PI 640i G7

Precision High-Resolution Thermal Camera and Line Scanner for the Glass Industry

The Optris PI 640i G7 thermal camera targets glass processes in the G7 spectral range (7.9 µm) so that glass temperatures read reliably. It now ships with 120° ultra-wide-angle optics so that a single camera can cover large furnaces, float lines, and tempering zones. The lens offers a 120° × 100° FOV so that edge-to-edge monitoring becomes feasible in tight spaces. Moreover, interchangeable optics from 15° × 11° to 120° × 100° let users match pixel coverage and working distance to each task.

The detector provides 640 × 480 VGA resolution and a 17 µm pixel size so that small defects remain visible. Frame rates span 32 Hz to 125 Hz (in 640 × 120 subframe) so that fast motion appears sharp. A 3 × 3 pixel MFOV supports small-spot analysis so that localized hotspots are measurable. In addition, a software line-scanner mode turns any detector row into a continuous temperature profile so that users capture both the profile and the full thermal image at once. Consequently, the setup replaces bulky mirror-based scanners, so that installation and maintenance become simpler and the footprint shrinks.

Accurate glass measurement hinges on emissivity, so the 7.9 µm band aligns with the high emissivity of common glass types. As a result, reflectivity and transmissivity effects drop, and viewing-angle sensitivity diminishes. In its standard range, the camera measures 150 °C to 900 °C so that most glass processes are covered. With an additional factory calibration, the upper limit extends to 3000 °C so that extremely high-temperature processes remain measurable and visualizable.

PIX Connect software adds hot/cold spot search, histograms, profiles, image subtraction, alarms, and recording/replay so that process engineers get complete analysis in one tool. Users extract calibrated temperatures from any pixel in live or recorded radiometric video, so that quality documentation stays traceable.

PI 640i G7 Thermal Camera for Glass Industry – Important Features:

  • High-performance uncooled USB thermal camera with pixel resolution of 640 x 480
  • Temperature range: 150°C to 1500°C, (optional: 200°C to 3000°C)
  • Spectral sensitivity matches glass’ highest emissivity at 7.9µm
  • Frame rate up to 125 Hz

The PI 640i G7 is a high-performance infrared camera built for both researchers and process engineers. It supports remote temperature measurement for research and process control. In its standard setup, it delivers high VGA resolution and image quality, measuring temperatures from 150°C to 900°C. The camera can also be calibrated for high-temperature measurements up to 3000°C. The Precision Line from Optris is known for its accurate radiometric measurements and clear images.

Measuring glass temperature accurately depends on emissivity, which can change based on different factors and needs to be considered for each application. The G7’s 7.9 µm spectral range matches the highest emissivity of glass, making remote temperature measurement easier by reducing reflectivity and transmissivity. This range also lessens the effect of viewing angle on emissivity, so surface temperature can be measured reliably, even from an angle. The PI 640i G7 uses a 17 µm pixel size, which allows for a small measurement field of view of just 3 x 3 pixels. Its high-quality, larger optics ensure clear images with little distortion and even brightness across the picture. You can choose from many interchangeable lenses to get the best view and pixel coverage for your target. The camera runs at 32 Hz in standard mode and up to 125 Hz in high-speed mode, making it suitable for monitoring fast manufacturing processes.

The PI 640i G7 works with Optris PIX Connect software, available as a free download with updates provided on a no-charge basis. The PIX Connect package includes the ability to seek hot spot and cold spot locations, histogram, temperature profiling, image subtraction, and other thermal image processing tools. For researchers and process engineers, the PC-based PIX Connect platform offers a powerful thermal image processing capability that allows users to extract and document fully calibrated temperature measurements from any pixel in the scene. Time-versus-temperature data can be extracted from both live and recorded thermal video files containing stored temperature data. Additionally, the software supports data collection of the highest, lowest, and average temperatures from areas of any size or shape, as well as from complex alarm signals. Engineers can replay stored thermal video frame by frame, enabling them to capture and store radiometric images and trigger snapshots during temperature changes.

The PI 640i G7 has changed how line scanners are used in the glass industry. Its PIX Connect software includes a line scan feature that turns the camera’s two-dimensional image into a continuous display of temperature changes along a single line. This makes it easier to monitor and analyze temperature along the glass line. Traditional line scanners use a point detector and a rotating mirror, making them bulky, costly, and hard to set up. With the PI 640i G7, you can select any line from the detector array using the software, and you also get a full infrared image for extra information. This compact design and flexibility are especially helpful during system setup. The camera can measure the temperature of moving objects with small apertures, which is important in the glass industry because temperature affects quality. Temperatures are tracked at many points during production and sent directly to the process control system. This mode lets the infrared camera replace older, larger line scanners while taking up much less space.

For example, the PI 640i G7 with a 90° lens can scan the complete glass sheet width using the float process (Up to 4 m). Multiple IR cameras and infrared images can be merged into the software if a larger width is required. Using a subframe mode of 640 x 120 pixels, data can be captured at 125 Hz, which allows undistorted images without image blur.

The rugged PI 640i G7 camera head is easy to move from the lab to tight spots on the factory floor. Its IP 67 (NEMA 4) rating means it can handle temperatures from 0°C to 70°C without extra protection. There are many accessories to help the camera collect data and control temperature in tough environments. Water-cooled enclosures protect it in areas up to 315°C and come ready for the Industrial Process Interface. Air purging accessories keep the optics clear of dust and vapors. For outdoor use, heated enclosures are available to protect the camera in all weather.

The PI 640i G7 camera and PIX Connect software are designed to easily send temperature data to external PLCs or control systems. With the Industrial Process Interface, you can send temperature or alarm signals to a PLC using current or relay outputs. The system also lets you trigger image or video capture when certain temperature conditions are met.

The PI 640i G7 infrared camera is designed and manufactured in Germany and offers calibration certificates for customers who need to document traceability.

Detector Specifications (VGA for Glass)
Optical ResolutionFull resolution: 640 x 480 px | Linescan: 640 x 120 px
Detector TypeUncooled bolometer, 17 μm pixel pitch
Spectral Range7.9 μm (Specialized for Glass surfaces)
Frame RateFull resolution: 32 Hz | Linescan: 125 Hz
Optical FilterIntegrated
Optical Options (Lens Comparison)
FOV (Field of View) 15°x11° 33°x25° 60°x45° 90°x64° 120°x100°
Focal Length 41.5 mm 18.7 mm 10.5 mm 7.7 mm 3.5 mm
F Number 1.0 0.8 0.8 0.8 1.0
Optical Res. (D:S) 800:1 354:1 181:1 105:1 61:1
Min. Spot (IFOV) 0.2 mm 0.3 mm 0.4 mm 0.7 mm 1.2 mm
Measurable (MFOV) 0.6 mm 0.9 mm 1.2 mm 2.1 mm 3.6 mm
Min. Distance 400 mm 300 mm 200 mm 200 mm 200 mm

* Interchangeable optics: Yes | Thermal Sensitivity (NETD): 80 mK (at 650°C)

Measurement & Interfaces
Object Temp. Ranges 200 °C … 1500 °C (Option: up to 3000 °C)
150 °C … 900 °C | (Sighting range: 0 °C … 250 °C)
System Accuracy±2 °C or ±2 % (whichever is greater)
InterfacesUSB 2.0 / Optional: USB GigE (PoE) / Industrial PIF
Image ProcessingSpecial functions for Glass measurement, AOI evaluation, Recording & Playing
General Specifications
Size / Housing46 x 56 x 76 – 100 mm | Aluminium housing
Protection ClassIP67 (NEMA-4)
Operating Temp.0 °C ... 70 °C
Weight269 – 340 g (depending on lens)
Power SupplyUSB Powered (Max 2.5 W)

Accurate Infrared Cameras in the Float Glass Manufacturing Process

Enhancing the Single-Pane Glass Process with Precise Thermal Imaging

Glass Gob Production Control with Fixed Radiometric Infrared Cameras

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 640i G7
  • 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