Aluminum Surface Temperature Measurement Solutions
Reliable contact temperature measurement for aluminum extrusion and processed aluminum parts
Aluminum surfaces can be difficult to measure accurately with non-contact infrared thermometers because of their low emissivity and reflective characteristics.
Anritsu contact temperature probes provide stable and reliable temperature measurement for aluminum extrusions, die temperature checks, heat sink testing, and processed aluminum parts.
Application Examples
Aluminum extrusion profiles
- Solid aluminum extrusions
- Hollow aluminum extrusions
- Semi-hollow aluminum extrusions
- Structural aluminum extrusions
- Architectural aluminum extrusions
- Heat sink extrusions
Aluminum parts and components
- Aluminum die casting dies
- Aluminum enclosures
- Heat sinks and thermal components
- Electronic component heat dissipation testing
Why Contact Measurement Is Recommended for Aluminum
Aluminum has low emissivity and highly reflective surface characteristics. As a result, infrared thermometers may produce unstable or inaccurate readings unless emissivity is carefully corrected.
Contact temperature probes measure the surface directly, making them especially useful when surface conditions vary due to:
For many aluminum applications, contact measurement provides more reliable and repeatable results.
Measurement Challenges for Aluminum Surface Temperature
| Point | Details |
| High-temperature environment | Aluminum extrusion processes often involve high temperatures, so it is important to select sensors with sufficient heat resistance. |
| Sensor pipe length | When a long sensor pipe is required, the pipe length must be carefully considered. For lengths over 1 m, a special pipe joint structure, such as 1 m + 1 m, may be recommended to improve handling and transportation. |
| Measurement direction | The relationship between the operator, the measurement surface, and the sensor direction is important for stable contact. |
| Point | Details |
| Ensure firm sensor contact | When the target temperature is high, it may be difficult for the operator to approach it safely. If a pipe length is longer, it may be difficult to visually confirm whether the sensor probe is making proper contact with the target surface. |
Selecting the Right Sensor Shape and Pipe angle
The sensor pipe angle should be selected according to the position of the measurement surface and the operator’s working direction.
Recommended Pipe Angle by Measurement Position
| Measurement situation | Recommended sensor pipe angle |
| The measurement surface is like a wall when viewed from the operator | Straight pipe |
| The measurement surface is like a floor when viewed from the operator | 90°pipe |
This helps improve contact stability, operator safety, and measurement repeatability.
Notes for Moving Surface Measurement
When measuring a moving aluminum surface, it is important to select a sensor designed for moving surfaces.
For example, when proposing S-5* or S-6* moving-surface sensors, the direction of surface movement must be checked in advance. S-type moving-surface sensors are designed to contact the surface in a specific direction only.
Therefore, the following point must be confirmed:
- Does the measured surface move from right to left when viewed from the operator?
- Or does it move from left to right?
This is especially important when using a 90° pipe, because sensor contact direction and surface travel direction must be compatible.
Surface Unevenness and Sensor Contact Stability
In some cases, aluminum profiles or processed aluminum parts do not have perfectly smooth and flat surfaces. The surface may have slight unevenness, grooves, or concave areas.
If the protrusion length of the contact plate from the sensor guard is too short, the guard may touch the surrounding surface first, preventing the contact plate from reaching the actual measurement point. This can result in unstable or inaccurate temperature measurement.
For such applications, S Series and HHT Series sensors are recommended.
Solutions
Anritsu Sensor Probes provide reliable contact temperature measurement solutions for aluminum surface temperature measurement applications, including extrusion processes, die temperature checks, heat sink testing, and aluminum processed parts.
With fast response, high accuracy, and durable sensor construction, Anritsu Sensor Probes support quality control, process optimization, and preventive maintenance.
These solutions help manufacturers:
- Reduce scrap
- Improve productivity
- Stabilize process conditions
- Ensure consistent product quality
- Improve temperature measurement reliability on aluminum surfaces
S/SX Series and HHT Series
S/SX Series and HHT Series probes can be customized to match the application requirements.
Customizable options include:
HR Series
HR Series thermometers can be used with compatible Anritsu temperature probes to support accurate and reliable temperature measurement in production, inspection, and quality control environments.
Need help selecting the right probe and thermometer?
Contact us today to discuss your aluminum surface temperature measurement application.