Is there an inexpensive tool to scan the print plate to see temperature gradients?
The cheapest imager on the market is based on the MLX90640 image sensor that is used in just about every sub $100 thermal sensor. It is only 240x240 pixels and it is not a FLIR camera so all it will show is the color gradient over about 24c and it will not overlay the image of the product either. That means you will only see the color gradient and will have to guess a bit on what the item underneath is pointing to. But I bought one in 2023 for use as a thermal diagnostic tool for PC overclocking and later found it helpful for confirming heatbed issues.
Here’s what it looks like when viewing the heatbed. Not a lot of detail but for under $90(I paid $110 in 2023), you can’t get anything close unless you spend hundreds more on a FLIR sensor.
Just be careful when you look because there’s a lot of hucksters out their selling the identical sensor but packaged differently. I saw the camera linked above selling for over $200, don’t be “that guy” who gets ripped off, shop wisely.
Here’s the search term for cameras that use that sensor.
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=MLX90640
For comparison, this is the image a FLIR camera will give you. Note that there are two sensors, one is thermal and the other image which allows the sensor to overlay the real world image with false color. It is really a very different product but you pay for it. It’s around $200 for the cell phone adapter and the purpose built sensor is well over $500.
Here’s what you want to avoid. This is a photoshopped ad that tries to make you believe your getting a FLIR when you’re not. Although this one “claims” that they overlay a regular image with the MLX90640 sensor. Maybe they do but for $219, why not just by the real deal for your phone.
Fake FLIR
Genuine FLIR
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