Optris Introduces Glass Tempering Scanner (GTS)

Berlin, Germany – With the new Glass Tempering Scanner (GTS), Optris is introducing a comprehensively modernized system solution for temperature monitoring in glass tempering facilities. The new system measures the temperature distribution of the glass from below the production line and, for the first time, using just a single PI 640i G7 thermal camera. This was made possible by a newly developed, unique super-wide-angle lens with a 120° field of view. The resulting highly compact GTS measurement system can thus capture the temperature distribution across the entire width of the line, largely independent of coatings (Low-E glass).

Compared to previous system solutions, the GTS has been significantly optimized: The PI 640i G7 thermal camera used in the system covers a wide measurement width at a resolution of 640 × 480 pixels. Depending on the operating mode, scan widths of up to 3.5 m at 125 Hz or even up to 4.3 m at 32 Hz are possible.

Easier integration into glass tempering lines

A key focus of this new development is to make installation and commissioning as straightforward as possible. The GTS main unit is delivered pre-assembled and preconfigured. All cables for external components—such as the furnace door and glass breakage sensors and the aiming support IR radiators—are 10 meters long and can be easily connected to the GTS via plug connectors. The wide-range power supply enables worldwide use with mains voltages ranging from 100 to 240 V at 50–60 Hz.

For plant operators, commissioning is therefore essentially limited to mounting the system and aligning the scan line. This can be carried out conveniently and flexibly using PIX Connect software, which already includes a predefined layout for the GTS. As with the previous version, the new GTS also features a shutter that quickly and reliably protects the high-quality camera optics from falling hot glass fragments in the event of glass breakage. The supplied stainless-steel cable duct system can be adapted on site to all common system widths in 5 cm increments. The GTS is also prepared for optional air cooling, enabling operation at ambient temperatures above 45 °C.

The reduced number of individual components and the use of only one camera also simplifies maintenance and servicing while reducing the integration effort for new or additional installations.

Ready for immediate operation

The GTS is designed for standalone operation and can be put into service immediately after mechanical and network integration. The Optris software CompactPlus Connect and PIX Connect are used for configuration and visualization. Predefined layouts in PIX Connect make it easy to get started and allow, among other features, the display of temperature profiles, thermal images, measurement ranges, alarm states, and process histories.

“With the new GTS, we have significantly simplified our previous solution while also making it more efficient. Measuring from below using just one thermal camera with a super-wide-angle lens significantly reduces installation and maintenance efforts and provides operators of glass tempering systems with a compact system solution that can be quickly integrated into new machine designs,” says Torsten Czech, Head of Product Management at Optris.