How to Use Machines That Scan Emissivity the Right Way

Machines that scan emissivity help you measure how much heat a surface gives off. These are tools like thermal cameras and infrared thermometers. They’re used to get accurate temperature readings by adjusting for different surface types.

It’s a device that checks how well a surface emits heat and helps you set the right value for accurate results. Some materials, like shiny metal, reflect heat. Others, like concrete or wood, give off heat easily. If your device isn’t set correctly, the temperature reading can be wrong. That’s why using a machine with adjustable emissivity is important. It helps you measure temperature the right way, with no guesswork.

And if you’re looking for an easy, accurate tool to get started, Mileseey Tools has great options. Our thermal cameras and IR thermometers are built to be simple, smart, and reliable. Perfect for pros and beginners alike.

What Is Emissivity?

Emissivity is basically how well a surface gives off heat. Every object around you releases heat as infrared energy, even if you can’t see it. Emissivity is a number between 0 and 1 that shows how much of that heat actually gets out. A surface with an emissivity of 1 gives off heat really well (like matte black surfaces), while something shiny like polished metal has a low emissivity and mostly reflects heat instead of emitting it.

Why does that matter? If you're using something like a thermal camera or IR thermometer, the emissivity setting helps the device know how much heat it's actually seeing. If it’s set incorrectly, your temperature reading could be way off. So, understanding emissivity helps you get more accurate results when measuring surface temperatures.

How to Measure Emissivity?

There are a few easy ways to measure emissivity, depending on what you have. One quick method is the black tape trick. Stick a piece of black electrical tape (emissivity ~0.95) on the surface, wait a few minutes, and measure it using a thermal imaging camera or IR thermometer set to 0.95. Then, scan the surface next to the tape. Adjust the emissivity setting on your device until both temperatures match. Now you’ve found the surface’s emissivity.

Another way is by using a contact thermometer. Measure the surface temperature with the probe, then scan the same spot using your thermal camera or IR gun. Adjust the emissivity until both readings match.

You can also use an emissivity chart for common materials like wood (0.85), concrete (0.94), or shiny aluminum (0.05) as a quick reference.

For high-precision needs, emissometers are available. They measure emissivity directly but are mostly used in labs or by professionals.

Types of Machines That Scan Emissivity

Thermal Imaging Cameras

Thermal Imaging Cameras are powerful tools that let you "see" heat. Most models allow you to adjust the emissivity to match different surfaces, which helps you get more accurate temperature readings. They're great for scanning large areas or finding hotspots quickly.

Good for:

• Home and building inspections
• Electrical systems
• Mechanical maintenance

Infrared Thermometers

Also known as IR guns, these are handheld tools that give you an instant temperature reading when you point them at a surface. Many models include an adjustable emissivity setting so you can fine-tune your measurements based on the material.

Good for:

• Quick spot checks
• HVAC systems
• Automotive parts

Emissometers

These are special-purpose devices that are built specifically to measure emissivity. They're more expensive and mostly used in labs or manufacturing, where knowing the exact emissivity is critical.

Good for:

• Research labs
• Quality control
• High-precision applications

FTIR Instruments (Advanced)

FTIR spectrometers are used for detailed analysis of how a material interacts with infrared light. They’re highly accurate but overkill for everyday use.

Good for:

• Scientific research
• Aerospace and materials engineering

Top-Rated Machines To Scan Emissivity in the US

Mileseey TR120E Thermal Imaging Camera

If you're just getting into thermal scanning or need a solid tool for everyday use, the TR120E is a great place to start.

Why you’ll like it:

• You can adjust the emissivity so your temperature readings are way more accurate across different surfaces.
• It has a bright 3.2-inch screen that shows clear thermal images.
• It reads temperatures from -4°F to 752°F, which covers most everyday jobs.
• You can save images for reviewing or sharing later.
  

Perfect for: Electricians, HVAC techs, home inspectors, or even DIYers who want to up their game.

Mileseey TR256 Thermal Imaging Camera

Need more power and detail in your thermal scans? The TR256 gives you a sharper image and a wider temperature range.

Why you’ll love it:

• Like the TR120E, it has adjustable emissivity, so your readings stay accurate on all kinds of surfaces.
• You get a higher resolution image, which means you’ll spot small issues more easily.
• It reads from -4°F to 1022°F, so it's great for hotter environments, too.
• Comes with different color palette options to make things easier to see and understand.
  

Great for: Professionals who need detailed results, like industrial maintenance, engineering, or in-depth inspections.

How to Use a Machine That Scans Emissivity: Step-by-Step

Whether you're doing a quick home check or inspecting complex equipment, learning to scan emissivity correctly makes all the difference in getting accurate temperature readings. Let’s break it down nice and easy.

Step 1: Power On and Give It a Moment

First things first. Turn on your device. Most thermal cameras or IR thermometers need a few seconds to warm up. It’s like letting your coffee brew before that first sip. Let it do its thing so it performs at its best.

Step 2: Set the Emissivity

This step is key. Emissivity tells your device how much infrared energy the surface should give off, and getting it right is crucial.

• If you know the surface material (like wood, plastic, concrete, or shiny metal), check a standard emissivity chart and enter the correct value.
• Not sure? No problem. Stick a piece of black electrical tape on the surface. It has a known emissivity of 0.95 and gives you a solid reference point.

Pro tip: Shiny surfaces usually have lower emissivity; matte or dark ones are higher.

Step 3: Prep the Surface

Before scanning, make sure the surface is clean and dry. Dust, oil, or moisture can throw off your readings. And if it’s too reflective? Use that tape you added earlier. It works like a charm.

Step 4: Aim and Scan

Hold your device steady and aim straight at the surface. Try to keep the right distance, not too close, not too far (your manual usually recommends the best range).

Whether you're getting a temperature reading or viewing a thermal image, the goal is the same: clear, accurate results.

Step 5: Adjust If It Looks Off

If your reading seems way off, don’t worry. Just go back and tweak the emissivity setting a little until things make sense. Compare it to your black tape or a known temperature source to get it dialed in.

This step is where the real pros shine. Small adjustments = big accuracy.

Step 6: Save or Record (Optional, but Handy)

If your device lets you save readings or images, definitely do it. This is super helpful if you’re doing inspections, tracking changes over time, or just want to look back and see what’s what.

Emissivity Measurement for Different Surfaces

Measuring emissivity doesn’t have to be complicated. Once you get a feel for how different surfaces behave, using your thermal camera or infrared thermometer becomes much easier. Here’s a quick, friendly guide to help you out.

Shiny metals like stainless steel or polished aluminum can be tricky. They reflect heat instead of giving it off, so your device might show the wrong temperature. A simple fix? Stick a piece of black electrical tape on the surface and scan that. It gives a more accurate reading because the tape has a known emissivity of about 0.95. If the metal is painted or looks dull, it’s usually easier to scan directly.

Non-metal surfaces like wood, plastic, and rubber are much easier. They naturally have high emissivity (around 0.85 to 0.95), so your readings are usually reliable without any extra steps. Just make sure the surface is clean and dry.

Concrete, brick, and stone are also pretty scan-friendly. These materials don’t reflect much heat and usually give accurate results as long as they’re not wet or dusty.

Glass and water can be a bit tricky. Even though they have high emissivity, they’re somewhat see-through to infrared, so your device might read what’s behind them. It’s best to avoid scanning through them if you can.

Painted surfaces, especially matte or dark paint, work well. They give off heat nicely, so you can trust your reading. Glossy paint can reflect more, so if you’re unsure, just go back to the black tape trick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What instrument is used to measure thermal emissivity?

Answer: The main tool used to measure thermal emissivity is called an emissometer. It’s a special device that’s made to test how well a surface gives off heat. You’ll mostly find these in labs or in industries where very accurate results are needed.

Question: What is the equipment for emissivity testing?

Answer: There are a few types of tools you can use to test emissivity:

• Emissometers – for super accurate lab testing
• Thermal cameras – great for scanning surfaces and adjusting emissivity settings on the go
• Infrared thermometers (IR guns) – handy for quick spot checks, with adjustable emissivity settings

If you're doing everyday work like inspections or maintenance, a thermal camera or IR gun will work just fine.

Question: Can emissivity change with temperature?

Answer: Yes, it can. Some materials change how they give off heat when they get hotter or cooler. For example, metals might reflect more at higher temperatures. That’s why it’s good to double-check settings if you're measuring something that heats up a lot.

Question: Are there standard emissivity values for common materials?

Answer: Yes! Many everyday materials have known emissivity values. For example, black electrical tape is about 0.95, wood is around 0.90, and shiny aluminum might be as low as 0.05. You can use these values to set up your device before taking a reading.

Bottom Line

Reading temperatures the right way isn’t just about using a device. It’s also about knowing how different surfaces give off heat. Shiny metal, rough concrete, and painted wood all give off heat differently. That’s why adjusting the emissivity is so important. Once you know what to look for, it gets a lot easier.

If you want a tool that makes this simple, Mileseey Tools has great options. Our devices are budget-friendly, easy to use, and perfect for getting accurate readings on all kinds of surfaces.