Mechanical

Mechanical systems keep production lines running, power stations stable and buildings comfortable. A thermal camera checks their health while they run, so you can fix faults before they cause downtime.

When mechanical parts wear or lose efficiency they give off more heat, and a faulty part’s temperature climbs quickly before it fails. A thermal image gives a full view of the equipment and lets you compare one machine with the next.

Motors and pumpsConveyors and machinery
A faulty pump, on the left, running abnormally hot.
A faulty pump, on the left, running abnormally hot.
Faulty factory machinery, found by a change in heat.
Faulty factory machinery, found by a change in heat.

Motors and pumps

Motor faults like brush wear and armature shorts usually produce extra heat before they fail, but often little or no extra vibration, so vibration analysis can miss them. A thermal camera picks them up.

Scan pumps, compressors, blowers and HVAC plant the same way, and compare the temperature of similar units side by side.

Cameras for mechanical work
FLIR E86 FlexViewFLIR E86 FlexViewComplex mechanical, industrial and manufacturing sites. One button switches between a wide and a close view.464 × 348 · FlexView 24° + 14° · up to 1,500°C$19,495.00 ex. GSTViewFLIR E6 ProFLIR E6 ProCommercial maintenance: wear, misalignment and friction in pumps, compressors and HVAC.240 × 180 · 50 mK · 33° lens · up to 550°C Original price was: $3,295.00.Current price is: $2,995.00. ex. GSTViewFLIR C5FLIR C5Low-volume maintenance on motors, pumps and HVAC. Fits in a pocket.160 × 120 · pocket size · up to 400°C Original price was: $1,025.00.Current price is: $945.00. ex. GSTView
Machinery that looks normal, showing abnormal heat. Maintenance needed.
Machinery that looks normal, showing abnormal heat. Maintenance needed.
A hot idler bearing on a conveyor. It needs replacing or lubricating.
A hot idler bearing on a conveyor. It needs replacing or lubricating.

Conveyors, bearings and machinery

A mechanical system heats up wherever something is misaligned, worn or dry. On a conveyor, a worn roller shows up clearly as an overheating idler bearing, so it can be replaced before it seizes.

Couplings, gearboxes, bearings, belts and conveyors can all be checked this way. Thermal imaging picks up misalignment, worn or dry bearings, slipping belts and overloaded motors.

Reporting software
FLIR Thermal Studio Pro, perpetualFLIR Thermal Studio Pro, perpetualAdvanced reporting for mechanical work, yours to keep.Windows desktop software$2,595.00 ex. GSTViewFLIR Thermal Studio Pro, 12 monthsFLIR Thermal Studio Pro, 12 monthsThe same software on a yearly subscription.Windows desktop software$750.00 ex. GSTView

Free training with every camera

Bret Jones, Certified Thermographer, has over 30 years’ experience in camera selection, training and mechanical equipment scanning. Not sure which camera fits your work? Talk to Bret first.