HORIBA IT-230 Non-Contact Infrared Thermometer

Overview

The HORIBA IT-230 is a benchtop non-contact infrared thermometer engineered for stable, high-reproducibility surface temperature measurement in industrial process monitoring and quality assurance environments. Operating on the principle of passive infrared radiation detection, the IT-230 measures emitted thermal energy in the mid-infrared spectral band (typically 8–14 µm), converting radiance signals into calibrated temperature values using Planck’s law and emissivity-compensated algorithms. Designed for continuous operation in manufacturing settings—including metal forming, plastic extrusion, glass annealing, and food processing lines—the instrument delivers real-time surface temperature data without physical contact, eliminating wear, contamination risk, or thermal loading effects on delicate or moving targets. Its fixed-focus optical design ensures consistent spot size ratio (distance-to-spot ratio ≈ 30:1), enabling reliable measurements at working distances from 300 mm to 2,000 mm depending on target geometry and ambient conditions.

Key Features

• Non-contact measurement across 0–300 °C with typical repeatability better than ±0.5 °C or ±0.5% of reading (whichever is greater) under stable ambient conditions (15–35 °C, <85% RH, non-condensing)
• Adjustable emissivity setting (0.10–1.00 in 0.01 increments) to accommodate diverse surface materials—from oxidized steel (ε ≈ 0.75) to polished aluminum (ε ≈ 0.05) and polymer films (ε ≈ 0.92–0.95)
• Dual independent relay alarm outputs (NO/NC configurable) supporting high/low limit monitoring, process interlock signaling, or automatic line shutdown protocols
• Configurable analog output (selectable 4–20 mA or 0–10 V DC) for integration with PLCs, SCADA systems, or centralized data loggers—fully isolated to prevent ground-loop interference
• Robust front-panel housing rated IP65, resistant to dust ingress and low-pressure water jets; suitable for deployment near CNC machines, conveyor zones, or humid packaging areas
• Real-time display with backlight LCD showing current temperature, emissivity value, alarm status, and output mode—no external PC required for basic operation

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The IT-230 is optimized for measuring stationary or slow-moving solid surfaces where direct contact is impractical or prohibited. It maintains accuracy on targets with minor surface contamination (e.g., oil mist, light oxidation, or fine particulate deposits), as well as on scratched or matte-finished substrates, due to its wide dynamic response range and signal averaging capability. The device complies with IEC 61326-1 (EMC requirements for industrial environments) and IEC 61010-1 (safety requirements for electrical equipment for measurement, control, and laboratory use). While not certified for SIL or ATEX applications, it meets general-purpose industrial safety and electromagnetic compatibility standards applicable to non-hazardous area instrumentation. Calibration traceability follows JIS Z 8703 and ISO/IEC 17025 guidelines when performed by accredited service providers.

Software & Data Management

The IT-230 operates autonomously without proprietary software dependency. All configuration—including emissivity, alarm thresholds, analog scaling, and unit selection (°C/°F)—is managed via intuitive front-panel navigation. For archival or trending purposes, analog output signals can be fed into third-party data acquisition platforms compliant with IEEE 1451 or OPC UA standards. When integrated into FDA-regulated facilities, users may implement electronic audit trails externally via connected PLC historians or MES systems adhering to 21 CFR Part 11 requirements for electronic records and signatures. HORIBA provides calibration certificates upon request, including as-found/as-left data and uncertainty budgets per ISO/IEC 17025.

Applications

• Continuous monitoring of heated rollers, dies, and molds in thermoforming and rubber vulcanization processes
• Surface temperature verification of baked goods, confectionery coatings, or sterilized packaging prior to sealing
• Thermal validation of soldering iron tips, reflow oven zones, and wave solder baths in electronics assembly
• Quality gate checks for heat-treated components (e.g., annealed springs, tempered blades) where contact probes would alter thermal profiles
• Preventive maintenance screening of motor housings, gearboxes, and bearing assemblies in rotating equipment

FAQ

Does the IT-230 require periodic recalibration?
Yes—recommended annually or per internal QA schedule; calibration should be performed using a blackbody source traceable to NMI standards.
Can the IT-230 measure through transparent barriers such as glass or plastic windows?
No—standard operation assumes direct line-of-sight to the target surface; infrared transmission through most common window materials (e.g., soda-lime glass, acrylic) introduces significant spectral attenuation and requires custom spectral correction.
Is emissivity compensation mandatory for accurate readings?
Yes—emissivity must be set according to the material and surface condition; default ε = 0.95 is only appropriate for organic or painted surfaces.
What is the minimum measurable spot diameter at 1 m distance?
Approximately 33 mm, based on a nominal 30:1 distance-to-spot ratio.
Does the device support Modbus RTU or other digital communication protocols?
No—the IT-230 provides analog and relay outputs only; digital interface options are available in HORIBA’s higher-tier FT series instruments.