PI 08M

Precision Short-wavelength Thermal Camera for 3D printing, Laser Processing and Additive Manufacturing

The Optris PI 08M is a short-wavelength thermal camera for complex laser manufacturing processes. It operates at 0.78–0.82 µm. The infrared camera targets hot, reflective surfaces so that temperature data stays reliable in NIR and CO2 laser work. Its wide range, high accuracy, and flexible field of view combine to make one thermal camera fit demanding industry needs.

Conventional long-wave imagers struggle with metals. Emissivity is low and unstable, so readings drift. The PI 08M thermal camera measures where many metals emit more strongly, so that repeatability improves and reflection errors drop. Planck’s law favors short wavelengths at high temperatures, so that the emissivity uncertainty has less impact. Choose a short-wavelength thermal camera for reflective, high-temperature tasks so that process control stays precise and stable. Optris builds the thermal camera in Germany, so that quality and reliability remain high.

The thermal camera for laser manufacturing measures continuously from 575 °C to 1900 °C. It keeps a strong distance-to-spot ratio so that standoff readings remain accurate. Acquisition adapts to speed: 764 × 480 at 32 Hz for detail, 382 × 288 at 80 Hz for motion, and 72 × 56 at 1 kHz for rapid events. A 764 × 8 sub-image at 1 kHz enables line scanning, so that strips, seams, or rotating parts get continuous thermal profiles.

The thermal camera connects via USB so that setup and data transfer stay simple. PIX Connect adds line scanning, image merging, and radiometric analysis so that teams process data efficiently. Developer kits support custom software, so that integrators can tailor the PI 08M infrared camera to industrial and research needs.

PI 08M Thermal Camera – Important Features:

  • High dynamic CMOS detector with up to 764 x 480 pixels resolution
  • Spectral Sensitivity around 0.8 µm – ideal for NIR and CO2 laser processing applications
  • Wide measurement ranges from 575°C to 1900°C without sub-ranges
  • Up to 1 kHz frame rate for fast processes
  • Analog and digital outputs with 1 ms response time
  • Line scanning function

The Optris PI 08M is a short-wavelength infrared camera that integrates advanced design, cost-effectiveness, and measurement precision. It is optimized for non-contact thermal imaging of complex objects within the 0.78 to 0.82 μm spectral range. The device is engineered to acquire accurate surface temperature data for metal-based additive manufacturing processes that utilize near-infrared (NIR) and carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers. Its broad temperature measurement range, high accuracy, and configurable field-of-view options enable the PI 08M to meet the stringent requirements of multiple industrial sectors.

Non-reflective materials generally display uniform emissivity, especially in long-wave infrared spectral ranges. In contrast, metallic and reflective materials exhibit low emissivity at these wavelengths, resulting in less reliable temperature measurements. The short-wavelength detection capability of the PI 08M infrared camera corresponds to the peak emissivity of most metals, thereby improving the reliability of remote temperature assessments. Additionally, Planck’s radiation law indicates that short-wavelength infrared regions emit greater levels of radiation, which reduces the influence of emissivity variations on the repeatability of temperature measurements.

For precise temperature measurement of reflective materials at high temperatures, short-wavelength infrared cameras such as the PI 08M are recommended. This camera is manufactured in Germany to address demanding industrial applications and demonstrates superior precision, accuracy, and repeatability compared to long-wavelength alternatives.

With a spectral range and continuous measurement capability from 575°C to 1900°C, the compact infrared camera is suitable for most NIR and CO2 laser processing applications. Its high distance-to-spot-size ratio enables accurate temperature measurements from significant distances.

The infrared camera offers multiple frame rates and sub-image configurations to accommodate diverse application needs. At 764 x 480 pixel resolution, it achieves a 32 Hz frame rate for detailed imaging. At 382 x 288 pixels, the frame rate increases to 80 Hz, which is suitable for monitoring fast-moving objects. For applications requiring rapid temperature detection, the camera operates at 1 kHz with a 72 x 56 pixel resolution.

The thermal camera also supports a wide sub-image mode of 764 x 8 pixels at 1 kHz, which is advantageous for line scanning applications. This functionality enables precise temperature monitoring along a continuous line, supporting a range of industrial and research uses.

The infrared camera connects to a computer through a USB interface, enabling straightforward integration into existing systems. The Optris PI 08M provides access to advanced software features, such as line scanning and image merging, via the PIX Connect software license. This software is essential for researchers and process engineers who require a cost-effective infrared camera with a comprehensive platform for thermal image processing and temperature data acquisition. Developer kits are also available for integrators developing customized software solutions for specific applications.

The PI 08M infrared camera is compatible with a variety 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 maintain lens cleanliness, ensuring continuous temperature measurement in dusty conditions.

Additional features include mechanical mounting accessories, electrical interfaces, and connection cables, offering a comprehensive accessory suite. This compatibility increases the versatility and adaptability of the PI 08M, supporting integration into diverse systems and applications.

Detector Specifications (High-Speed Metal)
Optical ResolutionFull: 764 x 480 px | Subframe: 382 x 288 px
Linescan: 764 x 8 px
Detector TypeCMOS, 15 μm pixel pitch
Spectral Range780 – 820 nm (Short-wavelength)
Frame RateFull: 32 Hz | Subframe: 80 Hz | Linescan: 1 kHz
Optical Options (Lens Comparison)
Model / FOV 27° x 17° (14°x11°) 41° x 25° (20°x15°)
Focal Length 25 mm 16 mm
F Number 1.8 2.0
Optical Res. (D:S) 400:1 255:1
Min. Spot (IFOV) 0.1 mm 0.1 mm
Measurable (MFOV) 0.4 mm 0.4 mm
Min. Distance 300 mm 300 mm

* Interchangeable optics: Yes (สามารถเปลี่ยนเลนส์ได้)

Measurement & Communication
Object Temp. Range575 °C … 1900 °C
System Accuracy±1% (< 1500°C) | ±2% (> 1500°C) [at 27/32/80 Hz]
Thermal Sensitivity (NETD)< 2 K (1000 °C)
Analog I/O (Direct)1x Analog Out (0/4-20 mA) / 1x Input (isolated)
Industrial PIF (Optional)2x 0-10V In, 1x Digital In, 3x Analog Out, 3x Relays, Fail-safe relay
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)

Infrared Temperature Control of Wire Arc Additive Manufacturing

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 08M
  • 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