IR Machine Vision Keeps Steel Strong and Workers Safe:

In the steel industry, sophisticated thermal imaging can streamline processes and improve manufacturing efficiency. In the past, contact measurement provided only a small fraction of the target’s whole thermal profile. Now, automation and emissivity measurements help to detect and solve process issues - before they become costly mistakes. Slag is a natural byproduct of the steel production process, but actually weakens the steel itself. Now, manual methods of slag detection, including the “balls and darts” technique, have been replaced by safer, more accurate methods. By measuring the emissivity of the molten metal with a thermal imaging system, workers are able to prevent slag from mixing with steel. This keeps the metal strong and the workers away from the dangers of manual slag detection.

The utility of IR Machine Vision is not limited to the steel industry. The most sophisticated thermal imaging systems and process control software can be configured to almost any application. With either manual or complete automation solutions available, there is an Infrared solution for almost any production environment.

Courtesy of Christopher J. Alicandro, Flir Systems, in Inframation Proceedings 2000