Low-cost alternative to thermal cameras offered

Service engineers and maintenance technicians can use the Optris MiniSight Pro to measure the surface temperature of objects between -32C up to 760C.

At this year's Maintec 2007 exhibition (20-22 March 2007), sensor manufacturer Micro-Epsilon (UK) (stand J12) will be officially launching its new handheld infra-red temperature measurement device, the Optris MiniSight Pro, offering engineers a genuine, low cost alternative to thermal imaging cameras.

The engineer simply aims the device at the target and presses the button.

The temperature is then displayed on an LCD.

Service engineers and maintenance technicians can use the device to measure the surface temperature of objects between -32C up to 760C.

The optical resolution of the unit is 40:1, providing an accuracy of +/-1% (or +/-1C between 0C and 760C).

The user can even programme the device to compensate for the emissivity of different target materials.

The device comes with onboard data logging capabilities that can handle up to 20 different values, a thermocouple input, alarm functions and a USB interface.

Optris Connect software is also provided, which enables the user to set parameters and record temperatures.

The unit is supplied with a tripod and carrying pouch as standard.

The Optris MiniSight Pro also benefits from a slimline, ergonomic design and is no larger or heavier than a standard TV remote control device, and so fits neatly into an engineer's pocket.

Ideally suited to preventive maintenance applications, quality management, RandD and electronic design, the Optris MiniSight Pro can be used to check electrical equipment; to detect hot spots on bearings, motors and power transmission equipment; to measure the temperature of moving objects in manufacturing processes; to detect energy losses on heat insulations; and to inspect critical components on vehicles.

Also on show at Maintec 2007 will be the company's Optris LaserSight temperature measurement device, which has 75:1 optics.

Users can therefore measure smaller targets that are further away.

Most competing products on the market only use an 8:1 ratio.

The 75:1 resolution is achieved by Micro-Epsilon's laser sighting with narrow-beam aiming.

The laser crosshairs sighting system supports precise temperature measurements at any distance.

The crosshairs exactly mark a measuring spot in its real size of 16mm at a distance of 1200mm or 1mm at 62mm in close-focus mode.

A switch enables the user to shift into a close focus mode: two single laser beams cross each other at the smallest measuring spot, just 1mm in diameter.

An integrated position sensor flips the LCD display into the most convenient viewing position, so the device can be used in vertical or horizontal measuring mode, the only device of its kind in the world to offer this type of functionality.

This means the device is ideally suited to measuring manifold temperatures.

The measuring range of the device is from -35C up to 900C.

A USB interface and graphics and reporting software with oscilloscope functionality helps to process and record up to 20 measurements per second.

The Optris LaserSight is ideally suited to preventive maintenance applications, quality management, research and development and electronic design.

At Maintec 2007, Micro-Epsilon will be showcasing its complete family of Optris non-contact infra-red temperature measurement products.

As well as handheld units, Micro-Epsilon will also demonstrate its range of programmable, compact infra-red temperature sensors: the Optris CS and CSmicro, CTex and Ctfast.

The Optris CS and Optris CSmicro sensor series are ideal for industrial OEM users and combine high-quality and accuracy of metrological parameters with a rugged, high-grade stainless steel housing and an attractive price per measuring point.

The technology was designed specifically for OEM customers, who to date may have avoided infra-red measurement due to its relative high cost.

The Optris CS is therefore compact, with an M12 thread and a diameter of 14mm and a length of 87mm.

The sensor also comes with integrated electronics, an LED display and a smart sighting support.

The Optris CS is a rugged device, benefiting from coated silicon optics and so can be used in ambient temperatures of up to 75C, without cooling.

Further features are: a scalable analogue output of 0-10V or 0-5V, adjustable signal processing, short circuit and polarity reversal protection, USB programming interface with software and a wide power range of 5 - 7V or 12 - 28V dc.

The Optris CSmicro is even more compact and measures just 14mm in diameter by 28mm in length, with an M12 thread.

Again, the sensor is housed in stainless steel but the processing electronics are integrated in the sensor cable itself, which facilitates small sensor dimensions.

In addition to providing all the features of the Optris CS, the Optris CSmicro goes further and provides a programmable simultaneous alarm output for fast analysis and switching operations.

A very fast response time of 30ms (CS and CSmicro) demonstrates the level of technical innovation these sensors bring to the infra-red temperature sensor market.

The sensor can also be used in ambient temperatures of up to 120C without having to cool the sensing head.

Micro-Epsilon's Optris CT series of sensors is one of the smallest infra-red sensors in the world, with 20:1 optical resolution.

Rugged and usable up to 180C ambient temperature without cooling, the sensor measures temperatures from -40C up to 900C and can accommodate digital remote communication of up to 32 sensors in one network, with optional USB, RS485 and RS232 interfaces.

For hazardous areas, an accessory kit is available for the Optris CT series.

The Optris CTex comprises aluminium housing with mounting options for two zener barriers and Optris CT sensor electronics.

It comes with a pre-assembled cable for the Optris CT electronics.

According to EN50014, the Optris CT sensing heads are classed as simple electrical devices and so, with suitable zener barriers to limit energy consumption, are deemed intrinsically safe for use in hazardous areas.

Micro-Epsilon's 'Ctfast' is one of the smallest, fastest infra-red sensors in the world, with exposure times between 3ms (50% signal) and 9ms (90% signal).

Moving objects need only appear in the measuring field of the device for 4ms for the unit to be able to detect temperatures ranging from -40C up to 600C.

This opens up a wide range of possible applications for the sensor, for example, the temperature measurement of hot wheel bearings in moving trains.

Similarly, measuring the temperature of objects in freefall can now be monitored for overheating and temperature difference.

The Optris Ctfast has a fast analogue output with intelligent real-time data processing and an instant digital output with a response time of 4ms.

The sensor is easy to assemble in multiple arrays for line scanning of small, fast moving objects using an RS485 bus connection.

The unit is also rugged up to 180C ambient temperature without any cooling.

The sensing head measures just 28mm in length with a diameter of 14mm.

The control and electronics box measures just 120 x 70 x 30mm, making the complete unit easy to integrate into a company's production line.

The sensor is easy to set up and can be controlled remotely.

There is automatic data logging for analysis and documentation.

A graphics display shows fast temperature trends and users can programme analogue and digital inputs to take external emissivity and ambient temperature into account.

Alarm output signals can be programmed and digital remote communication is possible for up to 32 sensors in a single network.

The electronics is housed in a stainless steel body and accessories are available for cooling and air purging.

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