Optris MiniSight Pro: a low-cost alternative for thermal imaging

The device can be used to measure the surface temperature of objects between -32 to +760degC with an optical resolution of of 40:1, providing an accuracy of +/-1 per cent (or +/-1degC between 0 and 760degC). Users can even programme the device to compensate for the emissivity of different target materials.

Onboard data logging capabilities can handle up to 20 different values, a thermocouple input, alarm functions and a USB interface. Optris Connect software is also provided, which enables parameters to be set and temperatures to be recorded.

The 'optris MiniSight Pro' also benefits from a slimline, ergonomic design and is no larger or heavier than a standard TV remote control, so it fits neatly into a pocket. The unit is supplied with a tripod and carrying pouch as standard.

Suitable for preventive maintenance applications, quality management, R&D and electronic design, the optris MiniSight Pro can be used for a variety of tasks: to check electrical equipment; to detect 'hot spots' on bearings, motors and power transmission equipment; to measure the temperature of moving objects in manufacturing processes; to detect energy losses on thermal insulation; and to inspect critical components on vehicles.

Optris LaserSight

Also on show at MAINTEC 2007 was Micro-Epsilon's optris LaserSight temperature measurement device, which has 75:1 optics and sells for 475. Users can therefore measure smaller targets that are further away. Many competing products on the market only use an 8:1 ratio.

The 75:1 resolution is achieved by Micro-Epsilon's patented laser sighting with special, narrow-beam aiming. The innovative laser crosshairs sighting system supports precise temperature measurements at any distance. Using the crosshairs, a measuring spot can be identified in its real size of 16mm at a distance of 1200mm or 1mm at 62mm in close-focus mode.

A switch enables the user to shift into close-focus mode: two laser beams cross each other at the smallest measuring spot, just 1mm in diameter. An integrated position sensor flips the LCD display into the most convenient viewing position, so the device can be used in vertical or horizontal measuring mode; Micro-Epsilon says this makes the optris LaserSight the only device of its kind in the world to offer this type of functionality. Consequently the device is suitable for measuring the temperature of manifolds and similar objects. The measuring range of the device is from -35 up to +900degC.

A USB interface and graphics/reporting software with oscilloscope functionality help to process and record up to 20 measurements per second.

The 'optris LaserSight' is suitable for preventive maintenance applications, quality management, research and development and electronic design.

Optris' non-contact infrared thermometers

At MAINTEC 2007, Micro-Epsilon also showcased its complete family of optris non-contact infrared temperature measurement products. Prices for handheld infrared thermometers start from as little as 59 for 20:1 optics or 99 for 20:1 optics with adjustable emissivity, up to 475 for the optris LaserSight.

As well as handheld units, Micro-Epsilon also demonstrated its range of programmable, compact infrared temperature sensors: the optris CS and CSmicro, CTex and Ctfast.

The optris CS and optris CSmicro sensor series are suitable for industrial OEM users and combine high quality and accuracy of metrological parameters with a rugged, high-grade stainless steel housing and an attractive price per measuring point. The sensors are approximately half the price of the company's standard infrared temperature sensors.

The technology was designed specifically for OEM customers who, to date, may have avoided infrared measurement due to its relative high cost. The optris CS is therefore compact, with an M12 thread and a diameter of 14mm and a length of 87mm. The sensor also comes with integrated electronics, an LED display and a smart sighting support. It is a rugged device, benefiting from coated silicon optics, so can be used in ambient temperatures of up to 75degC, without cooling.

Further features include: a scalable analogue output of 0-10V or 0-5V, adjustable signal processing, short circuit and polarity reversal protection, USB programming interface with software and a wide power range of 5-7 or 12-28V DC.

The optris CSmicro is even more compact and measures just 14mm in diameter by 28mm long with an M12 thread. Again, the sensor is housed in stainless steel but the processing electronics are integrated in the sensor cable itself, which facilitates small sensor dimensions.

In addition to providing all the features of the optris CS, the optris CSmicro goes further and provides a programmable simultaneous alarm output for fast analysis and switching operations. A very fast response time of 30ms (CS and CSmicro) demonstrates the level of technical innovation these sensors bring to the infrared temperature sensor market. The sensor can also be used in ambient temperatures of up to 120degC without having to cool the sensing head.

Micro-Epsilon's optris CT series of sensors is one of the smallest infrared sensors in the world, with 20:1 optical resolution. Rugged and usable in ambient temperatures up to 180degC without cooling, the sensor measures temperatures from -40 up to +900degC and can accommodate digital remote communication of up to 32 sensors in one network, with optional USB, RS485 and RS232 interfaces.

ATEX-approved sensors

For hazardous areas, an accessory kit is available for the optris CT series. The optris CTex has an aluminium housing with mounting options for two zener barriers and optris CT sensor electronics. It comes with a pre-assembled cable for the optris CT electronics. According to EN 50014, the optris CT sensing heads are classed as simple electrical devices and so, with suitable zener barriers to limit energy levels, are deemed intrinsically safe for use in hazardous areas.

Micro-Epsilon's Ctfast is one of the smallest, fastest infrared sensors in the world, with exposure times between 3ms (50 per cent signal) and 9ms (90 per cent signal). Moving objects need only appear in the measuring field of the device for only 4ms for the unit to be able to detect temperatures ranging from -40 up to +600degC.

This opens up a wide range of possible applications for the sensor - for example, the temperature measurement of hot wheel bearings in moving trains. Similarly, measuring the temperature of objects in freefall can now be monitored for overheating and temperature difference. And the sensor also comes into its own when monitoring the temperature of small components (2mm) on conveyor lines.

The optris Ctfast has a fast analogue output with intelligent real-time data processing and an instant digital output with a response time of 4ms. The sensor is easy to assemble in multiple arrays for line scanning of small, fast moving objects (hot spot detection) using an RS485 bus connection. The unit is also rugged and can operate in ambient temperatures of up to 180degC without any cooling.

The sensor unit is very compact, with a sensing head that measures just 28mm in length with a diameter of 14mm. The control and electronics box measures just 120 x 70 x 30mm, making the complete unit easy to integrate into a company's production line.

Furthermore, the sensor is easy to set up and can be controlled remotely. There is automatic data logging for analysis and documentation. A graphics display shows fast temperature trends and users can programme analogue and digital inputs to take external emissivity and ambient temperature into account. Alarm output signals can be programmed and digital remote communication is possible for up to 32 sensors in a single network. The electronics is housed in a stainless steel body and accessories are available for cooling and air purging.

Follow the link for more information on Micro-Epsilon's range of non-contact temperature measurement products, or for a product demonstration, please call the sales department on +44 (0)151 260 9800 or email [email protected].