Innovative high-speed temperature sensor

A novel, high performance, non-contact IR temperature sensor from Micro-Epsilon boasts a temperature range from -40C to +975C, and unique 75:1 infrared optics giving a small monitoring spot size

The 75:1 optics uses a patented, double-aiming laser crosshairs system, with selectable focus at distances from 70mm to 1260mm, to generate unbeatable small spots at low temperatures, such as 0.9mm at 70mm.

Where users need to detect or scan for hot spots in fast-moving objects in production environments, the CT Laser F (Fast) is available with a 9ms exposure time.

Launched at the recent Hannover Fair exhibition in Germany, the Micro-Epsilon new 'Optris CT Laser Series' of non-contact, infrared temperature sensors, combine the accuracy of 75:1 infrared optics (the highest ratio currently on the market for this type of sensor) with small spot sizes, low temperature measurement and precision aiming.

In fact, so innovative is the sensor, that it has just been awarded Germany's 'Industrial Innovation Prize' from the 'Mittlestand Initiative 2007', beating more than 300 other industrial innovation products from Germany into first place.

Ulrich Kienitz, Managing Director of the Micro-Epsilon Optris division, comments: "We are delighted to have been awarded the innovation prize, particularly when there were more than 300 other industrial companies entering the competition.

The CT Laser Series really is quite special and unique from other products out there.

First, the small spot size is made possible by a patented, high accuracy, double laser crosshairs system and 75:1 optics that enables temperature measurements down to -40C and as high as +975C".

The double laser aiming marks the real spot size and location at any distance, without the need for mechanical choppers.

The 75:1 optics with selectable focus generates small spot sizes at distances between 70mm and 1,260mm.

For example, the spot size is 0.9mm at 70mm, or 1.9mm at 150mm.

Kienitz continues: "Second, as always with Optris products, customers will be very impressed with the price-performance ratio of the sensor.

The 'CT Laser F' [Fast version] operates on an exposure time constant of just nine milliseconds [9ms], and so is ideal for high-speed production environments, where the user needs to scan or detect hot spots on fast-moving objects.

The nearest competing sensor product that we are aware of operates at 60 milliseconds [60ms]".

The CT Laser really does represent a step-change in the development of non-contact temperature sensors.

75:1 laser optics on the sensor is an industry first, with the nearest competing product offering 70:1 optics.

In addition, the CT Laser can operate in ambient temperatures of up to 85C without cooling, again, around 35C higher than competing products currently on the market.

Available for less than GBP555 for a standard unit, the CT Laser Series should prove very popular with UK-based machine builders, OEMs and systems integrators.

Chris Jones, Managing Director at Micro-Epsilon UK comments: "To date, end users and machine builders requiring small spot sizes at low temperatures have had to put up with the classical pyrometer restrictions such as choppering of signals, large size detectors and longer response times.

The new CT Laser uses new, super-sensitive detectors, bringing these challenges under control at a favourable price-performance ratio.

The connectivity and range of interface options available on the CT Laser are also second-to-none".

The range of optional interfaces available includes a Profibus DP interface, USB, RS232, RS485 and CANbus.

The CT Laser range features selectable analogue outputs 0/4-20mA, 0-5/10V, thermocouple type K or J as standard.

For more information on the Micro-Epsilon Optris range of non-contact temperature measurement products, please call the UK sales office initially, or use the Processingtalk "request a brochure service".

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