See Figure below for examples of proper optical alignment.
3.2 Measuring Metallic Targets
In general, infrared thermometers can easily measure non-metallic
surfaces because they emit most of their potential heat. Metallic sur-
faces, on the other hand, are poor emitters and require special treat-
ment before infrared thermometers can accurately measure their tem-
perature. Fortunately, that special treatment is simple and can be
easily accomplished by marking the metallic surface you wish to
measure with a non-metallic substance such as a solid paint marker.
Other substances such as grease, oil, or tape may also be used. It is
only necessary to mark an area slightly larger that the DX nosepiece,
when operating in AECS mode. When operating in MAX or SCAN
modes, mark the appropriate target area for the measuring distance
from the target, based on a 1 to 1 Field of View.
3.3 Optimizing AESC Measurements for NIST
Traceablity
If you look at the DX's nosepiece, you will see that it is really a small
reflective cup with the sensor's window at its base. When the DX's
nosepiece touches the surface of an object, that reflective cup auto-
matically controls what the sensor sees by eliminating variables such
as target emissivity and extraneous radiation. Patented by Exergen
as the Automatic Emissivity Compensation System (AECS), this
unique design ensures accurate readings every time. To optimize
results, make sure that the nosepiece is flush with the target when
possible, so that the reflective cone can completely trap out any light
or incident radiation from the environment.
3.4 Measuring Transparent Materials
Although transparent materials pass visible light, many visibly trans-
parent materials are opaque in the infrared and can be directly meas-
ured by the DX.
To test for infrared transparency, touch the DX to the target's surface
and pass a heat source such as your hand or a penlight through the
sensor's field of view on the other side of the material.
7
POOR
POOR
GOOD
