Hewlett-Packard Takes Infrared, Product Safety Seriously:

Hewlett-Packard uses IR cameras to evaluate printed circuit assembly components in the product safety lab.  Hazard Based Safety Engineering provides a more efficient means of temperature testing and can help identify potential safety hazards.  Before they are shipped, products are checked for overheating, fire ignition, potential fuel sources, shock hazards and compliance with EPA standards.

In the past, safety engineers would compare each printed circuit assembly to a schematic to determine which component was a potential safety hazard.  Any potential hazard needed to be tested with a thermocouple, which often took over a minute to apply.  By making a preliminary scan with an IR camera, Hewlett Packard can pinpoint the components which need testing and save valuable time.

The benefits of IR have been felt company wide.  In addition to evaluating printed circuit assemblies, Hewlett-Packard uses their IR camera to run routine safety tests.  The camera is also used in the Physics lab and for R&D applications when the need arises.  The HBSE technique has been so effective that it is setting safety standards across the industry, and protecting consumers from potentially hazardous products.

Courtesy of Dan Ferguson, Hewlett Packard Co., in Inframation 2006 Proceedings

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