What Is Thermography Testing and How Does Thermal Imaging Work?
The Applied Technical Services Family of Companies (FoC) provides thermography testing, also known as thermal imaging or IR thermography, as a nondestructive inspection (NDI) method to assess equipment health using infrared radiation.
Any material above absolute zero emits infrared radiation (IR), perceived as heat. Thermographic technology detects this radiation and creates a thermograph, providing a real-time visual of temperature distribution. At ATS, our advanced systems can detect temperature differences as small as hundredths of a degree centigrade, identifying early heat buildup before visible damage occurs.
Utilizing Thermographic Testing
Our trained experts use thermography as a beneficial tool across numerous industries. During electrical surveys, IR thermography enables technicians to detect overloading, connection issues, and misbalancing in high- and low-voltage equipment. Additionally, our experts can locate potential or existing failures in heating and electrical systems. We can also conduct skin surveys, inspecting insulation and refractory for damage, as well as other construction defects in roofing systems and building envelopes.
We can also perform mechanical surveys to detect signs of overheated equipment, bearing faults, lubrication deficiencies, and problems with pipes, plastics, metal parts, and shafts. IR thermography offers several benefits beyond assessing equipment functionality. IR testing can identify humidity, moisture, and water penetration in materials such as soil, paper, and aircraft structures. Thermography is also used to locate underground objects, including storage tanks, pipes, leaks, and tunnels.
Your All-in-One Partner for Testing and Inspection
Thermographic testing offers many advantages, making it a safe and efficient testing method. Thermography is nondestructive, non-invasive, and non-contact, allowing technicians to evaluate equipment without safety risks or disruption to production. This portable testing method does not emit harmful radiation and is suitable for hazardous or inaccessible areas.
Thermography produces results in real time and can quickly evaluate rapidly changing thermal patterns. IR thermography method that can also be used alongside a variety of other NDT/NDI methods, including but not limited to:
- Ultrasonic Testing (UT)
- Digital Radiography (DR)
- Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
- Magnetic Particle (MT)
- Radiography Testing (RT)
- Computed Tomography (CT)
- Computed Radiography (CR)
Choose ATS for Predictive Maintenance
ATS is an ISO/IEC 17025:2017-accredited and ISO 9001:2015-registered testing laboratory. We are known for providing expert condition monitoring and predictive maintenance services. We use advanced technology, including thermography and passive ultrasonics, among others, to help clients optimize their reliability and predictive maintenance programs while minimizing downtime.
Whether in-lab or on site, our family of companies values the client experience, and we pride ourselves on the honesty and integrity we implement in all our services. We deliver clear, detailed, actionable information, and our certified experts are available to answer any questions clients may have.
Since joining SGS in 2026, ATS has expanded from a leading nationwide testing, inspection, certification, and calibration (TICC) provider to supporting clients worldwide.
Contact Us
If your organization requires IR thermography testing services, contact ATS today for a free quote. Take the first step towards certainty by submitting a web request form or calling us at +1 (888) 287-5227.
