April 2021

Focus on: Preventative Maintenance/Thermal Imaging Maintenance Matters The Fluke TiS20+ and TiS60+handheld infrared thermal imaging cameras are now available from RS Components (RS). Offering easy one-handed fixed-focus image capture, these new infrared imagers are ideal for engineers and technicians new to thermal imaging, allowing accurate non- contact temperature measurement from a safe distance to reveal invisible thermal issues that cannot otherwise be detected. The TiS20+ is an entry-level thermal imager intended as a troubleshooting tool for electricians, first-line industrial maintenance and HVACR technicians. Able to measure temperatures between –20°C and +150°C, it features a ruggedized 3.5-inch touchscreen and 120x90 infrared detector resolution. The TiS20+ offers exceptional battery life covering over 5 hours of continuous operation, while a sleep mode saves battery consumption between inspection points. The TiS60+ is a higher-resolution device that helps maintenance teams to identify smaller problems from further away. Also featuring a 3.5-inch touchscreen, it offers 320x240 detector resolution and an extended measurement temperature range from –20°C to +400°C. Both new thermal imagers feature Fluke’s IR-Fusion technology, which automatically captures a visible light image at the same time as each infrared image. The camera blends the two images together, pixel for pixel, so the user can view a full infrared display, full visible light, or various combinations in between — selected by sliding a finger across the screen. The precise location of any thermal issue can then be pinpointed even if the infrared contrast is low and there is little structure to the infrared image. The TiS20+ and TiS60+ are both compatible with Fluke Connect desktop software, which allows recording and sharing of thermal images in real time via smartphones or tablets, or automatic upload to the cloud. Professional reports can be created in minutes, capturing full radiometric data to support maintenance programmes. The Fluke TiS20+ and TiS60+ measure 26.7x10.1x14.5cm, weigh 0.72kg, are designed and tested to withstand a 2m drop, and are water and dust resistant to IP54. Both imaging cameras are available now from RS in the EMEA and Asia Pacific regions. Easy point-and-shoot IR cameras company saved £252,320 over 12 months by employing the Machine Sentry® online CM system, planning their maintenance instead of letting critical assets run to failure. With smart sensors and digital data collection offering improved reliability, productivity and the potential for significant long-term cost benefits, companies wishing to stay ahead of the digitalisation curve should recognise that the time has come to consign pen and paper-based CM to the wastebin. *David Stevens is technical authority and skills competence manager for AVT Reliability