Whether you’re looking to integrate a standard imaging component, configure a complete camera system, develop a custom optical assembly, or require a fully bespoke infrared or vision solution, our Imaging Technology Centre can support you with the design, configuration, testing, and integration of a tailored imaging system to meet your application’s exact performance and environmental requirements.

Acal BFi – Imaging Technology Centre

Customised imaging solutions supported by specialist expertise

The Imaging Technology Centre is our dedicated hub for infrared and thermal imaging expertise, supporting the design, integration, testing, and deployment of customised imaging solutions across industrial, energy, transportation, aerospace, security, and specialist applications.

By combining deep technical knowledge with specialist facilities and equipment, our team supports customers developing everything from standard infrared camera integrations to fully bespoke imaging systems.

With over four decades of experience in the thermal imaging market, we understand how rapidly infrared applications have evolved, and continue to evolve, driven by the advantages infrared offers over traditional visible imaging. From fire detection in fossil fuel installations to elevated body temperature screening in aviation environments, selecting the right infrared technology is critical.

The imaging technology centre adds value by working as an extension of your engineering team, supporting your project from early concept and design through to build, test, and deployment — ensuring you have the right technology, at the right time, with confidence.

Part of the Technology Network

Each Technology Centre is part of Acal BFI’s wider Technology Network, giving you access to a collaborative team of specialist engineers across multiple disciplines. This connected approach allows us to support larger, more complex projects that span multiple technologies – from embedded computing and wireless to power, sensing, photonics, and imaging. By bringing expertise together across our centres, we help reduce design risk, simplify integration, and deliver complete, production-ready solutions through a single, trusted engineering partner.

Discover more about the Technology Network

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.

Our technical capabilities

Standard engineering and support services – with a large team of imaging and photonics specialists, the Imaging Technology Centre provides a core set of engineering services to support camera and sensor selection, optical system design, integration, testing, and long-term production.

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.

Our Technology Centres

BioPhotonics

With more than 15 years of experience in sales, installation, and service of BioPhotonics systems, we can offer products and solutions tailored to your specific requirements.

The wide range of BioPhotonics cameras, lasers, LED light sources, spectrometers, optical components, microscope systems, microscope accessories, and associated software enables us to assemble almost any photonics or imaging solution.

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Embedded Computing

The Embedded Computing Technology Centre drives advanced solutions, so you can deliver the technologies of tomorrow – today.

Design customer driven systems, build prototypes and manufacture products to meet your distinct needs. Many of the platform-based technologies that we offer were designed with customisation in mind.

Our capabilities help us to offer solutions across all stages of your project. Whether your requirements are standard, modified or highly customised, our experts support and identify your aims and work to ensure that we provide a solution that fits.

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Fibre Optics

The Fibre Optics Technology Centre allows our engineers to develop fibre optic solutions to meet changing demands in a high-speed world.

With over 25 years of experience in fibre optics and application engineering for hardware and components, we help to analyse and qualify to improve the stability and functionality of your transceivers. Supporting our engineers with expertise and state of the art technology, the Fibre Optics Technology Centre houses a number of our specialist capabilities.

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Imaging Technology Centre

The Imaging Technology Centre is our dedicated hub for infrared and thermal imaging expertise, supporting the design, integration, testing, and deployment of customised imaging solutions across industrial, energy, transportation, aerospace, security, and specialist applications.

The Imaging Technology Centre is our dedicated hub for infrared and thermal imaging expertise, supporting the design, integration, testing, and deployment of customised imaging solutions across industrial, energy, transportation, aerospace, security, and specialist applications.

By combining deep technical knowledge with specialist facilities and equipment, our team supports customers developing everything from standard infrared camera integrations to fully bespoke imaging systems.

Explore our Technology Centre

Interconnect and Cable Assembly

The capabilities and expertise housed within the Interconnect and Cable Assembly Technology Centre ensure that our team can support you every step of the way.

Providing and customising bespoke specialist fibre and cables including hybrids with custom connectors, the Technology Centre is on hand to support with design, assembly, testing and approvals for your customised solutions.

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IoT and wireless

The IoT and Wireless Technology Centre has the ability to support complex discrete component design-in from a bespoke System on Chip (SoC), right through to fully integrated modules that are certified and application ready.

Creating custom solutions that add connectivity to an application requires specialist expertise and capabilities. Our team of wireless technology hardware design and software application engineers cover RF, wireless, cellular and many more state-of-the-art technologies. Together they have extensive individual and collective experience of developing customised solutions, ensuring we can bring your concept to life.

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Magnetic Products

The Magnetic Products Technology Centre is at the forefront of our solution led approach for applications that require customised cores and components, driving our commitment to developing an enhanced technological future together.

Over the last 25 years, we have grown our expertise in the design-led customisation of magnetic components. With the largest team of technical support specialists, the Magnetic Products Technology Centre is at the forefront of magnetic based technological advancements. Our team design and manufacture magnetic components including transformers, inductors, and even cores to meet the technical and commercial aspects of your project, whether you are in design or production.

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Power Supply

The extensive breadth of experience held by our in-house design industrial power engineers ensures that we have the expertise to develop customised industrial power supply solutions, ranging from 1W to 25kW for a wide range of applications.

Whether you’re looking to modify or configure a standard power product, integrate it into a custom design, design and modify a rack, chassis, PCB, or require a full custom-designed power solution, our Power Supply Technology Centre can support you with the design, assembly, testing and integration of a tailored industrial power solution to meet your specific application’s requirements.

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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.