L’approche de tout projet d’imagerie infrarouge commence par une écoute attentive afin de s’assurer que nous comprenons parfaitement vos besoins spécifiques.

Acal BFi – Infrared Technology Centre

Nous développons des solutions infrarouges personnalisées pour vos applications

Au cours de nos quatre décennies sur le marché de l’imagerie thermique, les applications de l’imagerie infrarouge ont beaucoup changé. Elles continuent d’évoluer rapidement en raison des avantages qu’elles présentent par rapport à l’imagerie visible traditionnelle.

Avec une grande variété d’utilisations sur tous les marchés, de la détection précoce d’incendie dans une installation de combustible fossile ou dans une déchèterie à la vérification des températures corporelles et le contrôle de processus industriels dans l’industrie aéronautique, il est vital d’utiliser la bonne caméra. C’est là qu’intervient le Centre Technologique infrarouge.

Notre équipe de spécialistes de l’infrarouge est disponible pour soutenir le développement de solutions adaptées à votre besoin, de la conception à la production, en veillant à ce que vous ayez tout ce dont vous avez besoin, quand vous en avez besoin.

L’approche de tout projet d’imagerie infrarouge commence par une écoute attentive afin de s’assurer que nous comprenons parfaitement vos besoins spécifiques. Ce n’est qu’alors que nous pouvons vous conseiller sur la technologie infrarouge la mieux adaptée – des modules thermiques et lentilles aux corps noirs et cartes de traitement – et vous aider à planifier le processus de conception, de fabrication et de test.

Le Centre Technologique infrarouge nous permet de fournir une assistance complète de bout en bout, et même de proposer des prêts d’équipement et des démonstrations sur le terrain afin de nous assurer que les recommandations que nous fournissons vous conviennent.

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.

Capacités infrarouges

Au sein du Centre Technologique infrarouge, nous pouvons offrir une gamme de services pour vous aider à créer vos solutions personnalisées de haute qualité.

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.

Nos centres technologiques

BioPhotonics

Avec plus de 15 ans d’expérience dans la vente, l’installation et le service des systèmes de BioPhotonique, nous pouvons offrir des produits et des solutions adaptés à vos besoins spécifiques.

La large gamme de caméras BioPhotonics, lasers, sources de lumière LED, spectromètres, composants optiques, systèmes de microscopes, accessoires de microscopes et logiciels associés nous permet de constituer presque toutes les solutions de photonique ou d’imagerie.

Découvrez notre centre technologique

Embedded Computing

Le Centre de Technologie de l’Informatique Embarquée développe des solutions avancées, pour que vous puissiez offrir les technologies de demain – dès aujourd’hui.

Concevez des systèmes axés sur le client, construisez des prototypes et fabriquez des produits pour répondre à vos besoins spécifiques. Bon nombre des technologies basées sur des plateformes que nous proposons ont été conçues en tenant compte de la personnalisation.

Nos capacités nous permettent d’offrir des solutions à toutes les étapes de votre projet. Que vos exigences soient standard, modifiées ou hautement personnalisées, nos experts soutiennent et identifient vos objectifs et travaillent pour garantir que nous fournissons une solution adaptée.

Découvrez notre centre technologique

Fibre Optics

Le Centre de Technologie des Fibres Optiques permet à nos ingénieurs de développer des solutions de fibres optiques pour répondre aux exigences changeantes dans un monde à haute vitesse.

Avec plus de 25 ans d’expérience dans les fibres optiques et l’ingénierie d’application pour le matériel et les composants, nous aidons à analyser et à qualifier pour améliorer la stabilité et la fonctionnalité de vos émetteurs-récepteurs. Soutenant nos ingénieurs avec expertise et technologie de pointe, le Centre de Technologie des Fibres Optiques abrite un certain nombre de nos capacités spécialisées.

Découvrez notre centre technologique

Infrared Imaging

Notre équipe de spécialistes de l’infrarouge est disponible pour soutenir le développement de solutions adaptées à votre besoin, de la conception à la production, en veillant à ce que vous ayez tout ce dont vous avez besoin, quand vous en avez besoin.

L’approche de tout projet d’imagerie infrarouge commence par une écoute attentive afin de s’assurer que nous comprenons parfaitement vos besoins spécifiques. Ce n’est qu’alors que nous pouvons vous conseiller sur la technologie infrarouge la mieux adaptée – des modules thermiques et lentilles aux corps noirs et cartes de traitement – et vous aider à planifier le processus de conception, de fabrication et de test.

Découvrez notre centre technologique

Interconnect and Cable Assembly

Grâce aux capacités et à l’expertise du Centre technologique des interconnexions et des assemblages de câbles, notre équipe peut vous aider à chaque étape du processus

Fournissant et personnalisant des fibres et des câbles spécialisés sur mesure, y compris des hybrides avec des connecteurs personnalisés, le centre technologique est là pour vous aider à concevoir, assembler, tester et approuver vos solutions personnalisées.

Découvrez notre centre technologique

IoT et wireless

Le centre technologique IoT et sans fil a la capacité de prendre en charge la conception complexe du circuit à base de composants discrets, autour d’un système sur puce (SoC) sur mesure, jusqu’à des modules entièrement intégrés, certifiés et prêts pour l’application.

La création de solutions personnalisées qui ajoutent de la connectivité à une application nécessite une expertise et des capacités spécialisées. Notre équipe d’ingénieurs en conception de matériel et en applications logicielles pour les technologies sans fil couvre les technologies RF, sans fil, cellulaires et bien d’autres technologies de pointe.

Découvrez notre centre technologique

Magnetic Products

Le centre technologique des produits magnétiques est à l’avant-garde de notre approche axée sur les solutions pour les applications qui nécessitent des noyaux et des composants personnalisés, ce qui renforce notre engagement à développer ensemble un avenir technologique amélioré.

Au cours des 25 dernières années, nous avons développé notre expertise dans le domaine de la personnalisation des composants magnétiques axée sur la conception. Avec une grande équipe de spécialistes de l’assistance technique, le centre technologique de Magnetics Products est à l’avant-garde des avancées technologiques basées sur le magnétique.

Découvrez notre centre technologique

Power Supply

La vaste expérience de nos ingénieurs en conception d’alimentation industrielle nous permet de développer des solutions d’alimentation industrielle personnalisées, allant de 1W à 25kW, pour un large éventail d’applications.

Que vous cherchiez à modifier ou à configurer un produit d’alimentation standard, à l’intégrer dans une conception personnalisée, à concevoir et à modifier un rack, un châssis ou un circuit imprimé, ou que vous ayez besoin d’une solution d’alimentation entièrement personnalisée, notre centre technologique d’alimentation électrique peut vous aider à concevoir, assembler, tester et intégrer une solution d’alimentation industrielle sur mesure pour répondre aux exigences de vos applications spécifiques.

Découvrez notre centre technologique

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.