The origins of the UIT technology begin as early as the 1950's. During this decade many scientists believed that the introduction of ultrasonic energy into metal surfaces would have a positive impact in altering the sub-surface and surface properties of the metal resulting in prolonged life of metal components. However, the challenge was in the area of producing a tool that could be used for this service. More specifically the first transducer produced was bulky and heavy and required a large amount of power to excite.

    In the late 1960's a team of scientists working under the direction of Dr. Statnikov began investigating alternative transducer designs and mechanisms for achieving the end result of transmitting the ultrasonic energy into the treated metal surface. In 1972 Dr Statnikov designed a new transducer that was much smaller in size and consumed significantly less power during excitation.

    From this transducer a new acoustically tuned body was designed which resonated at 20kHz. This resonant body was encased within a plastic tool and energized by a technically advanced power unit. Together this was the first field unit to be deployed and used for Ultrasonic Impact Treatment. From this development many years of extensive research was conducted and theories developed on the technology and the effect of the treatment on the surface of metal components. The primary areas of application concentrated in the field of stress relief and corrosion resistance.

    The application has been used extensively since the late 1970's in the Russian Naval programs in the fabrication of large floating vessels and submarines and in their Aerospace program for fatigue enhancement. At the IIW conference in 1994 the first presentation on the technology was made to the world.