Applications Of Infrared Thermometers

Dangerous

Measuring temperature at a distance has its advantages. Not all temperatures can be measured by directly being in contact with it. These devices enable to get accurate results without putting their lives at risk. With these handheld devices, workers can conveniently check the surfaces of these systems for elevated temperatures without direct contact.

Distance

The primary use of infrared thermometers is in measuring the temperature of a subject from a distance. The device is beneficial in situations where it is difficult to reach the object to record the temperature.

Movement

IR thermometers are also the hardware of choice for measuring the temperature of objects that are in constant motion. Since these devices are highly responsive, there is little to no delay in registering differences in temperature. As such, IR thermometers are ideal for measuring temperatures of moving objects since the object’s speed doesn’t skew results.

Automotive Industry

In the automotive industry, mechanics and automotive enthusiasts use infrared thermometers to diagnose parts and troubleshoot overheating issues, they’re also used to perform routine spot checks to prevent breakdowns. An infrared thermometer is a valuable diagnostic tool in any garage as it can easily take the temperature of moving and hard-to-reach components. They’re useful for checking a wide variety of vehicle systems including, brakes, tires, radiators, HVAC systems, engine timing, belts and pulleys, cooling systems, catalytic converters, and intake air regulation.

Cardboard Production

Single layer linerboard or cardboard, consisting of outer plies and corrugated core, is glued together in a machine called a corrugator. The glue is cured as the board passes over a steam heated roll. The temperature is controlled by how much the board is wrapped around the roll and the tension on the board. Temperature measurement is required at the center and both edges to insure proper bonding and flatness of the board. Uneven heating can cause the board to warp. Heavier boxes can consist of multiple layers of single ply and corrugated board. Each layer has to be dried to insure good bonding and that the product remains flat. Infrared thermometer provide consistent temperature measurement to ensure product quality and control loop feedback for temperature adjustment.

HVAC Industry

HVAC technicians use infrared thermometers to diagnose issues with heating and cooling systems. A technician will use a thermometer to measure the temperature of various parts of the system to ensure proper operation. However, most technicians will use air probes instead because they are primarily interested in the output air temperature. As the heated air is transparent, an IR thermometer will instead measure the surface temperature of a nozzle or a housing component, which will be colder than the heated air. However, there are situations where an IR thermometer can come in handy for an HVAC technician. They can be particularly useful in large offices and factories where instant point and shoot temperatures need to be taken to locate and troubleshoot problems quickly. They can be used to check supply and return registers, identify leaky ducts, isolate faulty insulation, check compressor temperatures, and diagnose any other heat-related problems with an HVAC system.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing applications are well suited for IR thermometers, as surface temperatures are often crucial in the production process to ensure the integrity of the products and to help maintain the machinery. They’re used in quality assurance checks on assembly lines and routine equipment inspections to avoid costly equipment failures. A non-contact infrared thermometer can be useful in detecting heat emitted from loose connectors, checking power supply connections, fuses, and circuit boards in electrical maintenance. Mechanics might use an IR thermometer to check the temperatures of moving parts and housings in motors and gearboxes, as sudden changes in temperature might be early signs of mechanical failure. On an assembly line where the temperature might be critical—such as for candy or plastics—spot temperatures can be taken of the different products as they roll off the line.

Plastic Laminating & Embossing

Continuous process laminating and embossing machines typically heat and cure a number of substrates together before embossing a textured finish to one or both sides. Depending on the finish desired, calendar rolls may also be used to modify smoothness, surface luster and thickness uniformity. Heat energy is added to the process through the use of heated rollers and electric or gas infrared panel heaters. Product temperature can be measured at various stages of the process for closed loop control of heating, curing and cooling. Determining product surface temperature homogeneity across the web before embossing helps identify sections of the finished product that may need to be removed from the windup roll. IR spot sensors measure temperature to optimize heating, curing and cooling phases.