HORIBA IT-550 Non-Contact Infrared Radiometric Thermometer
| Brand | HORIBA |
|---|---|
| Origin | Japan |
| Model | IT-550 |
| Measurement Range | −50 to 500 °C |
| Spectral Response | 8–16 µm |
| Distance-to-Spot Ratio | 15:1 (1 m → Ø24 mm) |
| Emissivity Adjustment Range | 0.10–1.00 (0.01 step) |
| Repeatability | ±0.5 °C or ±0.5 % of reading (whichever is greater) |
| Response Time (t₉₀) | ≤250 ms |
| Operating Ambient Temperature | 0 to 50 °C |
| IP Rating | IP54 (optional drip-proof housing available) |
| Output Interface | Analog 4–20 mA / 0–5 V DC + RS-485 Modbus RTU |
| Compliance | HACCP-aligned design, CE marked, RoHS compliant |
Overview
The HORIBA IT-550 is a high-precision, fixed-mount infrared radiometric thermometer engineered for non-contact surface temperature measurement in industrial process monitoring, food safety validation, and quality assurance environments. Based on Planck’s radiation law, the IT-550 detects thermal infrared energy emitted by objects within the 8–16 µm spectral band — an optimal range for measuring low-to-medium temperature surfaces with high emissivity stability and minimal atmospheric absorption interference. Its optical design incorporates a 15:1 distance-to-spot ratio, enabling reliable measurement of targets as small as Ø24 mm from 1 meter distance — critical for monitoring conveyor-borne products, sealed packaging, or thermally sensitive components without physical contact or process interruption. With a full-scale operating range of −50 °C to +500 °C and real-time emissivity compensation (adjustable from 0.10 to 1.00 in 0.01 increments), the IT-550 delivers traceable, repeatable readings under dynamic thermal conditions while maintaining compliance with foundational food safety frameworks including HACCP prerequisite programs.
Key Features
- Optimized mid-wave infrared detection (8–16 µm) for enhanced accuracy on organic materials, painted surfaces, and food-grade substrates
- Dual-beam visible laser targeting system — co-axial alignment ensures precise spatial registration between aiming point and actual measurement spot
- Fast thermal response: t₉₀ ≤ 250 ms, supporting real-time feedback in high-speed production lines
- Robust industrial enclosure with optional IP54-rated drip-proof housing for humid or washdown-prone environments
- Configurable analog output (4–20 mA or 0–5 V DC) and digital RS-485 interface with Modbus RTU protocol for seamless integration into PLCs, SCADA systems, and MES platforms
- On-device emissivity calibration support and user-defined alarm thresholds for automated process deviation detection
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The IT-550 is validated for use across heterogeneous sample types including stainless steel belts, polymer packaging films, baked goods, dairy products, and pharmaceutical blister packs. Its spectral sensitivity minimizes reflectivity errors common with shiny metallic surfaces when paired with appropriate emissivity settings. The device conforms to IEC 61326-1 (EMC for industrial environments) and carries CE marking per the EU Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive and RoHS 2011/65/EU. While not certified as a standalone HACCP instrument, its design aligns with HACCP Principle 4 (critical limit monitoring) and supports verification activities required under FDA Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) preventive controls. Data logging and output configurations may be configured to meet GLP/GMP traceability expectations when integrated with compliant host systems.
Software & Data Management
The IT-550 operates autonomously but supports configuration and diagnostics via HORIBA’s proprietary PC-based setup utility (IT-ConfigTool), which enables parameter tuning, firmware updates, and output scaling calibration. All analog and digital outputs are timestamped at the sensor level; when connected to a Modbus-enabled historian or data acquisition system, full audit trails—including emissivity setting history, ambient temperature compensation logs, and alarm event timestamps—can be retained for regulatory review. Though the unit itself does not embed FDA 21 CFR Part 11-compliant electronic signatures, its deterministic output behavior and stable calibration drift profile (<0.1 °C/year typical) facilitate qualification under laboratory instrument validation protocols (IQ/OQ/PQ).
Applications
- Continuous temperature verification of baked, fried, or roasted food products on conveyors (e.g., pizza crusts, snack chips, meat patties)
- In-line monitoring of sterilization tunnel exit zones and retort cooling stages
- Non-invasive thermal profiling of pharmaceutical blister seal integrity during packaging
- Process control of plastic extrusion die heads, mold surfaces, and curing ovens
- Preventive maintenance screening of electrical cabinets, bearing housings, and motor windings in HVAC and manufacturing facilities
FAQ
What is the minimum target size measurable at 1 meter distance?
The IT-550 resolves a Ø24 mm spot at 1 m (15:1 D:S ratio); smaller targets require proportional reduction in working distance or use of optional close-focus optics.
Can emissivity be adjusted in-field during operation?
Yes — emissivity is fully adjustable via front-panel keypad or remote Modbus register write, with no need for power cycling.
Is the IT-550 suitable for measuring shiny aluminum surfaces?
It can measure polished metals if emissivity is manually set to ~0.05–0.15 and the surface is free of condensation or oxidation; for consistent results, matte-finish reference patches are recommended.
Does the device include built-in data logging?
No — the IT-550 is a real-time transmitter; continuous logging requires external DAQ hardware or SCADA-level buffering.
What calibration documentation is supplied?
Each unit ships with a factory calibration certificate traceable to NMIJ (National Metrology Institute of Japan) standards, covering three points across the −20 °C, 100 °C, and 300 °C range.
