Thermal Imaging for Automation

Many industries can take advantage of implementing an infrared camera that continuously monitors the production.

	FLIR infrared cameras can detect temperature differences during food processing

The Automotive Industry

In the Automotive industry there is a multitude of production processes that involves heat or heat patterns generation that needs to be monitored and quality checked. Typical methods are welding, gluing with pre-heated glue, thermoforming, molding and die casting.

PCB Checking

Another application where infrared cameras can be used is PCB checking where anomalies in the thermal patterns can be detected if the PCB is powered up after the final assembly. This type of testing is mostly important for industries dealing with high reliability electronics or power electronics where anomalies can indicate a case of a possible early failure.

FLIR A-Series IR Cameras

A fix mounted infrared camera can be installed almost anywhere to monitor your production process by detecting and measuring temperature differences. FLIR 325 is a compact, affordable IR camera fully controlled by a PC. It streams 320x240 pixels images up to 60 Hz and it is the first to follow standards as GigE Vision and GenICam. FLIR A325 comes with specially developed software and provide high speed live images in to the PC. Due to its compliance to standards, FLIR A325 is a Plug&Play device within 3rd parties Machine Vision softwares like NIs IMAQ Vision TM  and the MVTecs Halcon TM  software.  

Thermal Imaging for Manufacturing Industries

At manufacturing facilities thermal imaging cameras are used for inspecting a countless number of production equipment and components as well as the complete electrical power supply system. 

An infrared image including accurate temperature data provides the maintenance expert with important information about the condition of the inspected object. Inspections are done with the production process in full operation. In many cases the use of a thermal imaging camera can help optimize the production process itself.

Mechanical Equipment

Thermal Fusion image of steam leaking from a pipe due to insufficient insulation

Some examples of mechanical equipment where thermography is used:

• Pumps (overheated connections, fuse problems, overloaded electrical cables etc)
• Process valves (open, closed, leakage)
• Storage tanks (sludge levels)
• Pipelines (check if and where there are anomalies, for example locate build up of scale etc)
• Motors (overheating bearings, misalignment, overheated windings)
• Conveyor belts (overheated bearings)
• Furnace inspections (with a special camera designed to “see through flames” for high temperature industrial furnace applications, ideal for monitoring all types of furnaces, heaters and boilers.)

Electrical Equipment

Some examples of electrical equipment where thermography is used:

• Primary power source i.e. outdoor high voltage switchyard
• Switchgear
• Transformers
• Low voltage installations i.e. breaker panels, faulty electrical outlets/wall sockets
• Fuse panels
• Motor control centers (MCC)
• Electrical cabinets

To get even more out of your camera investment, you can use your infrared camera to audit energy efficiency of your plant environment, including roofing, heating and cooling systems, and building structures.