Teledyne subsidiary Flir has introduced the iXX- app-enabled thermal cameras to transform inspection tasks across asset condition monitoring, building inspection and other applications.

Built on Oregon-based Flir’s Ace platform, the iXX combines the power of apps with a high-performance thermography inspection tool, enabling scalable, intuitive and connected condition monitoring. Direct integration with Flir’s Assetlink browser-based software automatically connects the radiometric images to an asset hierarchy structure, speeding workflows and delivering critical insight.

Traditional thermal inspections are often complex, inconsistent and disconnected. Scaling traditional thermography programmes can be difficult, yet failing to do so results in safety and productivity related costs. The iXX solves these problems with an app-driven platform that simplifies inspections, standardises data, and scales across teams and sites. 

“Most people don’t buy smartphones for the hardware, but to take advantage of capability-enhancing apps,” said Rob Milner, Flir’s director pf business development. “Using its Ace ecosystem, our new iXX becomes a portable infra-red camera that hosts Flir and third-party apps to solve end-user pain points. Customers gain from simplified and faster workflows, support for inexperienced operatives, and the ability to solve documentation, communication and decision pains. With the iXX, it’s even possible to create private apps that meet user-specific requirements and goals.”

Around 60% of maintenance teams report a shortage of skilled thermographers. To help overcome this issue, intuitive, app-guided workflows on the iXX enable maintenance workers of any skill level to undertake efficient and secure inspections.

It comes with everything needed to get started, even providing an onboarding app to aid adoption. The result is a shallower learning curve for less experienced users looking to perform expert-level inspections and accurately assess asset condition.

Reporting demands up to 50% of a technician’s time using traditional workflows. However, this percentage drops to zero with connected workflows, allowing users to focus on inspections, not paperwork.

The iXX (www.flir.com/ixx-series) comes loaded with Flir’s Assetlink browser-based software, which allows users to plan inspections, connect thermal images to asset data, and produce inspection reports with the goal of simplifying workflows, improving asset health and reducing reporting time. Furthermore, trend visualisation provides insight on asset condition not possible with a single snapshot, while dashboard data visualisation simplifies communication and improves operator understanding of condition monitoring programmes.

Direct cloud integration takes place via wifi or LTE for immediate uploading, organisation and sharing of data, as well as seamless reporting and analysis. Operatives can send and receive messages, emails and even video calls directly from the device to stay connected with their team.

Flir (www.teledyneflir.com) is accredited to ISO 27001, the internationally recognised standard for information security management, with the iXX supporting device management app deployment to ensure the secure handling of data behind a firewall.

The cameras are particularly suited to electrical and mechanical inspections across manufacturing, industrial, commercial, data centre and utility environments, enabling early fault detection and less downtime. Enterprise-level condition monitoring programmes with asset hierarchy, cloud-based data management and team-wide collaboration can also take advantage. A further target application is building diagnostics and facility maintenance, including moisture detection, HVAC performance checks and energy loss assessments.

Crystal-clear thermal images are produced with up to 480 × 640 resolution and Flir-patented MSX enhancement, which embosses visible details on to thermal images for faster problem identification. The hardware includes an 8MP visual camera and a large, high-resolution touchscreen. All models offer 40mK NETD thermal resolution and ±2˚C accuracy.