The Optris PI 1M is a short-wavelength thermal camera designed for precise, non-contact measurement of hot, shiny metal targets. Operating at 0.85–1.1 µm, it matches metals’ higher emissivity and reduces long-wave reflection errors. The thermal camera provides reliable data on metals, alloys, steel, iron, copper, brass, tin, carbon, and semiconductors.
Moreover, the thermal camera’s spectral placement takes advantage of Planck’s law. At short wavelengths, emitted radiation rises steeply, so emissivity uncertainties affect repeatability less. Therefore, the thermal camera PI 1M for metal achieves higher accuracy and stability on bright, high-temperature surfaces, making the thermal camera a popular choice for control in metal processing.
The thermal camera measures temperatures ranging from 450 to 1800 °C in a single uninterrupted range. Moreover, a strong distance-to-spot ratio supports remote use on small measurement targets. The infrared camera records at 764 × 480 pixels at 32 Hz for detailed images. The thermal camera also offers a resolution of 382 × 288 at 80 Hz. For fast events, 72 × 56 at 1 kHz is available. A wide sub-image mode, 764 × 8 at 1 kHz, enables fast line scanning. USB and configurable analog/digital interfaces link the thermal camera for metal to control systems. Besides that, with PIX Connect, users run line scans, merge images, log data, and alarms.
For harsh sites, add-ons include water-cooled housings rated to 315 °C. Additionally, air purges keep optics clean in dusty atmospheres. Mounting hardware and cabling simplify deployment on furnaces, reactors, and production lines. An optional notch filter is available for laser applications.
The PI 1M is designed and manufactured in Germany. The thermal camera for metal combines precision, speed, and durability with a cost-effective approach. Thus, for shiny, high-temperature materials, its shortwave approach delivers accuracy, repeatability, and flexibility. Therefore, typical uses include metallurgy, laser processing, and research.
The Optris PI 1M is a short-wavelength infrared camera that combines innovation, affordability, and precision. It excels in non-contact thermal imaging of challenging objects, operating within the short-wavelength infrared range (1M: 0.85 – 1.1 μm). This camera is engineered to capture measurement data for precise surface temperature analysis of hot steel, iron, brass, copper, tin, carbon, ceramics, and semiconductors. It meets the demands of various industries with its wide temperature measurement ranges, accuracy, and customizable field-of-view configurations.
Many non-shiny materials exhibit high and relatively constant emissivity, regardless of surface consistency, especially in long-wave spectral ranges. However, metallic and shiny materials often have low emissivity at long infrared wavelengths, which can lead to varying and unreliable results. The Optris PI 1M is also engineered for metal-based additive manufacturing applications. Its compatibility with an optional notch filter makes it well suited for nearly all laser processing applications.
The spectral range of the short-wavelength PI 1M infrared camera aligns with the highest emissivity of most metallic materials, simplifying remote temperature measurement. Additionally, according to Planck’s radiation law, exponentially more infrared radiation is emitted in the short wavelength range. As a result, linear emissivity issues have less influence on the repeatability of temperature measurement results at short wavelengths. This enhances the reliability and accuracy of temperature measurements, particularly for metallic materials, when using the PI 1M infrared camera. Therefore, for contactless temperature measurement of shiny materials at high temperatures, it is advisable to utilize short-wave infrared cameras whenever possible, given their broader temperature measuring range and better suitability for shiny surfaces. The PI 1M infrared camera is meticulously engineered and manufactured in Germany to meet the demands of challenging industrial applications. It surpasses long-wavelength infrared cameras in terms of precision, accuracy, and repeatability, making it the preferred choice for high-performance temperature measurement in demanding environments.
The PI 1M infrared camera not only provides high-resolution thermal images but also measures temperatures from 450°C to 1800°C in a single range. Its strong distance-to-spot-size ratio allows for accurate readings even from far away. These features make it a valuable tool for precise temperature analysis in many industrial environments.
The infrared camera offers versatile frame rates and sub-image options to accommodate various application requirements. Operating at a resolution of 764 x 480 pixels, it runs at 32 Hz, ensuring detailed imaging. Switching to 382 x 288 pixels increases the frame rate to 80 Hz, ideal for capturing fast-moving objects with clarity. For rapid applications, such as monitoring temperature changes, it can operate at 1 kHz with a resolution of 72 x 56 pixels.
The infrared camera also offers a wide sub-image mode at 764 x 8 pixels and 1 kHz, which is ideal for line scanning. This flexibility allows for accurate temperature monitoring along a line, making it useful in both industrial and research settings.
The infrared camera connects easily to a computer using USB. With the PIX Connect software, users can access features like line scanning and image merging. This software is helpful for researchers and engineers who need reliable thermal image processing and data collection. Developer kits are also available for those building custom software solutions.
The PI 1M works with many accessories built for tough environments. For example, a water-cooled housing lets the camera operate up to 315°C. Air purges are also available to keep the lens clean, so measurements stay accurate even in dusty areas.
The thermal camera also comes with mounting accessories, electrical interfaces, and cables, all at a competitive price. This wide compatibility makes the PI 1M easy to use in different setups and applications.
| Detector Specifications (High-Precision CMOS) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Optical Resolution |
Full: 764 x 480 pixels Subframe: 382 x 288 px | Fast subframe: 72 x 56 px | Linescan: 764 x 8 px | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Detector Type | CMOS, 15 μm pixel pitch | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Spectral Range | 0.85 – 1.1 μm (Short-wavelength for Metal) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Frame Rate | Full: 32 Hz | Subframe: 80 Hz | Linescan/Fast Subframe: 1 kHz | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Optical Filter | Optional notch filter at 1064 nm | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Optical Options (Lens Comparison) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
* Interchangeable optics: Yes | 1 kHz mode accuracy differs (see remarks) |
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| Measurement & Performance | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Object Temp. Range |
450 °C … 1800 °C (Subframe) 500 °C … 1800 °C (Full res) | 600 °C … 1800 °C (1 kHz mode) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| System Accuracy | ±1% of reading (< 1400 °C) | ±2% of reading (< 1600 °C) [at 27/32/80 Hz] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Thermal Sensitivity (NETD) | < 2 K (< 900 °C) | < 4 K (< 1400 °C) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Image Processing | Hot metal/molten metal measurement, Areas of Interest, Linescanner, Recording & Playing | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| General Specifications | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Size / Housing | 46 x 56 x 88–129 mm | Aluminium housing | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Protection Class | IP67 (NEMA-4) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating Temp. | 5 °C ... 50 °C | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Interfaces | USB 2.0 | Optional: USB GigE (PoE) / Industrial PIF | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Weight | 245 – 311 g (depending on lens) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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).
