The Optris Xi 05M MeltScope is a short-wavelength infrared thermal camera specifically engineered for accurate, non-contact temperature measurement of hot, reflective and low-emissivity materials. It is ideally suited for monitoring molten metals, hot steel, ceramics and other challenging surfaces where conventional long-wave infrared cameras and pyrometers struggle to deliver reliable results.

Non-reflective materials typically exhibit high and stable emissivity across long-wave infrared ranges, regardless of surface texture. In contrast, metallic and reflective materials show low and unstable emissivity at long wavelengths, leading to inconsistent and unreliable temperature readings. The Xi 05M addresses this challenge by operating in a short-wavelength spectral range of 500–540 nm, which aligns with the peak emissivity of most metals.

According to Planck’s radiation law, significantly more infrared radiation is emitted at shorter wavelengths, reducing emissivity-related measurement errors and improving repeatability. As a result, reflective materials at elevated temperatures should always be measured using the shortest feasible wavelength. The Xi 05M MeltScope enables precise surface temperature measurement of steel, iron, brass, copper, tin, carbon, ceramics and semiconductors, even under demanding industrial conditions.

Designed and manufactured in Germany, the Optris Xi 05M combines precision, affordability and innovation. It delivers mid-resolution thermal imaging at 396 × 300 pixels and supports a wide temperature measurement range from 950°C to 2450°C without sub-ranges, simplifying setup and operation. Its high distance-to-spot-size ratio allows accurate temperature measurements from considerable distances, exceeding the optical performance of many conventional pyrometers.

The infrared camera features motorised focus, enabling remote and precise adjustment of the focal point on the measurement target. Autonomous thermal hot-spot detection further enhances its effectiveness for monitoring, inspection and quality control applications. The camera’s rugged, industrial-grade construction ensures reliable operation in harsh environments, while its compact and waterproof design supports both fixed and mounted installations.

For seamless integration into industrial systems, the Xi 05M uses Ethernet as its primary interface, delivering full-size thermal images at 20 Hz. A USB interface is also available, supporting sub-images at 132 × 100 pixels with the same frame rate. Autonomous operation reduces the need for complex software development, making integration into control systems and machinery straightforward.

Additional interfaces and features include automatic spot detection, direct analogue output (0/4–20 mA), and compatibility with common industrial fieldbus protocols such as Ethernet/IP, Modbus TCP/IP, RS485 and Profinet. These capabilities make the Xi 05M an excellent solution for OEM applications, as well as for researchers and system integrators requiring a powerful yet cost-effective infrared imaging platform. Developer kits are also available for application-specific software development.

The Optris Xi 05M is compatible with a comprehensive range of accessories designed for challenging environmental conditions. These include water-cooled housings that extend operating temperatures up to 250°C, air purge systems to keep optics clean in dusty environments, and a variety of mechanical mounting options, electrical interfaces and connection cables.

With its advanced short-wavelength technology, autonomous functionality and industrial robustness, the Optris Xi 05M MeltScope delivers accurate, stable and repeatable temperature measurements for quality control, condition monitoring, research and development, and demanding industrial process applications.