Ons gespecialiseerde Infrarood team is beschikbaar om uw ontwikkelingsproces van ontwerp tot bouw te ondersteunen door ervoor te zorgen dat u alles hebt wat u nodig hebt, wanneer u het nodig hebt.

Acal BFi – Infrarood Technologiecentrum

Wij ontwikkelen infrarood oplossingen op maat voor uw toepassingen

We creëren een duidelijke visie op uitdagende oplossingen voor beeldvorming door ervoor te zorgen dat we onze expertise en mogelijkheden op het gebied van infrarood voortdurend uitbreiden.

De gezamenlijke infraroodexpertise en -apparatuur van het Infrared Imaging Technology Centre zorgen ervoor dat onze mensen geavanceerde oplossingen kunnen leveren voor uw uitdagingen op het gebied van beeldvorming. Of uw toepassing nu een aangepaste constructie of gespecialiseerde tests vereist, ons team staat klaar om uw unieke project te ondersteunen.

Gedurende onze vier decennia in de markt van thermische beeldvorming zijn de toepassingen voor infrarood beeldvorming sterk veranderd. Ze blijven zich snel ontwikkelen op basis van de voordelen die ze bieden ten opzichte van traditionele zichtbare beeldvorming. Met een grote verscheidenheid aan toepassingen in alle markten, van branddetectie in een installatie voor fossiele brandstoffen tot het controleren op verhoogde lichaamstemperaturen in de luchtvaartindustrie, is het van vitaal belang dat de juiste camera wordt gebruikt. Dat is waar het Infrarood Imaging Technology Centre om de hoek komt kijken.

Ons gespecialiseerde Infrarood team is beschikbaar om uw ontwikkelingsproces van ontwerp tot bouw te ondersteunen door ervoor te zorgen dat u alles hebt wat u nodig hebt, wanneer u het nodig hebt.

De aanpak van elk project voor infrarood beeldvorming begint met goed luisteren om er zeker van te zijn dat we uw specifieke vereisten volledig begrijpen. Pas dan kunnen we u adviseren over de meest geschikte infraroodtechnologie – van kernen en lenzen tot detectoren, blackbody’s en processing boards – en u helpen bij het plannen van het ontwerp-, productie- en testproces.

Het Infrared Imaging Technology Centre stelt ons in staat om volledige end-to-end ondersteuning te bieden, en zelfs apparatuur uit te lenen en demonstraties in het veld te geven om er zeker van te zijn dat de aanbevelingen die we doen, de juiste zijn voor u.

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.

Gespecialiseerde infrarood mogelijkheden

Binnen het Infrared Imaging Technology Centre bieden we een scala aan diensten om u te helpen hoogwaardige oplossingen op maat te creëren.

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.

Onze technologiecentra

BioPhotonics

Met meer dan 15 jaar ervaring in de verkoop, installatie en service van BioPhotonics systemen kunnen we producten en oplossingen bieden die zijn afgestemd op uw specifieke eisen.

Het brede assortiment camera’s, lasers, LED-lichtbronnen, spectrometers, optische componenten, microscoopsystemen, microscoopaccessoires en bijbehorende software van BioPhotonics stelt ons in staat om vrijwel elke fotonica- of beeldvormingsoplossing samen te stellen.

Ontdek ons Technologiecentrum

Embedded Computing

Het Embedded Computing Technology Centre zorgt voor geavanceerde oplossingen, zodat u vandaag nog de technologieën van morgen kunt leveren.

Ontwerp klantgerichte systemen, bouw prototypes en maak producten die voldoen aan uw specifieke behoeften. Veel van de platformgebaseerde technologieën die we aanbieden zijn ontworpen met maatwerk in gedachten.

Dankzij onze mogelijkheden kunnen we oplossingen bieden voor alle fasen van uw project. Of uw eisen nu standaard, aangepast of sterk aangepast zijn, onze experts ondersteunen en identificeren uw doelen en zorgen ervoor dat we een passende oplossing bieden.

Ontdek ons Technologiecentrum

Fibre Optics

In het Fibre Optics Technology Centre kunnen onze technici glasvezeloplossingen ontwikkelen om te voldoen aan de veranderende eisen in een wereld met hoge snelheden.

Met meer dan 25 jaar ervaring in glasvezeloptiek en applicatietechniek voor hardware en componenten helpen wij bij het analyseren en kwalificeren om de stabiliteit en functionaliteit van uw Zendontvangers te verbeteren. Het Fibre Optics Technology Centre ondersteunt onze technici met expertise en geavanceerde technologie en huisvest een aantal van onze specialistische vaardigheden.

Ontdek ons Technologiecentrum

Imaging Technology Centre

Ons gespecialiseerde Infrarood team is beschikbaar om uw ontwikkelingsproces van ontwerp tot bouw te ondersteunen door ervoor te zorgen dat u alles hebt wat u nodig hebt, wanneer u het nodig hebt.

De aanpak van elk project voor Infrarood beeldvorming begint met goed luisteren om er zeker van te zijn dat we uw specifieke vereisten volledig begrijpen. Pas dan kunnen we u adviseren over de meest geschikte infraroodtechnologie – van kernen en lenzen tot detectoren, blackbody’s en verwerkingskaarten – en u helpen bij het plannen van het ontwerp-, productie- en testproces.

Ontdek ons Technologiecentrum

Interconnect and Cable Assembly

De capaciteiten en expertise binnen het Interconnect and Cable Assembly Technology Centre zorgen ervoor dat ons team u bij elke stap kan ondersteunen.

Het Technology Centre levert en personaliseert gespecialiseerde glasvezel en kabels op maat, inclusief hybriden met connectoren op maat. Het Technology Centre ondersteunt u bij het ontwerpen, assembleren, testen en goedkeuren van uw oplossingen op maat.

Ontdek ons Technologiecentrum

IoT en draadloos

Het IoT and Wireless Technology Centre kan ondersteuning bieden bij het ontwerpen van complexe discrete componenten, van een op maat gemaakt System on Chip (SoC) tot volledig geïntegreerde modules die gecertificeerd en toepassingsklaar zijn.

Het creëren van aangepaste oplossingen die connectiviteit toevoegen aan een toepassing vereist specialistische expertise en vaardigheden. Ons team van hardwareontwerpers en softwaretechnici voor draadloze technologie is actief op het gebied van RF, draadloos, cellulair en nog veel meer geavanceerde technologieën. Samen hebben ze uitgebreide individuele en collectieve ervaring in het ontwikkelen van oplossingen op maat, waardoor we uw concept tot leven kunnen brengen.

Ontdek ons Technologiecentrum

Magnetic Products

Het Magnetic Products Technology Centre vormt de voorhoede van onze oplossingsgerichte aanpak voor toepassingen die op maat gemaakte kernen en componenten vereisen, en is de motor achter ons streven om samen een verbeterde techno­logische toekomst te ontwikkelen.

De afgelopen 25 jaar hebben we onze expertise in ontwerpgericht maatwerk voor magnetische componenten vergroot. Met het grootste team van technische specialisten staat het Magnetic Products Technology Centre aan de spits van techno­logische ontwikkelingen op het gebied van magnetica. Ons team ontwerpt en produceert magnetische componenten zoals transformatoren, inductoren en zelfs kernen om te voldoen aan de technische en commerciële aspecten van uw project, of u nu bezig bent met ontwerp of productie.

Ontdek ons Technologiecentrum

Power Supply

De uitgebreide ervaring van onze in-house ontwerpingenieurs voor industriële voedingen zorgt ervoor dat we de expertise hebben om op maat gemaakte industriële voedingsoplossingen te ontwikkelen, van 1W tot 25kW voor een breed scala aan toepassingen.

Of u nu een standaard voedingsproduct wilt aanpassen of configureren, het wilt integreren in een aangepast ontwerp, een rack, chassis of printplaat wilt ontwerpen en aanpassen of een volledig op maat gemaakte voedingsoplossing nodig hebt, ons Power Supply Technology Centre kan u ondersteunen bij het ontwerpen, assembleren, testen en integreren van een op maat gemaakte industriële voedingsoplossing die voldoet aan de vereisten van uw specifieke toepassing.

Ontdek ons Technologiecentrum

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.