There are several reasons why adding wipers to thermal imaging cameras is not a good idea, not least increased cost and reduced product life-span.
Most importantly, the highly sensitive Germanium lenses (the kind used in the best FLIR thermal units) may be damaged by repeated wiping, as grit and other tiny particles will typically be trapped between the wiper and the lens surface. Even the hard carbon coating which protects most FLIR camera lenses may be scratched by repeated mechanical wiping – think of using a scouring pad on a top quality non-stick pan!
In fact, wiping is really not necessary at all. Most of the time the sharpness of a thermal image will not be affected by a light build up of dirt, salt or water droplets on the lens. In very dirty conditions occasional, manual cleaning may be desired. This can be done quite simply by hosing the unit down from a distance – the cameras are well-sealed, and will not be damaged by this method of washing.
Most importantly, the highly sensitive Germanium lenses (the kind used in the best FLIR thermal units) may be damaged by repeated wiping, as grit and other tiny particles will typically be trapped between the wiper and the lens surface. Even the hard carbon coating which protects most FLIR camera lenses may be scratched by repeated mechanical wiping – think of using a scouring pad on a top quality non-stick pan!
In fact, wiping is really not necessary at all. Most of the time the sharpness of a thermal image will not be affected by a light build up of dirt, salt or water droplets on the lens. In very dirty conditions occasional, manual cleaning may be desired. This can be done quite simply by hosing the unit down from a distance – the cameras are well-sealed, and will not be damaged by this method of washing.
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