FLIR Thermal Imaging Cameras

A Thermography Hero’s Welcome

Patrol officers, security personnel, and American troops use FLIR infrared technology to protect lives and resources every day. In many ways, you as a thermographer do, too. With thermal imager in hand you have access to an amazing ability- to see problems you otherwise couldn’t and fix them before they cause delays, waste energy & dollars, hurt someone, or shut things down. We think that’s pretty heroic stuff and certainly a respectable way to make a good living.

Which Camera is Right For You?

Whether you’re new to infrared inspections or already a level III thermographer, a variety of important factors will figure into your thermal camera decision: how often you use the camera, what you’re inspecting, the angles you’re shooting form, target size, high temperatures, distance, and other considerations. Let us help you determine the right fit for your application, budget, and the way you like to work.

For example, many utilities prefer the T640 because the camera’s rotating lens system makes it comfortable to aim up at overhead components while keeping the display at eye level. That’s significant when doing a full day of intensive substation inspections. 640 resolution and telephoto lenses make detecting distant, small targets easier for them, too. Those same companies also carry handy i-Series cameras on their trucks so crews can do quick scans for overloaded circuits and safety checks before entering underground vaults or using a disconnect stick.

Or, consider the insulation contractor who got off to a fine start with the low cost i7 and quickly became known for finding all kinds of ways to help people save money on their energy bills. As his home performance business took off, he added a second camera to keep pace, choosing an E60 for its higher IR detail and built-in digital camera so he could document side-by-side comparisons. The FLIR app connectivity to his iPad made it easier to show results to customers, and the 320 x 240 image clarity improved his web site marketing.

As you can see, different requirements mean one thermal imager may or may not fit your application, so we encourage you to contact PAC at 888-903-0333 or at [email protected] if you need advice on choosing the best FLIR product for you.

Why Thermal Imaging is Heating Up

You’ll be excited to know thermography services are in high demand. But first, a few of the basics in case you need a quick refresher on how infrared technology works.

Making the Invisible, Visible

Virtually everything in our world emits infrared radiation. While neither the naked eye nor a digital camera can see the infrared spectrum, you feel its effects all around, all the time in the form of heat – from sunlight, electrical equipment, and industrial processes to cold air drafts, ice cubes, and even the nose of a dog.

Fortunately, FLIR infrared cameras can detect and capture thousands of non-contact temperature measurements in real time, transforming them into vivid thermal images that instantly show you where hotspots are.

The Advantage of a FLIR Camera Over an IR Thermometer: One Sees and One is Blind

IR thermometers, a.k.a. temperature guns may be able to give you one average temperature reading at a time but they can’t produce a single image. So imagine how long it would take to scan a room full or electrical panels. Accuracy is another concern, the farther away, the more general the measurement and more likely you’ll miss a critical anomaly. Standing closer might yield better results, but it’s also more dangerous.

With a FLIR camera, each snapshot provides a picture worth thousands of calibrated, radiometric temperature measurements whether taken up close or farther away. To actually be able to see heat signatures arms you with the power to locate and solve hidden problems much more quickly.

Opportunities Abound

The efficiency of thermal imaging has proven its effectiveness many times over in saving homeowners and companies a bundle. In fact, cutting waste and preventing production loss pays huge ROI (Return On Investment) benefits for many organizations. In some cases, into the tens of thousands and even millions of dollars. That’s why thermal cameras are fast becoming an essential tool in building performance and predictive maintenance circles. Plus, the technology just keeps getting better and is now more portable, flexible, and affordable than ever. So, if you’re just venturing into thermography, this is a great time to get in on the action. And if you’re already well established, we wish you continued success.

Stop and consider the importance of the following in our daily lives:

  • Energy Efficiency
  • Pest-free, mold-free homes
  • Minimal downtime
  • Increased safety
  • Expedient insurance claims
  • Infrastructure reliability
  • Production profitability
  • Restored livability
  • Structural integrity
  • The search for bigfoot

OK, so maybe not every infrared application is serious business. But most are, after all, who wants to pay more for heating and cooling, or live with termites and rodents chewing through walls? What’s the impact to commerce when power gets knocked out by a transformer failure that could of been averted? How much revenue will be lost per hour when a critical piece of manufacturing equipment goes down? What’s the cost of injuries when someone is unwittingly exposed to lurking danger?

All of these situations and many more can benefit greatly from taking preventative measures based on thermal imaging inspections.

Thermal Imaging for Predictive Maintenance

The most effective tools for predictive maintenance applications, FLIR infrared cameras give you amazing ability to see what other diagnostic instruments miss. Keep your facility operating at peak performance, avoid expensive equipment failures, and prevent loss of production capacity.

Use FLIR thermal imaging to find hidden problems before they turn into serious trouble.

Thermal Imaging for Building Diagnostics

FLIR infrared cameras give you the power to make the invisible, visible. With thermal imaging, you can see, detect, and document telltale temperature differences that show moisture damage, missing insulation, air drafts, nests in walls, and more.

Thermal imagers from FLIR can help you find hidden building problems faster than any other technology, and produce customized reports to justify and validate the quality of repair work.

Purchasing FLIR Infrared Thermal Cameras

Production Automation carries a nice selection of FLIR cameras. You can find them all in our FLIR Thermal Imaging Camera category. IF you have questions, need assistance, or are looking for a FLIR product you do not see on our site, contact us at [email protected] or at 888-903-0333. One of our knowledgeable sales staff will be more than happy to find the FLIR product most appropriate for your application.

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Mel Meadows

Mel Meadows

Mel Meadows is a product specialist with over 14 years of experience. She’s a central source of expertise for thousands of industrial and critical-class products featured on the Production Automation web store. By working directly with manufacturers, Mel deciphers technical documentation and outlines product use in real-world environments. View her profile to learn more about proper techniques, protocol, and product usage in both industrial and cleanroom facilities.

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Production Automation Corporation (that’s us) is an essential business supplier for medical device, cleanroom, and general manufacturing industries.

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