Precision tools for structural timber assessment.

IML

Specialist NDT tools for timber inspection and structural health monitoring, delivering careful data for integrity assessments in wood-based infrastructure.

  • Level 4 UKCSS Operator
  • Interpreted and reported for engineers
  • Oxford based, UK and Europe
IML Equipment NDT Solutions - NDTScan

Overview

NDTScan invests in the most advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) equipment to protect the strength, stability, and safety of timber-based assets and load-bearing wooden structures. Whether we’re inspecting historic buildings, glulam beams, utility poles or critical trees adjacent to infrastructure, we deploy field-proven, high-precision instruments built by IML, the global standard for internal wood structure analysis.

Our IML equipment enables detailed, non-invasive assessment of timber condition, offering critical insight into decay progression, cavity presence, and structural weakening, without compromising the asset’s integrity.

Continuous Innovation in Timber Inspection Equipment

As timber continues to feature in bridges, façades, public realm structures, and engineered construction, reliable internal inspection is vital. NDTScan leads in this space by combining field expertise with the most advanced tools IML offers, ensuring we adapt to varied wood species, section sizes, and risk environments.

Our IML Timber Testing Instruments

  • IML RESI PD-Series (PD400, PD500): These resistance drilling systems offer ultra-fine resolution detection of internal decay, rot, and cavity progression in timber structures. Used widely by tree surveyors and civil engineers, the PD series provides careful data at depths up to 500mm with downloadable graphs and USB export.
  • IML RESI PowerDrill F-Series: Designed for fast field testing, the F300 and F400 combine drill resistance with lightweight build and integrated graph display. Perfect for heritage timber and overhead structural inspection where minimal intrusion is critical.
  • IML Micro Hammer: A simple yet effective tool to assess surface hardness, density gradients, and timber uniformity. Often used in conjunction with PD data for cross-validation on historical timbers and marine piles.
  • IML Electronic Measurement Software: All PD-series data is compatible with IML’s integrated software for visual graph analysis and reporting, ideal for insurance claims, structural reports, and council records.

Why We Use IML

IML systems are globally recognised for delivering unrivalled resolution, low operator error rates, and highly repeatable results. Their resistance drillers give us the confidence to diagnose decay with confidence, whether in rail infrastructure, playgrounds, support beams, or protected trees within construction sites.

Alternative and Complementary Tools

In some cases, we also deploy tools like the Fakopp Arborsonic Decay Detector for acoustic tomography, and Argus TreeQinetic for dynamic wind-load simulations. However, IML remains our frontline solution for detailed internal profiling and is trusted across all our timber NDT workflows.

Subsurface Timber Diagnostics with IML Timber Testing UK

At NDTScan, we use IML timber testing UK systems to uncover what lies beneath the surface of wooden structures, without damaging the asset. Whether assessing load-bearing beams in listed buildings, evaluating utility pole condition, or confirming the stability of trees near transport infrastructure, our IML tools deliver careful, data-driven insight into internal timber health.

These systems are indispensable across construction, heritage conservation, landscape management, and civil engineering. They allow our teams to detect rot, fungal decay, insect damage, cracks, and cavities within live wood and installed timber, helping clients make informed decisions on retention, repair, or removal. All without dismantling structures or compromising historical or structural integrity.

Our commitment to non-destructive excellence is matched by IML’s precision hardware, trusted worldwide for its resolution, durability, and data compatibility.

Supporting Safety, Compliance, and Preservation

The structural reliability of timber, whether in architecture or arboriculture, depends not just on surface condition but on what’s happening internally. Undetected voids, fungal progression, or ageing defects can lead to sudden failure with high consequences. IML systems allow us to locate, profile, and measure these risks before they manifest into safety issues.

Our clients include:

  • Local authorities inspecting playgrounds, schools, parks, and civic infrastructure

  • Heritage and conservation consultants working on protected timber frames, floors, or roofing structures

  • Rail and highway contractors managing trees or poles near critical assets

  • Utility providers monitoring wooden poles and supports for electrical and telecom lines

  • Timber frame contractors and developers verifying construction-grade materials during and post-installation

With IML’s high-resolution drilling systems, we detect internal decay at specific depths, track cavity extent, and verify the structural role of timber components in both new and legacy builds.

Field-Ready Instruments for Any Timber Scenario

NDTScan operates a fleet of IML timber testing UK instruments tailored to the varied and unpredictable environments in which timber structures exist.

IML RESI PD-Series (PD400, PD500)

These are our primary resistance drilling systems for deep internal analysis. They deliver continuous drilling profiles at depths of up to 500mm, identifying changes in resistance caused by voids, decay, or compromised density. With USB export and onboard display, the PD series is used on everything from glulam trusses to veteran trees, helping clients visualise internal degradation in seconds.

IML RESI PowerDrill F-Series (F300, F400)

Ideal for fast-response surveys and overhead use, these lightweight drills deliver the same detailed graph outputs as the PD-series but with faster setup and less weight. We frequently use F-series models in overhead beam inspection, elevated poles, and tight-access heritage zones where every gram and minute counts.

IML Micro Hammer

Used to assess surface hardness and density, the Micro Hammer provides fast qualitative data, often used as a secondary check to validate findings from resistance drilling. This is particularly valuable in historic buildings and marine structures, where exposure and layered treatments may impact resistance readings.

IML Electronic Measurement Software

Every resistance profile we collect is backed by IML’s graphing and visualisation software. This allows us to highlight anomalies, tag measurement depths, and attach commentary, forming a complete, interpretable dataset for reports to architects, insurers, or council safety officers. Reports are exportable in multiple formats and can be embedded into larger NDT, condition, or risk assessments.

Helping Clients Make Informed Decisions

Whether we’re scanning a medieval oak roof beam or a roadside ash tree, our role is to deliver reliable, intelligible insight that supports the right decision at the right time. With IML timber testing UK, we offer:

  • Risk classification for decay or cavity severity

  • Recommendations for retention, pruning, reinforcement, or removal

  • Graphical decay profiles for inclusion in engineering and arboricultural reports

  • Scheduled monitoring plans with periodic re-drilling for decay progression analysis

  • Non-destructive heritage surveys that preserve listed structures while meeting compliance

This approach helps clients avoid unnecessary removals, prevent surprise failures, and justify maintenance actions with clear, objective data.

Proven Across the UK’s Built and Natural Environment

NDTScan’s IML timber testing UK systems are in daily use across:

  • Timber-framed buildings: Validating tie beams, posts, joists, purlins, and king post trusses

  • Public trees and street trees: Supporting BS5837 assessments, risk zones near infrastructure, and ongoing condition audits

  • Bridges and timber decks: Verifying bearing integrity in pedestrian, cycle, and rural structures

  • Marine and waterside installations: Evaluating pile condition, decking timbers, and wetland boardwalks

  • Playgrounds and parks: Scanning poles, features, and fences for structural decay and safety compliance

From ancient oak to modern engineered timber, our IML systems deliver the same clarity and repeatability, backed by a full reporting process and, when needed, multi-tool verification.

Why We Trust IML Timber Testing UK Technology

IML is recognised globally as the gold standard for internal timber decay detection. Their drillers are used by forestry experts, conservation specialists, structural engineers, and arborists in more than 80 countries, with a track record of precision and repeatability in some of the world’s most demanding environments.

We use IML because:

  • They deliver quantifiable, visual decay profiles

  • Their tools are durable, portable, and intuitive

  • The software provides clarity across disciplines and stakeholders

  • They integrate perfectly into multi-layer timber inspection strategies

NDTScan’s technicians are fully trained in IML system operation and data interpretation, ensuring your results are delivered by qualified professionals with deep sector knowledge.

NDTScan provides advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) solutions tailored for iml. Our services ensure reliable, compliant, and efficient diagnostics across all sectors, from aerospace to infrastructure. With cutting-edge equipment and over a decade of experience, we deliver certified inspections that minimise downtime and maximise safety. Trust NDTScan for reliable, data-driven reporting that enhances your decision-making and operational excellence.

NDTScan invests in the most advanced non-destructive testing (NDT) equipment to protect the strength, stability, and safety of timber-based assets and load-bearing wooden structures. Whether we're inspecting historic buildings, glulam beams, utility poles or critical trees adjacent to infrastructure, we deploy field-proven, high-precision instruments built by IML, the global standard for internal wood structure analysis.

Our IML equipment enables detailed, non-invasive assessment of timber condition, offering critical insight into decay progression, cavity presence, and structural weakening, without compromising the asset's integrity.

Our clients include:

Whether we're scanning a medieval oak roof beam or a roadside ash tree, our role is to deliver reliable, intelligible insight that supports the right decision at the right time. With IML timber testing UK, we offer:

  • Risk classification for decay or cavity severity

We use IML because:

  • They deliver quantifiable, visual decay profiles

  • Their tools are durable, portable, and intuitive

Features list for IML

  • Timber Resistance Drilling, reliable identification of internal decay, voids, and weakening in structural wood.
  • Increment Borer Integration, Enables core sampling without significant damage for annual ring and density assessment.
  • Portable Device Design, Lightweight, battery-operated systems ideal for remote timber inspection work.
  • Non-Destructive Evaluation (NDE), Preserves historic or operational assets during inspection and assessment.
  • Data Logging & Transfer, USB and Bluetooth enabled units allow digital export of readings for reporting.
  • Trusted in Civil & Arboriculture, Widely used by councils, infrastructure contractors, and asset managers.

Why Choose NDTScan

FAQ - YAWA - IML

Frequently Asked Questions.

Selecting the right timber inspection technology is essential for safe, long-term structural performance. Below, we answer key questions about resistance drilling and wood testing tools, covering use cases, compatibility, reporting options, and deployment in live environments.

What types of timber defects can you detect with IML tools?

We can identify internal decay, voids, insect damage, and structural weakening using resistance drilling and core sampling.

Are your tools suitable for live infrastructure inspections?

Yes. IML devices are non-destructive and safe to use on heritage assets, bridges, buildings, and roadside trees.

Can I use the data from IML for professional reports?

Absolutely. All readings can be exported digitally and included in arboricultural, civil, and insurance documentation.

Do IML systems require specialist training?

Basic training is sufficient for most applications, with advanced modules available for structural and civil engineering use.

Are these tools accepted by UK councils and contractors?

Yes. IML devices are widely approved and used by councils, infrastructure providers, and arborists across the UK.

Tell us about the structure.

A postcode, the element in question and what you need to do to it is enough to start. Every survey is quoted on the structure, the access and the reporting required.