FLIR infrared cameras have been used in a French foundry to inspect the quality of moulds and casts.
The Fonderie Aluminium de Cleon, near Rouen, used the ThermaCAM E65 to monitor the heat levels in the moulds used to create products like cylinder blocks, gear boxes and clutch housings.
The company says liquid aluminium is sprayed into the moulds at temperatures of 680 degrees Celsius and at high pressures. The heat needs to be distributed evenly around the mould to manufacture high quality products.
According to the foundry, the camera is used to ensure the even spread and to monitor the cooling process which also must be carried out at a uniform rate.