Tube and pipe producers and fabricators who are familiar with the conventional encircling coils used in eddy current testing might be interested in learning more about this technology. Eddy current can be used on a variety of product shapes and does more than detect cracks. It can detect relative hardness and hardness changes (good for verifying heat treatment) and the presence or absence of physical features such as splines and threads.

Conventional hydroforming uses a continuously increasing pressure to form the part. Another process, hammering, relies on a hydraulic system that alternates between a programmed high pressure and low pressure.

Accounting is straightforward, but it’s not iron-clad; fabricators have latitude in the accounting system they use to bid on contracts. A bottom-up approach, one that analyzes all the costs that go into making a component, is suitable for many parts. A top-down approach looks at the part and asks how much the market will bear. Choosing one or the other is a matter of understanding the market for the part.