Using IR Sensing and Imaging Instruments

Manufacturers have spent a great deal of time and effort to make thermal sensing and thermographic equipment relatively simple to operate and thermal imaging software much easier to understand and implement. It is far simpler today than it was ten or even five years ago for the novice thermographer to turn on the equipment, aim at a target, and get an image. By the same token it is easier than ever to misinterpret findings. For this reason, formal operator training is an important component of a thermographic inspection program. Many equipment manufacturers and training schools offer formal training and certification programs. See Sec. 5.4 for information on thermographer training and certification.