[en] The high sensitivity of acoustic emission analysis, A.E.A., and the simple, integral measuring method are the two characteristics that fostered rapid acceptance of this testing method. Within the framework of non-destructive materials testing, A.E.A. is applied as a very useful, complementary method to established ones, rather than a competing one. This can well be shown by the example of inspection of large pressure vessels; A.E.A. for this purpose yields data for roughly spotting a flaw. Subsequent application of other testing methods, such as ultrasonic testing, then yields exact data, by testing of the restricted vessel area previously indicated by A.E.A., thus saving time and money. The next steps to be taken should see to it that laboratory-scale experience obtained with A.E.A. is put into practice in industrial materials testing, such as process or installations monitoring, or quality control. (orig./HP)