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Infrared Pyrometers Optimize the Aluminum Rim Casting Process

Compact infrared sensors monitor critical mold temperatures without additional cooling or complex system integration.

Why Precise Temperature Measurement Is Essential in Aluminum Casting

The production of aluminum rims for passenger cars, commercial vehicles, and agricultural machinery requires stable manufacturing processes and high product quality. Particularly in pressure-assisted aluminum casting, the temperature of the ceramic casting mold plays a crucial role. Temperature fluctuations can affect mold filling and aluminum solidification, potentially compromising the quality of the finished rim.

During the manufacturing process, molten aluminum enters a closed ceramic mold and is pressed into the desired geometry under pressure. The metal then solidifies, the mold opens, and the finished rim is removed. This process repeats continuously. To ensure that the aluminum completely fills the mold and solidifies uniformly, temperatures must remain within defined limits.
If the mold temperature is too low or uneven, the material may solidify prematurely, resulting in incomplete mold filling and internal cavities. Excessively high temperatures can also negatively affect the solidification process. In the application described, the surface temperature of the ceramic casting mold is approximately 550 °C and must be checked regularly.

Temperature measurement immediately after the mold opens is particularly important. Different areas, such as the upper mold section, central region, and mold base, can be monitored. If inspections are performed only sporadically using a handheld infrared thermometer, measurement gaps occur and results may vary. Critical deviations may remain undetected, leading to quality problems or scrap.

High ambient temperatures, smoke, dust, and moving machine components present additional challenges. At the same time, the working area must remain accessible to operating personnel. A permanently installed, non-contact infrared temperature measurement system enables consistent monitoring of mold temperatures throughout production cycles without interrupting operations. This allows temperature deviations to be detected early and process conditions to be monitored more effectively. Measurement data is continuously available, making temperature trends easier to track and helping maintain consistent manufacturing quality.

Compact Pyrometer Solution for Demanding Foundry Environments

For monitoring ceramic casting mold temperatures, Optris offers the CTi LThot, a compact infrared pyrometer designed for use at high ambient temperatures. The infrared sensor enables non-contact surface temperature measurement and can be integrated into existing production systems with minimal installation effort.
The pyrometer is positioned outside the immediate working area and aligned with a defined reference point on the casting mold. When the mold opens, it measures the surface temperature without interfering with the production process. The mounting position takes into account operator movements, machine geometry, and the required unobstructed field of view.

The Optris CTi LThot operates in the spectral range of 8 to 14 µm and covers a temperature range from −50 °C to 1,050 °C. This makes the infrared thermometer suitable for the expected mold temperatures of approximately 550 °C. The relatively high emissivity of ceramic surfaces supports reliable infrared temperature measurement. Optics with distance-to-spot ratios of 2:1 and 10:1 are available to accommodate different measurement distances.

A key advantage is the sensor head’s high temperature resistance. It operates at ambient temperatures of up to 250 °C without additional water cooling. The separately installed electronics are designed for temperatures up to 85 °C. This eliminates the need for additional cooling lines and associated supply connections.
With a response time of 40 ms for the 10:1 version, the infrared pyrometer detects temperature changes quickly. Measurement values can be transmitted to existing control systems via analog outputs such as 4–20 mA or a type K thermocouple signal. Optional digital interfaces include PROFINET, EtherNet/IP, and Modbus TCP.
In the event of temperature deviations, an alarm signal can trigger a manual inspection. The Optris CompactPlus Connect software supports sensor configuration and measurement data documentation. Compared to an infrared camera or thermal imaging camera, the CTi LThot offers a cost-effective solution when temperature measurement at a defined reference point is sufficient and full-field thermal imaging is not required.

Higher Manufacturing Quality Through Reliable Temperature Monitoring

Integrating a permanently installed infrared temperature measurement system improves the monitoring of thermal conditions in aluminum rim manufacturing. Unlike occasional measurements with a handheld pyrometer, temperature values are recorded regularly throughout production cycles. This enables early detection of deviations and targeted measures to stabilize the casting process.
Reliable monitoring of mold temperatures supports uniform mold filling and aluminum solidification. When critical temperature deviations are detected in time, defective components and unnecessary scrap can be avoided. This can potentially reduce material and energy consumption, as well as costs associated with rework and quality control.

Automatic temperature data acquisition also improves process documentation. Recurring thermal anomalies can be identified more easily and taken into account when optimizing manufacturing parameters. This provides a traceable database for quality assurance.
The Optris CTi LThot offers particular advantages through its high temperature resistance. The sensor head operates at ambient temperatures of up to 250 °C without additional cooling. This simplifies installation and reduces maintenance requirements. Its compact design, interchangeable sensor heads, and various interfaces enable flexible integration into existing production systems.

For additional operational reliability, a suitable protective tube can be used to shield the infrared sensor from dust and particles. Further optimization is possible by installing additional pyrometers to monitor different areas of the casting mold simultaneously.

For applications requiring more detailed information about temperature distribution, an Optris infrared camera such as the Xi 80 offers a complementary option. Full-field thermal imaging makes local temperature differences within the mold visible but requires greater integration effort.
The strength of the Optris solution lies in its combination of reliable temperature measurement, minimal installation effort, and flexible expandability. The CTi LThot enables cost-effective monitoring of defined reference temperatures, supporting stable, resource-efficient, and quality-oriented aluminum rim manufacturing.

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