New Micro-Epsilon IR thermal imagers at Sensing Technology 2012

Micro-Epsilon's new thermoIMAGER TIM 400 and 450 series of inline infrared thermal imagers, for example, is able to capture and store thermal video and images with very high optical resolution (382 × 288 pixels) at a full frame rate of 80Hz. The cameras are equipped with new detectors, which provide excellent thermal sensitivities of 80mK and 40mK, respectively. This enables the cameras to detect even smaller changes in temperature. The TIM400 is available for less than 5000 and the TIM450 for less than 6000 - significant price breakthroughs for infrared video capture cameras of this resolution and performance.

Visitors to the Micro-Epsilon stand will also be able to see one of the smallest infrared temperature sensors currently available in the market - the thermoMETER Csmicro. This miniature sensor has a diameter of 14mm, with the electronics now fully integrated in the cable. The sensor electronics includes an LED for self-diagnostic functions or for displaying the current measured temperature. The sensor can be used in a wide range of OEM applications, particularly where installation space is restricted.

On the displacement measurement side, Micro-Epsilon's eddyNCDT 3100 represents a world first in eddy current displacement measurement. With its Smart Sensor Auto Calibration system, the user simply connects the eddy sensor to the 3100 controller and the calibration data is automatically uploaded from the sensor to the controller, with no need for any lengthy calibration. All calibration data required for both ferrous (St37) and non-ferrous (aluminium) target materials is stored in the sensor before it is shipped. User-specific target materials can also be measured accurately using Micro-Epsilon's push-button, 3-point linearisation.

The eddyNCDT 3100 controller is also equipped with many new features, including Ethernet connection for output signal and configuration. The configuration of the controller can be performed from the user's web browser by simply typing in the controller IP address - no additional software needs to be downloaded. All controllers are supplied with a default IP address that the user can amend later to a specific IP address.

Sensors for high-speed dynamic applications

The optoNCDT 2300 is a self-contained laser displacement sensor that requires no separate controller and which provides a very high measuring speed of up to 50kHz. The sensor is therefore suitable for high-speed dynamic applications such as vibration measurement or for measuring uneven, difficult surfaces including transparent plastics.

Although competing sensors may claim to offer similar measuring rates and resolution, the optoNCDT 2300 is the only sensor that offers a 50kHz measuring speed and an integral controller. Competing sensors may offer high resolution, but only by applying a high averaging factor, which reduces the dynamic speed of the laser. The optoNCDT 2300 achieves high resolution and high measuring speeds without any averaging.

There are six optoNCDT 2300 models available, with measuring ranges from 2mm up to 200mm. Resolutions start from 0.03um and non-linearity from +/- 0.6um. Data output is via Ethernet, RS422 or EtherCAT. The sensor can also be configured remotely using a web browser interface. This direct connection means the user can store parameters for a particular application, which can then be uploaded to one or multiple sensors, reducing set up time considerably.

Follow the link for more information about infrared temperature measurement, thermal imagers, eddy current and laser displacement measurement products from Micro-Epsilon; to arrange a product demonstration at Sensing Technology 2012, please email [email protected].