Xi 1M ETH

Compact Industrial Autonomous Short-Wavelength Infrared Camera for Molten Metal, Steel, Ceramics

The Optris Xi 1M is a rugged, short-wavelength fixed-mount thermal camera designed for non-contact temperature measurement of hot, low-emissivity materials. By operating within a spectral range of 0.85 to 1.1 µm, the infrared camera for alloys, metals, ceramics, and semiconductors effectively minimizes measurement deviations caused by reflections and emissivity changes, which are common in high-temperature environments.

The Xi 1M of the Xi series measures temperatures from 450 to 1800 °C without sub-range switching. Its CMOS detector provides 396 × 300 pixels with a 15 µm pixel pitch. Furthermore, the thermal camera records full-frame images at 20 Hz and supports line scanning at speeds up to 500 Hz. In this mode, 396 × 8 pixels via Ethernet or 396 × 1 pixels in smart operation enable temperature profiling of moving targets, such as metal strips or rotating parts.

To ensure consistent image sharpness, the Xi 1M features a motorized focus that allows precise focusing at different working distances. Moreover, its IP67-rated stainless steel housing protects the lens and electronics even under demanding industrial conditions. The infrared camera also offers Ethernet, USB 2.0, and RS-485 interfaces. Additionally, it supports Power-over-Ethernet and operates on an 8–30 V DC supply, simplifying integration into existing systems.

For automation tasks, the Xi 1M provides one analog output and one isolated input. When needed, optional process interface modules can add up to three analog or alarm outputs each or industrial fieldbus communication. Furthermore, up to three stackable interfaces can be combined, offering a total of nine independent analog or relay outputs with integrated fail-safe monitoring.

Because of its autonomous operating capability, the thermal camera can perform internal temperature processing and hotspot detection without a computer. The thermal imager directly outputs results as analog, digital, or alarm signals.

Xi 1M – Infrared Camera for Alloys & Metals  – Important Features:

  • Industrial Ethernet short-wavelength infrared camera
  • Wide measurement range from 450°C to 1800°C without sub-ranges
  • Small-sized, ruggedized with motorized focus
  • Fast line scanning mode with 500 Hz (Ethernet: 396 x 8 px / autonomous: 396 x 1 px)
  • Autonomous operation with auto hot spot finder, direct analog or alarm output, and various fieldbus communication options

The Optris Xi 1M is a short-wavelength infrared camera designed for non-contact thermal imaging of complex industrial materials. Operating within the 0.85 to 1.1 μm spectral range, the device captures precise surface temperature data for materials such as steel, iron, brass, copper, tin, carbon, ceramics, and semiconductors. The Optris Xi 1M meets the requirements of demanding industrial applications by providing broad temperature measurement ranges, high accuracy, and configurable field-of-view options.

Non-reflective materials typically exhibit high and stable emissivity across long-wave infrared spectral ranges, regardless of surface texture. In contrast, metallic and reflective materials display low emissivity at long infrared wavelengths, which leads to inconsistent and unreliable temperature measurements.

The short-wavelength spectral range of the Xi 1M infrared camera aligns with the peak emissivity of most metallic materials, enabling accurate remote temperature measurement. According to Planck’s radiation law, short wavelengths result in greater infrared radiation emission, which reduces the impact of emissivity variations on measurement repeatability. Consequently, short-wavelength infrared cameras are preferred for contactless temperature measurement of reflective materials at elevated temperatures. The Xi 1M also features autonomous thermal hot spot detection, increasing its effectiveness in monitoring and inspection tasks. Manufactured in Germany, the Xi 1M demonstrates superior precision, accuracy, and repeatability compared to long-wavelength infrared cameras in industrial applications.

The Xi 1M thermal camera provides mid-resolution thermal imaging at 396 by 300 pixels, supporting temperature measurements from 450°C to 1800°C without the need for sub-ranges. Its high distance-to-spot-size ratio enables accurate temperature data collection from significant distances, exceeding the optical performance of contemporary pyrometers. The motorized focus function allows for precise remote adjustment of the focal point on measurement targets.
The industrial-grade construction of the Optris Xi 1M ensures reliable operation in challenging industrial settings. Its compact, durable, and waterproof design supports both fixed and mounted installations, providing consistent performance in various manufacturing environments.

The Optris Xi 1M uses Ethernet as its primary interface, supporting a 20 Hz frame rate for full-size images. A USB interface is available for sub-images of 132 by 100 pixels at the same frame rate. Autonomous operation reduces the need for extensive software development, facilitating integration into control systems. Additional features include automatic spot detection, direct analog output (0/4-20mA), and compatibility with industrial fieldbus protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, RS485, and Profinet. The autonomous mode at 20 Hz for sub-images further streamlines integration into industrial machinery.

In addition, the Optris Xi1M offers access to more complex software functionalities, such as line scanning or image merging through the PIX Connect software license. PIX Connect is indispensable. The Optris Xi 1M provides advanced software functionalities, including line scanning and image merging, accessible through the PIX Connect software license. PIX Connect supports thermal image processing and temperature data collection. Developer kits are available for integrators creating application-specific software solutions, from manufacturing processes to condition monitoring, research, and development activities. The Xi 1 M’s flexibility ensures seamless integration into various industrial setups, enhancing the camera’s adaptability to specific requirements. With its advanced features, the Optris Xi 1M sets a new standard for fixed-install infrared imaging, offering a cost-effective and powerful solution for diverse industrial applications.

Moreover, the infrared camera Xi 1M is compatible with an extensive range of accessories tailored for harsh environmental conditions. These accessories include a water-cooled housing. The Xi 1M infrared camera is compatible with a range of accessories designed for use in harsh environments. These include a water-cooled housing that extends the operating temperature range to 250°C and air blades that maintain lens cleanliness in dusty conditions. Additional accessories include mechanical mounting options, electrical interfaces, and connection cables.

Detector Specifications (High-Temp Metal)
Optical ResolutionFull: 396×300 px | Subframe: 132×100 px
Linescan: 396×8 px / 396×1 px
Detector TypeCMOS, 15 μm pixel pitch
Spectral Range0.85 – 1.1 μm (Short wavelength)
Frame RateFull/Subframe: 20 Hz | Linescan: 500 Hz
Optical Options (Lens Comparison)
Model (FOV) 7° x 5° 14° x 10° 28° x 21° 7° x 5° CF
Focal Length 50 mm 25 mm 12 mm 50 mm
F Number 2.8 1.8 2.0 2.8
Optical Res. (D:S) 806:1 401:1 195:1 830:1
Min. Spot (IFOV) 0.3 mm 0.5 mm 0.7 mm 0.1 mm
Measurable (MFOV) 1.2 mm 2.5 mm 2.8 mm 0.4 mm
Min. Distance 800 mm 300 mm 300 mm 500 mm
Part Number OPTXI1MO7SFT180 OPTXI1MO14T180 OPTXI1MO28T180 OPTXI1MO7CFT180
Measurement & Capabilities
Object Temp. Range450 °C … 1800 °C
Accuracy< 1400 °C: ±1% | < 1600 °C: ±2% of reading
Thermal Sensitivity (NETD)< 2 K (< 900 °C) / < 4 K (< 1400 °C)
Focus ControlMotorized Focus
CapabilitiesHot metal & molten metal measurement, Autonomous temperature evaluation
General Specifications
Size / HousingØ 36 mm x 112-127 mm | Stainless steel
Protection ClassIP67 (NEMA-4)
InterfacesUSB 2.0 / Ethernet (100 Mbit/s) / RS485
Power SupplyUSB / PoE / 8-30 VDC (Max 2.5 W)
Weight270 g (without bracket)

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Thermography software optris PIX Connect is included and license-free.All infrared cameras are delivered with the thermography software optris PIX Connect, developed specifically for the extensive documentation and analysis of thermal images. The Windows-based PIX Connect software enables users to tailor the infrared cameras to meet specific requirements. It analyses live and recorded temperature data and triggers alarm signals for process integration.The key to leveraging the Optris infrared camera is a correct configuration. This includes detailed device-specific configurations such as frame rate, measurement range adjustments, external communication settings, and USB/Ethernet configurations. Moreover, PIX Connect facilitates firmware updates and the download of configuration files over the Internet.

Optris offers several different SDKs for our Xi and PI thermal imaging cameras. Depending on the operating platform, the infrared camera, the coding language, and the hardware platform, different software interfaces can be utilized:

The Optris IRmobile allows users to set up and commission an Optris infrared pyrometer or infrared camera with an Android smartphone or tablet. This tool becomes handy for commissioning and aligning the infrared camera’s field of view or adjusting the configuration. The app analyzes the connected infrared camera’s live infrared image stream with auto hot and cold spot detection. For pyrometers, a temperature-time diagram or the video signal is displayed. This app works on most Android devices running 5.0+ with a USB port supporting USB-OTG (On The Go).

  • Infrared Camera PI 400i
  • USB cable (1m)
  • Cable for output/input (1 m) incl. terminal block
  • Tripod
  • Rugged outdoor transport case (IP67)
  • Software package optris PIX Connect
  • PI Product Manual