1. Thermal Imaging
  2. Applications
  3. Auto­motive Industry

Ther­mo­graphy in Auto­motive Industry

Thermographic solutions for various fields of the automotive industry

  • Reconcile thermal behaviour of components with their standard behaviour

  • Non-destructive testing allows precise and efficient quality control

  • Integration into complex text solutions through interfaces to LabVIEW and MATLAB

  • Analysis instruments for fast-rotating objects, such as tires or brakes

Thermal imaging in tire production
Thermal image of a car engine
Verification of a rear window
thermal image of a tire
thermal imaging of a bonnet
thermal imaging of an excavator
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Non-Destructive Testing Saves Time and Money

The ultimate marketing tool for presenting cars’ safety are, certainly, crash tests - one of the worst testing methods for engineers and controllers since, in the course of this process, the device under test will be destroyed. Thus, neither further tests can be carried out nor is it possible to remedy any deficiencies of the product.

Thermal imaging helps to make defects visible without damaging the device under test on its testing. Therefore, functions of catalysts as well as electric systems of cars and motor assemblies can also be tested with the help of infrared camera systems.

Moreover, defects and deficiencies of multiple products for the automotive industry are only to be detected through temperature changes. Thus, heated seats and window heating can be tried and tested for their functionality by applying infrared camera systems.

Inspection of seat heaters

Case Studies about Auto­motive Industry

InfraTec Thermography Success Story: CAU Kiel

Power Elec­tronics – Effi­cient Control of the Futures Energy

The energy efficiency of electronic components is becoming increasingly important in numerous fields of application. And that is not all: in our electronic and high-tech age, the demand is for even faster active components, higher power densities of miniaturised systems as well as absolute reliability. Along with this, there is the request for environmentally conscious resource procurement and the requirement that the increase in performance of modules should run parallel to lower energy consumption.

Tire Inspection with thermal imaging - Picture Credits: © Vladimir Melnik / Fotolia.com

Tire Inspec­tion with Ther­mo­graphy

Mechanically stressed car components like tires are a continuous issue for quality inspection and related R&D improvements. At Bridgestone Corporation in Hofu (Yamaguchi prefecture in South-Western Japan) new test procedures for off-the-road tires for construction and mining vehicles (OR tires) had to be developed to meet the literally growing scale of performance concerning the carrying capacity.

InfraTec/GOM Webinar

Combin­a­tion of Digital Image Correl­a­tion and Ther­mo­graphic Meas­ure­ments

The combination of measuring results from the digital image correlation (ARAMIS, DIC) and temperature measuring data from infrared cameras enables the simultaneous analysis of the thermal and mechanical behavior of test specimens in the materials and components testing field.

Inline Process Control for Quality Assurance of Weld Seams - TU Ilmenau

Inline Process Control for Quality Assur­ance of Weld Seams

As part of the 3dStahl collaborative project, a 6-axis robot, equipped with a welding machine, was attached upside down to a wall-to-wall wire rope hoist kinematics system in order to automate joining processes involving small quantities or even individual parts such as large-scale objects (lock gates, bridges).

Test cell at VW

Investment-Proof: Testing Procedure at VW is Modernised for a New Joining Technology

When electric vehicles went into production, the joining process was replaced by resistance spot welding. The INDU-SCAN test bench already in operation was converted using existing technology and modernised with intelligent algorithms and robot technology to enable quality control of the joined sheet metal parts.

Online Events On Demand: Ther­mo­graphy in Auto­motive Industry

Event On Demand

Thermography for Industrial Automation

  • Efficient quality control through fast, contactless temperature measurement during ongoing production

  • Flexible system solutions from modular components to fully customized turnkey setups

  • Integrated software for automated evaluation, documentation, and triggering of follow-up processes

Request Recording

Event On Demand

Thermography Solutions for Power Electronics – Precise, Non-contact and High-speed

  • Challenges of electronics testing

  • Improvement of electronics design and thermal management by understanding heat

  • Thermography in the various phases of electronics development and production

  • Important and relevant selection criteria

Request Recording

Event On Demand

Effi­cient Material Testing – Non-destructive and Contact­less

  • Theoretical background – mechanical force, stress and temperature Methods for analysis

  • Examples from practice with application samples – elastic periodical load test and fatigue test

  • Short overview about InfraTec products

  • Complementary technical lecture 

    "Contribution of Thermoelastic Stress Analysis in mechanics of materials and structures: some illustrations" from Prof. Vincent Le Saux, École Nationale Supérieure de Techniques Avancées Bretagne

Request Recording

Asso­ci­ated Ther­mo­graphic Auto­ma­tion Solu­tions

Automation InfraTec INDU-SCAN - In-process industrial temperature measurement
Indus­trial Auto­ma­tion

Process Control – INDU-SCAN

Contactless measurement of temperature distributions and profiles with industrial thermographic cameras permits efficient monitoring and control of temperature-dependent processes and procedures within a system-integrated quality assurance programme in industry.

Quality control for more precision in press hardening PRESS-CHECK
Indus­trial Auto­ma­tion

Quality Control or Press Hardening – PRESS-CHECK

Check the microstructures of sheet metal parts during the stamping process and establish a uniform high strength and quality of all produced stampings safely and with a contact-free method.

WELD-CHECK by InfraTec
Non-destructive Testing

Welding Inspec­tion – WELD-CHECK

Using pulse thermography, WELD-CHECK enables you a quantitative assessment of the inspected welds.

Thermographic automation brake test bench - Picture Credits: © iStock.com / ktsimage
Non-destructive Testing

High-Speed Rotation Test Bench – TRC

Check for long-life fatigue strength of mechanical components in load tests, using high-end infrared cameras.

E-Lit Cabinet from InfraTec for Infrared Thermography
Non-destructive Testing

Electronic / Semiconductor Testing – E-LIT

Detect inhomogeneous temperature distribution and local power loss during the production using the Lock-in Thermography.

Thermographic Automation Solutions - Automatic object monitoring system IROD
Early Fire Detection & Observation

Site Surveillance – IROD

Calibrated measuring cameras offer the option of a completely automated site surveillance by utilising temperature alarms – an approach well beyond the simple and susceptible motion detection systems used elsewhere. With IROD InfraTec offers a scaleable, powerful system solution.

Quality Assurance for Coating Processes | InfraTec / Picture Credits: © iStock.com / Greppe
Indus­trial Auto­ma­tion

Quality Assurance for the Coating of different Materials | InfraTec

Infrared cameras allow the non-destructive and process-synchronous monitoring of coating processes to ensure that the coatings are free of defects as soon as they are applied.

Thermography and electronic li-ionen batteries / Picture credits: iStock SweetBunFactory
Early Fire Detection & Observation

Fire Preven­tion – FIRE-SCAN for Li-Ion Batteries

Monitor assembly halls and storage facilities fully automatically 24/7 and detect critical heat sources reliably.

Automation InfraTec INDU-SCAN - In-process industrial temperature measurement
Indus­trial Auto­ma­tion

Process Control – INDU-SCAN

Contactless measurement of temperature distributions and profiles with industrial thermographic cameras permits efficient monitoring and control of temperature-dependent processes and procedures within a system-integrated quality assurance programme in industry.

Quality control for more precision in press hardening PRESS-CHECK
Indus­trial Auto­ma­tion

Quality Control or Press Hardening – PRESS-CHECK

Check the microstructures of sheet metal parts during the stamping process and establish a uniform high strength and quality of all produced stampings safely and with a contact-free method.

WELD-CHECK by InfraTec
Non-destructive Testing

Welding Inspec­tion – WELD-CHECK

Using pulse thermography, WELD-CHECK enables you a quantitative assessment of the inspected welds.

Thermographic automation brake test bench - Picture Credits: © iStock.com / ktsimage
Non-destructive Testing

High-Speed Rotation Test Bench – TRC

Check for long-life fatigue strength of mechanical components in load tests, using high-end infrared cameras.

E-Lit Cabinet from InfraTec for Infrared Thermography
Non-destructive Testing

Electronic / Semiconductor Testing – E-LIT

Detect inhomogeneous temperature distribution and local power loss during the production using the Lock-in Thermography.

Thermographic Automation Solutions - Automatic object monitoring system IROD
Early Fire Detection & Observation

Site Surveillance – IROD

Calibrated measuring cameras offer the option of a completely automated site surveillance by utilising temperature alarms – an approach well beyond the simple and susceptible motion detection systems used elsewhere. With IROD InfraTec offers a scaleable, powerful system solution.

Quality Assurance for Coating Processes | InfraTec / Picture Credits: © iStock.com / Greppe
Indus­trial Auto­ma­tion

Quality Assurance for the Coating of different Materials | InfraTec

Infrared cameras allow the non-destructive and process-synchronous monitoring of coating processes to ensure that the coatings are free of defects as soon as they are applied.

Thermography and electronic li-ionen batteries / Picture credits: iStock SweetBunFactory
Early Fire Detection & Observation

Fire Preven­tion – FIRE-SCAN for Li-Ion Batteries

Monitor assembly halls and storage facilities fully automatically 24/7 and detect critical heat sources reliably.

Integ­rate Ther­mo­graphic Solu­tions by InfraTec

Based on a great number of applications, especially in the automotive sector, InfraTec integrates multiple requirements directly into infrared cameras, respectively into the software package IRBIS® 3. High thermal resolutions, fast frame rates and the integration of infrared camera systems into complex test environments within the scope of National Instruments LabVIEW are only a few examples.

In order to test fast-rotating objects, such as brakes or tires, InfraTec has developed a special solution and software IRBIS® rotate. Thermal behaviour of diverse braking materials or specific forms of disc brakes can be analyzed at full speed with the help of the infrared camera series ImageIR®.

ABS brake test

Public­a­tions of our Customers

Advant­ages of this Ther­mo­graphy Solu­tions in this Applic­a­tion

Thermography with ImageIR series - HDR feature - Picture credits: © iStock.com / Vershinin M

HDR Function

Display of Large Temperature Ranges Simultaneously

The HDR function enables thermograms with different integration times and filters to be created in quick succession and combined into a single image with large temperature differences.

InfraTec thermography - High-speed Mode

High-speed Mode

Faster Measurement with a Constant Field of View

Due to binning technology, infrared cameras have an additional high-speed mode in which the frame rate increases to more than three times and the thermal resolution can be doubled.

HighSense for thermographic camera series ImageIR®

High­Sense Function

Guaranteed Flexibility and Measurement Accuracy

Due to this innovative feature, the cameras' measurement accuracy remains unchanged even when integration times or measurement ranges are altered. This will save users both time and money.

InfraTec Service Calibration Rig

Auto Calibration

The Auto Calibration option expands the HighSense function to include automatic, dynamic adaptation of the integration time. This ensures the utmost temperature measuring accuracy and an optimised signal-to-noise ratio throughout the process. The wellfill of a detector is usually optimal in certain areas of the dynamic range. If the measured object signal is outside theses or user-specified limits, the integration time is readjusted.

Thermografie-Kameraserie ImageIR® mit neuer 10 GigE-Schnittstelle

10 GigE Inter­face

Ultra-Fast Data Transfer

High-resolution detectors and high frame rates generate large amounts of data. With the 10 Gigabit Ethernet interface, this data can be transferred quickly, reliably and without loss.

InfraTec glossary - ImageIR® mobile wireless camera remote control

Camera Remote Control

Wireless Measurement – Independent and Convenient

The functions of the stationary camera systems can be controlled via the integrated web interface using a smartphone or software, as well as via an additional tablet attached to the housing.

InfraTec glossary - Rotating filter- und aperture wheel

Separate Filter & Aper­ture Wheel

Measurement of High Temperatures & Spectral Ranges

Up to two individually combinable wheels equipped with filters and apertures allow the camera sensitivity to be adjusted to the specific requirements of demanding measurement tasks.

ImageIR filter wheel replacement

Multispectral Feature

The multispectral feature makes it possible to record sequences with constantly changing spectral filters. Images are recorded synchronously with a rapidly rotating filter wheel equipped with the filters. It may be possible to switch between up to seven filters, depending on the version. Due to this the multispectral measurement can be optimised to suit the measuring task if the preset ranges are unsuitable. The integration times can be adapted within the limits calibrated for this filter.

InfraTec glossary about motor focus

Motor Focus for ImageIR® lenses

Remote-Controlled Focussing of the Thermal Image

Interchangeable standard lenses in the ImageIR® series can be equipped with a motor focus unit. This enables precise, remote-controlled and fast focussing via the operating software.

Thermal image during ignition of an airbag  Image Small

Window Mode (Subwin­dowing)

Fast Measurements in Defined Subsections

Capture very fast temperature and motion sequences in full, half, quarter and sub modes, as well as in sub image formats defined by click-and-drag, using high frame rates.

Integ­rated Trigger / Process Inter­face and Inter­faces – Digit­ally Controlling of a Infrared Camera and External Devices

The internal trigger interface guarantees highly precise, repeatable triggering. Each of the two configurable digital inputs and outputs are used to control the camera or to generate digital control signals for external devices. In this way, for example, the operation of a printed circuit board and the interval of a measurement can be synchronised.

The selection of different camera interfaces allows the processing of analog data, such as the voltage directly through the camera and thus the insertion of this information into the thermal image data. Relevant variables can be included in the evaluations with the software, which makes it easier to draw conclusions about the causes of temperature changes.

Thermography with ImageIR series - HDR feature - Picture credits: © iStock.com / Vershinin M

HDR Function

Display of Large Temperature Ranges Simultaneously

The HDR function enables thermograms with different integration times and filters to be created in quick succession and combined into a single image with large temperature differences.

InfraTec thermography - High-speed Mode

High-speed Mode

Faster Measurement with a Constant Field of View

Due to binning technology, infrared cameras have an additional high-speed mode in which the frame rate increases to more than three times and the thermal resolution can be doubled.

HighSense for thermographic camera series ImageIR®

High­Sense Function

Guaranteed Flexibility and Measurement Accuracy

Due to this innovative feature, the cameras' measurement accuracy remains unchanged even when integration times or measurement ranges are altered. This will save users both time and money.

InfraTec Service Calibration Rig

Auto Calibration

The Auto Calibration option expands the HighSense function to include automatic, dynamic adaptation of the integration time. This ensures the utmost temperature measuring accuracy and an optimised signal-to-noise ratio throughout the process. The wellfill of a detector is usually optimal in certain areas of the dynamic range. If the measured object signal is outside theses or user-specified limits, the integration time is readjusted.

Thermografie-Kameraserie ImageIR® mit neuer 10 GigE-Schnittstelle

10 GigE Inter­face

Ultra-Fast Data Transfer

High-resolution detectors and high frame rates generate large amounts of data. With the 10 Gigabit Ethernet interface, this data can be transferred quickly, reliably and without loss.

InfraTec glossary - ImageIR® mobile wireless camera remote control

Camera Remote Control

Wireless Measurement – Independent and Convenient

The functions of the stationary camera systems can be controlled via the integrated web interface using a smartphone or software, as well as via an additional tablet attached to the housing.

InfraTec glossary - Rotating filter- und aperture wheel

Separate Filter & Aper­ture Wheel

Measurement of High Temperatures & Spectral Ranges

Up to two individually combinable wheels equipped with filters and apertures allow the camera sensitivity to be adjusted to the specific requirements of demanding measurement tasks.

ImageIR filter wheel replacement

Multispectral Feature

The multispectral feature makes it possible to record sequences with constantly changing spectral filters. Images are recorded synchronously with a rapidly rotating filter wheel equipped with the filters. It may be possible to switch between up to seven filters, depending on the version. Due to this the multispectral measurement can be optimised to suit the measuring task if the preset ranges are unsuitable. The integration times can be adapted within the limits calibrated for this filter.

InfraTec glossary about motor focus

Motor Focus for ImageIR® lenses

Remote-Controlled Focussing of the Thermal Image

Interchangeable standard lenses in the ImageIR® series can be equipped with a motor focus unit. This enables precise, remote-controlled and fast focussing via the operating software.

Thermal image during ignition of an airbag  Image Small

Window Mode (Subwin­dowing)

Fast Measurements in Defined Subsections

Capture very fast temperature and motion sequences in full, half, quarter and sub modes, as well as in sub image formats defined by click-and-drag, using high frame rates.

Integ­rated Trigger / Process Inter­face and Inter­faces – Digit­ally Controlling of a Infrared Camera and External Devices

The internal trigger interface guarantees highly precise, repeatable triggering. Each of the two configurable digital inputs and outputs are used to control the camera or to generate digital control signals for external devices. In this way, for example, the operation of a printed circuit board and the interval of a measurement can be synchronised.

The selection of different camera interfaces allows the processing of analog data, such as the voltage directly through the camera and thus the insertion of this information into the thermal image data. Relevant variables can be included in the evaluations with the software, which makes it easier to draw conclusions about the causes of temperature changes.

Contact to thermography division of InfraTec

Would You Like to Know More?

It is not unusual for tasks to be associated with special requirements. Discuss your specific application needs with our specialists, receive further technical information or learn more about our additional services.

United Kingdom & Irland
InfraTec GmbH Infrarotsensorik und MesstechnikGostritzer Straße 61 - 6301217 DresdenGERMANY
Frontal view of an triggered airbag
Side view of an triggered airbag
thermal imaging of an airbag explosion
thermal imaging of an airbag explosion
thermal imaging of an airbag explosion
thermal imaging of an airbag explosion
thermal imaging of an airbag explosion

Product Flyer

Get all the information you need at a glance in our product flyers

InfraTec automotive flyer

Infrared Cameras for Auto­motive Industry Applic­a­tions

Infrared camera ImageIR 6300 from InfraTec
System Cameras

ImageIR® 6300

Image Format(640 x 512) IR Pixel
Detector typexBn

Infrared camera ImageIR® 12300
High-end Cameras

ImageIR® 12300

Image Format(2,560 x 2,048) IR Pixel
Detector typexBn

infrared camera TarisIR mini from InfraTec
Compact Cameras

TarisIR® mini 600

Image Format(640 x 480) IR Pixel
Detector typeUncooled Microbolometer Focal Plane Array

InfraTec Infrared camera
Zoom Cameras

ImageIR® 6300 Z

Image Format(640 x 512) IR Pixel
Detector typeXBn

InfraTec Infrared camera
High-end Cameras

ImageIR® 8300 hs

Image Format(640 x 512) IR Pixel
Detector typeT2SLS or InSb

InfraTec Infrared camera
High-end Cameras

ImageIR® 9400 hp

Image Format(2,560 x 2,048) IR Pixel
Detector typeInSb

InfraTec Infrared camera
System Cameras

ImageIR® 9100

Image Format(1,280 x 1,024) IR Pixel
Detector typeInGaAs

InfraTec Infrared camera
High-end Cameras

ImageIR® 10300

Image Format(1,920 x 1,536) IR Pixel
Detector typeInSb

InfraTec Infrared camera
System Cameras

VarioCAM® HD head 900

Image Format(2,048 x 1,536) IR Pixel
Detector typeUncooled Microbolometer Focal Plane Array

Asso­ci­ated Indus­tries & Applic­a­tions

thermal imaging for material testing

Material Testing

Save time and costs by non-destructively testing components with infrared camera systems by InfraTec.

thermal imaging in electronics

Elec­tronics & Elec­trical Engin­eering

Measure temperature distributions of smallest electronic components with infrared cameras.

All branches and application areas