PI 400i

The PI 400i is an infrared camera designed to meet the needs of both researchers and process engineers.

Indeed, this versatile thermal imager stands as a pinnacle of high performance, effectively bridging the realms of research and process control applications. Its advanced capabilities and adaptable design enable seamless integration into various environments, whether in laboratories for research purposes or in industrial settings for precise process control. By offering unparalleled performance and versatility, it empowers users to achieve superior results across a wide range of applications, reaffirming its status as a cutting-edge solution in thermal imaging technology. The PI 400i boasts an impressive temperature range, covering from -20 °C to 900 °C (-4 °F to 1652 °F) in its standard configuration. For specialized high-temperature measurements, this range can be extended up to an exceptional 1500 °C (2732 °F). This extensive temperature coverage ensures comprehensive thermal monitoring capabilities, making the PI 400i an invaluable tool across various industries and applications where precise temperature measurement is essential.

Thanks to their uncooled detector technology, the Optris infrared cameras offer a cost-effective yet high-performance design with low power consumption, long operating life, and compact size. The camera, equipped with a 382 x 288 uncooled microbolometer infrared detector, creates exceptional-quality thermal images. It captures the finest heat fingerprint for operators who seek thermal insights into their applications.

Optris imaging systems are uncooled forward-looking infrared (FLIR) thermal imaging cameras optimized for stationary use. These FLIR cameras have an uncooled two-dimensional imaging detector that creates radiometric thermal images in the infrared wavelength range without utilizing mechanical rotating or oscillating moving mirrors. The uncooled bolometer technology strengthens a more reliable, inexpensive, and robust design, especially compared to traditional line scanner applications. These FLIR infrared cameras are designed, developed, and manufactured in Germany.

With a rapid response time boasting a frame rate of 80 Hz, the PI 400i facilitates swift temperature detection even in fast-paced production environments, minimizing motion blur. This high frame rate ensures exceptional image quality, particularly when the target is in motion, allowing for precise monitoring and analysis of temperature variations without sacrificing clarity or detail.

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 3×3 pixels. The Precision Line of Optris is distinguished by its superior radiometric measurement characteristics and high image quality, thanks to the high quality and larger size of optics. This design ensures minimal image distortion and uniform attenuation across the entire image, resulting in exceptional clarity and accuracy. Additionally, a diverse range of interchangeable lens optics is available to enable precise framing and maximize pixel count on the target to be measured, further enhancing the versatility and effectiveness of the Precision Line.

The PI 400i 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, as well as 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 400i infrared camera, along with the PIX Connect software platform, has been meticulously engineered 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 transmitted to an external PLC via current or relay outputs. Moreover, the external triggering feature enables users to capture a single image or live video sequence when predefined temperature thresholds are met, ensuring precise monitoring and control of critical processes.

Manufacturing line temperature measurement, plastic thermoform temperature measurements, conveyor belt measurement, wallboard temperature measurement, and many other sheet-oriented industrial temperature measurement processes are supported with a special line scan feature of the PIX Connect software that converts the two-dimensional visual output from the thermal imager to a continuous display of temperature variations across a single line. With this mode, the infrared camera becomes the perfect replacement for bulky mechanical infrared line scanning cameras, using a fraction of the space necessary for mounting older mechanical line scan technology.

Built to withstand the rigors of industrial environments, the Optris PI 400i boasts a robust construction and durable design while also being the smallest camera in its class. Engineered for reliability and longevity, it performs consistently even in harsh conditions, making it the preferred choice for demanding applications. Whether in extreme temperatures or dirty and dusty environments, this rugged infrared camera delivers reliable performance, ensuring uninterrupted operation when it matters most. The small PI 400i camera head was designed to move easily from the lab bench to small spaces on the factory floor. The robust IP 67 (NEMA 4) can withstand ambient temperatures from 0 °C to 70 °C (32 °F to 158 °F) without any enclosures.

A comprehensive array of accessories is available to equip the camera for data collection and temperature regulation in even the most extreme process environments. Water-cooled enclosures are offered to safeguard the camera in ambient temperatures reaching as high as 315 °C (599 °F), complete with mounting provisions for the Industrial Process Interface mentioned earlier. Additionally, air purging accessories, rigorously designed and tested by the factory, ensure that the optics remain free from the attenuating effects of factory dust or vapors. For outdoor mounting locations, thermal imager outdoor enclosures with integral heating are provided, enabling seamless integration of the PI 400i thermal imager in outdoor settings.

Manufactured in Germany to exacting standards, the PI 400i offers optional calibration certificates for customers seeking traceability documentation, underscoring its dedication to precision and dependability. Engineered to endure the harsh conditions of industrial settings, this robust infrared camera guarantees consistent performance, even in the most challenging environments. It stands as the preferred solution for critical applications where reliability is paramount, providing peace of mind and unparalleled accuracy.

The Optris PI 400i, with its adaptability and versatility, is a perfect fit for a wide range of applications across diverse industries. Whether detecting hotspots in electrical systems, monitoring thermoforming equipment, or analyzing thermal gradients in industrial processes, this advanced camera ensures precise results, empowering you to make informed decisions confidently. From automotive and aerospace to manufacturing and research, this multifunctional infrared camera excels in diverse environments, delivering reliable performance in even the most challenging conditions. Whether inspecting machinery, analyzing thermal gradients, or monitoring thermal processes, the PI 400i offers unparalleled versatility for every application.

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

What is the difference between a PI 400i and a PI 450i?

The Optris PI 450i has a higher sensitivity and a wider ambient temperature range than the Optris PI 400i.

Can the PI 400i be calibrated with more than one lens?

Six different lens options are available for the PI 640i; 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 400i 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 PI 640i 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 400i export controlled?

The PI 400i’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 400i 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 400i 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 400i made, and do its memory components come from outside the U.S. or the European Union?

The PI 400i 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 400i does not store any thermal images or temperature values in volatile memory. The PI 400i 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 400i have any wi-fi or other communication capabilities?

The PI 400i has no electronic components that enable external communication.

Can the PI 400i operate without a connection to a computer?

The PI 400i 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 400i send temperature information from spots or areas to my PLC?

The PI 400i 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 400i
• USB cable 1 m (3.3 ft)
• Cable for output/input 1 m (3.3 ft) incl. terminal block
• Tripod
• Rugged outdoor transport case (IP67)
• Software package Optris PIX Connect
• PI Product Manual