Thermal Camera Calibration
What is Thermal Camera Calibration?
Thermal camera calibration refers to how well the imaging on the camera is interpreted into temperature. A perfectly calibrated thermal camera will infer a temperature reading from the imaging (which detects infrared radiation) that is the same as the true temperature of object in the image.
Why Do You Need to Have Your Camera Calibrated?
Thermal imaging cameras are factory calibrated for accurate thermal imaging and temperature measurements. However, over time electronic camera components age and the initial calibration shifts, leading to inaccurate data. By keeping your camera properly maintained and calibrated, you can ensure continuous reliability in spotting thermal anomalies and creating accurate temperature readings. We recommend getting your camera calibrated annually, this will ensure that any slight shifts in calibration do not go undetected.
Please get in touch for pricing regarding on-site calibrations
Re-Calibrating Thermal Cameras with Blackbody Calibration
Re-calibration requires thermal imaging of an object with a known temperature. This must be done in a controlled environment blocked from any background radiation. Blackbodies are used which are objects that radiate and absorb almost all electromagnetic radiation. This is important because these blackbodies are heated to a specific temperature in the calibration process, and they need to radiate almost all the thermal energy generated from their heating so that the infrared radiation emitted matches the temperature.
If the object used was an insulator of radiation, then the measured radiation would not correlate to the temperature. Multiple blackbody objects at different temperatures are then measured in a controlled environment to generate a curve of signal values. These can be plotted on a curve and an equation can be determined that can link temperature to the values detected by the camera. This information is then uploaded into the camera.
How Do You Know if Your Camera Needs Re-Calibrating?
If you use your thermal camera to measure readings from a pan of lightly bubbling boiling water you would expect to receive a reading of around 100°C. Equally, you can expect a reading of around 0°C when imaging melting ice cubes in a bowl of water. If the readings you get are far from these expected temperatures, then it is likely your camera needs re-calibrating.
Choose Teledyne FLIR for Your Camera Re-Calibration
Thermascan are partnered with Teledyne FLIR who use an exclusive 14-point inspection and calibration program, where temperatures are referenced to the National Institute of Standards and Technology. Their service centres are certified to ISO 9001:2015 and use proprietary software available only to FLIR. Their 14-point inspection and calibration includes the following:
Complete operational check.
Calibrating and aligning thermal and visual cameras for MSX®, when applicable.
Verifying all internal cable and PCB connections.
Cleaning the viewfinder and checking optics.
Upgrading internal camera software to latest revisions.
Performing minor repairs.
Verifying and/or re-equalizing temperature ranges for image uniformity.
Verifying standard lens calibration (others or special engineered lenses; optional).
Verifying ambient temperature compensation, as needed.
Recalibrating to ensure the camera meets factory specification.
Calibrating temperature ranges up to 1,500°C, when applicable.
Performing quality approved acceptance test procedure.
Providing calibration label with next due date.
Inclusion of calibration certificate (optional, extended calibration certificate with measured values).
Service Protection Plans from Teledyne FLIR
Teledyne FLIR offer service protection plans. They understand that thermal cameras are relied on for business income and time spent for calibration is time lost from your company. When choosing the Premium Package from Teledyne FLIR, they guarantee your calibration will be complete within 3 days for any new camera purchased from FLIR or recognised partners within the last year, or they will provide a replacement camera for you to use. They also offer a general package and extended warranty. Thermascan, as premium partners of Teledyne FLIR, can organise your camera calibration. We can handle everything for you.
Got an Older Camera that Needs Calibrating?
Teledyne FLIR may not always service older cameras and quite often the cost of a manufacturer service is not worth it when weighed up against the age of the camera and its use. At Thermascan, we can do quick calibrations for older cameras with one blackbody unit. We would welcome you to get in touch so we can advise you on what service would be best for you.
Starting from £170 + VAT per camera
This price is not valid for on-site calibrations
Contact Thermascan for Thermal Imaging Camera Calibration
To get a quote or book your thermal imaging camera to be calibrated, or if you have any queries about the process, please contact us via our online form, or call 01234 219421.