Infrared thermometers make it possible to measure surface temperature without coming into contact with the component being checked. They are suitable when quick checks are required on hot, moving, less accessible parts or on components located where a contact probe would be inconvenient to position.
An infrared thermometer measures the temperature of the area targeted by the sensor, rather than that of an infinitesimally small single point. It is therefore useful for checks on surfaces, machinery, piping, systems, motors, electrical panels, tanks, radiators, mechanical components and process areas where thermal differences need to be identified or values compared at different points.
Non-contact measurement makes these instruments practical for maintenance activities, process checks, internal inspections and quality-control checks. The laser pointer helps direct the instrument towards the central area to be checked, making it easier to identify the surface involved in the measurement.
Distance-to-spot ratio: why it is important
The distance-to-spot ratio indicates how large the measured area is in relation to the distance between the instrument and the object. The higher the ratio, the more it is possible to check a smaller surface from a greater distance.
This feature becomes important when the area to be checked is small, when working close to hot components or when the measuring point is not easily accessible. To obtain a consistent reading, the surface being checked must be adequate in relation to the area measured by the thermometer.
Three models for different inspection requirements
Three versions are available, differentiated by measuring range, distance-to-spot ratio and display functions.
The SA350 version, with a measuring range up to 400 °C and a 10:1 distance-to-spot ratio, is suitable for direct checks on accessible surfaces, mechanical components, piping, radiators, system parts and routine maintenance inspections.
The SA652 model, with a measuring range up to 800 °C, extends the range of possible applications where higher temperatures need to be measured. Its 12:1 ratio allows more targeted checks and also makes it possible to recall the maximum, minimum and average values detected during the inspection, as well as select the emissivity according to the surface being checked.
The SA960 version, with a measuring range up to 1,000 °C, is suitable when higher temperatures need to be checked or smaller areas need to be monitored from a greater distance. Its 30:1 distance-to-spot ratio makes this model particularly useful for checks on more distant points, localised hot spots, surfaces that are difficult to approach or components installed within systems and machinery.
Infrared thermometer or K-type probe thermometer?
An infrared thermometer is suitable for quick, non-contact surface temperature measurement, especially when several points need to be checked in sequence or when parts should not be touched.
When temperature needs to be measured at a precise contact point, inside a material, in a liquid or in air, a K-type probe thermometer is preferable. The probe makes it possible to carry out a localised measurement at the selected point, whereas infrared measurement detects the average temperature of the targeted area.
The two solutions can therefore be complementary: the infrared thermometer is useful for a first rapid surface check, while the K-type probe thermometer completes the inspection when contact measurement is required.
Calibration report available on request, to accompany the infrared thermometer with metrological documentation useful for internal checks and for monitoring its status over time.
Applications
- Surface temperature checks on machinery, motors and mechanical components
- Checks on piping, radiators, tanks and system parts
- Checks on electrical panels, connections, power supplies and electronic components
- Measurements on hot, moving or less accessible surfaces
- Maintenance checks on bearings, transmission systems and mechanical components
- Surface temperature monitoring during processing and production operations
- Identification of areas with thermal differences on components and systems
- Non-contact measurements in workshops, production departments, laboratories and technical areas
FAQ – Infrared thermometers
What does an infrared thermometer measure?
An infrared thermometer measures surface temperature without contact. It is suitable for checking components, surfaces, systems and machinery when a value needs to be measured quickly without using a contact probe.
Does an infrared thermometer measure a precise point?
The thermometer detects the average temperature of the area targeted by the sensor. The size of the area depends on the distance between the instrument and the surface, as well as on the distance-to-spot ratio.
What is the distance-to-spot ratio used for?
This ratio indicates the relationship between the measuring distance and the detected area. A higher ratio makes it possible to check smaller areas while remaining at a greater distance from the surface.
What is the laser pointer used for?
The laser helps direct the thermometer towards the central area to be checked. It therefore acts as a visual reference for aiming the measurement at the surface of interest.
When should the model up to 400 °C be selected?
It is suitable for direct checks on accessible surfaces, mechanical components, piping, radiators and routine maintenance activities.
When is the model up to 800 °C useful?
It is suitable when higher temperatures need to be measured and when it is useful to recall the maximum, minimum and average values from the inspection, as well as select emissivity according to the surface being checked.
When should the model with a 30:1 distance-to-spot ratio be selected?
It is suitable when smaller areas need to be checked from a greater distance, for example on localised hot spots, difficult-to-reach areas or components located inside systems and machinery.
When is a K-type probe thermometer preferable?
A K-type probe thermometer is useful when temperature needs to be measured at a precise contact point, inside a material, in a liquid or in air. It can complement the check performed with the infrared thermometer.
Can an infrared thermometer be used for maintenance?
Yes, it is useful for checking the surface temperature of motors, bearings, piping, radiators, electrical panels, mechanical parts and other components subject to periodic inspection.
Is a calibration report available for infrared thermometers?
Yes, a calibration report is available on request.
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