PI 1M

The Optris PI 1M is a short-wavelength infrared camera that combines innovation, affordability, and precision. It excels in non-contact thermal imaging of challenging objects, operating within the short-wavelength infrared range (1M: 0.85 – 1.1 μm). This camera is engineered to capture measurement data for precise surface temperature analysis of hot steel, iron, brass, copper, tin, carbon, ceramics, and semiconductors. It meets the demands of various industries with its wide temperature measurement ranges, accuracy, and customizable field-of-view configurations.

Many non-shiny materials exhibit high and relatively constant emissivity, regardless of surface consistency, especially in long-wave spectral ranges. However, metallic and shiny materials often have low emissivity at long infrared wavelengths, which can lead to varying and unreliable results. The Optris PI 1M is also engineered for metal-based additive manufacturing applications. Its compatibility with an optional notch filter makes it well suited for nearly all laser processing applications.

The spectral range of the short-wavelength PI 1M infrared camera aligns with the highest emissivity of most metallic materials, simplifying remote temperature measurement. Additionally, according to Planck’s radiation law, exponentially more infrared radiation is emitted in the short wavelength range. As a result, linear emissivity issues have less influence on the repeatability of temperature measurement results at short wavelengths. This enhances the reliability and accuracy of temperature measurements, particularly for metallic materials, when using the PI 1M infrared camera. Therefore, for contactless temperature measurement of shiny materials at high temperatures, it is advisable to utilize short-wave infrared cameras whenever possible, given their broader temperature measuring range and better suitability for shiny surfaces. The PI 1M infrared camera is meticulously engineered and manufactured in Germany to meet the demands of challenging industrial applications. It surpasses long-wavelength infrared cameras in terms of precision, accuracy, and repeatability, making it the preferred choice for high-performance temperature measurement in demanding environments.

The PI 1M infrared camera not only provides high-resolution thermal images but also measures temperatures from 450°C to 1800°C in a single range. Its strong distance-to-spot-size ratio allows for accurate readings even from far away. These features make it a valuable tool for precise temperature analysis in many industrial environments.

The infrared camera offers versatile frame rates and sub-image options to accommodate various application requirements. Operating at a resolution of 764 x 480 pixels, it runs at 32 Hz, ensuring detailed imaging. Switching to 382 x 288 pixels increases the frame rate to 80 Hz, ideal for capturing fast-moving objects with clarity. For rapid applications, such as monitoring temperature changes, it can operate at 1 kHz with a resolution of 72 x 56 pixels.

The infrared camera also offers a wide sub-image mode at 764 x 8 pixels and 1 kHz, which is ideal for line scanning. This flexibility allows for accurate temperature monitoring along a line, making it useful in both industrial and research settings.

The infrared camera connects easily to a computer using USB. With the PIX Connect software, users can access features like line scanning and image merging. This software is helpful for researchers and engineers who need reliable thermal image processing and data collection. Developer kits are also available for those building custom software solutions.

The PI 1M works with many accessories built for tough environments. For example, a water-cooled housing lets the camera operate up to 315°C. Air purges are also available to keep the lens clean, so measurements stay accurate even in dusty areas.

The thermal camera also comes with mounting accessories, electrical interfaces, and cables, all at a competitive price. This wide compatibility makes the PI 1M easy to use in different setups and applications.

Thermography software optris PIX Connect is included and license-free.All infrared cameras are delivered with the thermography software optris PIX Connect, developed specifically for the extensive documentation and analysis of thermal images. The Windows-based PIX Connect software enables users to tailor the infrared cameras to meet specific requirements. It analyses live and recorded temperature data and triggers alarm signals for process integration. The key to leveraging the Optris infrared camera is a correct configuration. This includes detailed device-specific configurations such as frame rate, measurement range adjustments, external communication settings, and USB/Ethernet configurations. Moreover, PIX Connect facilitates firmware updates and the download of configuration files over the Internet. PIX Connect Optris offers several different SDKs for our Xi and PI thermal imaging cameras. Depending on the operating platform, the infrared camera, the coding language, and the hardware platform, different software interfaces can be utilized: SDK The Optris IRmobile allows users to set up and commission an Optris infrared pyrometer or infrared camera with an Android smartphone or tablet. This tool becomes handy for commissioning and aligning the infrared camera’s field of view or adjusting the configuration. The app analyzes the connected infrared camera‘s live infrared image stream with auto hot and cold spot detection. For pyrometers, a temperature-time diagram or the video signal is displayed. This app works on most Android devices running 5.0+ with a USB port supporting USB-OTG (On The Go). Google Play

Can I trust the temperature measurement of a single pixel?

Due to the diffraction-limited nature of infrared optics, the optical resolution and image quality are physically limited. As the dimensions of the individual pixels are in the same range as the infrared wavelength, users shall ensure that the target is larger than the camera’s MFOV.

How do I focus the thermal camera?

Old versions of the thermal camera have an additional lens tube with a protective window. Please remove the lens tube and focus the optic by turning the lens.

Can I use the PI 1M thermal camera with metals?

Yes, the PI 1M “/products/category/thermal-cameras/”>thermal camera is specially designed and optimized for hot metal objects.

Can the PI 1M thermal camera be calibrated with more than one lens?

Four different lens options are available for the PI 1M; each can replace the optic installed on the thermal camera. Each optic attenuates infrared signals to varying degrees and must be calibrated with the thermal camera to deliver accurate temperature measurements. Therefore, it is best to anticipate future optic requirements and include these in the initial camera order.

Can I purchase another lens later if I do not order more than one infrared lens with my first PI 1M infrared camera?

Yes. Optris frequently performs post-purchase infrared lens calibrations; however, you will need to return your camera to Optris so that the attenuating effects of the new lens can be properly accounted for during the calibration process.

How do I load different calibration files if I change optics?

Calibration files for every optic combination for your PI 1M thermal camera are available on Optris servers and loaded onto your PC when connected to the internet to initiate the load process. Additionally, a USB drive with the software and the calibration files comes with the infrared camera.

Where is the PI 1M thermal camera made, and does it contain memory components sourced from outside the U.S. or the European Union?

The PI 1M thermal camera is designed, manufactured, and calibrated in Berlin, Germany. Some electronic components may be sourced from outside the EU or the US. Still, it is important to note that the PI 1M does not store any thermal images or temperature values in non-volatile memory. The PI 1M thermal camera only stores full thermal images, thermal video (.ravi files), and temperature values in the customer PC hosting the PIX Connect software necessary to operate the thermal camera. The thermal camera uses memory components inside the camera electronics, which may be sourced outside the EU or the US to store a reference picture (also called dark picture) of the non-uniformity correction paddle or flag and some reference temperatures used to correct temperature drift. All these memory elements are deleted when the power to the camera head is terminated.

Does the PI 1M thermal camera have any Wi-Fi or other communication capabilities?

The PI 1M has no electronic components that enable external communication.

Can the PI 1M thermal camera operate without a connection to a computer?

The PI 1M thermal camera must be connected to a PC loaded with Optris PIX Connect software to produce thermal images and remote temperature measurements. By eliminating processing in the camera head and leveraging PC processing power, the infrared camera head size can be reduced, and the ambient operating temperature can be increased. Autonomous operation (without the use of a PC) is supported in Optris Xi-series infrared cameras.

Can the PI 1M thermal camera send temperature information from spots or areas to my PLC?

The PI 1M thermal camera can send temperature information or temperature alarms from the Process Interface connection on the back of the camera. A cable with integrated electronics and a terminal block is included with the thermal camera. It can be programmed in PIX Connect software as an Analog Input (AI) and Digital Input (DI) to control the thermal camera or as an Analog Output (AO) to control the process. The signal level is always 0-10 V (DI = 24 V). An optional industrial process interface is also available, delivering up to three independent temperature values or alarms to a user-supplied PLC. USB-RS485 adapters are available for applications with output requirements for more than three areas.

What are the associated part numbers for this product?

OPTPI1MO9T180, OPTPI1MO13T180, OPTPI1MO27T180, OPTPI1MO41T180, MEPPI1MO9T180, MEPPI1MO13T180, MEPPI1MO27T180, MEPPI1MO41T180

The stated accuracy in that range for the PI 640i LT is +-2 C, but I was wondering if the accuracy could be further improved with surface emissivity information or calibrated to +-1 C or better

No, the actual temperature accuracy could not be further improved by information on surface emissivity. This is for the PI640i camera ±2 °C or ±2 %.
However, accurate surface information regarding the emissivity is necessary in order to measure the correct temperature based on the reflection ratio on the surface to be measured. An incorrectly set emissivity results in a temperature deviation.

I have a PI 640i and would like to connect it with the USB cable. What do I do if I’m not receiving a signal in the software?

– Check in the WINDOWS device manager that the USB driver was recognized correctly
– Go to Settings/Camera or via search and type in „camera“ and then activate the button “allow apps to access your camera”. Due to an Windows Update this could happen.
– If you have a black screen on PIXConnect software, this could be because of the bad performance of your graphic chip and hardware acceleration. Regarding this case, reduce the screen resolution of the monitor.
– Check the USB cable and the connector pins on camera and PC side
– Try another USB port of the PC or another PC (if available) to check that the USB cable has no issue
– Maybe the USB power supply of the camera supporting PC is too low
– Using a too long USB cable / a not provided USB cable by Optris or an USB extension cable could be the reason that the software PIXConnect does not get any signal
– Use a PC where you have administrative rights or check with your local administrator

Will optris PIX Connect Software for optris IR Cameras run on my iPad?

No, PIXConnect currently cannot be run on an iOS system (Apple).

Is your infrared camera long-wave (LWIR) or short-wave (SWIR/MWIR)? What’s the typical frame rate? What’s the IFOV (instantaneous field of view / pixel size)? And does it connect to a PC via USB, or what other platforms/interfaces are supported (e.g., Ethernet, etc.)?

Optris provides different types of IR cameras with different wavelengths. Here you can find an overview of the different camera types regarding the spectral ranges, the typical frame rates and the interface versions (USB or Ethernet (ETH)):
Long-wave (LWIR) cameras (spectral range 8-14 µm):
– PI400i LT (80Hz, switchable to 27 Hz),
– PI450i LT (80Hz, switchable to 27 Hz),
– PI640i LT (32 Hz (640×120 px @ 125 Hz),
– Xi80 LT ETH (50 Hz),
– Xi400 LT USB (80Hz, switchable to 27 Hz),
– Xi410 LT ETH (25 Hz (connected via Ethernet,4 Hz connected via USB),
– Xi640 LT USB (32 Hz)
Long-wave (LWIR) cameras (spectral range 7,9 µm):
– PI450iG7 (80Hz, switchable to 27 Hz),
– PI640iG7 (32 Hz (640×120 px @ 125 Hz)
Middle-wave (MWIR) cameras (spectral range 3,9 µm):
– Xi320MT (30 Hz)
Short-wave (SWIR) cameras:
– PI1M (0,85-1,1µm), 32 Hz (382×268 px @ 80 Hz, (switchable to 27 Hz)/ 72×56 px/ 764×8 px @1 kHz)),
– PI08M (780-820 µm), 32 Hz (382×268 px @ 80 Hz, (switchable to 27 Hz)/ 72×56 px/ 764×8 px @1 kHz)) ,
– PI05M (500-540 µm), 764×480 px @ 32 Hz/ 382×288 px @ 80 Hz (switchable to 27 Hz)/ 72×56 px/ 764×8 px @ 1 kHz,
– Xi1M ETH (0,85-1,1µm), 396×300 px, 20 Hz, 396×8 px (auton.: 396×1 px), 500 Hz, 0,85-1,1 μm, Ethernet, USB 2.0 (only 20 Hz), Auton. operation,
– Xi05M ETH (500-540 µm), 396×300 px, 20 Hz, 396×8 px (auton.: 396×1 px), 500 Hz, 500-540 nm, Ethernet, USB 2.0 (only 20 Hz), Auton. operation
The following digital interface kits are for the Xi 80/ 410/ 05M/ 08M cameras available:
– Ethernet TCP/IP / Modbus TCP interface kit
– EtherNet/IP interface kit
– Profinet kit
You can see the IFOV (instantaneous field of view / pixel size) for your IR camera with the different available optics in the optics calculator on the Optris website: Optris IR Camera Calculator (https://optris.com/optris-calculator/camera/)
Example:

What is the bit depth of our camera?

The bit depth of our cameras is 14 bit. The data has 16 bit but only 14 bit are used for the Temperature Data and the other 2 bits are not used

Can we send the raw ADU data from the camera to another commercial software for processing?

As a rule, we do not disclose any information about raw data. The only option is to use the Connect SDK to output the camera’s ADU values as a matrix. However, these ADU values are uninterpreted. The cameras can send the temperature information and the color information to another commercial software for processing.

Does changing the mode from Temperature to ADU in the Connect SDK change the way that the image is displayed?

No , the way the image is displayed does not change. You can see this in the software examples provided with the PIXConnect software (See the menu HELP => Connect SDK => Examples). Under the configuration menu => External communication => ConnectSDK you can change the mode from “Temperatures” to “ADU”. This has no influence on the displayed image.

Our company designs and supplies camera systems for steelmaking processes and is exploring different camera types. For this application, would you recommend long-range, near-infrared, or short-wave infrared models?

For steelmaking processes we recommend short-wave infrared cameras as the PI 1M camera, PI 08M camera, PI05M camera , Xi1M camera or Xi 05M camera. Use the lowest wavelength / spectral range as possible!

I’m using the SDK to run SimpleViewer on Linux and have PI Connect installed on Windows. After performing calibration, the thermal image appears entirely black and displays an incorrect temperature reading of 257°F. Which setup or calibration steps could I have overlooked to make this work correctly?

– Regaring the black display in the software PIXConnect , this could be caused by a bad performance of your graphic chip e.g. the hardware acceleration. Reduce the screen resolution of your monitor or if possible reduce the hardware acceleration
– Set the Optimization to “Performance” and remove the hook from “High Speed temperature calculation”

Does the PI 640i support external triggering? Specifically, can I connect a relay output or a controller’s digital output to trigger image acquisition on the camera?

– Yes , the PI 640i camera supports via the software PIXConnect external triggering to record an image.
– You can use an analog input or a digital input signal via the Process Interface (PIF) to trigger the camera.
– In the configuration menu, PIF setting menu , you can set the voltage signal for the analog signal to trigger the camera or you can set the edges conditions for the digital signal to trigger the camera.
– Another possibility to trigger a snapshot via a controller’s digital output is to use the serial communication (if available at the PLC). For this you can use the command list of the serial communication to send the command to take a snapshot.

Which Optris infrared cameras support integration with machine learning frameworks? Do they provide raw thermal image data access via SDK/API (e.g., the OTC SDK), allowing developers to apply custom ML models for tasks like segmentation, classification, or predictive thermal analysis?

The IR cameras do not provide any raw thermal image data access. You get the temperature data via the SDK (OTC SDK) from the camera to your process.

Which Optris infrared camera is best for measuring temperatures during welding processes?

– The choose of the correct Optris infrared camera depends on the temperature range and the type of the welding process.
– For plastic welding , a PI/Xi LT camera can be used (8-14 µm)
– For metal (e.g. steel applications) a short wavelength camera PI 1M/08M/05M , Xi 1M , Xi05M should
be used (0.85-1.1 µm , 780-820 µm , 500-540 µm)
– For laser welding applications Optris provides IR cameras with a blocking filter.

• Infrared Camera PI 1M
• USB cable (1 m)
• Cable for output/input (1 m) incl. terminal block
• Tripod
• Rugged outdoor transport case (IP67)
• Software package optris PIX Connect
• PI Product Manual