Thermal imaging cameras are incredibly powerful and versatile tools. They have a range of applications ranging from building inspections to research and development of advanced technological components. They are able to reveal vital information and provide greater context about temperature and similar factors that often cannot be perceived by human senses alone.
With the right thermal imaging instrument in hand, such as the new Testo 883, you and your staff are equipped to make thorough and complete assessments in a straightforward, intuitive manner. This article will help you learn more about thermal imagers, areas where they are frequently used, and how to select the best thermal imager for your organisation's requirements.
What are Thermal Imaging Cameras?
There are a range of different terms used for thermal imaging cameras including thermographic cameras, infrared cameras and thermal imagers. While there may be variations in what they’re referred to as, the intent of these instruments remains the same: to detect differences in temperature in a given area and provide a visual representation of these variations.
The key distinguishing feature between a traditional camera and a thermal imaging camera is the spectrum of light that it captures. While traditional cameras only capture images within the spectrum of visible light, infrared cameras only capture infrared radiation. Because infrared is outside the range of visible light for humans, thermal imaging cameras extend visibility beyond our natural limits.
One of the main reasons thermal imaging cameras are so effective is because everything above the temperature of absolute zero emits infrared radiation. This allows modern thermal imaging instruments to have the sensitivity to effectively represent differences in temperature in a visual format that makes the situation clear to users.
What is a Thermal Imaging Camera Used For?
Thermal Imaging cameras have a wide variety of applications for both commercial and industrial sectors. At Testo, we provide a wide range of thermal imaging instruments, including the Testo 883 thermal imaging camera, for a wide variety of uses including:
- Building thermography, to detect thermal bridges and defects.
- Building inspection, to identify potential areas of mould contamination, among other tasks.
- Quality assurance, to ensure products leaving the production line are at the expected temperature.
- Research and development, to ensure prototypes and test products stay within a safe temperature range.
- Heating engineering, to ensure heating systems work properly and identify leaks without having to conduct a direct visual inspection.
- Maintenance, to identify preventive maintenance opportunities and reduce the potential for major failures and similar issues
Thermal imaging cameras are a game changer, a versatile, reliable solution that is useful across the modern economy. Whether it's a widespread need like in building HVAC maintenance, or a highly specialised niche application like monitoring the temperature of a prototype circuit board, thermal imaging cameras play a vital role.
What Should You Look for In a Thermal Camera?
The standards for thermal cameras significantly vary depending on their intended use. In some cases, a basic camera will perform consistently and effectively. They will function perfectly fine as solutions for building inspection and maintenance. In other cases, higher thermal sensitivity and visual fidelity are required for useful results, such as research and development. However, there are minimum specifications that every thermal imaging camera must offer to be effective.
- Minimum resolution of 160 x 120 pixels.
- Thermal sensitivity less than 120 millikelvins — meaning visualisations of temperature differences as slight as 0.12 C.
- Intuitive, simple controls.
Other Factors to keep in mind are in relation to the camera’s user experience. This means that not only are the imaging results important, but the ease in which such information can be shared with others. Modern thermal imaging cameras, such as the Testo 883 Thermal Imaging Camera, offer software that makes analysis and reporting a more streamlined affair.
What Thermal Camera Options are Available from Testo New Zealand?
Testo New Zealand provides a wide variety of thermal imaging instruments designed to meet a range of different industry needs.
Our latest offering is the Testo 883 Thermal Imaging Camera, a robust solution that covers the entire spectrum of thermal imaging requirements. The Testo 883 features:
- Best image quality: IR resolution of 320 x 240 pixels (with SuperResolution 640 x 480 pixels); NETD < 40 mk
- Useful features: testo SiteRecognition intelligent image management and testo ScaleAssist automatic contrast adjustment
- Extensive analysis and documentation: With the intuitive professional software testo IRSoft
- Full control: Manual focus and interchangeable lenses
The Testo 883 was developed for service engineers, facility managers and building energy consultants. It’s high-fidelity thermal imaging quality and features streamlines your workflow to save time and ensure perfect, accurate results.
For more information on our range of thermal imaging cameras, get in contact with the team at Testo New Zealand today!