Surface temperature distribution
steady-state survey
Material Analysis · Microscopy & Imaging
Infrared Thermal Imaging (IRT)
Characterise surface temperature distribution, heating and cooling rates, and hot spots, thermal gradients, and transient response using a scope agreed around your sample and decision.
- Price
- from£105 per sample, excl. VAT
- Turnaround
- 6 working days Preparation and scope dependent
- Available platforms
- Teledyne FLIR A8580 MWIRInfraTec ImageIR 9400 hpPI 400i
- Typical outputs
- Radiometric thermal images or videoTemperature-time tracesHot-spot and region statisticsMethod-specific images
Why this test
What IRT can help you understand
Infrared Thermal Imaging is selected when the project needs defensible information on surface temperature distribution, heating and cooling rates, or hot spots, thermal gradients, and transient response. An infrared…
Heating and cooling rates
high-speed transient thermography
Hot spots, thermal gradients, and transient response
active lock-in or pulse thermography
Choose the scope
Start from the question, not the instrument
The measurement mode, preparation route and reporting depth depend on what you need to learn from the sample.
Steady-state survey
surface temperature distribution
- Best used when
- surface temperature distribution
- Typical result
- Radiometric thermal images or video
- Preparation note
- State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted.
High-speed transient thermography
heating and cooling rates
- Best used when
- heating and cooling rates
- Typical result
- Temperature-time traces
- Preparation note
- Confirm the applicable standard, dimensions, loading direction and number of replicates.
Active lock-in or pulse thermography
hot spots, thermal gradients, and transient response
- Best used when
- hot spots, thermal gradients, and transient response
- Typical result
- Hot-spot and region statistics
- Preparation note
- Confirm power, connections, operating state, access restrictions and permitted disassembly.
Common outputs
A result package matched to the decision you need to make
Fields, measurement conditions, processing and file formats are confirmed before work begins.
Radiometric thermal images or video reported with the agreed units, sample reference and measurement conditions.
Temperature-time traces supplied in a labelled format suitable for direct sample or condition comparison.
Hot-spot and region statistics provided with the processing basis and quality checks agreed during technical review.
Method-specific images included when selected in the confirmed reporting scope.
Sample requirements
What to send
Provide representative, clearly labelled samples and identify the region, feature or comparison that matters.
| Suitable sample or input | Submission requirement | Planning note |
|---|---|---|
| Film / coating | Provide the coated substrate or a flat film with the test surface and coating side clearly marked. | State the substrate, nominal thickness and whether sectioning or mounting is permitted. |
| Test coupon / specimen | Provide labelled specimens prepared to the agreed geometry, orientation and surface condition. | Confirm the applicable standard, dimensions, loading direction and number of replicates. |
| Device / assembly | Provide a complete labelled device or assembly with drawings, interfaces and operating limits. | Confirm power, connections, operating state, access restrictions and permitted disassembly. |
Region of interest: include a marked image, sketch or reference when the target feature is localised.
Handling: declare hazardous, magnetic, volatile, moisture-sensitive, beam-sensitive or temperature-controlled material before dispatch.
Questions and answers
Common planning decisions
Short answers to issues that can change preparation, scope or interpretation.
What should I send for Infrared Thermal Imaging?
Provide film / coating, test coupon / specimen, device / assembly as applicable. Exact quantity, dimensions and preparation are confirmed during technical review.
Which analysis option should I choose?
Choose the mode around the decision you need to make. For surface temperature distribution, start with steady-state survey; add high-speed transient thermography when comparison or quantification is required.
How long will the test take?
Typical turnaround is 6 working days after sample acceptance and method confirmation.
What can limit the result?
The camera measures apparent surface temperature, not internal temperature. Unknown emissivity and reflected radiation can dominate the uncertainty.
Configure the service
Send the information needed to scope IRT correctly
- Sample form, material, dimensions and quantity
- Feature or decision the result must address
- Marked region of interest where relevant
- Required comparison, output and reporting depth