FLIR Systems Launches InfraCAM™, a Low-Priced Infrared Camera

Infrared thermography has become a full-fledged, standardized non-destructive and non-contact monitoring and diagnosis instrument for a wide range of industrial applications. Infrared cameras detect, spot and measure heat, which develops in virtually all electric applications prior to a system failure. Consequently, when applied on a regular basis, thermal imaging avoids cost-intensive failures and major equipment or plant damage.

FLIR Systems’ new InfraCAM is small, handheld, easy-to-use, very affordable but rugged infrared camera. It offers temperature measurement, image storage and analysis. The InfraCAM’s uncooled focal plane array of 120 x 120 pixels provides a good-quality thermal image which is displayed on the camera’s large and bright 3.5” LCD display. A choice of color palettes is available. The InfraCAM has a fixed measurement spot in the middle of the image and comes with a fixed lens which suits the majority of applications. The camera measures temperatures from -20ºC to +350°C and detects temperature differences as small as 0.20°C.

InfraCAM: ergonomic, light weight (550 g) and very easy to handle and to operate.
The InfraCAM is controlled by only four buttons and a joystick, allowing the user to produce his first thermal images within minutes. In addition, the InfraCAM has ain-built Laser LocatIR™ to enable the operator to associate a hot spot on the IR image with the real physical target, easily and safely. This enhances user safety by eliminating the tendency to ‘finger point’ at problems in electrical environments. Dust- and watersplash proof (IP 54 standard), the camera is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. A long-life battery ensures more than 7 hours of uninterrupted inspection.

The InfraCAM stores up to 50 infrared images in its internal memory. Images can easily be downloaded to a PC and inserted directly into standard Windows® programs such a Word, Excel and PowerPoint. The InfraCAM package includes the ThermaCAM QuickView software which allows for basic post-analysis of the captured IR images and the creation of simple reports in PDF format.

Its list price will enable smaller businesses to benefit from the advantages of infrared thermography. Thanks to the InfraCAM, thermography will become accessible to electrical contractors, smaller manufacturing facilities, and electricians.
The InfraCAM also enables these camera users to clearly document their inspections with thermal images, showing their customers the exact problem and proving them that the problem has been repaired correctly.

“A critical issue in purchasing an infrared camera has always been its price.” says Arne Almerfors, President of the FLIR Systems Thermography Division. “Now, we offer the InfraCAM, a camera which is very affordable and which will find its way to many more businesses and users. The InfraCAM will allow them to benefit from the advantages of infrared technology and to significantly expand their range of services”
The InfraCAM will be worldwide available for delivery as of February 15, 2006.

About infrared thermography
Thermal imaging, also called thermography, is the production of non-contact infrared or “heat” pictures from which temperature measurements can be made. By detecting anomalies often invisible to the naked eye, thermography allows corrective action before costly system failures occur. Portable infrared cameras scan equipment and structures, then instantly convert the thermal images to pictures for monitoring or quantitative temperature analysis.
Thermal imaging has evolved into one of the most valuable diagnostic tools for Predictive Maintenance. It increases plant efficiency and maximizes safety in many industrial environments including electrical generating and manufacturing facilities.