Cooled thermal cameras represent the technological forefront of thermal imaging in industry. Thanks to their high sensitivity, fast frame rate, and accurate measurement capability, they are a leading solution for industrial automation applications that require high precision, speed, and availability.
Thermal Imaging as a Critical Tool in Industry
Thermal imaging has become an integral part of production, control, and quality processes in various industries in recent years. Using invisible thermal radiation, thermal cameras provide a visual image of the temperature profile of objects and processes, without the need for physical contact. The thermal solution enables early detection of anomalies, efficiency improvement, machine monitoring, and real-time quality control.
Cooled Cameras vs. Uncooled Cameras
In the world of thermal imaging, there are two main types of cameras: cooled and uncooled. Uncooled cameras are based on microbolometer sensors, which operate in the long-wave infrared (LWIR) range and provide an efficient and inexpensive solution for general applications. In contrast, cooled thermal cameras include a sensor with a cryogenic cooling system, operating at extremely low temperatures to reduce thermal noise and achieve high measurement sensitivity. Thanks to these features, cooled cameras typically operate in the mid-wave infrared (MWIR) range and offer high spatial resolution, precise spectral filtering, and exceptional capture speed. All these advantages make them the preferred choice for critical applications.
Advantages of Cooled Thermal Cameras in Automation
Despite their higher cost and required cooling maintenance, cooled thermal cameras offer unique advantages:
- High Frame Rate: Up to 480 frames per second allows capturing fast processes, essential for high-speed conveyor production or dynamic processing.
- Extremely High Thermal Sensitivity: Enables the detection of tiny temperature changes, with an accuracy level of less than 20 millikelvin.
- Global Shutter: Simultaneous reading of all pixels allows sharp imaging of moving objects, without blurring.
- Spectral Filtering Capability: Enables the identification of unique processes, such as gas leaks or plastic process control, which cannot be detected by regular cameras.
- High Spatial Resolution: Allows precise magnification and viewing of small details, even under difficult conditions.
Advanced Industrial Applications
Cooled thermal cameras are integrated into a variety of applications:
- Quality control in high-speed production lines
- Monitoring heating and cooling processes in metal or glass processing
- Inspecting Calendaring processes in plastics
- Temperature measurement through glass or thin films
- Optical gas leak detection
- Integration into advanced industrial automation systems (SDK, PIF, Ethernet or Fiber)
FLIR A6301 Camera – A New Generation of Cooled Cameras
Among the most advanced solutions on the market, the FLIR A6301 camera stands out – a top-tier cooled thermal camera designed for integration into automatic systems. Its uniqueness lies in its ability to combine high capture speed, thermal accuracy, and excellent reliability engineering.
A key advantage of the model is its Cryocooler life of 27,000 hours – an unprecedented lifespan that enables continuous operation in intensive industrial conditions for more than three years. This combination of performance, sensitivity, and reliability makes the A6301 an ideal solution for monitoring industrial processes that require 24/7 operation. The camera is available with a variety of lenses – 17mm, 24mm, or 50mm and a macro lens – for perfect adaptation to the field of view requirements of any application.
Asio Vision Representation in Israel
The FLIR A6301 camera, along with other FLIR thermal solutions, can be obtained from us at Asio Vision. We represent FLIR in Israel and provide a full service and technological support package for engineers, project managers, and integrators in the industry
