From a visionary to a global player - The development of industry-compatible test methods

In 1997 during the examination of magnetic properties of metals,Everything starts with a vision
Friedrich Förster discovered the influence of the Earth's magnetic field on the measurement coil of test equipment. He started with the development of highly sensitive measuring equipment for magnetic fields. In 1948, the visionary founded his own company and looked for opportunities to implement the results from his scientific work at the Kaiser-Wilhelm Institute. His objective: The development of industry-compatible apparatus. The scientific basis of the electromagnetic test methods was developed in the 1950s. Dr. Friedrich Förster received the Victor de Forest Award for this in 1957. The method was published by Robert C. McMaster / USA in 1959 in the standard work on non-destructive testing methods.

The Förster probe
In 1963, the first magnetic field measuring equipment from FOERSTER was installed in a satellite. Mariner II used this to research the magnetic field of the planet Venus, among other tasks. Further measuring equipment for space travel followed later in numerous projects, e.g., for the precise alignment of the ROSAT ROentgen SATellite (X-ray observatory). There is even a Förster probe on the moon.
In the following years, the Förster probe has also been used in industrial test systems, including eddy current crack detection using flux leakage methods, and has now become the international standard wherever a high degree of automation is required.
Prof. Friedrich Förster received the highest distinction of NASA in 1992 for his work.

At home around the globe - rooted in Reutlingen
Starting in the 1970s, Martin Förster further expanded the success of the family company. He recognized the opportunities of globalization early and ensured a worldwide presence with the founding of subsidiaries. At the same time, the headquarters in Reutlingen was further expanded and strengthened. In 1990, a new line of business was added with the development and manufacture of eddy current sensors. These sensors can be adapted to the respective inspection task to improve the inspection results, sometimes considerably.

Strong for the future
Leading with foresight and a sense of social responsibility, Felix Förster is the third generation of his family to run the company, supported by Thomas Himmler and Dr. Jürgen Schröder. An international network of subsidiaries, long-standing representatives and partners, as well as an excellent service guarantees worldwide proximity to customers. As a technology leader and "hidden champion", FOERSTER continuously works on offering its customers individual solutions with new innovations and further product developments. Together with its customers, FOERSTER shapes the future in non-destructive testing.