Techniques for preventing contamination of an electronic component via gas flow are described. According to some aspects, an electronic component module is configured to provide gas flow past and away from an electronic component such that thermal and material exchange is limited between the electronic component module and a coupled system. In some embodiments, the coupled system may be a portion of an additive fabrication device. As a result, a reduced number of contaminants may adhere to the electronic component, extending its lifespan and reducing maintenance.

A thermal imaging apparatus comprising: a housing with a front wall having a first aperture extending therethrough, a rear wall spaced from the front wall, side walls connecting the front and rear walls; a thermal imaging camera mounted within the internal chamber of the housing, a camera lens aligned with the first aperture; and a fluid injection portion connected to the internal chamber that directs fluid towards the lens to clean the lens. Alternatively the housing defines first and second internal chambers spaced along a longitudinal axis of the apparatus separated by an internal wall comprising a second aperture extending therethrough; where the thermal imaging camera is mounted within the second internal chamber, with the camera lens aligned with the two apertures. Gas and fluid injection portions are connected to the first internal chamber to direct gas into the first chamber; and fluid towards the lens to clean the lens.

A thermal imaging apparatus comprising: a housing with a front wall having a first aperture extending therethrough, a rear wall spaced from the front wall, side walls connecting the front and rear walls; a thermal imaging camera mounted within the internal chamber of the housing, a camera lens aligned with the first aperture; and a fluid injection portion connected to the internal chamber that directs fluid towards the lens to clean the lens. Alternatively the housing defines first and second internal chambers spaced along a longitudinal axis of the apparatus separated by an internal wall comprising a second aperture extending therethrough; where the thermal imaging camera is mounted within the second internal chamber, with the camera lens aligned with the two apertures. Gas and fluid injection portions are connected to the first internal chamber to direct gas into the first chamber; and fluid towards the lens to clean the lens.

A temperature sensor used in a molding machine includes: a tubular fiber probe into which an optical fiber is threaded; an outer casing having a shaft into which the fiber probe is inserted; a protective window that is located on a distal end side of the fiber probe and is formed of glass; and a spacer that is disposed between the fiber probe and the protective window and has a space section both sides of which are in contact with the fiber probe and the protective window. The space section has a transmission hole formed to serve as a path leading infrared light to the optical fiber, and a diameter of the transmission hole is equal to or greater than an outer diameter of the optical fiber.

A temperature sensor used in a molding machine includes: a tubular fiber probe into which an optical fiber is threaded; an outer casing having a shaft into which the fiber probe is inserted; a protective window that is located on a distal end side of the fiber probe and is formed of glass; and a spacer that is disposed between the fiber probe and the protective window and has a space section both sides of which are in contact with the fiber probe and the protective window. The space section has a transmission hole formed to serve as a path leading infrared light to the optical fiber, and a diameter of the transmission hole is equal to or greater than an outer diameter of the optical fiber.

Disclosed herein is an apparatus. The apparatus may comprise; a housing; a camera mounted within the housing; a gas injection portion; and a fluid injection portion. The apparatus provides an effective cleaning system for a camera used in a dirty and moist environment.

Disclosed herein is an apparatus. The apparatus may comprise; a housing; a camera mounted within the housing; a gas injection portion; and a fluid injection portion. The apparatus provides an effective cleaning system for a camera used in a dirty and moist environment.