Frequently Asked Questions

TIR100

Frequently Asked Questions

Operating the TIR100

  • How do I measure a sample with the TIR100-2?

  • The TIR100 is an easy to use analytical instrument. Just one click of a button and you shall have the emissivity measurement results displayed for your sample. However, to ensure accuracy of results please follow the below guidelines:

    The TIR100 should be placed in a fixed position to guarantee no movement during measurement. It should also be at room temperature, free of drafts and any other environmental influences (ideally inside). The TIR100 should be switched on two hours prior measurements. This is to ensure that the temperature of the TIR100 black body is steadied at around 100°C.

    The TIR100 needs to be calibrated before measurements and is recommended to be calibrated every 10 – 20 minutes to compensate for thermal drift. Please make sure, that all calibration standards and samples are at the same room temperature as the TIR100.

    Place the sample in front of the TIR100, resting upon the rubber spacers and press “measure” on the touch screen display. You will receive your measured emissivity results as a decimal.

    Try to keep the time that the sample is in front of the TIR100 during measurement at a bare minimum (around 1 sec) as the sample will continue to heat up while in front of the TIR. This will affect your emissivity results. If you are planning to re-test the same sample, please make sure that you have given adequate time for the sample to cool down to room temperature (samples with high heat capacity will take longer to cool down).

  • What critical perimeters should I watch for to achieve repeatable results?
    • Temperature of the samples, calibration standard and the TIR100 must be equal
    • Distance to the TIR100 black body radiator must be the same for samples and calibration standards
    • Don’t move, tilt or change the orientation of the TIR100 after calibration and following measurements.
    • Keep the surrounding area free of draft
    • Ideally the sample should cover the complete opening of the black body half sphere (use sample holder if necessary)
    • Transparent samples should be placed in front of a black body (i.e. our foil holder)
    • Foils and other textile samples should be completely flat and wrinkle free. We recommend the use our sample holder to achieve this.
  • How large should a sample be for an accurate and precise reading?
  • The sample should have a minimum size of 70 x 70 mm for full resolution. This will ensure the complete coverage of the black body half sphere opening. It is possible to measure a smaller sample size at a reduced resolution. However, the size can be no less than 20 x 20 mm and it is advised to use a sample holder
  • How does the TIR100-2 show my measurement results?
  • The emissivity of the sample is shown as a three-decimal place number.
  • How do I operate the TIR100-2?
  • Please refer to the TIR100-2 manual and the short video in the Downloads section.
  • Can I test foils and similar textiles?
  • Yes, this is possible with the use of our purposely designed sample holder.
  • Can I test textured surfaces?
  • Yes, it is possible. However, we recommend testing all orientations of the sample.
  • Is the TIR100 a non-destructive analytical instrument?
  • Yes, the TIR100 is a non-destructive technique.
  • How large is the spot tested on the sample?
  • The spot tested on the sample is around 5mm in diameter and is formed from the centre of the black body half sphere opening.
  • When do I have to recalibrate my calibration standard?
  • We strongly recommend that the calibration standard is re-calibrated every two years periodically. This is to ensure that the results are still validated. This can be facilitated at our testing laboratory in Germany. If you are interested in re-calibrating your standards, please use our contact form to enquire about this option.

Trouble shooting with the TIR100

  • Fluctuating measurement results
  • Reasons may be:
    1. Possible draft entering black body half sphere opening of the TIR100: This would cause inconsistency in temperature. Please ensure your TIR100 instrument is a controlled environment with minimal environmental influences, i.e. wind, temperature, moisture.
    2. Prolonged exposure of the sample to the TIR100 black body half sphere opening: As the sample retains heat, the overall emissivity value of the sample will change. Try to keep the time that the sample is in front of the TIR100 during measurement at a bare minimum (around 1 sec).
    3. Different ambient temperatures of the sample compared to the calibration standards: This would give a false reading of the emissivity value of the sample. Make sure prior to testing, that you give sufficient time for both the sample and the calibration standards to obtain ambient conditions.
    4. Faulty temperature probe: This would cause inconsistent temperature readings. The TIR100 may need repairs. If you believe this is happening, please contact us to arrange an evaluation for your TIR100.
  • The display is not working
  • Reasons may be:
    1. Power shortage to the TIR100. Make sure that the TIR100 is connected to a power supply
    2. Wrong power supply for your TIR100. Make sure that the TIR100 that you have purchase is built for your country’s power supply (Example: USA: 110V, EU: 230V)
    3. The touch screen display is malfunctioning. The TIR100 may need repairs. If you believe this is happening, please contact us to arrange an evaluation for your TIR100.
  • Calibration standards
  • Calibration standards have experienced substantial damages through use. The low emissivity side, i.e. polished aluminium has endured numerous scratches, or the high emissivity side black body has sustained chipped corners. When standard sustained irreversible damages, we would recommend purchasing new calibration standards.

Purchasing a TIR100

  • What does the TIR100 cost?
  • Please fill out the contact form on our homepage and we will reply to you shortly with a formal quote including shipping costs.
  • Do you ship worldwide?

  • Yes, we ship worldwide* to major airport hubs at a reasonable cost (depending region). However, it is possible to ship the TIR door-to-door at a higher cost.

    * Please note that we may be affected by sanctions.

  • What are the payment requirements?
  • We require payment in advance. It is our policy to only commission the TIR100 once we have received payment in full.
  • What is the expected delivery time for a TIR100?
  • Generally, the TIR will be shipped between 4-8 weeks after payment received (depending on country of shipment).
  • Can I try the TIR100 before purchasing a new unit?

  • We do offer a two-week trial of the TIR100-2 for an initial rental fee plus shipping cost. An additional fee will be charged for every week from then on.

    If you do decide to purchase a new TIR100 unit within 6 months of your initial trial, we will gladly reimburse you this initial rental fee. This is excluding shipment costs and additional weekly fees after the initial rental period. If you are interested in this option, please fill out our contact form to enquire about this possibility.

  • I have one-off samples to be tested for emissivity. Can I send samples to be analysed?
  • We do offer this service of analysing samples, when feasible. We require uncompromised samples to be shipped to us at our head office in Germany. Please fill out our contact form to enquire about this possibility.
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