Product category:
Optical sensors and vision systems
News Release from: Flir Systems | Subject: Infrared thermography
Edited by the Processingtalk Editorial
Team on 28 April 2003
Benefits of Infrared thermography
Infrared thermography offers distinct benefits in fixed-mounted applications within design and production engineering: it is able to 'see' thermal patterns and use it in real time to alarm or control
Infrared thermography sees thermal patterns in real time, captures that data and uses it to indicate where thresholds have been exceeded or to steer processes It can easily detect information that is difficult or even impossible to capture using conventional means such as thermocouples or visible light cameras
This article was originally published on Processingtalk on 28 Apr 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
FLIR opens up the market for infrared thermography
The ability to monitor and assess prototype performance and production processes using thermography is not new, but the cost and complexity of the technology has proved prohibitive to many OEMs
Infra-red camera breaks the market price barrier
With the introduction of the new ThermaCAM E25 infrared camera, FLIR Systems is breaking open the market for infrared thermography: it is priced as low as GBP6950 including software
Differences in temperature on the surface of an object often indicate important characteristics for quality control.
To monitor critical temperatures, full radiometric IR cameras are needed.
They check pre-set values - for example the maximum temperature - and trigger an alarm if necessary.
Other applications in machine vision and security are best served by a non-radiometric camera, ie one that is not capable of measurement.
Infrared is not only used to improve production efficiency or to optimise quality control.
It also plays a critical role in the early detection of fire whose effects are often far reaching.
In addition to the destruction of goods and machinery, the immense costs of production loss, water damage and even loss of life are impossible to estimate.
Infrared cameras are able to detect fires in the very early stages so that an alarm can be generated and the fire extinguished before dire consequences occur.
Furthermore, they easily can 'see' through smoke and in complete darkness making them perfect for security and safety applications.
To date the cost and relative complexity of these systems have proved impediments to the wider use of this technology in the manufacturing sector.
Nevertheless, the initial investment involved is still relatively low when compared to the losses accrued through decreased production efficiency and loss of quality.
Although more industries are increasingly discovering the potential of infrared, FLIR Systems has recognised the need for a new approach that would kick-start its wider acceptance.
The introduction of the ThermoVision A20 series is the result. Request a free brochure from Flir Systems ...
• Flir Systems: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Processingtalk email newsletter
• Processingtalk Home Page
Search the Pro-Talk network of sites
