IR thermografic beginner

[cherike]

I want to start IR thermografic inspection for ganeral applications with a cheap device,new or second hand.Do you have a tipp for me?It could be possible with a thermal filter?
Thank you

 

[MikeBike]

Hello Cherike,

Thermography is an unregulated market so pretty much anyone can just buy a camera and begin doing inspections however if you want to be regarded as someone who provides quality thermographic surveys then you need to get properly trained, get a decent piece of kit and good software to produce the right sort of reports. Due to it not being regulated there are certain individuals operating without the correct parameters as mentioned above and so do not offer the right service and often produce false results and reports and therefore give thermography a bad name. My advice is to contact the ITC to arrange proper training and try to get the best equipment you can, I would suggest Flir as a a camera maker because they are simply the best on the market but they do come in many different forms.

Good luck

Regards
MB
Ti Thermal Imaging Ltd.

 

[dgallagher]

Regarding a camera, for a quality focal plane array camera that is cost effective check out the ThermaCam ET:

http://www.reliabilitydirect.com/tempproducts/FLIR-thermacam_et.htm

Training and certification is recommended:

http://www.infraredtraining.net/

http://www.thermalsolutions.org/

http://www.infraredtraining.com/

Good luck.

 

[micjk]

As mentioned above, training is the key to IR success. I obtained my level 1 cert back in Feb. with ITC and although I had taught myself how to use the camera (Flir E-2),before attending the course, I was getting a lot of false info due to not having a full understanding of IR radiation and the effects that reflectivity, emmissivity, transmissivity, focus, range and distance (to name the more important varibles) all had on the quality and "truthfulness" of my images. The course that I took was very interesting. The instructor was excellent. I've heard good things about Snell and the Infraspection Institute also. Good luck with your endeavor to start a program.
Kind regards,

Roy Gariepy
Maintenance and Reliability Dept.
Dorlastan Fibers LLC.
Goose Creek, South Carolina USA