by Ana Urbina (Admin)
Choosing the Right Infrared Pyrometer: MI3 vs CM
The choice of infrared pyrometer can make or break your efficiency, product quality, and system scalability. At Selmatec you can find the MI3 and CM models, both of which deliver accurate non-contact temperature measurement. However, they serve very different needs.
Here we explore their technical differences, highlighting where each excels, to show you how the right match brings value to your business.
MI3 shines where performance and connectivity is key
The MI3 is a compact, high-performance pyrometer designed for complex or high-speed processes. Its key advantages lie in wide temperature range (up to 1800 °C), fast response times (as low as 10 ms), and high optical resolutions (up to 100:1). Just as critical is its flexible, advanced communication architecture: from USB to Modbus, Profibus, Profinet, and Ethernet, the MI3 has no issue integrating with industrial control systems. This allows for multi-sensor networking, remote diagnostics, and real-time temperature logging.
These capabilities are particularly beneficial in metals processing, such as steel strip annealing or induction heating, where rapid temperature feedback and robust signal communication are essential for tight process control.
In high-volume glass production, MI3 systems are also ideal to monitor edge temperatures on fast-moving lines, ensuring uniform quality and reducing breakage. The availability of ATEX- and IECEx-certified MI3 models also make them suitable for use in processes with potentially explosive atmospheres.
In need of smart simplicity for mid-range applications?
On the other hand, the CM sensor is a more streamlined solution for processes with moderate temperature ranges (up to 500 °C) and less dynamic speed requirements. It offers reliable infrared measurement in a rugged IP65 stainless steel housing, with a response time of 150 ms and 13:1 optical resolution. Communication is handled via RS232 or an analog signal (thermocouple output or 0–5 V), which is ideal for integration into simple control loops or PLCs.
While it lacks the digital networking of the MI3, the CM shines in OEM applications and compact machines where space, budget, or system complexity are constraints. For example, in plastic thermoforming lines, where materials rarely exceed 250–350 °C, the CM provides accurate, maintenance-free temperature monitoring that can be easily scaled across multiple stations.
In other applications like paper drying, the CM can monitor to ensure coating consistency or prevent over-drying, helping reduce waste and optimize energy use, all without the need for complex setup or network communication.
The right choice to boost your business
More than technical fit, it's about optimizing return on investment. Overengineering a simple process with an advanced sensor can unnecessarily increase costs and integration time. Conversely, under-specifying a sensor for a high-speed or high-temperature environment can lead to product defects, unplanned downtime, and compromised safety.
By deploying the MI3 in complex or high-risk scenarios, and the CM where simplicity and scale matter, your company can align measurement strategies with real operational needs. This tailored approach reduces total cost of ownership, enhances process reliability, and ensures better alignment between factory automation and production goals.
Both MI3 and CM sensors play valuable roles. Our experts can help you choose with thorough and personalized assessment. Reach out to us to discover the full potential of your plant with the correct device.