Looking for the best thermal imaging camera for industrial use? You have stumbled upon the right post. We have put together this thermal imaging camera buying guide to help you find the right model for industrial use.
Over the last couple of years, thermal imaging cameras have evolved to become a valuable tool for industrial use. These cameras use advanced infrared sensors that detect hot and cold spots of different objects in different environments. This makes them the most reliable tool for identifying technical anomalies before they worsen and become catastrophic.
When used correctly, a thermal imaging camera will detect a heat leakage or radiant heat transfer that is not expected or intended. But with so many models available out there, it becomes an overwhelming thing to know which thermal camera to choose. Luckily, we are here to help. We have put up a list of the best thermal imaging cameras that are built for industrial use.
Additionally, we have attached a buyer’s guide with the most important features to take into account beyond buying a thermal camera. So, without any further delays, let’s dive right in.
Best Thermal Imaging Cameras for Industrial Use
1) Hti-Xintai Higher Resolution 320 x 240 IR Thermal Imaging Camera
The Hti-Xintai 320 x 240 IR Thermal Imaging Camera is by far the best thermal imaging camera for industrial use that is available on the market today. The camera is built with a 320 x 240 resolution to prove image views that are rich in detail and clarity in all conditions.
In thermal cameras, emissivity is very important as it makes the camera ideal for taking the different temperatures of an object. The HT-19 camera comes with an adjustable emissivity function for taking more precise measurements. Furthermore, it has 5 different color palettes that make it easy to distinguish hot and cold spots.
All the images the camera creates are displayed clearly on the 3.2” full and TFT display screen that is easy to read even in the dark. Moreover, the camera measures the temperature of objects accurately from -20 to 300°C. It also comes with a 9Hz frame rate to ensure that the sight pictures created are crisp and clear.
Specifications
- 320 x 240 resolution
- ±2% / ±2℃ accuracy
- 3.2″ Color Display Screen
- Battery life-2 to 3 hours
- 5 Color palettes
- 8-14um wavelength coverage
- 9Hz frame rate
- 0.01 to 1.0 emissivity
- 0.07℃ thermal sensitivity
- -20℃ to 300℃ (-4°F to 572°F) temperature range
- 389g weight
Pros
- Multiple scale palettes
- Easy to read and operate
- Lightweight and durable design
- Low power consumption
- Multifunctional
Cons
- None
2) FLIR Systems T865 Thermal Imaging Camera
FLIR Systems is a household name in the world of thermal imaging optics. It is known for its high-quality thermal imaging devices and the T865 Thermal Imaging Camera is not any different. This camera is unbeatable in terms of quality, performance, and versatility and is your best thermal imaging camera for industrial use if you are looking for a non-contact inspection tool.
Adding this high-end thermal camera to your toolbox will not just enhance your workflow efficiency, but also help you find and correct industrial problems that would otherwise be difficult to detect using cheap quality thermal cameras.
Furthermore, the camera is designed to let you do the repairs in a safe and quick manner. It helps you determine the state of equipment from a safer distance, at any angle or lighting condition. All that is made possible by the 180° rotating optical block, built-in eyepiece viewfinder, and the clear and high-quality 4” color IPS display.
What’s more, is that the camera is designed to provide exceptional accuracy for the measurements it takes to increase infield efficiency. It also features a high 30Hz frame rate that works together with advanced thermal imagery to optimize workflow.
Specifications
- Resolution:640 × 480 pixels
- Digital Camera:5 MP
- Digital Zoom: 1-8x continuous
- Thermal sensitivity:<40 mK @ 30°C (24° lens)
- Accuracy:±1°C (±1.8°F)
- 4-inch screen
- Color Palettes: Iron, Rainbow, Rainbow HC, White hot, Black hot, Arctic, Lava
- Minimum Focus Distance:0.15 m
- Spectral Range:7.5 – 14.0 µm
Pros
- Unrivaled measurement accuracy
- Captures pictures in thermal and regular modes
- Stunning picture resolution
- Span contrast enhancement
- Compact design with excellent ergonomics
- Laser–assisted autofocus
Cons
- Expensive
3) Hti-Xintai HT-18 220 x 160 IR Thermal Imaging Camera
Next up we have the Hti-Xintai HT-18 220 x 160 IR Thermal Imaging Camera. This camera has a high resolution of 220 x 160 which provides clear images of targets in different conditions. It works well under any environment and has the ability to measure the temperature of objects from -20 to 300°C.
The camera comes with a built-in 3GB storage medium that is large enough to store over 20,000 images. The sensitivity range is adjustable from 0.01 to 1.0 for easy identification of the hot and cold spots. Besides, the camera is built with a 9Hz frame rate to keep the display clear all the time.
Another feature that makes this thermal camera ideal for industrial use is a rechargeable battery that provides over 2 hours of continuous runtime on a full charge. Moreover, it comes with 5 different color palettes to choose from and a 3.2” color display screen that is easy to read even in the dark.
Specifications
- 3.2″ full-color display screen
- 220 x 160 resolution
- 5 color palettes
- 0.01 to 1.0 emissivity
- 9Hz frame rate
- 8-14um wavelength
- ±2°C or ±2% accuracy
- -20℃~300℃(-4℉~572℉ range
Pros
- Great battery life
- Auto Focus
- Easy to read 3.2” color display screen
- Lightweight with rechargeable battery
- 5 color palettes (Rainbow, Iron Red, Cold Color, Black and White, or White and Black)
- High-quality protective cover
- Remarkable picture quality
Cons
- None
4) FLIR One Pro LT iOS Pro-Grade Thermal Camera
FLIR One Pro LT iOS is the best thermal imaging camera for industrial use for beginners and budget buyers. It is loaded with a ton of impressive and easy-to-use features all at a price that is hard to beat.
This powerful yet compact infrared camera brings to the table an outstanding 100mK of thermal sensitivity and 4,800 pixels resolution to ensure that the image views generated are clear and rich in detail. Besides, it is built to be compatible with a wide range of iPhones and Android phones making it an excellent smartphone accessory.
The camera is built for a wide range of applications where it measures the temperature of objects ranging from -20°C to 120°C. The wide measurement range paired with the MSX technology enhances the accuracy and resolution of the camera to help you detect anomalies effortlessly.
Moreover, the camera has a small size and lightweight design for convenient portability. Other than that, it comes with an adjustable connector that extends up to 4mm to ensure an easy connection with a smartphone without having to remove the protective case.
Specifications
- -20C to 120C (-4F to 248F) temperature range
- 100 mK thermal sensitivity
- Weight: 36.5 g
- Dimensions (H x W x D): (2.7″ × 1.3″ × 0.6″)
- Frame Rate: 8.7 Hz
- Resolution: 1440×1080
- Accuracy: ±3°C or ±5%
Pros
- Superb picture quality
- Great value for money
- Accurate and reliable
- Compact, lightweight, and easy to use
Cons
- Depletes the battery quickly
5) Seek Thermal Compact -All-Purpose Thermal Imaging Camera
In spite of having a reasonably low cost, the Seek All-Purpose Thermal Imaging Camera is unbeatable when it comes to features, quality, and reliability. It comes with a powerful 206 x 156 thermal sensor that makes it suitable for a ton of activities and a large field of view of 36° to ensure easy identification of targets.
The camera has an ultra-compact body that is built like a tank. The compact size makes it easy to use and carry from one point to the other. Other than that, the camera is made with high-quality materials that maximize its durability and resistance to impacts, shock, and accidental falls.
Furthermore, the camera boasts multiple color palettes that give you the flexibility to tailor it to suit your needs. When it comes to the measure of temperature, it is able to detect the temperature of objects between -40°F and 626°F. The wide temperature coupled with the incredible detection range of 1,000ft makes the camera more versatile and quick to detect an abnormality.
Specifications
- 320 x 240 Thermal Sensor
- 32° Field of View
- < 9 Hz Frame
- 4 Emissivity Presets
- -40F° to 626°F Detection
- 9 Color Palettes
Pros
- Spacious field of view
- Focusable Lens
- Compact design
- Auto & Adjustable Span/Level Control
- Multiple color palettes to choose from
- Wide detection range
- Waterproof case
Cons
- None
6) NOYAFA Industrial Thermal Imaging Device
Another best thermal imaging camera for industrial use on our list is the NOYAFA NF-521 Industrial Thermal Imaging Device. This product is ideal for a wide range of uses including electrical inspections, mechanical inspections, and building inspections.
The selling point of this device is the 2 image fusion functions it provides. It has a contour and thermal imaging fusion display as well as a fusion of visible light and thermal imaging. This fusion functions maximize its versatility and functionality.
Furthermore, this device has multiple thermal imaging modes and 3 different color palettes that make it ideal for dual day and night use. When it comes to battery life, the camera is powered by a single 2600mAh battery that guarantees long battery life. The battery is rechargeable and there is a display that shows when it’s charging and when the battery is fully charged.
Above all, this thermal imaging device comes with a 9Hz frame rate and a large 2.4” TFT LCD display that is intuitive and very easy to use.
Specifications
- Accuracy: ±2% or ±2.0℃
- Emissivity: 0.1~0.99
- Spectral band: 8~14um
- Working temperature: -10℃~45℃
- Drop proof: 2m
- Frame rate: ≤9Hz
Pros
- Multiple thermal imaging modes
- Intelligent temperature measurement
- Easy to read and operate
- Inexpensive
Cons
- None
7) Klein Tools TI250 Rechargeable Thermal Imaging Camera
The Klein Tools TI250 is another high-quality thermal imaging camera available at a reasonably affordable cost. This camera is made for a wide range of industrial applications where it detects anomalies quickly and easily.
This camera has more than 10,000 pixels to troubleshoot both cold and hot spots. It has user-selectable alarms for high and low temperatures ranging from -4 to 752 °F/ -20 to 400°C. In addition to that, the camera features an adjustable emissivity from 0.1 to 0.99 to provide the most accurate readings possible.
Another facet that makes the TI250 the best thermal imaging camera for industrial use is the multiple color palettes that make it ideal for use in any lighting condition. Additionally, the camera has a compact size for easy transportation and a display that is very easy to use and read in all lighting environments.
Specifications
- Temperature Range:-4° to 752°F (-20° to 400°C)
- Thermal Sensitivity:<60 mK
- Sensor Resolution:10,800 Pixels
- Emissivity:0.01 to 1.00, Adjustable
- Display:2.4” (6.1 cm) TFT LCD
- Display Resolution:320 x 240 Pixels
Pros
- Rechargeable battery
- Crisp and good picture quality
- Compact and accurate
- Easy to use
- Great value for the price
Cons
- No laser sighting
What is a Thermal Imaging Camera?
A thermal imaging camera is a camera that is used to detect and visualize infrared radiation. All objects emit infrared radiation based on their temperature. When the radiation is emitted, a thermal camera captures it and creates an image of that object on the screen. Since thermal imaging cameras don’t depend on light to operate, they have dual day and night functionality in any environment.
What makes a Good Thermal Camera for Industrial Use?
There are several features that make a good thermal camera for industrial use and the first one is high resolution. A high resolution yields crisp views of an object in all conditions and displays the various temperatures of the object.
Furthermore, a good thermal camera comes with an adjustable emissivity to provide the most accurate readings possible. On top of that, the camera should have a wide detection range and a broad temperature range for easy identification of hot and cold spots.
Another feature that the best thermal imaging camera for industrial use should have is an interface that is large and easy to read in all lighting conditions. The camera should also bring to the table multiple color palettes and a high frame rate that keeps the display clear and updated all the time.
How to Choose the Best Thermal Imaging Camera for Industrial Use
Explained below are the important factors to consider when buying a thermal imaging camera for industrial use.
Resolution
Resolution is what makes or breaks a thermal imaging camera. Look for a camera that has many pixels. Such cameras yield clear and high-quality pictures in all lighting conditions. For industrial applications, a thermal camera will high resolution will make it easy for the user to detect any problem and plan the necessary maintenance.
Sensitivity Range
Alongside resolution, the best thermal imaging camera for industrial use should have a wide sensitivity range. With such a thermal camera, you will be able to detect a problem in any temperature conditions, high or low. The perfect sensitivity range of thermal imaging cameras is 4 to 752 °F/ -20 to 400°C.
Thermal Sensitivity
Thermal sensitivity is another important feature in thermal imaging cameras. It shows the smallest detectable temperature difference between two points of measurement and is measured in mill-Kelvin (mK). Cameras with a low thermal sensitivity rating are the most sensitive. Such cameras also have an added benefit of providing the most accurate measurements.
Battery
Another important feature to look at is the battery. Generally, the battery in thermal imaging cameras will last for a shorter period of time compared to that in a standard camera. This is because of the advanced technology and the use of the camera.
For industrial applications, it is best to get a thermal camera that is powered by a rechargeable battery. The best thermal imaging camera for industrial use should also have a low power consumption that makes the battery last for long.
Benefits of Thermal Imaging for Industrial Use
- Non-contact Approach. A thermal imaging camera for industrial use detects an abnormality in an object without the technician having to touch that object.
- Greater Work Efficiency. A thermal camera for industrial use enables technicians to effortlessly diagnose and analyze faults that would otherwise take time to diagnose with naked eyes or other inferior tools.
- The best thermal imaging camera for industrial use can be used for a ton of other applications not just industrial applications.
Conclusion
A thermal camera is a valuable tool for industrial applications. When used correctly, a thermal imaging camera offers accurate and reliable ways to diagnose faults and anomalies by both professionals and amateurs. Each thermal camera we have listed above is easy to use and built with all the basic features needed for industrial use. Take a look at each product in detail then use this guide to find the camera that is appropriate for your needs.
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