Infrared Windows Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product Type (Crystal Material, Polymer Material, and Others), By End User (Industrial, Laboratory, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Infrared windows are components designed to allow transmission of infrared radiation while providing a barrier to other environmental elements such as moisture, gases, and contaminants so that the data point can record using a thermal camera. It can bifurcate environments of different pressures and temperatures. The light energy passes between the two environments and is known as viewing panes or viewports. Electrical inspections are performed on the equipment as they must be maintained regularly.

• For instance, GE incorporated infrared windows into their equipment and systems for maintenance and inspection. GE utilizes infrared windows in electrical components such as switchgear cabinets and panels to facilitate thermal imaging inspections.   

Safety regulations and standards in industrial environments are becoming more stringent, leading to a greater focus on worker safety. Infrared windows provide a means to inspect and monitor equipment without exposing personnel to hazardous conditions, contributing to improved workplace safety. Also, they can be used for better data management as they systematically collect data from electronic equipment. The consistency of data leads to better trends and analysis of the data.

Infrared windows usually cause high costs of installation and production, which can restrict market growth. Therefore, to overcome these challenges, the companies might shift toward alternative options, directly affecting the demand for infrared windows. Moreover, a lack of awareness about their benefits leads to limited adoption of this technology.

IMPACT OF COVID- 19 ON THE GLOBAL INFRARED WINDOWS MARKET

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, lockdowns and travel restrictions were imposed, which halted the production activities of infrared windows. The supply chain was disrupted as it was challenging to manage the exports and imports, which led to reduced usage of infrared windows globally. All industrial activities were halted, which reduced the production of infrared windows. The restrictions and safety protocols pushed industries to adopt remote monitoring and maintenance strategies. Here, infrared windows played a crucial role in the shift by allowing maintenance personnel to remotely inspect and monitor the equipment.

SEGMENTATION

KEY INSIGHTS

The report will cover the following key insights:

• Recent advancements in the infrared windows market


• Key industry trends


• Regulatory landscape for the infrared windows market


• Key industry developments


• Impact of COVID–19 on the market

ANALYSIS BY PRODUCT TYPE

The market is segmented into crystal and polymer materials based on product type. The crystal material is expected to dominate the market during the forecast period as it offers excellent optical properties and high transmission in the infrared spectrum. They are also known for their durability and resistance. At the same time, polymer material provides a cost-effective alternative to crystal material. They offer sound transmission in the infrared range and are lightweight and easy to manufacture.

ANALYSIS BY END USERS

Based on user, the market is segmented into industrial and laboratory use. Industrial use is expected to dominate the market as it encompasses industries including manufacturing, oil and gas, power generation, construction, and others where infrared windows are used for inspection, maintenance, and monitoring of the performance of the equipment. Laboratory use is also expected to increase as infrared windows are used in research institutions, chemical laboratories, pharmaceutical companies, and medical facilities.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

The global infrared windows market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to have the largest market share for infrared windows due to the significant number of industries in this region. Moreover, stringent safety regulations emphasize preventive maintenance and the adoption of advanced technologies. The U.S. is the key contributor to the infrared windows market. The Asia Pacific region is also expected to increase during the forecast period as this region is witnessing significant industrialization, increasing manufacturing facilities, and infrastructural developments, especially in countries such as China, Japan, and India. Further, the presence of key industries such as automobiles, electronics, and pharmaceutical companies is driving the demand for infrared windows in this region.

KEY PLAYERS COVERED

The report includes profiles of key players such as Fluke Corporation, IRISS, Inc., FLIR Systems, Exiscan Infrared Windows, CorDEX Instruments Ltd, TYDEX, Schneider Electric, GE, and Grace Technologies.

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• December 2021 - China announced that it has hypersonic missiles with heat-seeking technologies. The precision and cooling mechanism of infrared sensors drives the country’s development of hypersonic weapons.


• March 2021 - GE global research announced its collaboration with Lockheed Martin and Georgia Tech Research Corp. to develop rugged RF radomes and infrared windows that can withstand the heat and vibration of hypersonic flight.


• February 2020 - Tydex announced their new product, infrared windows for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). It offers layers of polymer films with high transmissivity in the second infrared atmospheric window.