New USB thermal imagers detect even smaller changes in temperature
Micro-Epsilon extend thermoIMAGER TIM range of infrared thermal imagers
Micro-Epsilon have extended their thermoIMAGER TIM range of infrared thermal imagers with two new higher resolution versions, which not only offer improved image resolutions, but also detect even smaller temperature differences.
The thermoIMAGER TIM 400 and 450 thermal imagers are able to capture and store thermal video and images with extremely high optical resolution (382 x 288 pixels) at a full frame rate of 80Hz (80 images per second). The cameras are also equipped with new detectors, which provide thermal sensitivities of 80mK and 40mK respectively. This allows the cameras to detect even smaller changes in temperature. The smallest USB camera in its class, the TIM 400/450 weighs just 320g (including lens) with dimensions of 46mm x 56mm x 88mm.
The new cameras come pre-calibrated with temperature ranges from -20 degrees C to +900 degrees C with an option to extend this to +1,500 degrees C. The cameras are currently provided with 30-degree or 13-degree angle of view (aperture) lenses. The fully featured software, TIMConnect, included as standard, provides quick and easy set up together with a range of software tools that allow the cameras to be used in R&D tasks as well as process control. Typical applications include automatic hotspot detection in process and quality control, R&D work, test cells and automated industrial environments.
Glenn Wedgbrow, sales manager at Micro-Epsilon UK, commented: ‘This new range of cameras opens up a multitude of possibilities for thermal analysis of components and process control tasks. The 40mK thermal sensitivity of the TIM450 offered at less than £6,000 – and the 80mK of the TIM400 at less than £5,000 – represent significant price breakthroughs for IR video capture cameras.
‘Compared to conventional infrared cameras, the new TIM 400 and 450 cameras offer more than four times the number of pixels, which means infrared images are significantly clearer and sharper. In addition, very small objects with surface areas down to just 0.8 square millimetres can be detected reliably. A frame rate of 80Hz also allows infrared images to be captured in real time, making it ideal for dynamic, high speed, fast moving processes.’
Protected to IP67, the TIM 400/450 is robust enough to be installed in harsh industrial environments. The camera can be equipped with optional accessories such as a water cooling jacket, which allows the camera to operate in ambient temperatures up to 240 degrees C. Other options include a high temperature USB cable, mounting flange and angled connector.
The thermoIMAGER TIM 400/450 is easy to integrate with existing plant automation and control systems. The unit is supplied with an integral process interface for input and output of analogue and digital signals (alarms, temperature values, etc). Open connectivity drivers are also provided for software integration via DLL, ComPort and LabVIEW, simplifying connectivity to fieldbus networks and automation systems.
