In order to study the non-destructive testing of micro-crack orientation angle of metal materials, the research of the ultrasonic sum frequency nonlinear effect about the micro-crack orientation of metallic materials is carried out. In theory, the relationship between the ultrasonic nonlinear frequency characteristic coefficient and the orientation angle of micro-crack is established. Then, the results of finite element simulation and calculation show that with the gradual increase of the orientation angle of the micro-cracks, there is a clear positive correlation trend between the ultrasonic nonlinear frequency characteristic coefficient and the micro-crack orientation angle, and compared to the secondary nonlinear coefficient, the sum frequency nonlinear coefficient is more sensitive to micro-crack orientation detection. At the same time, from the perspective of the average ultrasonic wave energy density, for example, the sound intensity, the sound intensity of the sum frequency component will increase with the increase of the orientation angle of the micro-crack, and the sound intensity of the second harmonic component will not change substantially. The ratio of the sound intensity of the sum frequency component is also significantly higher than that of the second harmonic component. The calculation results of the ultrasonic intensity are basically consistent with the simulation results, which proves the correctness of the theoretical model. Finally, through the design experiments, the use of simulated cracks to verify the validity of the model provides an effective means for the detection of micro-crack orientation of metallic materials.