This presentation encompasses comments on the economic motivation and potential impact of NDE.

Primarily, I will discuss the cost aspects in terms of dollars and commitments of men and material, all related to nondestructive evaluation. Several projections have been produced in the last several years on the current economic base of NOT and the projected growth in this field. One indicated that the 1969 level in the United States for nondestructive testing equipment and supplies ran to about $85 million, while the 1971 level was $103 million. Sales for 1972 were projected to rise to at least $118 million, which indicates an increase of at least 15 percent per year.