Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why should I avoid IR products built with the "Hex" film?
What is the difference between near infrared, mid infrared, and far infrared energy?
How far away can I see a marker?
Is Infrared Tools LLC a reputable manufacturer?
What is the difference between thermal imaging and night vision goggles?
Will Infrared Tools LLC patches delaminate?
Will the hook fastener fail eventually?
Why should I avoid IR products built with the "Hex" film?
IR flags built using the traditional “Hex” film are less retro-reflective and less durable than Infrared Tools’ products using Sand Storm Technology. The “Hex” film uses glass beads while our products use fully embedded microprisms in a monolayer (no air gaps).
The glass beads require an air pocket in their construction, and this is their downfall. The glass bead is adhered to the base film, but is exposed to the air pocket on the opposite side. As a result the glass beads can break free from the base film and fail. This failure mode is most likely in a sand environment where the sand strikes the patch. On the other hand full embedded microprisms are fully encapsulated on all sides making them much more rugged than their glass bead counterparts.
Microprisms are square and glass beads are round; this results in significantly more retroreflection. Consider this. Given a batch of square tiles and round discs, which would be best for covering a surface? If you used circles, there would be many gaps to fill in. However, squares fit tightly side by side with negligible gap. In the case of glass bead films, the light or IR that hits the surface in the gaps between beads is lost forever. IR flags and other products using Sand Storm Technology cover the part surface much more efficiently so that precious little IR energy is lost.
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What is the difference between near infrared, mid infrared, and far infrared energy?
Near Infrared is that energy with a frequency just beyond the visible spectrum. It is similar to visible light in that it can be generated with lasers and diodes very easily. Night vision devices such as the PVS-7 can detect this energy very effectively. That is why you can illuminate a scene with near infrared energy, see clearly through your NVGs, and yet remain covert to others without NVGs.
Mid and Far Infrared energy are different in their means of detection and generation. This energy is given off by people and objects and is a function of the temperature of the person or object relative to absolute zero (-273 degrees celcius). It is a form of "heat energy." When you warm yourself next to an old fashioned cast iron wood stove, you are feeling this energy. Mid and far infrared energy is not detectable by NVGs. This energy is detected by thermal imagers, aka FLIRs. The PNVS onboard an apache helicopter is a good example of this.
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How far away can I see a marker?
A 3/4” near infrared marker is visible at 300m. A 2” near infrared marker is visible at 800m. For thermal markers refer to our spreadsheet in the document section.
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Is Infrared Tools LLC a reputable manufacturer?
Infrared Tools LLC is one of three “Tier 1” manufacturers. Tier 1 manufacturers regularly sell product directly to the federal government as evidenced by past contracts. Also Infrared Tools LLC maintains direct contact with the Army program management for these products.
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What is the difference between thermal imaging and night vision goggles?
| Night Vision | Thermal Imaging | |
|---|---|---|
| Wavelengths | .7μm to 3μm | 3μm to 5μm, 8μm to 14μm |
| Amplification | Extreme, causes blooming | None, no blooming |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Illumination | Required | None Required |
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Will Infrared Tools LLC patches delaminate?
No, they do not. Infrared Tools LLC patches are laminated together with durable adhesives, and tested in heat, water, and at cryogenic temperatures. In all cases the patches did not delaminate. For customers with concerns we are happy to sew the edge of the patch for additional protection. While we offer this service, we do not consider it to be necessary.
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Will the hook fastener fail eventually?
The hook fastener we use is MILSPEC A-A-55126 Type II Class 1 compliant. That means it is 8.0 mil thick and made from nylon. The hook will last for the life of the patch.
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