The Optris CTi P7 is a two-piece infrared thermometer for accurate non-contact temperature measurement of thin-film plastic materials from 32 °F to 1,310 °F (0 °C to 710 °C). Its 7.9 µm spectral range is used for thin-film plastics such as PET, PU, PTFE, and PA. These polymers absorb strongly at that wavelength, so even a thin film reads as an opaque surface rather than letting the sensor see through to the roller or background behind it. The sensing head sits in a massive housing and connects by cable to an electronics box with programming keys, a backlit LCD display, and a built-in USB interface. Typical NETD is 45 mK.
Temperature range: 32 °F to 1,310 °F (0 °C to 710 °C)
Spectral range: 7.9 µm
Optical resolution: 10:1
Measurement uncertainty: ± 2.7 °F (± 1.5 °C) or ± 1%, whichever is greater
Massive 1.16"/29.5 mm housing rated to 185 °F (85 °C) ambient
Wavelength
7.9 µm for films
PET, PU, PTFE, and PA absorb strongly at 7.9 µm, so the sensor reads the film surface instead of seeing through it to whatever sits behind.
Noise
45 mK NETD
Typical NETD of 45 mK with ± 0.40 °F (± 0.22 K) repeatability, half the noise of the CTi P3.
Range
From 32 °F
Measures from 32 °F (0 °C) to 1,310 °F (710 °C), with accuracy specified across the whole range.
What it is used for
Some of the use cases for the Optris CTi P7 include:
PET thin-film plastics: non-contact temperature measurement of polyester films.
PU thin-film plastics: non-contact temperature measurement of polyurethane films.
PTFE thin-film plastics: non-contact temperature measurement of fluoropolymer films.
PA thin-film plastics: non-contact temperature measurement of polyamide films.
Low-temperature film processes: measurement from 32 °F (0 °C), with no accuracy caveat at the bottom of the range.
Hot installation locations: mounting the massive-housing head in ambient temperatures up to 185 °F (85 °C).
Key features
7.9 µm spectral range: for accurate temperature measurement of thin-film plastics like PET, PU, PTFE, and PA.
Low noise: typical NETD of 45 mK and repeatability of ± 0.40 °F (± 0.22 K).
Massive housing: the sensing head is supplied in a massive housing with an M18 × 1 thread.
Two-piece design: separate sensing head and electronics box with easily accessible programming keys and a backlit LCD display.
Built-in USB interface: simple sensor setup via mobile phone or PC.
Selectable analog outputs: two outputs, each 0/4–20 mA, 0–5 V, 0–10 V, or thermocouple type K, plus an alarm output.
Optional fieldbus interfaces: EtherNet/IP, Profinet, EtherCAT, Ethernet TCP/IP with Modbus TCP, Modbus RTU, RS485, RS232, or two optically isolated relay outputs.
Three programmable I/O pins: external emissivity adjustment, ambient temperature compensation, uncommitted value, trigger (reset of hold functions), or alarm output.
Signal processing: peak hold, valley hold, and averaging, plus extended hold functions with threshold and hysteresis.
Easy sensing head exchange: heads can be exchanged within a model group by entering the head's calibration code into the electronics box.
Software and app: configuration through Optris CompactPlus Connect software or the IRmobile app.
Why engineers pick it
Tuned to the right polymers. The 7.9 µm spectral range targets PET, PU, PTFE, and PA films, where a broadband sensor would read through the film rather than measuring it.
Quiet. Typical NETD of 45 mK, half the noise of the CTi P3, with ± 0.40 °F (± 0.22 K) repeatability.
Accurate across the whole range. Measurement uncertainty of ± 2.7 °F (± 1.5 °C) applies from 32 °F (0 °C) up, with no low-temperature caveat and no minimum target-to-head temperature difference.
Flexible integration. Two analog outputs, three programmable I/O pins, and optional industrial Ethernet, fieldbus, and relay interfaces.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use the CTi P7 as a 2-wire sensor?
No. Do not connect a supply voltage to the analog outputs, as this will destroy the output. The CTi P7 is not a 2-wire sensor. If you need a two-wire device, review the Optris CSmicro series instead.
What distance-to-spot size ratio is correct for my application?
The size of the measuring object and the thermometer's optical resolution determine the maximum distance between the sensing head and the object. To prevent measuring errors, the object should fill the field of view of the optics. The spot should always be the same size as the object or smaller.
Can I shorten the cable between the sensing head and the electronics box?
On the CTi P7 the sensing head cable can be shortened by a maximum of 9.8 ft (3 m).
How do I exchange the sensing head?
Heads are connected and calibrated at the factory. Any exchange of sensing heads and electronics is possible within a given model group. Every head carries a specific calibration code printed on the head cable, and that code must be stored in the electronics box for correct temperature measurement and sensor functionality.
How can I improve the noise amplitude of the sensor?
Do not move the head cable during measurement. Use shielded cables only and ground the sensor shield. Avoid ground loops and related signal interference in industrial environments. It may be necessary to interrupt the ground connections inside the electronics box by switching the internal jumper to another position. Review the manual before doing so.
Configuring and scaling
Select the cable length on this page and use Request Quote to order. Cable lengths are 9.8 ft (3 m) standard, 26.2 ft (8 m), or 49.2 ft (15 m). Contact W5 for anything the selector doesn't cover, such as optional digital interfaces and relay outputs.
Scope of supply
CTi P7 with a 9.8 ft (3 m) cable, mounting nut, and quick start guide.
Choosing between the CTi P7 and the CTi P3
These two are not interchangeable, and the deciding factor is your film material rather than any performance figure. Each wavelength is chosen for the polymers that absorb at it. Use the CTi P7 at 7.9 µm for PET, PU, PTFE, and PA. Use the CTi P3 at 3.43 µm for PE, PP, and PS. Pointing either sensor at the wrong polymer family risks reading through the film to the roller or background behind it.
Where both would work, the differences are these. The P7 is quieter at 45 mK against 90 mK, more accurate at ± 1.5 °C against ± 2.5 °C, reaches lower at 32 °F (0 °C) against 95 °F (35 °C), reaches higher at 1,310 °F (710 °C) against 1,112 °F (600 °C), and carries no low-temperature accuracy caveat. The P3 is ten times faster at 15 ms against 150 ms, and resolves tighter at 15:1 against 10:1. Choose the P3 when web speed demands it, the P7 otherwise.
Get the CTi P7 specified and supplied
W5 Engineering supplies Optris infrared temperature measurement products. We match the sensor to your film material, process temperature, target size, and working distance, then specify the cable length and any fieldbus interface you need. Tell us which polymer you are running and we will confirm whether the P7 or the P3 is the right wavelength, then return a configuration recommendation and quote.
