Importance of Blackbody in Everyday Infrared Thermography

Infrared thermography is a method of detecting thermal radiation, which is then associated with corresponding temperature values. Infrared thermal infrared cameras, like other measuring devices, must undergo a factory and periodic calibration process. The calibration is performed using blackbodies. This paper analyzes the practical application of the blackbody in the calibration of infrared thermal camera. Two infrared thermal cameras Flir E6 and Hikmicro M30 were calibrated with a Voltcraft IRS -350 blackbody. The calibration results are presented in tabular form, while the effect of the blackbody uncertainty on the overall measurement uncertainty is presented in graphical form. Since blackbodies are prohibitively expensive for most thermographers due to their price, calibration guidelines are provided to users when a blackbody is not available and the accuracy of the camera needs to be verified.