The Frost and Sullivan 2005 product innovation award in machine vision inspection systems goes to Flir Systems for the A series range of thermal imaging and process monitoring cameras
The award, based on extensive market research and a comprehensive set of criteria, is presented each year by the leading consultancy to a company that has demonstrated excellence in new products and technologies within its industry.
Flir Systems ThermoVision A-series cameras are uncooled, compact, lightweight thermal imaging systems designed for a wide range of applications.
They monitor production processes on the manufacturing floor, provide safety inside or outside buildings and acquire research data in the lab.
A-Series cameras measure temperatures from -20C up to +2000C and detect temperature differences as small as 0.10C.
The cameras are available with analogue or digital input and output and provide FireWire or ethernet connectivity options.
Frost and Sullivan analysts have singled out the thermal cameras' radiometric features (their ability to indicate the temperature of objects) as "a significant characteristic for certain industrial applications where a mere thermal image cannot be used to differentiate or detect malfunctions or defects", stating that "this feature makes Flir Systems cameras more advanced than many other thermal cameras".
The analyst team appreciated the A-Series' advanced and versatile alarm functionality, which can trigger various actions, as well as its web-server feature enabling the cameras to perform as an automatic control and monitoring system.
"There is a lot of market potential for smart fix-mounted infrared cameras", says Guy Pas, Flir Thermography division vice president sales and marketing Europe and Asia.
"We are happy that the A-series cameras are gaining acceptance in the market and proud that they have been noticed and awarded by Frost and Sullivan."
