Digital infrared thermometers are a temperature measuring device designed to measure the temperature of objects without making direct contact with them. That is because in fact, what they measure is the energy being radiated from the object. Every object whose temperature is higher than absolute zero (-273.15°) emits infrared energy. The hotter an object, the more infrared energy it emits.
The basic components of a digital infrared thermometer are a detector, an optical system, and a processing unit. The infrared energy emitted from the object to be measured is gathered by the optical system and then passed through to the detector which transforms the infrared energy into the electric signals. Then in the processing unit, the signals are changed into a temperature measurement.
Digital infrared thermometers are highly used in industries where temperature is an important factor in terms of manufacturing efficiency, product quality and as a diagnostic tool in the maintenance process.
Available in a range of sizes and shapes and with a variety of features, when shopping for digital infrared thermometers there are numerous factors that you should keep in mind.
Available in a range of sizes and shapes and with a variety of features, when shopping for digital infrared thermometers there are numerous factors that you should keep in mind.
Temperature Range
One of the first considerations you should take into account is the range of temperatures that the device is able to measure. Many models of infrared thermometers are capable of measuring temperatures within a range of -50°C to 500°C and tip-top models allow you to measure temperatures in excess of 1,000°C. Choosing the best model for you will depend on the type of your application and your budget.
Emissivity
Most of the time, applications where these thermometers are used, require extremely accurate temperature measurements to be taken. One important factor that may affect the accuracy of a device is emissivity. Emissivity refers to the efficiency with which a material emits of absorbs infrared energy.
In very simple words, not all objects emit infrared energy equally. The type of surfaces and other factors can influence the amount of infrared energy that is emitted. While some devices have a fixed emissivity, others can have an adjustable one. To decide which one is best for you, keep in mind your intended application.
In very simple words, not all objects emit infrared energy equally. The type of surfaces and other factors can influence the amount of infrared energy that is emitted. While some devices have a fixed emissivity, others can have an adjustable one. To decide which one is best for you, keep in mind your intended application.
Distance-to-spot Ratio/Field of View
This is another factor that can influence the accuracy of readings. Distance-to-spot ratio is the size of the area to be measured. In other words, as the distance between the target object and the thermometer increases, the object been measured also grows larger.
If your application requires you to have to stand at a distance from the object being measured, then you should consider buying a device which has the appropriate distance-to-spot ratio.
By keeping these factors in mind you will be able to purchase a digital infrared thermometer that can meet your application specific requirements.
If your application requires you to have to stand at a distance from the object being measured, then you should consider buying a device which has the appropriate distance-to-spot ratio.
By keeping these factors in mind you will be able to purchase a digital infrared thermometer that can meet your application specific requirements.
