Thermal imaging spreads to the mass market

In the ten years that ThermaScan has been in business, this Bedford based specialist has seen thermal imaging develop from a technique used by a privileged few to one that now serves many.

In the ten years that ThermaScan has been in business, this Bedford based specialist has seen thermal imaging develop from a technique used by a privileged few to one that now serves many.

Infra-red cameras have become more portable, more flexible and much more cost effective.

There's now a camera to suit every application and for all skill levels from the novice user to the seasoned professional.

"Plant maintenance remains the core focus of our thermal imaging survey work", explained Managing Director David Blain.

"But the real growth for us in the building sector, ThermaScan has developed a particular niche-market in the cost-effective assessment of lathe and plaster structures.

The company has also steadily grown its business in Europe.

Blain continues: "There are plenty of companies in Europe doing what we do but clearly not as well.

We are getting invited back time and time again for plant surveys".

Another strand to ThermaScan's business is its distributorship of the Flir Systems ThermaCAM E-Series entry-level thermal imaging cameras.

"E-Series sales are really buoyant across a range of sectors and it's true to say they have taken some of our plant maintenance work", explains David Blain.

"However, with thermal imaging now more accessible to a wider community, I see camera sales becoming an increasingly important part of our business".

David Blain is clearly a ThermaCAM fan.

Indeed, his whole business uses the full ThermaCAM range.

For plant maintenance he uses the professional top-of-the-range ThermaCAM P65, for building inspection a ThermaCAM B20 and for R and D work a ThermaCAM S65.

All are available for hire as are his E-Series cameras on a try-before-you-buy basis.

"I've looked at other cameras but Flir is by far the market leader", explains Blain.

"For a recent job in Libya licence restrictions meant I couldn't take a ThermaCAM".

"The alternative took one image, produced one report, took twice as long doing it and then broke down".

"That wouldn't happen with a ThermaCAM".

He also detailed a project undertaken for the MoD that wouldn't have been achievable without the ThermaCAM S65.

It required the camera to measure the temperature of cordite released from an explosive shell.

"It was the only camera able to do the job, its accuracy is unbeatable".

This particular camera has also been involved in work to develop a product for the European Space Project that is less than a hair's width in size.

Having the right hardware is clearly a vital component in ThermaScan's continued success but so too is experience.

"All our thermographers are certified to level II".

"As well as sitting a tough written exam, this requires them to have at least 400 hours thermal imaging experience", Blain concludes.

"Our reputation is very much based on quality products, quality practices and quality people".

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