Performance Analysis of Thermographic Cameras Applied to Wood Damage Detection

Wood is a crucial component of the green economy of the 21st Century. From house construction to innovative daily applications and products, wood is one of the most sustainable resources. However, as a natural material, it suffers deterioration with time. Infrared thermography may provide an excellent potential for detecting internal damage. Although the prices of infrared cameras have dropped recently, getting the best value for money and choosing the right camera for wood inspection is a significant challenge. Before choosing an infrared camera, the operator needs to consider several parameters, such as the temperature range, spectral range, thermal sensitivity, resolution, spatial resolution, accuracy, optics and focus, to make an informed decision. This study aims to evaluate the performance of two infrared cameras, a high-end model and a mid-range model, in visual wood damage detection. For this purpose, samples of different wood species with induced damage were observed using active thermography. Our results suggest that, for technical purposes such as qualitative studies, resolution and thermal sensitivity may be more important parameters than accuracy. The results achieved are an important contribution when deciding which infrared camera to purchase