PI 05M

Precision Ultra-Short-wavelength Thermal Camera for Molten Metals, Alloys and Laser Processes

The Optris PI 05M is an ultra-short-wavelength thermal camera for molten metal alloys and NIR and CO₂ laser processes. The infrared camera operates at 0.50–0.54 μm, enabling accurate measurement of hot, reflective targets with higher emissivity and reduced reflection error compared to long-wave systems. The thermal imager ensures stable temperature data in demanding, high-energy environments. Its continuous 900–2450 °C range and high accuracy allow one thermal camera to address diverse industrial tasks.

The PI 05M thermal camera for molten metal includes a 27° × 17° lens, so that it allows users to capture detailed thermal images and precise spot temperatures at practical distances. While non-reflective materials perform predictably in long-wave bands, metals do not, so that long-wavelength infrared sensors fail. This short-wavelength infrared camera aligns with the emissivity peak of most metals, improving measurement repeatability. At high temperatures, Planck’s law favors short wavelengths, increasing the emitted signal strength and reducing the impact of emissivity uncertainty. As a result, this thermal camera offers greater precision, accuracy, and repeatability than long-wavelength alternatives.

Flexible acquisition modes match process speed. At 764 × 480 pixels, the infrared camera records at 32 Hz, so that it keeps full-frame detail high. At 382 × 288 pixels it reaches 80 Hz, tracking fast motion without blur. For rapid transients, a 72 × 56 mode at 1 kHz captures millisecond events. A 764 × 8 sub-image line mode at 1 kHz supports line-scanner workflows for straightforward strip or seam monitoring.

The thermal camera connects via USB, so that it works with PIX Connect software at no additional cost, so that users can perform line scanning, image merging, and radiometric analysis immediately. Developer kits are available so that integrators can embed the infrared camera into custom systems.

PI 05M Thermal Camera for Molten Metals – Important Features:

  • High dynamic CMOS detector with up to 764 x 480 pixels resolution
  • Spectral sensitivity around 0.5 µm – ideal for molten metals and laser processes
  • Wide measurement ranges from 900°C to 2450 °C without sub-ranges
  • Up to 1 kHz frame rate for fast processes
  • Analog and digital outputs with 1 ms response time

The Optris PI 05M is an ultra-short-wavelength thermal camera designed for non-contact temperature measurement of high-temperature targets. The infrared camera operates in the short-wavelength infrared range (0.50–0.54 μm). The thermal imager is engineered for precise temperature analysis of materials such as molten metals and for additive manufacturing processes that use near-infrared (NIR) and carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers. The PI 05M offers a broad temperature measurement range and high accuracy, making it suitable for demanding industrial applications.

The PI 05M thermal camera is equipped with a lens offering a 27° x 17° field of view, enabling detailed thermal imaging and accurate temperature analysis in industrial environments. This configuration supports precise measurement of high-temperature materials and complex additive manufacturing processes. Non-reflective materials generally maintain stable emissivity, particularly in long-wave spectral ranges. In contrast, metallic and reflective materials often have low emissivity in long infrared wavelengths, resulting in less reliable measurements. The PI 05M’s short wavelength range corresponds to higher emissivity in most metals, improving the reliability of remote temperature measurements. According to Planck’s radiation law, the short wavelength range emits more infrared radiation, reducing the influence of emissivity variations on measurement repeatability. Therefore, ultra-short-wavelength infrared cameras are recommended for accurate temperature measurement of reflective materials at elevated temperatures. The PI 05M is manufactured in Germany to meet industrial standards and offers improved precision, accuracy, and repeatability compared to long-wavelength alternatives.

The PI 05M features a spectral bandwidth of 0.50–0.54 μm and a continuous measurement range from 900°C to 2450°C. This capability makes it suitable for temperature measurement of molten metals, high-temperature materials, and most NIR and CO2 laser processing applications.

The thermal camera offers exceptional versatility with a range of frame rates and sub-image options to suit different application needs. At a resolution of 764 x 480 pixels, it operates at 32 Hz, providing detailed imaging. When set to 382 x 288 pixels, it achieves a higher frame rate of 80 Hz, ideal for capturing fast-moving objects with clarity. For even faster applications, such as rapid temperature changes, it can operate at 1 kHz with a resolution of 72 x 56 pixels.

The camera also offers a sub-image mode of 764 x 8 pixels at 1 kHz, which is designed for line scanning applications. This mode enables precise temperature monitoring along a continuous line, supporting a range of industrial measurement and imaging tasks.

The Optris PI 05M thermal camera connects to a computer via USB and is compatible with the PIX Connect software, which provides functionalities such as line scanning and image merging. PIX Connect is available at no additional cost and supports thermal image processing and temperature data collection. Developer kits are also offered for integrators who require customized software solutions.

The PI 05M infrared camera is compatible with a range of accessories designed for use in harsh environments. These include a water-cooled housing that extends the camera’s operating temperature range to 315°C and air purges that help maintain lens cleanliness in dusty conditions.

Additional accessories include mechanical mounting components, electrical interfaces, and connection cables. These options facilitate integration of the PI 05M into existing systems for reliable thermal imaging applications.

Detector Specifications (High-Temp Metal)
Optical ResolutionFull: 764x480 px | Subframe: 382x288 px
Linescan: 764x8 px
Detector TypeCMOS, 15 μm pixel pitch
Spectral Range500 – 540 nm (Short-wavelength)
Frame RateFull: 32 Hz | Subframe: 80 Hz | Linescan: 1 kHz
Optical Options (Lens Comparison)
FOV (Field of View) 41° x 25° 27° x 17° 13° x 8°
Focal Length 16 mm 25 mm 50 mm
F Number 2.0 1.8 2.8
Optical Res. (D:S) 255:1 561:1 833:1
Min. Spot (IFOV) 0.1 mm 0.1 mm 0.2 mm
Measurable (MFOV) 0.4 mm 0.4 mm 0.8 mm
Min. Distance 100 mm 300 mm 500 mm

* Interchangeable optics: Yes | Subframe placement: Anywhere in FOV

Measurement & Performance
Object Temp. Range900 °C … 2450 °C
System Accuracy±1% (< 2000°C) | ±2% (> 2000°C) [at 27/32/80 Hz]
Thermal Sensitivity (NETD)< 2 K (< 1400°C) | < 4 K (> 1400°C)
CapabilitiesHot metal & molten metal measurement, Areas of Interest, Linescanner, EventGrabber
General Specifications
Size / Housing46 x 56 x 88–129 mm | Aluminium housing
Protection ClassIP67 (NEMA-4)
Operating Temp.5 °C ... 50 °C
Power SupplyUSB Powered (Max 2.5 W)
Weight245 – 311 g (depending on lens)

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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 05M
  • USB cable (1 m)
  • Cable for output/input (1 m) incl. terminal block
  • Tripod
  • Rugged outdoor transport case (IP67)
  • Software package optris PIX Connect
  • PI Product Manual