AT IRSX-2 Series
Smart Infrared Camera for Industrial Temperature Monitoring and Thermal Inspection
The IRSX-2 combines a 640 x 512 radiometric detector, on-board image processing and industrial communication in a compact IP67 housing. It evaluates temperatures directly at the machine and sends the result to the PLC, so thermal process monitoring runs without a separate PC. When an application needs PC-based processing, the GigE Vision App streams thermal images instead.
Key Takeaways
- 640 x 512 uncooled detector, 8–14 µm, NETD <40 mK, measuring from −10 °C to +500 °C
- Stand-alone temperature evaluation on the camera, with no PC needed at the machine
- Results go to the PLC or IoT systems via Modbus TCP, OPC UA, MQTT, Profinet or REST API
- Several measurement jobs are stored on the camera for fast product changeovers
- The GigE Vision App streams GenICam-compliant thermal images to PC-based software
- Three lens options in an IP67 housing with M12 connectors
From Thermal Image to Process Decision
Plastic welding, hot stamping and foil sealing all need a temperature check on every part. In a typical set-up, the infrared camera streams images to an industrial PC, where software evaluates them and passes a result to the PLC. Each measuring point adds a PC, cabling and software to install and maintain.
Where thermal data has to be combined with other image data or needs custom algorithms, a PC-based set-up remains the right choice. For temperature checks in defined regions with a clear pass/fail result, the PC adds cost without adding capability.
The IRSX-2 runs that evaluation on the camera and keeps PC-based streaming available when it is needed.
Key Benefits
Stand-Alone Thermal Evaluation
The SmartProcessing App evaluates temperatures in spot, line and area AOIs on the camera and checks them against limits. The PLC receives a result, not an image.
Direct Connection to PLC and IoT Systems
With the SmartProcessing App, measurement results can be processed on the camera and made available via industrial interfaces like OPC UA or Profinet.
Fast Product Changeovers
The app and job concept supports application-specific configurations. Job handling and switching options depend on the SmartProcessing App and should be checked against the application documentation.
Stable Readings Despite Part Tolerances
Smart Realignment locates the part and moves the measurement regions with it, reducing false alarms caused by positioning rather than temperature.
Offline Job Development
The IRSX Simulator is an offline tool for developing and testing measurement jobs before deployment to the camera.
Built for the Production Environment
The IP67 aluminium housing with M12 connectors and an air purge for the lens allows installation close to the process, from -20 °C to +60 °C.
Specifications
All IRSX-2 models share the same detector and electronics. Model selection depends on the working distance, the size of the measurement area and the speed of the process.
Model Comparison
| Parameter | IRSX-2-640-4.9 | IRSX-2-640-9.2 | IRSX-2-640-13.6 |
|---|---|---|---|
Focal length |
4.9 mm |
9.2 mm |
13.6 mm |
Field of view |
95° × 77° |
49.9° × 39.3° |
32° × 25.6° |
Minimum object distance |
0.1 m |
0.3 m |
0.5 m |
Recommended application |
Short working distances and large measurement areas |
General-purpose applications |
Longer working distances and smaller measurement areas |
Selection Guide
- For very short working distances or a large field of view:
IRSX-2-640-4.9 - For a balanced combination of working distance and field of view:
IRSX-2-640-9.2 - For longer working distances or focused measurements of smaller areas:
IRSX-2-640-13.6
Specifications Common to All Models
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
Detector |
640 × 512 uncooled microbolometer |
Spectral range |
8–14 µm |
NETD |
<40 mK |
Radiometric temperature range |
−10 °C to +140 °C in High Gain, −10 °C to +500 °C in Low Gain |
Accuracy |
±5 °C |
Frame rate |
9 Hz or 30 Hz depending on model |
Interfaces |
GigE Vision, GenICam, Modbus TCP, OPC UA, MQTT, Profinet, REST API |
I/O |
2 digital inputs, 2 digital outputs, 1 analogue input/output, RS-422 encoder |
Power supply |
10–24 V DC, max. 5 W |
Housing |
IP67, anodized aluminium |
Operating temperature |
−20 °C to +60 °C |
Application Areas
The IRSX-2 is used wherever temperature shows whether a process or a part is within specification.
Plastics Processing
Welding, injection moulding and thermoforming depend on seam and part temperatures staying within a narrow window. The camera checks every part inline and flags deviations before assembly or packaging.
Automotive Production
On foamed parts, differences in heat transfer or cooling behaviour may indicate subsurface defects, provided that sufficient thermal contrast is present and the application has been validated. In hot-stamping applications, the IRSX 2 can be used where the relevant measurement temperatures are within the specified range of the selected gain mode.
Food & Beverage
On ready meals, gaps in the heat pattern of the cover foil indicate an incomplete seal. In baking, meat or chocolate processing, the camera monitors product temperatures at defined process steps.
Condition Monitoring and Fire Prevention
In steelworks, energy plants and warehouses for combustible goods, the camera detects critical temperatures before damage or a fire occurs. ATEX-certified enclosures are available for hazardous areas.
STEMMER IMAGING:
From Feasibility Test to Commissioning
Reliable thermal inspection depends on emissivity, working distance and the right evaluation set-up.Our Technical Competence Centre supports IRSX-2 projects from the first feasibility test through to commissioning.
- Operational Services
- Engineering Services
- Special Solutions & Applications
Frequently Asked Questions
When does a smart infrared camera make more sense than a PC-based thermal system?
When the task is to measure temperatures in defined regions and pass a result to the PLC. Where thermal images must be combined with other image data or need custom algorithms, a PC-based set-up remains the better choice, and the IRSX-2 covers that case through its GigE Vision App.
Which IRSX-2 model fits my application?
All models share the same detector, so the choice comes down to lens and frame rate. The 4.9 mm lens suits short distances and large areas, the 13.6 mm lens resolves smaller details from further away, and the 30 Hz models suit fast processes.
How accurate is the temperature measurement?
The optional Smart Blackbody IRS Calilux provides a stable temperature reference for calibration and measurement correction. In combination with the IRSX 2 and under defined operating conditions, it enables temperature measurement accuracy of up to ±0.3 °C.
How does the IRSX-2 differ from the IRSX-I?
The IRSX-2 is the successor to the IRSX-I. It combines a 640 x 512 detector with 12 µm pixel pitch in a new, compact housing, and keeps the app and job concept of the first generation. The IRSX-I remains an option where a 336 x 256 detector, lenses up to 35 mm or high-temperature calibration up to 1,200 °C are required.
Which industrial protocols does the IRSX-2 support?
With the SmartProcessing App, results are available via Modbus TCP, OPC UA, MQTT, Profinet and REST API plus digital and analogue I/O. In GigE Vision mode, the camera communicates via GigE Vision and GenICam.
Can the IRSX-2 operate in hot or harsh environments?
The IP67 housing operates from −20 °C to +60 °C, with an additional air purge keeping the lens clean. For higher ambient temperatures, water- or air-cooled stainless steel enclosures are available, as well as ATEX-certified enclosures for explosion protection zones.
Can STEMMER IMAGING check whether thermal inspection works for our parts?
Yes. Our Technical Competence Centre tests your parts for temperature contrast and emissivity and recommends the right lens variant and evaluation set-up.
Can STEMMER IMAGING supply the cables and accessories?
Yes. M12 power, I/O and GigE cables in different lengths, I/O panels and protective enclosures can be supplied together with the camera.