I am thinking of starting an infrared business in my area. Have no infrared training, only vibration analysis. Can anyone give me some helpful hints on how to proceed?

In my opinion the first 3 steps should be:

1. Before you spend any money, perform a business plan and projection and know your market and prospective client demographic. You need this to assess if there is money to be made with what you want to do.

2. Once you are sure you can get business and make money the next step is poper training. Do not buy any equipment without doing at least the Level 1 IR course. Also additional training may be needed that is not IR related but related to the industry or equipment you want to perform IR on. All the IR training in the world is worth nothing if you do not know and understand what it is your inspecting.

3. After training, get proper equipment and software for your application.

Hope this helps.

heel1-
1st off is this an addition to your business or are you heading off on your own? I agree with Sonny on point 1 but point 2 really isn't what I would put as my next step. Knowing the way you want your business to go is going to be the key in what camera you want to buy. With all of the cameras out now you can buy a camera that will fit exactly what you are wanting to do or get one that can grow with your business. Training too can be directed for the application you are wanting to do. Give me a call and I would be happy to visit with you about what I am talking about. I've helped quite a few people get going in the world of infrared.

Thanks for the advice. I am considering stepping out on my own. I currently work for a large manufacturing company doing only vibration analysis and millwright work. Would like to start out on a limited basis while continuing my current job responsibilities. I might add that there are no infrared or vibration businesses located near my area. Seems to be an opportunity!