Temperature sensor

Micro-Epsilon's thermoMETER CSlaser miniature infrared temperature sensor has an integrated controller and enables temperature measurements from –50 up to 1,600°C. The sensor is suited for temperature measurement tasks in the metal processing industry. Unlike most conventional thermometers, the device has a double sighting laser rather than a single laser. Single laser only marks the centre of the measuring spot, not the real size. Double laser sighting precisely follows the infrared optical path and marks the real spot size at any distance, therefore preventing inaccurate measurements on small objects. The smallest spot size of 0.05mm (M2 version) is reached on the Cslaser at the crosspoint of both laser beams at 150mm. The sensor can also be optimised for specific measurement tasks by fitting different lenses with varying focal lengths. Initially, the miniature infrared temperature sensor is available as either an SF version (8 to 14µm) with a measuring range between –50 and 975°C and optical resolution of 50:1. This version of the sensor is aimed at general temperature measurement tasks. There’s also an M-2 version (1.6µm) for metal processing applications, which measures temperatures from 385 up to 1,600°C and has an optical resolution of 300:1. This version is ideal for use with ceramics, metal processing and metal oxides. The short wavelength of 1.6µm reduces temperature measurement errors on surfaces with low or unknown emissivity or with changing emissivity during the process, which is often the case on metal surfaces. The sensor can operate in ambient temperatures up to 85°C without cooling and automatic laser switch off is at 50°C. Optional cooling accessories are also available for use at higher temperatures. Edited by Constanze Schmitz