The global acoustic emission testing market is projected to expand steadily, driven by increasing demand for structural monitoring, safety compliance, and non-destructive testing (NDT) across many industries. The market was valued at USD 370.31 million in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 586.90 million by 2031, registering a CAGR of 6.8% over 2025-2031. Acoustic emission testing plays a critical role in detecting material defects, assessing integrity of structures like pipelines, bridges, storage tanks, and enhancing preventive maintenance practices.
In 2024, the global acoustic emission testing market stood at USD 370.31 million. By 2031, the market size is forecast to grow to USD 586.90 million under a CAGR of 6.8%. Industries such as oil & gas, infrastructure, aerospace, power, and transportation are among the largest end-users, due to the necessity of ensuring safety and avoiding catastrophic failures.
The service and inspection segment (inspection, calibration, etc.) and equipment segment (sensors, amplifiers, detectors) are both seeing growth, with sensors and detection equipment being among the fastest growing sub-segments as sensor technology improves (e.g. higher sensitivity, better noise filtering).
Regionally, North America currently holds considerable share due to high regulatory mandates, greater investment in infrastructure monitoring, and early adoption of advanced NDT methods. Asia-Pacific is expected to grow rapidly owing to expanding industrialization, infrastructure growth, and increasing awareness of safety and maintenance. Europe also contributes meaningfully with its aging infrastructure and strict safety norms.
Rising Demand for Structural Health Monitoring & Preventive Maintenance
As infrastructure ages and industrial plants operate under stricter safety regulations, there is an increasing need for continuous or periodic monitoring of structural integrity. Acoustic emission testing allows detection of flaws or micro-cracks before failures.
Regulatory and Safety Standards
Governments and industry standards bodies are mandating the use of NDT and acoustic emission methods for certain critical applications (bridges, pipelines, nuclear plants etc.), pushing adoption.
Technological Advancements in Sensors & Equipment
Improvements in sensor sensitivity, data acquisition, signal processing and analytics (including AI/ML) are making acoustic emission testing more accurate, reliable, and cost-effective.
Growth in End-Use Sectors
Sectors like oil & gas, energy (wind turbines, power plants), aerospace, transportation (rail, shipping) require high safety and integrity checks, this fuels demand for testing services and equipment.
Increasing Awareness of Cost of Failures and Downtime
The financial and human risk associated with structural failures or leaks (in pipelines etc.) is driving companies to invest in preventive diagnostics. Acoustic emission helps reduce unscheduled downtime and maintenance costs.
By Equipment/Component: Sensors, Amplifiers, Detection Instruments, Calibrators, etc.
By Service Type: Inspection, Calibration, Maintenance Services.