So what can infrared do for you?
January 1st 2007 High resolution is a hot topic in the world of infrared but why is it important? In short it means better image detail allowing more thermal problems to be spotted, even those in their infancy. Improvements in resolution are also opening up new capabilities allowing thermography for example to address complex issues associated with energy loss calculation. This level of sophistication is now a reality from a standard, off-the-shelf thermal imaging camera. Heading its range FLIR Systems has a camera that provides four times the resolution of any other model on the market. But the company's scope of development is not just confined to these high-end cameras. Its range, that is unmatched in its breadth, ensures there is an infrared camera to suit every application and to meet every budget. This policy has proved hugely popular worldwide. FLIR Systems now sells more cameras annually than all its competitors combined. Although its extensive range of hardware plays a major part in this success it is by no means the only factor. Software development is also an important issue. Such is the company's commitment to the wider application of its products that it has sought strategic partnerships. For example it is part of Microsoft's beta development team for Office 2007 to ensure its ThermaCAM® Reporter 8 is compatible with both the existing Windows product and also the next generation of Windows products – protecting your investment going forward. Considerable importance is also attached to the whole package. FLIR Systems is the only infrared company to manufacture its own lenses for example, and continues to produce all critical elements of its cameras in house. All infrared manufacturers provide some support service but FLIR Systems is distinguished by the comprehensiveness of the backup it supplies. The company provides every facility to ensure its customers get the most out of thermography. As for the FLIR Systems cameras themselves they are basically divided into three ranges. Top of the tree is the world's first portable thermal imaging camera with 640 x 480 detector. The ThermaCAM® P640 provides unrivalled image quality. Whereas a standard 320 x 240 focal plane array has 76,800 pixels, it has 307,200. More pixels equate to far better image details allowing for example, smaller targets to be spotted and measured accurately at greater distances. The field of view of the ThermaCAM® P640 is also larger and therefore fewer images need to be taken. On average 25% fewer images are required on a typical survey enabling the operator to get the job done quicker and more effectively. The ThermaCAM® P640 is one of a series of high-resolution cameras that FLIR has introduced. Brand new to the range is the ThermaCAM® B640 with features that enable the maintenance professional to minimise energy loss. It is the world's first camera to include a dewpoint alarm and two new capabilities, a relative humidity and an insulation defect alarm. These features are available through the B-Series range of cameras – a range dedicated to identifying construction defects and energy loss. All models in the new ThermaCAM® 640 series offer the optimum combination of detector, lens and software technology. The speed and ease with which a highly professional infrared report can be generated is thanks to the latest generation ThermaCAM® Reporter – version 8. This Windows-based software takes the integration of image analysis and report generating functions to a whole new level for even faster evaluation of infrared reports. It also fully integrates enabling all of its features such as spell-check, font selection etc., to be used. It even allows images and text to be edited and manipulated in Outlook. No longer the sole preserve of the professional thermographer however, thermal imaging is now widely used by a range of trades. Next in line are the FLIR Systems' ThermaCAM® E-Series aimed at those conducting regular condition monitoring surveys with a need for good image quality, data collection plus analysis and reporting, but not for the sophisticated features of the high-end cameras. Typically they offer a middle range detector – 160 x 120 or 320 x 240 – operate with a frame rate of 50Hz, have a choice of optics and include features such as composite video output and digital zoom. The infrared camera that is really extending the use of thermal imaging in general electrical inspection sector is the new generation of find-it-fix-it model. FLIR Systems InfraCAM® is an easily portable, torch-style camera that is a true toolbox tool designed for spot checks and limited analysis. It has become a viable option thanks to developments in detector technology that has allowed the purchase price of the camera to be set at a level that is accessible to any professional trade. And there's much more to come. FLIR Systems is as committed to increasing the capability of these entry-level models as it is to pushing the boundaries of the technology for professional thermographers. The application scope of infrared is phenomenal and there can be little doubt that the best is yet to come. More articles from Flir Systems Ltd: | 
