PI 1M

The Optris PI 1M stands out as 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 forward-looking infrared camera is specifically engineered to capture measurement data for precise surface temperature analysis of hot steel, iron, brass, copper, tin, carbon, ceramics, and semiconductors. It addresses the rigorous demands of various industries with its wide elevated temperature measurement ranges, exceptional accuracy, and customizable field-of-view configurations.

Many measurement objects made of non-shiny materials exhibit high and relatively constant emissivity, regardless of their surface consistency, especially in long-wave spectral ranges. However, metallic and shiny materials often have low emissivity at long infrared wavelengths. This low emissivity in the long wavelength infrared bandwidth can lead to varying and unreliable measuring results. Furthermore, the Optris PI 1M is specifically engineered for metal-based additive manufacturing applications. Its compatibility with an optional notch filter makes the infrared camera ideally 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 offers more than just high-resolution thermal imaging capability; it also excels at capturing temperature data across an extensive range, from 450°C to 1800°C, without sub-ranges. Its remarkable distance-to-spot-size ratio ensures accurate temperature measurements, even when capturing images from considerable distances. These technical specifications make it a powerful tool for precise temperature analysis in various industrial settings, providing invaluable insights and facilitating informed decision-making.

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.

Furthermore, the camera supports a wide sub-image mode of 764 x 8 pixels at 1 kHz, which is particularly useful for line scanning applications. This versatility enables precise temperature monitoring across a continuous line, making it suitable for a range of industrial and research applications.

The infrared camera seamlessly connects to a computer via a USB interface. Additionally, the Optris PI 1M provides access to advanced software functionalities, such as line scanning and image merging, through the PIX Connect software license. This software package is invaluable for researchers and process engineers who seek to combine an affordable IR camera with a robust software platform for thermal image processing and temperature data collection. Developer kits are also available for integrators developing application-specific software solutions.

Furthermore, the PI 1M infrared camera is compatible with an extensive range of accessories specifically designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions. These accessories include a water-cooled housing that extends the operating temperature range of the camera to 315°C. Additionally, air purges are available to maintain a clean lens, ensuring uninterrupted temperature measurement even in dusty environments.

Complementing these features are mechanical mounting accessories, electrical interfaces, and connection cables, providing a comprehensive portfolio of compatible accessories at an attractive price point. This compatibility enhances the versatility and adaptability of the PI 1M, allowing it to seamlessly integrate into various setups and applications with ease.

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. PIX Connect 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: SDK 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). Google Play

Can I trust the temperature measurement of a single pixel?

Due to the diffraction-limited nature of infrared optics, the optical resolution and image quality are physically limited. As the dimensions of the individual pixels are in the same range as the infrared wavelength, users shall ensure that the target is larger than the camera’s MFOV.

How do I focus the camera?

Old versions of the camera have an additional lens tube with a protective window. Please remove the lens tube and focus the optic by turning the lens.

Can I use the PI 1M with metals?

Yes. the PI 1M is specially designed and optimized for hot metal objects.

Can the PI 1M be calibrated with more than one lens?

Six different lens options are available for the PI 1M; each can replace the optic installed on the camera. Each optic attenuates infrared signals in varying degrees and needs to be calibrated with the camera to deliver accurate temperature measurements, so it is best to anticipate future optic requirements and include these in the initial camera order.

Can I purchase another later if I do not order more than one infrared lens with my first PI 1M IR camera?

Yes. Optris frequently performs post-purchase IR lens calibrations, but you will need to return your camera to Optris so the attenuating effects of the new lens can be properly accounted for during the calibration process.

How do I load different calibration files if I change optics?

Calibration files for every optic combination for your PI640i are available on Optris servers and loaded onto your PC when connected to the internet to initiate the load process. Additionally, a USB drive with the software and the calibration files comes with the infrared camera.

Where is the PI 1M made, and does it contain memory components sourced from outside the U.S. or the European Union?

The PI 1M is designed, manufactured, and calibrated in Berlin, Germany. Some electronic components may be sourced from outside the EU or the US. Still, it is important to note that the PI 1M does not store any thermal images or temperature values in volatile memory. The PI 1M only stores full thermal images, thermal video (.ravi files), and temperature values in the customer PC hosting the PIX Connect software necessary to operate the camera. The camera uses memory components inside the camera electronics, which may be sourced outside the EU or the US to store a reference picture (also called dark picture) of the non-uniformity correction paddle or flag and some reference temperatures used to correct temperature drift. All these memory elements are deleted when the power to the camera head is terminated.

Does the PI 1M have any wi-fi or other communication capabilities?

The PI 1M has no electronic components that enable external communication.

Can the PI 1M operate without a connection to a computer?

The PI 1M must be connected to a PC loaded with Optris PIX Connect software to produce thermal images and remote temperature measurements. By eliminating processing in the camera head and leveraging PC processing power, the camera head size can be reduced, and the ambient operating temperature can be increased. Autonomous operation (without the use of a PC) is supported in Optris Xi-series infrared cameras.

Can the PI 1M send temperature information from spots or areas to my PLC?

The PI 1M can send temperature information or temperature alarms from the Process Interface connection on the back of the camera. A cable with integrated electronics and a terminal block is included with the camera. It can be programmed in PIX Connect software as an Analog Input (AI) and Digital Input (DI) to control the camera or as an Analog Output (AO) to control the process. The signal level is always 0-10 V (DI = 24 V). An optional industrial process interface is also available, delivering up to three independent temperature values or alarms to a user-supplied PLC. USB-RS485 adapters are available for applications with output requirements for more than three areas.

• Infrared Camera PI 1M
• 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