Micro-Epsilon UK Ltd recently enhanced its in-line, infrared thermal imaging camera by adding a host of new features, accessories and mounting options, including a protective enclosure that allows the device to operate in ambient temperatures up to 200OC - making the unit ideal for monitoring the temperature of steel, ceramics and glass when they are being produced.
USB 2.0 interface
Powered and operated via a USB 2.0 interface, the Thermoimager TIM160 is a radiometric thermal imaging camera that provides temperature images and profiles of a target area.
This plug-and-play unit comes with a full software package (included in the unit price), that enables users to configure all the parameters of the device, as well as making it possible to capture data, in real time (at 100 Hz full frame rate) and storage of images or video of an event for slow-motion play-back or ‘snapshots’ at a later date - an important feature in many research and development, and failure diagnostics work.
Figure 2a. Micro-Epsilon UK Ltd’s in-line, radiometric thermal imaging camera - the Thermoimager TIM160.
Accessories and features
The company is now offering the camera with a variety of new features and accessories.
Rather than supplying the device with a single factory calibrated optical lens, users now have the option of up to three interchangeable lenses (9, 31 and 64 degree field of view). For research and development test engineers (who may be unsure of the way in which the device will be used), the three interchangeable lenses cater for every possible field of view for temperature monitoring tasks, says the firm.
Other features and accessories now provided with the imager include a traceable certificate of calibration (one for each individual lens), a tripod mount (adjustable from 200 mm up to 1000 mm), a rugged carrying case, USB cables (from 1 m up to 100 m) and process-control and analysis software.
Fixed into position
Unlike a hand-held thermal imaging camera, the Thermoimager TIM160 is fixed into position in a production line or laboratory in order to monitor the temperature profile of target materials or objects.
According Micro-Epsilon, it is well suited to process-control, quality, and research and development applications, across a wide range of sectors, including the plastics, packaging, machine-building, thermoforming, automotive, paper, printing, textiles, food, chemicals and pharmaceuticals industries. It also can be used in medical engineering, and by universities and other educational establishments.
Chris Jones, Managing Director, Micro-Epsilon, commented: “The range of options now available for the Thermoimager TIM160, as well as the new features that we have added, enable users to mount the device in almost any process environment or R&D application. We have a wide variety of mounting brackets that cater for almost every type of installation, as well as a variety of protective enclosures that enable the device to be installed in wash-down or high temperature environments. Our water cooling jacket option (Figure 2b), for example, enables the device to be used in temperatures up to 200OC.”
Figure 2b. The water cooling jacket option for Micro-Epsilon UK Ltd’s Thermoimager TIM160 enables the device to be used in temperatures up to 200OC.
“Patrol monitoring a process plant using relatively expensive hand-held thermal imaging cameras to monitor critical plant and machinery is not a viable option for many companies. However, the Thermoimager TIM160 can be installed in a fixed position next to a critical component or part of a production line, to constantly monitor a target. It is already proving to be an attractive option for many predictive maintenance applications.”
Rental option
“We are also offering a new rental option, whereby customers can choose to hire the device on a weekly basis before committing to a full purchase. This enables users to evaluate the device fully in their own application and environment which, in turn, will help to justify the capital expenditure,” added Jones.
Compact and lightweight
The Thermoimager TIM160 is compact and lightweight. The camera housing measures 45 mm x 45 mm x 62 mm and it weighs 250 g (including lens and a 1 m USB cable), enabling it to be easily mounted in restricted spaces. The rugged device is protected to IP65 (NEMA-4) and is powered (5V dc) via the USB 2.0 interface, with a maximum current draw of 500 mA.
The system is compatible with Windows XP/Vista, which enables it to be used with mini-PCs, rail-mounted PCs and industrial embedded PCs and PLCs. Users can also export thermal imaging data from the process imager into customer-specific software.
Sensor manufacturer
Micro-Epsilon is based in Germany. The company’s range of displacement sensors measure everything from to distance, position, vibration, dimensions and thickness, using both contact and non-contact techniques. These include 1D, 2D and even 3D laser-optical sensors and systems, eddy-current, capacitive, inductive, potentiometric and draw-wire principles.
In addition, the company has developed its own range of non-contact infrared temperature sensors that can measure virtually any target temperature from -40OC to +3300OC.
For further information, contact:
Micro-Epsilon UK Ltd, Unit 1, Pioneer Business Park, North Road, Ellesmere Port, Cheshire CH65 1AD, UK. Tel: +44-151-355-6070, Fax: +44-151-355-6075, Web: www.micro-epsilon.co.uk
No comments:
Post a Comment