Infrared Sensors Measure Metal Temperatures

Visitors to the Micro-Epsilon stand at Maintec this year saw a demonstration of the Thermometer CT laser range of infrared non-contact temperature sensors. These sensors are suitable for measuring the temperature of metals, ceramics, composites and secondary metal processing application, from 50C up to 1,800C. The Micro-Epsilon Thermometer CT laser M3 is an infrared, inline (fixed) temperature sensor that measures at a short wavelength of 2.3um for all temperature measurements between 50C and 600C.

With a start temperature of 50C, the Thermometer CT laser M3 is for end users that need to measure the temperature of metals, ceramics and composites, while processing at room temperature. The short wavelength enables measurements to be taken through glass or transparent plastic windows, a common task in the latest laser welding or lighting systems. The sensor's precision double laser sighting, in combination with an optical resolution of 100:1 and minimum spot size of 0.7mm, results in a sensor that is suitable for measuring in the metal processing and metal components industry at temperatures up to 600C.

The double laser sighting system has two laser beams, which precisely follow the infrared optical path, marking at any distance the real spot size. Most common pyrometers use a central laser beam, through-lens sighting system or video sighting, which simply mark the centre and estimate the spot size. Fast signal processing and quantum detector enable fast response times of 1ms. For higher process temperatures from 250C up to 1,800C, Micro-Epsilon offers Thermometer CT laser M1/M2 temperature sensors, which can be used to measure the temperature of metals, ceramics and composites.

Like the M3, the M1/M2 sensors have double precision laser sighting, but offer a 300:1 optical resolution and a minimum spot size of 0.45mm. Sensor response times are from 1ms. The Thermometer CT laser M1/M2 sensors can be used in ambient temperatures up to 85C without any cooling required and has an automatic laser switch off at 50C. The sensor measures at very short wavelengths (1.0-1.6um), which minimises temperature measurement errors on surfaces with either low or unknown emissivity.

A range of accessories and optional extras are available for the CT laser range, which protect the sensor in harsh operating environments. These include air purging accessories, K or J type thermocouple outputs, plus a range of integrated digital communications interfaces, including Profibus DP, CANopen, USB, RS232, RS485 and Ethernet.

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