Optris Xi 05M IR Camera for Molten Metals and High-Temperature Processes

Short-wavelength IR camera for molten metals

Optris Xi 05M is designed for high-temperature applications where accurate measurement of metals is required. At very high temperatures, metals can be difficult to measure with standard long-wave infrared cameras because reflections, changing emissivity and glowing surroundings can influence the result.

The short-wavelength 500–540 nm spectral range makes Xi 05M more suitable for molten metals, steel, bright metal surfaces and other superhot industrial targets. This allows the camera to deliver more stable and repeatable temperature readings in applications such as casting, melting, forging, heat treatment, welding and additive manufacturing.

Main features of Optris Xi 05M

• 396 × 300 px thermal resolution for radiometric monitoring of high-temperature metal processes.
• Temperature range from 950 °C to 2450 °C for molten metals and very hot industrial targets.
• 20 Hz frame rate for continuous process monitoring.
• 500–540 nm spectral range for short-wavelength temperature measurement of hot metals.
• Ethernet and USB interfaces for industrial integration, setup and thermal analysis.
• Autonomous operation for temperature evaluation and alarms without continuous PC dependency.
• Motorized focus for convenient remote focusing through software.
• Automatic hot spot finder for detecting the relevant temperature point in the thermal image.
• Direct analog or alarm output for connection to control and monitoring systems.
• Fieldbus communication options for integration into industrial automation systems.
• PIX Connect software for configuration, measurement areas, alarms, recording and data export.

When to choose Optris Xi 05M?

Xi 05M should be selected when the application involves very high temperatures and metallic targets where standard long-wave infrared cameras may not provide stable measurement results. It is especially relevant when the process includes molten metal, glowing steel, bright metal surfaces or strong reflections.

• molten metal temperature monitoring;
• casting and foundry processes;
• steel and metal production lines;
• forging, rolling and heat treatment;
• welding and laser processing;
• additive manufacturing and high-temperature process control;
• applications where a short-wavelength IR camera is required for better accuracy on metals.

Why short-wavelength measurement matters

For hot metals, the selected wavelength is critical. Standard long-wave infrared cameras are often useful for many industrial surfaces, but they can be less reliable on very hot reflective metals. Short-wavelength measurement reduces the influence of emissivity variation and reflected radiation, which improves measurement stability.

This is why Xi 05M is designed specifically for high-temperature metal applications. The 500–540 nm spectral range is better suited for molten metals and glowing metallic surfaces than long-wave cameras used for general industrial monitoring.

Xi 05M or Xi 1M?

Xi 05M is optimized for the highest temperature metal processes, with a measurement range from 950 °C to 2450 °C and a very short 500–540 nm spectral range. It is the better choice for molten metals, casting, very hot steel and applications where temperature is far above the range of general process cameras.

Xi 1M is more suitable for lower high-temperature metal applications, such as steel, iron, brass, copper, tin, carbon, ceramics or semiconductors in the 450 °C to 1800 °C range. The correct choice depends on material, temperature range, emissivity, process dynamics and required integration.

Xi 05M or PI 05M?

Xi 05M belongs to the compact Xi camera line and is useful when Ethernet connectivity, autonomous operation and industrial integration are important. It is a strong option for fixed monitoring, alarms and process integration in high-temperature metal applications.

PI 05M belongs to the precision line and can be more suitable when higher image resolution, higher frame rate or more advanced thermographic analysis is required. PI 05M is often used in applications where detailed process analysis, research or high-speed imaging is important.

Optics, field of view and installation

Correct optics selection is essential for reliable Xi 05M measurement. The measured object must be large enough within the camera field of view, and the optics must match the measuring distance, target size and required smallest measurable spot.

High-temperature metal applications often include dust, fumes, heat radiation, vibration and limited access. For this reason, installation should also consider protective housings, air purge, cooling accessories, cable routing and camera mounting position.

PIX Connect software and process integration

Optris Xi 05M is configured and analyzed with PIX Connect software. The software allows users to view the thermal image, define measurement areas, configure alarms, adjust focus, record radiometric data and export temperature information for analysis or process documentation.

Because Xi 05M supports autonomous operation and process outputs, it can be used not only as a PC-connected thermal camera, but also as an active temperature monitoring component in a process control system.

How Inobalt helps select Optris Xi 05M

Correct high-temperature IR camera selection depends on the real process. Important parameters include target material, temperature range, emissivity, object size, measuring distance, optics, field of view, process speed, ambient conditions, dust or fumes, protective accessories, alarm logic and PLC integration.

Inobalt helps customers in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia select Optris Xi 05M, choose suitable optics, evaluate mounting conditions, compare Xi 05M with Xi 1M, PI 05M or other Optris cameras and define the required accessories for the installation.

Frequently asked questions about Optris Xi 05M

What is Optris Xi 05M used for?

Optris Xi 05M is used for non-contact temperature measurement of molten metals, steel and very high-temperature industrial processes. It is especially suitable for casting, foundry, forging, heat treatment, welding and metal production applications.

What temperature range does Xi 05M measure?

Optris Xi 05M measures temperatures from 950 °C to 2450 °C, making it suitable for very hot materials and molten metal applications.

What resolution does Xi 05M have?

Optris Xi 05M has a thermal resolution of 396 × 300 pixels for radiometric monitoring of high-temperature processes.

Why does Xi 05M use a 500–540 nm spectral range?

The 500–540 nm short-wavelength range is better suited for measuring very hot metals because it reduces the influence of emissivity changes and reflections compared with long-wave infrared measurement.

How is Xi 05M different from Xi 1M?

Xi 05M is designed for higher-temperature metal applications from 950 °C to 2450 °C. Xi 1M is more suitable for lower high-temperature applications from 450 °C to 1800 °C and uses a different short-wavelength spectral range.

How is Xi 05M different from PI 05M?

Xi 05M is a compact Ethernet / USB camera with autonomous operation for industrial integration. PI 05M is a precision-line camera that can be more suitable for higher-resolution, higher-speed or more advanced thermal analysis applications.

Can Xi 05M be connected to a PLC?

Yes. Xi 05M supports autonomous operation with direct analog or alarm output, and fieldbus communication options are available for integration into industrial automation systems.

What information is needed to select the correct Xi 05M configuration?

The key data includes material, temperature range, emissivity, object size, measuring distance, required field of view, process speed, ambient conditions, dust or fumes, alarm logic, PLC integration and required accessories.