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Micro-Epsilon launches new range of 100% in-house developed infrared pyrometers for non-contact temperature measurement

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Precision sensor supplier Micro-Epsilon has launched a new portfolio of 100% in-house developed non-contact infrared temperature sensors (pyrometers). The new portfolio represents a total refresh of 20+ year technology and consists of three core series – thermoMETER UC, thermoMETER SE and thermoMETER FI. These new models offer many technical and performance improvements as well as the integration of Micro-Epsilon software (sensorTOOL) and interfaces. The new pyrometers offer significant potential for industrial series applications and OEMs, particularly when it comes to sensor performance and customer-specific adaptations.

With Micro-Epsilon’s direct sales model to machine builders and end users rather than selling through a distribution network, Micro-Epsilon is able to provide more competitive pricing to customers, combined with direct technical support and service from the product manufacturer.

Key updates at a glance

  • Faster response times for standard products – now from just 20 ms!
  • Best temperature compensation and EMC immunity
  • 50 mK temperature resolution
  • Parallel digital and analogue operation without loss of data
  • M12 industrial connectors as standard
  • Access to modern industrial fieldbus networks

In addition to being compatible with their predecessors, the new pyrometers are compact, robust and easy to mount, install and operate. They measure surface temperatures from -50°C to +1100°C quickly, precisely and with extremely high signal quality and stability. The three variants differ in their design and therefore in their potential applications.

High performance industrial pyrometer

The thermoMETER UC (Universal Controller) is a high performance non-contact inline temperature measurement system with a wide range of functions. The system includes an extremely compact stainless steel sensor and an industrial-grade controller in an aluminium die-cast housing with minimum IP65 protection rating. The sensor can be used at high ambient temperatures up to 180°C without any cooling required and is ideal for industrial applications where measured values are to be processed digitally, such as process monitoring, temperature control and automation.

Compared to its predecessor, the thermoMETER CT, the thermoMETER UC offers better connectivity via M12 connectors, improved temperature resolution (50 mK), a significantly faster measuring rate (20 ms), improved temperature stability and better signal stability due to higher EMC interference immunity. The thermoMETER UC controller is equipped with two alarm relays and an RS485 interface for digital communication as standard. Industrial Ethernet protocols such as ProfiNET, EtherCAT and Ethernet/IP are available via the optional Micro-Epsilon IF2035 Gateway module. The controller can be connected to a PC via an industrial USB cable with FTDI chip and configured using Micro-Epsilon’s sensorTOOL software. The integrated LCD display has been extended and now has two display lines and four input buttons for quick and easy operation.

As with the old thermoMETER CT, the thermoMETER UC sensor heads are available with optical resolutions of 2:1, 15:1 and 22:1. The use of the optional ‘Close-Focus’ optics adaptor allow small spot sizes down to 0.6 mm to be realised and sensor cable lengths up to 15 m are available.

Robust miniature pyrometer

The thermoMETER SE (Separate Electronics) is a miniature infrared pyrometer for measuring surface temperatures from -40°C to +1100°C and is ideal for integration into machines and systems. The sensor and controller are permanently connected to each other with the miniature controller integrated into the connection cable. Connection is direct and fast via the open cable ends. Optionally, the system can be operated via a USB adapter and configured using the sensorTOOL software.

Compared to its predecessors (the thermoMETER CSmi and CSmi2W) the thermoMETER SE offers better temperature resolution (50mK) and a larger, preset temperature range. In addition, the analogue output is preconfigured for voltage or current (2-wire) and can now also be changed directly by the customer. The protection rating of the controller is also higher because the LED indicator has been omitted and the open-collector output is more powerful, making it easier to control external devices.

Fully integrated compact pyrometer

The thermoMETER FI (Fully Integrated) is a fully integrated pyrometer for non-contact temperature measurements from -40°C to +1100°C. It is characterised by its extremely compact design, as the sensor and controller are combined in a robust stainless steel housing, which means the space required for the entire system is very small. Its attractive price-performance ratio makes the sensor ideal for series production and OEM applications.

Compared to its predecessor (the thermoMETER CS), the thermoMETER FI offers a larger, preset temperature measuring range and a more powerful open-collector output for easier control of external devices. The pyrometer is fully compatible (mechanically, electrically and communications protocol) with the thermoMETER CS. It is protected to IP63 and is suitable for ambient temperatures from -20°C to +80°C. The inline and process-capable pyrometer has a response time of 20ms and has two status LEDs integrated in the cable outlet, which also serve as an alarm signal and alignment aid during commissioning. On delivery, the pyrometer is already preset and only needs to be wired via the open ends. Optionally, the pyrometer can be connected with the sensorTOOL software via a USB cable for more detailed configuration.

Chris Jones, Managing Director, Micro-Epsilon UK Ltd comments: “The thermoMETER series product line has been very successful for Micro-Epsilon over the last 20 years. The new generation of thermoMETER products have been completely renewed with significant performance improvements and enable us to offer a greater level of flexibility and customisation for our customers.”If you are an existing thermoMETER customer, or a user of IR pyrometers from other suppliers wishing to evaluate the new generation thermoMETER range, then please get in touch to discuss free-of-charge loan units.

For more information on the thermoMETER series, please visit Infrared pyrometer or call the Micro-Epsilon sales department on +44 (0)151 355 6070 or email info@~@micro-epsilon.co.uk

Further Information