EFS is very useful in detecting cracks in structures under live loads, as for example, a highway bridge. EFS can detect cracks in the field as small as 0.01 inches in an actual structure (too small to be seen with the unaided eye), and requires no skilled operator. EFS can detect cracks in steel, aluminum, titanium alloys, and other metals.

The Fatigue Fuse is of value in monitoring aircraft, ships, bridges, conveyor systems, mining equipment, cranes, etc. No special training is needed to qualify individuals to report any broken segments of the Fatigue Fuse to the appropriate engineering authority for any necessary action.

To date, certain organizations have included MATECH's EFS in test programs, obtaining excellent results. These beta tests were on actual bridges and confirmed results that were found in the laboratory, namely that EFS accurately detects growing cracks in bridge steels. In testing for bridges on the Pennsylvania Turnpike, and in CA, NY, and OH, EFS results were verified with more conventional inspection methods. In at least one instance EFS found cracks that were not detected by an eddy current survey. For more details on these tests see the Press Releases of November 17, 2004, September 27, 2004 and June 8, 2004.

Tests of the Fatigue Fuse for welded steel civil bridge members have been completed by the University of Rhode Island. Westland Helicopter, a British firm, successfully tested the Fatigue Fuse on helicopter hub housings; the legs of the Fuses failed in sequence as predicted. Fatigue Fuses are currently being used on portable aluminum bridges for the US Army.