PI 450i G7

The PI 450i G7 is a high-performance infrared camera designed to meet the needs of both researchers and process engineers. The PI 450i G7 thermal imager is a versatile, high-performance infrared camera that supports remote infrared temperature measurement applications for research and process control applications. This versatile thermal imager supports a high VGA resolution and image quality in its standard configuration, measuring the full temperature range from -20°C to 900°C. The camera can be calibrated for high-temperature infrared measurements with a temperature range of up to 1500°C. The infrared camera uses a 382 x 288 uncooled microbolometer infrared detector to create thermal images. Superior radiometric measurement characteristics and high image quality define the Precision Line of Optris.

For the accurate measurement of temperatures, the emissivity of glass is a key factor. It depends on various influences and must be considered according to the application. The special G7 spectral range of 7.9 µm matches the glass material’s highest emissivity, which eases remote temperature measurement as the spectral region of reflectivity and transmissivity are minimized. In addition to reduced reflection issues, another advantage is the decreased angle dependency of glass surface emissivity within this wavelength range. As a result, surface temperature can be measured independently of reflection, even at inclined viewing angles.
Unlike other infrared cameras with smaller pixels, the optimal pixel pitch size of 17 µm for long-wavelength infrared radiation allows a small measurement field of view (MFOV) of just 3 x 3 pixels. The superior quality and larger size of optics guarantee high image fidelity with minimal distortion and consistent brightness across the entire frame. A diverse range of interchangeable lenses is available, enabling users to select the optimal lens to capture and maximize the pixel count of their desired target, ensuring precise measurements and optimal image resolution.

The infrared camera boasts a standard mode frame rate of up to 80 Hz, facilitating swift temperature detection in dynamic production environments. With its rapid response time, it captures temperatures with precision even in fast-moving processes, minimizing motion blur. This high frame rate guarantees exceptional image quality, particularly when the target is in motion.

The PI 450i 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, histograms, 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 vs. temperature data can be extracted from live or recorded thermal video files with stored temperature data. The infrared camera offers versatile data collection capabilities, allowing engineers to capture the highest, lowest, and average temperatures from areas of any size or shape and complex alarm signals. Moreover, engineers can replay stored thermal video frame by frame, enabling the capture and storage of radiometric images. This feature also allows triggering snapshots during temperature fluctuations, ensuring comprehensive analysis and documentation of thermal data.
The PI 450i G7 has redefined line scanning in the glass industry. Its innovative line scan feature, integrated into the PIX Connect software, enables precise temperature measurements along glass production lines. This feature transforms the thermal imager’s two-dimensional visual output into a continuous display of temperature fluctuations along a single line, facilitating accurate monitoring and analysis of temperature variations in real-time. Traditionally, line scanners are used in the glass industry for various measurement procedures. In these devices, a point detector is coupled with a rotating mirror to generate a linear optical scan of the object. These devices are bulky and expensive, requiring a lot of manual effort to set up.
Utilizing an infrared camera as a line scanner involves selecting an arbitrary line from the detector array. This approach offers two notable advantages besides its more compact design and lower cost. Firstly, users can position and dimension the line to be scanned anywhere using software control, enhancing flexibility and adaptability during system setup. Secondly, users receive a complete IR image as supplementary information, providing valuable context during operation. These benefits are particularly crucial during system configuration and optimization. Infrared cameras can accurately measure the surface temperatures of moving measurement objects using minimal apertures. This function is particularly significant in the glass industry since the glass temperature directly impacts the quality. Accordingly, temperatures are recorded at many points during production and transmitted directly to the process control system.
In this mode, the infrared camera is an ideal substitute for cumbersome mechanical infrared line scanning cameras, requiring only a fraction of the space typically needed for mounting older mechanical line scan technology. The camera streamlines installation and operation by offering compactness and advanced functionality while delivering comparable or superior performance to traditional setups. This transition represents a significant advancement in infrared imaging technology, enhancing efficiency and usability across various applications.

The small PI 450i G7 camera head was designed to move easily from the lab bench to small spaces on the factory floor. Its high ambient temperature rating of up to 80°C indicates durability in challenging conditions, making it suitable for industrial environments.
A comprehensive range of accessories is available to equip the camera for data collection and temperature regulation in even the most challenging process environments. Water-cooled enclosures, capable of safeguarding the camera in ambient temperatures as high as 315°C, are provided, complete with mounting provisions for the Industrial Process Interface mentioned below. Additionally, the factory designs and tests air purging accessories to ensure optimal performance by keeping the optics clear of the attenuating effects of factory dust or vapors. For outdoor mounting locations, thermal imager outdoor enclosures with integrated heating are available, enabling seamless integration of the PI 450i G7 thermal imager in outdoor settings.

The PI 450i G7 infrared camera and PIX Connect software platform were meticulously crafted to seamlessly facilitate the transmission of temperature data from the camera to external PLCs or control interfaces. With the Industrial Process Interface accessory, temperature or alarm data from specific areas can be conveyed to an external PLC via current or relay outputs. Moreover, external triggering functionality enables users to capture a single image or live video sequence when predetermined temperature thresholds are met, ensuring precise monitoring and control of critical processes.
The PI 450i G7 infrared camera is designed and manufactured in Germany and offers calibration certificates for customers who need to document traceability.

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

Why should I measure glass with a G7 infrared camera?

Accurate temperature measurement relies significantly on the emissivity of glass, a crucial determinant affected by multiple factors and tailored to specific applications. The narrowband G7 spectral range, peaking at 7.9 µm, aligns with the highest emissivity of glass, facilitating remote temperature measurement by minimizing issues related to reflectivity and transmissivity. Additionally, within this wavelength range, the angle dependency of glass surface emissivity is reduced, enabling temperature measurement irrespective of reflection, even at inclined viewing angles.

How do I align the camera?

The PI 640i G7 infrared camera offers a sighting mode in which an infrared image is shown, but no temperature values are measured.

Can the PI 450i G7 be calibrated with more than one lens?

Six different lens options are available for the PI 450i G7; 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 450i G7 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.

Is the PI 450i G7 export controlled?

The PI 450i G7 ‘s high resolution qualifies it for export control in the EU and US markets. Check with local compliance authorities for procedures to manage exports outside the U.S. or European markets.

Can I use the PI 450i G7 to measure metal temperatures?

Most metal targets have low emissivity and tend to reflect heat temperatures from any area incident upon the target. IR cameras with long wave detectors like the PI 450i G7 are particularly vulnerable to this low emissivity effect. For this reason, it is best to use a short wavelength camera like the Optris PI 1M (link here) when measuring metal targets unless it is possible to coat or paint the metal part to improve surface emissivity. Emissivity can also be improved on metal surfaces when rough textured or when there are holes or crevices where measurements can be made inside the cavity.

Where is the PI 450i G7 made, and does it contain memory components sourced from outside the U.S. or the European Union?

The PI 450i G7 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 450i G7 does not store any thermal images or temperature values in volatile memory. The PI 450i G7 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 450i G7 have any wi-fi or other communication capabilities?

The PI 450i G7 has no electronic components that enable external communication.

Can the PI 450i G7 operate without a connection to a computer?

The PI 450i G7 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 450i G7 send temperature information from spots or areas to my PLC?

The PI 450i G7 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 450i 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