VersaTemp & Optris CTlaser: Closed-Loop Induction Temperature Control

Precise Metal Temperature Control for Induction Heating Applications

Induction heating rapidly heats conductive materials, primarily metals, by generating eddy currents through a high-frequency alternating magnetic field produced by an induction coil. This contactless method offers exceptional speed, repeatability, and energy efficiency, making it ideal for forging, brazing, heat treating, and annealing in automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing industries.

Accurately measuring workpiece temperature during induction heating is critical for process control and part quality. The preferred method uses short-wavelength (1–1.6 μm) non-contact infrared pyrometers, such as the Optris CTlaser 1M/2M series, which excel on metals up to 2200 °C and minimize emissivity errors.

These pyrometers provide real-time feedback to closed-loop systems like Radyne VersaTemp, automatically adjusting power to maintain precise target temperatures. Laser sighting ensures exact spot targeting, while cooling jackets and air purging protect the sensor in harsh environments.

Unlike thermocouples, which are slow and destroyed by the electromagnetic field, infrared pyrometers enable continuous monitoring without interrupting the process. Proper emissivity settings, clean optics, and unobstructed line-of-sight are essential for reliable readings.
In short, combining short-wavelength pyrometers with induction systems delivers fast, accurate, and repeatable temperature control — the foundation of modern high-quality induction heating.

Eliminate Guesswork, The Optris CTlaser Delivers Perfect Induction Heating Results

The Optris CTlaser 1M (1.0 µm) and CTlaser 2M (1.6 µm) are short-wavelength pyrometers engineered specifically for metals in induction applications. Their optics dramatically reduce emissivity-related errors, delivering true temperature readings on steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, and alloys from 250 °C to 2200 °C—even on scaled or slightly polished surfaces.

Dual-laser sighting marks the exact measurement spot at any distance, while 300:1 optical resolution and response times down to 1 ms enable precise, real-time feedback. When connected to closed-loop controllers like the Radyne VersaTemp, the CTlaser 1M/2M instantly adjusts induction power to maintain target temperature within ±2 °C, eliminating overheating, underheating, and thermal variation.

Robust stainless-steel sensing heads, combined with optional cooling jackets and air-purge collars, withstand quench spray, dust, and ambient temperatures above 85 °C without drift. The result is zero scrap from improper hardness or weak brazed joints, reduced energy consumption, faster cycle times, and perfect process repeatability. Manufacturers routinely achieve tighter tolerances, lower rework rates, and higher throughput once they switch to the CTlaser 1M or 2M series.