See temperature measurement systems at MAINTEC 2010

After recently setting up a partnership agreement with Flir Systems UK, a leading supplier of infrared thermography systems, Micro-Epsilon is now able to offer its customers the thermoIMAGER i series of handheld thermal imaging cameras. The range comprises four models: the i5, i40, i50 and i60.

Starting from 1995, the thermoIMAGER i5 is a compact, lightweight, multi-purpose infrared camera that requires little training and provides engineers with a low-cost 'point-shoot-detect' camera. However, even at such a competitive price, the i5 is still accurate enough to measure temperatures up to 250degC while being able to detect temperature differences as small as 0.10degC.

In terms of its weight, size, price and performance, the thermoIMAGER i5 is claimed to be unbeatable. Weighing just 340g and with a length of 22cm, it is said to be the lightest and most compact camera currently available on the market. The i5 produces instant, point-and-shoot JPEG infrared images that carry all required temperature data and that can be stored internally or externally, sent and analysed. The camera detects temperature differences across complete surfaces or components in electrical, mechanical and building/office applications, thereby helping to detect potential overheating problems, and avoiding costly failures, damage to equipment and energy losses. The camera has a bright, 2.8-inch LCD display and a long-life battery for five hours of continuous operation.

For those engineers that require a higher resolution camera, additional functionality and who need to document their findings, Micro-Epsilon's thermoIMAGER i40 and i50 handheld infrared cameras are suitable.

Inline temperature sensors

In addition to thermal imaging cameras, Micro-Epsilon will also be showcasing its new thermoMETER CT laser infrared non-contact temperature sensors. This range of inline (fixed) sensors operates within specific wavelengths and are suitable for measuring the temperature of all virtually all materials including metals, glass, ceramics, composites and secondary metal processing applications, from -40 up to 1800degC, using laser sighting to easily locate the target to be measured and also define measurement spot size.

The Micro-Epsilon thermoMETER CT laser M3 (see photo) is an infrared temperature sensor that measures at a short wavelength of 2.3um for all temperature measurements between 50 and 600degC. This sensor is claimed to have the lowest unit price of any 2-3um-wavelength sensor currently in the marketplace - typically 60 per cent of the cost of alternatives.

With a start temperature of 50degC, the thermoMETER CT laser M3 fulfils the demands of end users who need to measure the temperature of metals, ceramics and composites, while processing at room temperature. The short wavelength also enables measurements to be taken through glass or transparent plastic windows, which is a common task in the latest laser welding or lighting systems.

The sensor's precision double laser sighting, in combination with excellent optical resolution (100:1), minimum spot size (0.7mm), and favourable price/performance ratio, results in a sensor that is suitable for measuring in the metal processing and metal components industry at temperatures up to 600degC.

Double laser sighting means that there are two laser beams that precisely follow the infrared optical path, marking the real spot size. Most common pyrometers use a central laser beam, through-lens sighting system or video sighting, which simply marks the centre and estimate the spot size. Fast signal processing and quantum detector enable fast response times of just 1ms.

Higher temperatures

For higher process temperatures from 250 up to 1800degC, Micro-Epsilon's new thermoMETER CT laser M1/M2 temperature sensors can be used to measure the temperature of metals, ceramics and composites. Like the M3, the M1/M2 sensors have double precision laser sighting, but they also benefit from a 300:1 optical resolution and a minimum spot size of 0.45mm. Sensor response times are from 1ms.

Follow the link for more information about Micro-Epsilon's non-contact temperature sensors.