See beyond the flames with precision engineered for extreme heat

Measuring what happens inside a furnace or kiln has always been one of industry’s greatest challenges. The environment is punishing temperatures can exceed a thousand degrees, flames and gases distort readings, and heat radiation floods every sensor’s view. For engineers who need precise control, seeing through that chaos can feel almost impossible.

Infrared technology is changing the game. The Optris Xi 320 MT, a compact mid-infrared camera, is designed to measure the temperature of workpieces inside furnaces and kilns, even through flames or optical interference.

Traditional thermal cameras usually operate in the long-wave infrared range of 8 to 14 microns. That range works well for moderate temperatures, such as electrical inspections or general maintenance, but it becomes a problem when flames enter the picture.

Combustion gases like carbon dioxide and water vapor emit and absorb energy in that same long-wave range. As a result, they block the camera’s view of what is behind them. The outcome is unstable readings, inaccurate data, and limited visibility of the process.

The solution lies in the mid-wave infrared band around 3.9 microns. In this range, hot gases are mostly transparent, allowing the camera to see the solid surface or workpiece behind the flame. The Optris Xi 320 MT is built around this principle.

The Xi 320 MT combines precision optics with rugged engineering. Its 3.9 micron spectral range allows accurate temperature measurement from 475 °C to 1700 °C, making it ideal for applications like heat treating, sintering, and metal forging.

Despite its performance, the camera is remarkably compact, measuring only 36 mm in diameter and 100 mm in length, and sealed to IP67 standards for dust and moisture protection.

It captures 320 × 240 pixels of thermal data with a distance-to-spot ratio up to 550 to 1, enabling detailed measurements from a safe distance. Motorized focus and Power-over-Ethernet connectivity make setup simple, even in hard-to-access locations.

The Xi 320 MT is built specifically for high-temperature industrial applications where accuracy and reliability matter most.

Typical uses include:

• Monitoring temperature distribution across furnace or kiln workpieces
• Controlling combustion processes in flame-hardening or heat-treating lines
• Inspecting refractory walls for hot spots or signs of wear
• Measuring melt surface temperatures in glass or metal production
• Integrating temperature monitoring into automated furnace systems

For plant operators and OEMs, the advantages are clear: more reliable temperature data, fewer process interruptions, and improved product consistency.

Beyond its hardware, the Xi 320 MT integrates seamlessly with software. The platform provides live thermal imaging, region-of-interest analysis, alarms, and data logging, all accessible through a standard Ethernet connection.

Engineers can visualize temperature trends in real time, compare different process zones, and export data for documentation or predictive maintenance. Combined with its mid-wave sensitivity, the Xi 320 MT gives operators the insight they need to optimize thermal control and efficiency.

Even the best thermal sensor needs protection when installed near open flames. moviTHERM offers a complete range of accessories such as water-cooled housings, air-purge systems, and specialized mounting hardware. These options ensure long-term performance even in the most demanding furnace or foundry settings.

As an authorized Optris distributor, moviTHERM supports engineers, system integrators, and OEMs with camera selection, lens configuration, and integration guidance. Whether you are designing a new furnace line or upgrading your existing instrumentation, expert advice can help you achieve the best results.