The thermal scanners market in MEA is expected to grow from US$ 239.87 million in 2019 to US$ 385.19 million by 2027; it is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2020 to 2027.
Thermal imaging cameras or scanners are used as effective and non-invasive means of monitoring and diagnosing commercial buildings and home conditions. A thermal imaging camera helps identifying the problems at an early stage, allowing them to be documented and corrected before repair becomes more severe and costlier. Besides, a thermal image that includes accurate temperature data can provide essential information to building experts about insulation, moisture intake, mold development, electrical faults, the presence of thermal bridges, and heating ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The scanners can detect missing or defective insulation, visualize energy losses, determine the source of air leaks, detect mold and poorly insulated areas, locate thermal bridges, trace water infiltration in flat roofs, check breaches in hot-water pipes, find moisture in the insulation, ceilings, and walls (both internal and external), catch construction failures, find faults in supply lines and district heating, and diagnose electrical errors. Further, the ability to visualize differing temperature signatures can also help avoid fires and power failures. The thermal scanners can scan across the walls. Thermal imaging technology may also be used to scan power transmission lines and exhibit overheating joints and parts in mechanical or electrical equipment that require potential hazards to be eliminated. Thus, the growing use of thermal scanners to diagnose defects in building structures act as a major opportunity for the market players, which further drives the demand for thermal scanners. The effective use of thermal imaging cameras or scanners in building structures is among the other factors expected to positively influence the demand for thermal scanners.
In MEA, South Africa has the highest number of COVID-19 confirmed cases, followed by Saudi Arabia and UAE. UAE was the first country in MEA to report a confirmed case of COVID-19. The stationary thermal cameras are used at public facilities such as airports. With the resume of airport services, factories, offices, and manufacturing units, the use of cameras with thermal technology has ensured the prevention of virus spread. Countries such as Saudi Arabia and UAE have large number of industries present within their territory, which will influence the use of thermal imaging systems.
In terms of type, the fixed segment led the thermal scanners market in 2019. As IR thermal imaging products and solutions become comfortable to assimilate into process control applications, more plants/facilities are selecting to implement the technology. Recent technological advancements in IR thermal imaging facilitate an extended view of process performance. The fixed-mounted process imagers offer a real-time view of thermal images, facilitating plant operators to lower production line changeover costs and shorten process startup times. These cameras are paired with intuitive system software, which eliminates or minimizes the long learning curve associated with several traditional process imaging systems. Modern fixed thermal imaging devices offer secured networking over long distances utilizing a standard Ethernet interface that further transmits multiple frames per second of imaging data from the camera. Moreover, the fibre optic Ethernet accessories eliminate the requirement of placing PC operating system software in hazardous areas. These features further reduce the user’s capital investment costs by not required the need for expensive industrial computers and specialized enclosures required to survive in a harsh field environment. Thus, fixed imaging systems for automated temperature monitoring and control are easier to use and more affordable. The recent design innovations produced by several industry players allow fixed thermal imaging to be utilized as a cost-effective process control and predictive maintenance solution for several process industry facilities. The automated temperature tracking is anticipated to become a standard procedure in the public places owing to the MEA regional impacts of COVID-19. These are the fixed devices that offer real-time and reliable temperature measurements of large groups of individuals. Some of the key players are designing and developing automated monitoring systems for airports and commercial buildings. 3M; FLIR Systems, Inc.; and Leonardo are among the companies that offer fixed thermal scanners.
The overall MEA thermal scanners market size has been derived using both primary and secondary sources. To begin the research process, exhaustive secondary research has been conducted using internal and external sources to obtain qualitative and quantitative information related to the market. The process also serves the purpose of obtaining overview and forecast for the MEA thermal scanners market with respects to all the segments pertaining to the region. Also, multiple primary interviews have been conducted with industry participants and commentators to validate the data, as well as to gain more analytical insights into the topic. The participants who typically take part in such a process include industry experts such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers along with external consultants such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders specializing in the MEA thermal scanners market. FLIR Systems, Inc.; AMETEK Inc.; Robert Bosch GmbH; 3M; and Leonardo are among a few players operating in the MEA thermal scanners market.