029 and 2030.
Acoustic Emission Testing Industry Report
Statistics for the 2025 Acoustic Emission Testing market share, size and revenue growth rate, created by Mordor Intelligence™ Industry Reports. Acoustic Emission Testing analysis includes a market forecast outlook for 2025 to 2030 and historical overview. Get a sample of this industry analysis as a free report PDF download.