Held in Mumbai, India, from December 19 to 21, 2018, with pre-conference tutorials conducted on December 17 and 18, the NDE 2018 event was a landmark gathering. The event took place at the CIDCO Exhibition and Convention Centre, Navi Mumbai, and was attended by more than 1,000 delegates and 75+ exhibitors from India and abroad. The conference catered to professionals from various sectors including oil and gas, nuclear power, aerospace, defense, transportation, infrastructure, manufacturing, and research institutions.
NDE 2018 was themed around the integration of emerging technologies in NDE, with an emphasis on digital transformation, automation, and artificial intelligence in inspection and evaluation processes. The event was inaugurated by notable industry leaders and policy-makers, and included technical sessions, keynote addresses, exhibitions, tutorials, and networking forums.
Key Themes and Technical Sessions
The technical program at NDE 2018 was one of the most comprehensive to date. It featured more than 50 technical sessions, offering a broad spectrum of topics and deep dives into specific technologies. Areas of focus included:
-
Ultrasonic Testing and Phased-Array Ultrasonics (PAUT)
-
Digital Radiography and Computed Tomography (CT)
-
Acoustic Emission Techniques
-
Electromagnetic and Microwave Testing
-
Infrared Thermography
-
Robotics and Automation in NDT
-
Machine Learning and AI Applications
-
Guided Wave and Short-Range Ultrasonic Testing (SRUT)
-
Condition Monitoring and Structural Health Monitoring
-
Materials Characterization and Failure Analysis
-
Concrete and Infrastructure Testing
Special emphasis was placed on the adoption of Industry 4.0 practices, with sessions discussing the role of cloud-based inspection platforms, digital twins, data analytics, and real-time remote monitoring systems in modern NDE workflows.
Notable Technical Highlights
One standout paper presented at the conference focused on a comparative study between Full Matrix Capture (FMC-TFM) and Virtual Source FMC-TFM (VSFMC-TFM) techniques for ultrasonic testing. The study demonstrated that VSFMC-TFM provided a higher signal-to-noise ratio and better defect detection capabilities, especially in thick steel and aluminum specimens.
Another important presentation showcased the use of robotic platforms for short-range ultrasonic testing in storage tanks. This approach improved access to difficult-to-reach areas such as annular rings and offered accurate corrosion depth measurements with ±10% precision, significantly enhancing safety and efficiency in petrochemical industries.
The use of automated drones and crawlers equipped with NDT sensors was also discussed, highlighting the role of smart robotics in inspecting high-risk or hazardous areas such as bridges, reactors, and pipelines without the need for human entry.
Exhibitors and Industrial Participation
The exhibition hall featured a vibrant display of the latest NDT equipment, software, and solutions. Participating companies included global leaders as well as emerging Indian firms.
-
Spellman High Voltage Electronics showcased their portable high-voltage X-ray generators and power supplies tailored for digital radiography.
-
DÜRR NDT presented their high-resolution CMOS detectors and computed radiography systems, which support both on-site and laboratory NDE.
-
Blue Star Engineering & Electronics Ltd. highlighted their comprehensive range of NDT solutions and signed collaborative agreements for technology development.
-
Olympus, GE Measurement & Control, M/s Bharat NDT, and Technofour were among the other major participants bringing cutting-edge tools and services to the Indian market.
Live demonstrations, product launches, and interactive booths created a dynamic environment for knowledge sharing and business development.
Pre-Conference Tutorials and Workshops
The pre-conference tutorials were highly appreciated, especially by young professionals and students. These sessions, led by domain experts from academia and industry, covered foundational principles as well as advanced techniques in various NDE methods. Hands-on training, case studies, and certification guidance were integral parts of the tutorials.
Topics included:
-
Basics of Ultrasonic and Radiographic Testing
-
Advanced PAUT and TOFD (Time-of-Flight Diffraction)
-
Digital Image Processing in NDT
-
Innovations in Eddy Current Testing
-
Safety and Standards in NDT Practice
Impact and Legacy
NDE 2018 played a crucial role in strengthening India’s capabilities in non-destructive evaluation and testing. It brought together cross-sector stakeholders to discuss shared challenges and create collaborative pathways forward. The conference fostered interdisciplinary cooperation and helped bridge the gap between research and industrial application.
One of the most important takeaways from NDE 2018 was the recognition that NDT is evolving beyond defect detection—it is becoming a strategic enabler of quality, safety, and performance across industries. Technologies presented at the event are now contributing to real-time maintenance systems, predictive analytics, and digital asset management strategies.
The event also paved the way for future NDE conferences, helping ISNT and its partners plan even more inclusive and technologically advanced gatherings in subsequent years.
