Die Herangehensweise an jedes Infrarot-Bildgebungsprojekt beginnt damit, dass wir genau zuhören, um sicherzustellen, dass wir Ihre spezifischen Anforderungen vollständig verstehen.

Acal BFi – Infrared Technology Centre

Wir entwickeln kunden­spezifische ‘Infrarot-Lösungen’ für Ihre Anwendungen

Während der letzten vier Jahrzehnte im Wärmebildbereich haben sich die Anwendungen für die Infrarot-Bildgebung stark verbreitert. Sie entwickeln sich aufgrund der Vorteile, die sie gegenüber der traditionellen sichtbaren Bildgebung bieten schnell weiter.

Mit einer Vielzahl von Anwendungen in diversen Märkten, von der Brandfrüherkennung in industriellen Anlagen bis hin zur Überprüfung erhöhter Körpertemperaturen im Reiseverkehr oder allgemeiner Zutrittskontrolle, ist es entscheidend, dass die richtige Kamera mit der korrekten Messmethode eingesetzt wird. Hier kommt unser Infrarot-Technologie­zentrum ins Spiel.

Unser spezialisiertes Infrarot-Team steht Ihnen zur Verfügung, um Ihren Entwicklungsprozess von der Planung bis zum Fertigstellung zu unterstützen und sicherzustellen, dass Sie alles haben, was Sie brauchen.

Die Herangehensweise an jedes Infrarot-Bildgebungsprojekt beginnt damit, dass wir genau zuhören, um sicherzustellen, dass wir Ihre spezifischen Anforderungen vollständig verstehen.

Erst dann können wir Sie über die am besten geeignete Infrarottechnologie und Messmethode beraten – von einfachen Detektoren über Kameramodule und Linsen bis hin zu Schwarzkörperstrahlern, Spezialgehäusen und Video-Prozessorboards – und Ihnen bei der Planung des Design-, Fertigungs- und Testprozesses helfen.

Das Infrarot-Technologie­zentrum ermöglicht es uns, einen kompletten End-to-End-Support zu liefern und auch Leihgeräte und Vorführungen vor Ort anzubieten, um sicherzustellen, dass die von uns gegebenen Empfehlungen für Sie passend sind.

What we do at the Imaging Technology Centre?

The Imaging Technology Centre focuses on delivering high-quality, application-specific infrared solutions that balance performance, accuracy, reliability, and cost.

Every project begins by listening carefully to fully understand your technical, environmental, and operational requirements. Only then can we advise on the most suitable infrared technologies, from detectors and cores to lenses, blackbodies, processing boards, and complete camera systems and help you plan the design, manufacture, and test process.

In practice, we help you to:

  • Define infrared imaging requirements based on real-world operating conditions
  • Select the most appropriate infrared technology for your application
  • Design and integrate custom or semi-custom infrared imaging systems
  • Validate performance through specialist testing and calibration
  • Reduce technical risk and accelerate time to deployment

Our role is to simplify complex infrared imaging challenges and help you deliver reliable, production-ready solutions with confidence.

Our expert team combines deep photonics and vision engineering knowledge with access to a broad portfolio of infrared cameras, sensors, optics, laser sources, illumination, and advanced imaging technologies. We help you select the right sensor architecture, optimise optical performance, overcome environmental and integration challenges, and navigate complex compliance requirements for industrial, medical, and defence applications.

Contact us to discuss your imaging requirements.

Spezialisierte Infrarot-Funktionen

Innerhalb des Infrarot-Technologie­zentrums können wir eine Reihe von Dienstleistungen anbieten, die Ihnen helfen, Ihre hochwertigen kunden­spezifischen Lösungen zu realisieren.

Specialist expertise across imaging technologies

Our Imaging Technology Centre brings deep, hands-on expertise across the full imaging spectrum, enabling us to support complex and demanding applications. We combine optics, sensors, processing, and analytics into optimised, end-to-end imaging solutions tailored to your requirements.

We have proven capabilities in:

  • Imaging technologies across UV, Visible, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR, and broadband systems

  • Video analytics, including image stabilisation, detection, and tracking

  • Aerospace & defence, security, and industrial thermography applications

Software implementation of AI-based imaging solutions on platforms such as NVIDIA Jetson, NXP / Freescale i.MX8, and related architectures

Our European business is recognised as a specialist in infrared technology, providing access to class-leading infrared components and systems. Supported by extensive in-house technical expertise, our solutions-led approach ensures informed, practical guidance throughout your project lifecycle, giving you full confidence in our ability to deliver for even the most complex and demanding imaging applications.

Test and calibration capabilities

Rigorous testing and calibration are central to validating infrared and advanced imaging system performance throughout development, integration, and deployment. Our structured approach ensures that every system is characterised, optimised, and verified against defined performance criteria before entering the field.

Our capabilities include thermal zoom lens calibration and non-uniformity correction (NUC) using precision blackbody sources, back focal distance and infinity focus adjustment to guarantee long-range accuracy, and detailed NETD / MRTD measurement using calibrated thermal targets and collimator setups. These processes enable accurate thermal sensitivity characterisation, resolution validation, and overall image quality optimisation across the full operational range.

All testing is conducted in controlled laboratory conditions to support EMC compliance with relevant EU Directives and adherence to ISO 9001 quality management requirements. Customers can participate either on-site or remotely during validation stages, enabling early performance verification, greater design confidence, and reduced certification and deployment risk.

Laboratory facilities

Our Imaging Technology Centre is supported by first-class, in-house laboratory facilities, providing a fully controlled environment for infrared and advanced imaging system development, validation, and optimisation.

Our laboratory capabilities include:

  • Thermal zoom lens calibration (NUC) Performed using precision blackbody sources to ensure accurate non-uniformity correction and optimal image uniformity.

  • Back focal distance adjustment / Infinity focus Set using calibrated blackbodies and collimators to guarantee precise focus performance at long distances.

  • NETD and MRTD measurement Measured using calibrated thermal targets projected via collimators in front of blackbodies, ensuring accurate thermal sensitivity and resolution characterisation.

  • Camera housing design and integration Definition, customisation, and assembly of IP-rated housings tailored to environmental and mechanical requirements.

  • Cooler replacement and engine servicing Authorised under a US government-approved Technical Assistance Agreement (TAA) with General Dynamics to replace cooled InSb MWIR engines in long-range thermal zoom cameras.

Our equipment includes Santa Barbara Infrared collimators and blackbodies, Advanced Energy Mikron blackbodies and pyrometers, a climatic chamber for environmental testing, and a laminar flow hood for sensitive optical and sensor work.

These facilities enable precise measurement, calibration, environmental validation, and performance optimisation throughout the full project lifecycle – from prototype development through to long-term production support.

Camera housing design and specialist services

We offer customised camera housing design and integration services, including the specification, mechanical design, and assembly of IP-rated enclosures tailored to operate reliably in harsh and demanding environments. From thermal management considerations and environmental sealing to vibration resistance and materials selection, we ensure each housing is engineered to protect sensitive optics and sensors while maintaining optimal imaging performance in field conditions.

In addition, we are authorised under a US government-approved Technical Assistance Agreement (TAA) with General Dynamics to perform cooler replacement for cooled InSb MWIR engines used in long-range thermal zoom cameras. This specialist capability allows us to support the maintenance, refurbishment, and life-extension of high-value thermal imaging systems, ensuring restored performance, reduced downtime, and continued operational reliability in critical applications.

After-sales support

Our role extends well beyond product delivery. We provide end-to-end after-sales support covering installation, system integration, and optimisation of your infrared technology within your application. Correct installation and integration improve output quality, extend product longevity, and maximise return on investment. We also offer comprehensive training to support effective use and long-term understanding within your organisation.

Strategic partnerships

Our Imaging Technology Centre is built on long-term partnerships with world-leading imaging and photonics manufacturers, giving our customers direct access to class-leading technologies, early product insight, and dedicated technical support. These relationships enable us to combine proven, high-performance components with our in-house engineering expertise to deliver fully integrated imaging solutions.

We work closely with:

  • Teledyne FLIR – Advanced infrared camera modules and thermal imaging systems for industrial, defence, and security applications.

  • Santa Barbara Infrared – High-precision infrared blackbodies and collimators used for calibration, testing, and optical validation.

  • Advanced Energy (Mikron) – Infrared blackbodies and pyrometers supporting accurate thermal measurement and characterisation.

  • Sightline Applications – Embedded video processing and AI-driven imaging solutions for detection, tracking, and stabilisation.

  • Quickset – Robust pan & tilt positioners for precise camera control in fixed and mobile surveillance platforms.

Through these partnerships, we ensure reliable component sourcing, seamless system compatibility, and the confidence that every solution is built upon proven, industry-leading technologies.

Specialist Imaging Technology Centre capabilities

From configurable subsystems to fully bespoke imaging solutions – comprehensive support for your imaging requirements.

Navigating the complexities of imaging system design can be challenging. Whether you require a configurable camera module, a semi-custom optical adaptation, or a fully bespoke infrared or vision system engineered to your precise performance criteria, the Imaging Technology Centre provides a complete spectrum of specialist support.

From sensor selection and optical optimisation to processing architecture, calibration, testing, and environmental integration, we work alongside your engineering team to deliver imaging solutions that meet demanding technical, operational, and regulatory requirements.

Specialist infrared engineering and support services

The Imaging Technology Centre provides a comprehensive range of specialist engineering services. These services offer a fast, reliable, and proven route to deployment using established infrared components and systems, bridging the gap between standard solutions and fully bespoke designs.

Our specialist capabilities include:

  • Design and integration of imaging solutions Optimising and combining existing cameras, lenses, sensors, and optics to meet application-specific requirements without the need for custom development.

  • System commissioning, calibration, and performance verification Fine-tuning optical alignment, thermal performance, and imaging parameters in controlled laboratory environments or in the field to ensure systems meet operational expectations.

  • Field demonstrations and performance validation On-site trials to assess real-world performance, including environmental stress testing, thermal measurement, and functional evaluation under operational conditions.

  • Lifecycle support and maintenance planning Advice on long-term system performance, component refresh cycles, and authorised servicing for specialised components such as cooled MWIR engines.

Accelerate deployment, reduce risk, and achieve optimised imaging performance using proven technologies – without the lead times or complexity of fully bespoke solutions.

Contact us to discuss an imaging design

Semi-custom imaging solutions

Our semi-custom infrared solutions allow you to adapt proven imaging technologies to meet specific application requirements without the need for full custom development. These solutions are ideal when standard products cover most needs but require targeted optimisation to achieve the desired performance.

Our capabilities include:

  • Adaptation of existing infrared cameras or modules – Modifying configurations, optics, or firmware to suit your operational needs.

  • Custom optics, housings, or processing configurations – Integrating and adjusting lenses, enclosures, or processing pipelines to optimise performance for your environment.

  • Application-specific performance optimisation – Fine-tuning parameters such as thermal sensitivity, resolution, focus, and calibration for the intended use case.

  • Rapid deployment – Leveraging existing, proven components to reduce development time and accelerate delivery while maintaining high reliability.

These semi-custom solutions give you the flexibility to achieve application-specific performance with minimal risk and cost compared to fully bespoke development.

Contact us to discuss semi-custom solutions

Fully custom imaging solutions

Delivering fully bespoke imaging systems when standard or semi-custom options are not enough

When off-the-shelf or semi-custom solutions cannot meet your requirements, our fully custom infrared design capability enables the development of unique imaging systems tailored entirely to your application. Whether you require a single infrared sensor, a specialised detector or emitter, or a complete imaging subsystem, we translate your requirements into robust, cost-efficient, and high-performance designs.

Our process includes:

  • Collaborative requirements definition – Working closely with your team to understand functional, environmental, and regulatory requirements.

  • Custom hardware and system design – Selecting and integrating sensors, optics, electronics, and processing components to create a complete imaging solution.

  • Prototyping, validation, and testing – Using our advanced laboratory facilities to calibrate, optimise, and verify performance under real-world and controlled conditions.

  • Long-term lifecycle and availability planning – Ensuring component availability, serviceability, and reliability for the full operational life of the system.

Our full custom solutions empower you to overcome technical challenges and achieve imaging performance that is perfectly aligned with your applications.

Contact us to discuss custom solutions

Collaborative expertise across Acal BFi Technology Centres

The Imaging Technology Centre works closely with our other Technology Centres to deliver fully integrated system solutions. When additional specialist support is required, we can engage teams from the other Technology Centres to provide a complete, cross-technology offer. By leveraging a portfolio of advanced imaging, sensor, optics, wireless, and power technologies, we are able to deliver solutions that address the evolving challenges of modern industrial, defence, medical, and research applications.

Unsere Technologiezentren

BioPhotonics

Mit mehr als 15 Jahren Erfahrung im Vertrieb, Installation und Service von BioPhotonics-Systemen können wir Produkte und Lösungen für Ihre individuellen Anforderungen anbieten

Die große Auswahl an BioPhotonics Kameras, Lasern, LED Lichtquellen, Spektrometern, optischen Komponenten, Mikroskopsystemen, Mikroskopzubehör und dazugehöriger Software ermöglicht es uns, nahezu jede Photonics- oder Imaging-Lösung zusammenzustellen.

Entdecken Sie unser Technologie­zentrum

Embedded Computing

Das Embedded Computing Technology Centre treibt fortschrittliche Lösungen voran, damit Sie die Technologien von morgen – schon heute – liefern können.

Designen Sie kunden­spezifische Systeme, bauen Sie Prototypen und fertigen Sie Produkte, die Ihren individuellen Bedürfnissen entsprechen. Viele der plattformbasierten Technologien, die wir anbieten, wurden mit Blick auf Anpassung entworfen.

Unsere Fähigkeiten ermöglichen es uns, Lösungen in allen Phasen Ihres Projekts anzubieten. Unabhängig davon, ob Ihre Anforderungen standardisiert, modifiziert oder hochgradig kunden­spezifisch sind, unterstützen unsere Experten Sie bei der Identifizierung Ihrer Ziele und arbeiten daran, eine passende Lösung bereitzustellen.

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Fibre Optics

Das Fibre Optics Technology Centre ermöglicht es unseren Ingenieuren, faseroptische Lösungen zu entwickeln, um den sich wandelnden Anforderungen in einer hochgeschwindigkeits­orientierten Welt gerecht zu werden.

Mit über 25 Jahren Erfahrung in der Faseroptik und Anwendungstechnik für Hardware und Komponenten helfen wir, die Stabilität und Funktionalität Ihrer Transceiver zu analysieren und zu verbessern. Mit Fachwissen und modernster Technologie unterstützt das Fibre Optics Technology Centre unsere Ingenieure und beherbergt eine Reihe unserer spezialisierten Fähigkeiten.

Entdecken Sie unser Technologie­zentrum

Infrared Imaging

Unser spezialisiertes Infrarot-Team steht Ihnen zur Verfügung, um Ihren Entwicklungsprozess von der Planung bis zum Fertigstellung zu unterstützen und sicherzustellen, dass Sie alles haben, was Sie brauchen.

Die Herangehensweise an jedes Infrarot-Bildgebungsprojekt beginnt damit, dass wir genau zuhören, um sicherzustellen, dass wir Ihre spezifischen Anforderungen vollständig verstehen.

Erst dann können wir Sie über die am besten geeignete Infrarottechnologie und Messmethode beraten – von einfachen Detektoren über Kameramodule und Linsen bis hin zu Schwarzkörperstrahlern, Spezialgehäusen und Video-Prozessorboards – und Ihnen bei der Planung des Design-, Fertigungs- und Testprozesses helfen.

Entdecken Sie unser Technologie­zentrum

Interconnect and Cable Assembly

Die Fähigkeiten und das Fachwissen, die im Technologie­zentrum für Steck­verbinder und Kabelkonfektionen untergebracht sind, stellen sicher, dass unser Team Sie bei jedem Schritt des Weges unterstützen kann.

Das Technologie­zentrum bietet maßge­schneiderte Spezialfasern und -kabel, einschließlich Hybride mit kunden­spezifischen Steckern, und unterstützt Sie bei der Konstruktion, Montage, Prüfung und Zulassung Ihrer kunden­spezifischen Lösungen.

Entdecken Sie unser Technologie­zentrum

IoT & wireless

Das IoT and Wireless Technology Centre unterstützt Sie bei der Integration unserer Komponenten in Ihre Anwendung. Alternativ können wir diese Aufgabe auch gerne in Ihrem Auftrag und nach Ihren Wünschen übernehmen. Dies beginnt bei Designs auf Schaltkreisebene und reicht bis zu unseren hochintegrierten Modulen, die vorzertifiziert und anwendungsbereit sind.

Die funktechnische Anbindung einer Applikation erfordert spezielle Fachkenntnisse. Unser Team von Hardware- und Software-Ingenieuren verfügt über langjährige Erfahrungen auf dem Gebiet der drahtlosen Kommunikation, von proprietären, chipbasierten Designs, über Bluetooth/WiFi bis hin zu Systemen zur Weitbereichsüber-tragung per Mobilfunk. Wir unterstützen Sie gern dabei, die optimale Lösung für Ihre individuellen Anforderungen zu finden und in Ihre Anwendung zu integrieren.

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Magnetic Products

Das Magnetic Products Technology Centre steht an der Spitze unseres lösungsorientierten Ansatzes für Anwendungen, die maßge­schneiderte Kerne und Komponenten erfordern, und treibt unser Engagement für die gemeinsame Entwicklung einer besseren techno­logischen Zukunft voran.

In den letzten 25 Jahren haben wir unser Fachwissen im Bereich der konstruktionsgeleiteten kunden­spezifischen Anpassung magnetischer Komponenten ausgebaut. Mit einem großen Team von Fachleuten für technische Unterstützung steht das Magnetic Products Technology Centre an der Spitze des techno­logischen Fortschritts im Bereich der Magnettechnik.

Entdecken Sie unser Technologie­zentrum

Power Supply

Dank der umfassenden Erfahrung unserer hauseigenen Entwicklungsingenieure für industrielle Strom­versorgungen verfügen wir über das Fachwissen, um kunden­spezifische Lösungen für industrielle Strom­versorgungen zu entwickeln, die von 1W bis 25kW für eine Vielzahl von Anwendungen reichen.

Ganz gleich, ob Sie ein Standardprodukt modifizieren bzw. konfigurieren oder es in Ihr Design integrieren möchten oder eine vollständig neue kunden­spezifische Strom­versorgung benötigen – unser Power Supply Technologie­zentrum kann Sie bei Entwicklung, Zusammenbau, Prüfung und Integration einer maßge­schneiderten Strom­versorgung für Ihre spezifischen Anforderungen unterstützen.

Entdecken Sie unser Technologie­zentrum

Why work with the Imaging Technology Centre?

The Infrared Imaging Technology Centre is designed to support engineers and technical decision-makers at every stage of infrared system development, offering:

  • Specialist infrared expertise backed by decades of experience
  • Engineering-led support from concept through deployment
  • Reduced technical and certification risk
  • Access to specialist testing, calibration, and demonstration facilities
  • A collaborative partner, not just a component supplier

Why Acal BFi? Your partner for imaging solutions

With decades of experience supporting advanced sensing and imaging technologies, Acal BFi combines deep technical expertise with access to a broad supplier ecosystem to deliver application-matched infrared solutions.

We provide:

  • Hands-on engineering consultation
  • Technology and component selection
  • Custom and semi-custom infrared system design
  • Testing, calibration, and compliance support
  • Long-term lifecycle and supply chain management

Supported by centralised logistics and a pan-European engineering network, we help ensure reliable supply, technical continuity, and confidence throughout your product’s lifecycle.

Selection depends on factors including temperature range, sensitivity, resolution, environmental conditions, and regulatory requirements. Our specialists help define these parameters and recommend the most suitable technology.

Custom solutions are typically required when standard cameras cannot meet performance, form factor, environmental, or integration requirements, or when system-level optimisation is critical.

Yes. We offer specialist testing, equipment loans, and field demonstrations to validate performance in real-world conditions before final design or production decisions are made.

By supporting technology selection, system design, testing, and compliance early in the development process, we help minimise redesigns, certification delays, and performance issues later in the project.