Fiat cars factory improves predictive maintenance with Flir 01 September 2011

Fiat's factory in Melfi, Italy reports that thermography inspections with Flir thermal imaging cameras are playing an important part in its predictive maintenance program.

Maintenance inspection specialist Raitech's thermography specialist Aldo Alliata explains that the information obtained is used to predict electrical and mechanical faults, so that they can be fixed before they lead to downtime and breakdowns.

He says that thermography inspections using Flir thermal imaging cameras are becoming more important, because "thermal imaging technology is the only tool that really allows you to see the problem".

Alliata also says that Raitech has recently been able to add even greater value, using Flir's Meterlink Bluetooth connectivity system, which links the camera wirelessly to an Extech EX845 clamp meter.

Measurement data is automatically embedded in the radiometric image, so greatly improving the accuracy and speed of thermal imaging inspections, says Alliata.

For Alliata, the Flir T335 camera with Meterlink connectivity is a great asset. "The menu system of the T335 is intuitive and easy to use, and it has many analysis tools that can be set up, according to the needs of the job," he says.

"The Meterlink feature allows the camera to receive data automatically from an Extech EX845 clamp meter and this is a function that is easier to use than I expected. Its effectiveness is obvious, both in field inspections and at post report processing."

Brian Tinham

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