IR thermometer

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Thinking of getting an Infra red thermometer. What temp range would be most applicable to Tig welding aluminum and general use? Is there an optimal temperature for pre heating Al? I have been having trouble getting things melting when trying to join 1/4 plate using a PT225.Any brand that offers good quality for the money?Thanks, Bob.Bob.Miller Dynasty 200 DXMillermatic 211Hypertherm PM 600In Tool acquisition Mode
Reply:Bob I weld mostly engine castings, al and iron. The ir thermometer I use goes to 1100 w/laser aim. I pre/post heat most al head castings to 350 . I needed to weld inside a cylinder head port with a 100 amp max micro torch, I could not get a puddle (100 amp 350 heat).Heated to 500 and got it done. You need to know the anneal temp of alloy you are working with. 356 t6 al castings anneal within a couple mins at 600 degrees, at 500 you will anneal in about 2 hours. A 350 degree chunk of al will weld at approx 1/2 the amps the same part will weld at room temp. The gun I use is  Raytec. Check the model that you like and make sure it can be calibrated for al, a lot of them can not be calibrated. A ir thermometer not calibrated for al will give incorrect temp.Peter
Reply:Thanks for the last bit castweld, that will be needed info to remember
Reply:What you want is adjustable emissivity, it has to do with the way the IR beam is effected by the heat of the surface to pick up the temperature with the sensor.Different materials have different emissivities. So make sure it's adjustable.
Reply:Tempil makes an electronic thermometer that is accurate and can be calibrated.  It doesn't have quite the 'reach' of an IR thermometer, because you have to touch the surface with the end of the 'stick', but it will be much more accurate than most IR thermometers.  We use them at work and have been very satisfied with their performance to date.  Price is similar to a good IR thermometer.http://www.tempil.com/closeup.asp?pid=23&cid=24&theme=0Benson's Mobile Welding - Dayton, OH metro area - AWS Certified Welding Inspector
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Reply:Originally Posted by 65535What you want is adjustable emissivity, it has to do with the way the IR beam is effected by the heat of the surface to pick up the temperature with the sensor.Different materials have different emissivities. So make sure it's adjustable.