IR Gun Emissivity

What is Emissivity?

• Emissivity is the ability of a material to emit infrared energy. Different materials have different emissivity levels, affecting the accuracy of infrared thermometer readings. For instance, shiny metals have low emissivity and can reflect ambient infrared energy, leading to inaccurate readings. Whereas most organic materials have high emissivity, making them suitable for accurate infrared measurements. 

• The emissivity of a surface will not only alter with texture and color, but also with its actual temperature at the time of measurement. We would recommend, in the first instance, comparing measurements, found with an accurate surface probe or wire probe, and then the Infrared thermometer can be adjusted to match the correct emissivity and used for subsequent measurements.

• Here is a link to our Emissivity table: https://www.thermoworks.com/emissivity-table/