THERMOGRAPHIC CAMERA CALIBRATIONPrecision Blackbodies for accurate temperature measurement
The need for accurate calibration in thermographic imaging
Thermographic cameras, also known as radiometric infrared cameras, are designed not only to detect infrared radiation but also to translate that data into precise temperature measurements. This capability makes them essential in a wide range of industries, including:
- Industrial processes monitoring
- Fire detection and prevention
- R&D and testing
- Civil Infrastructures monitoring
- Medical diagnostics
- Predictive maintenance
To ensure that temperature readings are accurate and reliable, thermographic cameras must undergo a thorough radiometric calibration process. This involves establishing the transfer function between the camera’s output signal (e.g. voltages or digital levels) and the actual measured temperatures.
This critical process relies on the use of high-performance blackbody sources with well-defined, stable temperature outputs.
The role of HGH Blackbodies in thermographic camera calibration
A Blackbody is a reference source that emits a known thermal radiation over a given spectral range. This radiation depends only on temperature. During calibration, a thermographic camera is exposed to one or several blackbodies across a range of temperatures to map its response.
This process allows the camera to:
- Convert sensor readings into accurate temperature values
- Compensate for sensor drift or response variability
- Ensure measurement consistency over time
For optimal calibration, the Blackbody must exhibit:
- High radiometric accuracy
- Excellent temperature uniformity across its surface
- Stability over time and under varied ambient conditions
A well-calibrated blackbody ensures that thermographic cameras deliver accurate and consistent thermal data, enabling reliable interpretation, precise diagnostics, and efficient industrial processes.
Supporting production, testing, and R&D environments
HGH blackbodies are trusted by:
- Thermographic camera manufacturers
- R&D laboratories
- Industrial integrators
- Quality control departments
In production lines, the high uniformity of our blackbodies ensures consistent calibration for large batches of cameras. In R&D settings, the temperature accuracy and repeatability support precise sensor development and validation.
HGH BlackbodiesPrecision tools for high-performance calibration
HGH has developed a comprehensive range of Blackbody sources specifically designed for the calibration and testing of thermographic cameras. Our blackbodies are engineered to offer:
- Wide temperature ranges, from -40°C up to +1350°C
- High surface uniformity, critical for accurate sensor calibration
- Stable performance, even during extended use in production environments
Each unit is delivered with a certificate of radiometric calibration over MWIR and LWIR, Traceable to International Standards. This ensures that the uncertainty of measurement is minimized, supporting the high precision required by today’s radiometric imaging systems.
HGH has developed a comprehensive range of Blackbody sources specifically designed for the calibration and testing of thermographic cameras. Our blackbodies are engineered to offer:
- Wide temperature ranges, from -40°C up to +1350°C
- High surface uniformity, critical for accurate sensor calibration
- Stable performance, even during extended use in production environments
Each unit is delivered with a certificate of radiometric calibration over MWIR and LWIR, Traceable to International Standards. This ensures that the uncertainty of measurement is minimized, supporting the high precision required by today’s radiometric imaging systems.
The role of HGH Blackbodies in thermographic camera calibration
A Blackbody is a reference source that emits a known thermal radiation over a given spectral range. This radiation depends only on temperature. During calibration, a thermographic camera is exposed to one or several blackbodies across a range of temperatures to map its response.
This process allows the camera to:
- Convert sensor readings into accurate temperature values
- Compensate for sensor drift or response variability
- Ensure measurement consistency over time
For optimal calibration, the Blackbody must exhibit:
- High radiometric accuracy
- Excellent temperature uniformity across its surface
- Stability over time and under varied ambient conditions
Without a well-calibrated blackbody, thermographic cameras risk delivering inaccurate or inconsistent thermal data, which can lead to misinterpretation, faulty diagnostics, or costly errors in industrial processes.
Features that make a difference
What sets HGH blackbodies apart is the meticulous design focused on the real-world needs of thermographic system manufacturers and users:
- Wide temperature ranges to match sensor specifications
- High emissivity coatings to simulate ideal blackbody behavior
- Fast stabilization time between 2 setpoints
- Minimal temperature gradients across the aperture
- Digital control interfaces for integration into automated calibration stations
- Compact and robust designs for laboratory or factory floor use
From low-temperature applications to high-temperature industrial imaging, HGH provides a complete solution to guarantee sensor accuracy.
A trusted partner in radiometric calibration
With decades of experience in infrared metrology, HGH is a long-standing partner to global players in the field of thermal imaging and camera manufacturing. Our blackbodies are used in numerous production lines and laboratories worldwide. Whether you are developing new thermal sensors or scaling up production, HGH delivers the precision, performance, and reliability your calibration process demands.
Here are a few of the clients and programs that rely on HGH for their camera calibration needs:
Contact us to define your calibration solution !
Looking to improve your thermographic camera calibration setup? Need a blackbody system adapted to your production line or research lab ?
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