Glass gob production is a critical stage in glass manufacturing, where precise temperature control directly affects forming quality, product consistency, and downstream processing. Variations in gob temperature can lead to defects, dimensional inaccuracies, and reduced mechanical strength of the final product.

Fixed radiometric infrared cameras provide a reliable non-contact solution for continuous monitoring of gob temperature, enabling stable and repeatable production processes.

Process Characteristics and Measurement Challenges

During glass gob formation, molten glass is cut into portions (gobs) and transferred to forming machines. This process involves high temperatures, rapid movement, and dynamic environmental conditions.

Key challenges include:
• extremely high temperatures of molten glass
• fast-moving targets requiring real-time measurement
• varying emissivity of molten material
• harsh industrial environments with heat and radiation

These conditions make traditional contact measurement impractical and limit the accuracy of conventional methods.

Role of Infrared Cameras in Gob Production

Radiometric infrared cameras enable continuous temperature monitoring of each glass gob as it moves through the production line. This allows operators to detect temperature variations and ensure consistency before forming.

Typical monitoring tasks include:
• temperature measurement of individual gobs
• detection of temperature deviations between cycles
• process stabilization and quality control

By providing real-time thermal data, IR systems support better process control and reduce variability.

Advantages of Fixed Infrared Monitoring

The use of fixed infrared cameras improves both process transparency and operational efficiency.

Key benefits include:
• non-contact measurement in extreme conditions
• continuous monitoring of fast-moving objects
• improved consistency in gob temperature
• reduction of defects in forming processes
• enhanced automation and process control

These advantages contribute to higher production quality and reduced waste.

Optris PI 1M for Glass Gob Applications

A key solution for gob temperature monitoring is the Optris PI 1M infrared camera, designed for high-temperature industrial applications involving hot metals and glass.

The PI 1M operates at a short wavelength of 1 µm, which reduces the influence of emissivity variations and provides more accurate measurements on glowing materials.

The camera offers high frame rates, enabling precise measurement of fast-moving glass gobs in real time. Its compact design allows easy integration into production lines, while real-time data output supports automated process control systems.

These features make the PI 1M particularly suitable for stable and reliable monitoring in glass gob production.

Application Value in Industrial Production

Accurate temperature monitoring at the gob stage enables better control of the entire glass forming process.

With infrared cameras such as PI 1M, manufacturers can:
• maintain consistent gob temperature
• improve forming accuracy and product quality
• detect process deviations immediately
• reduce scrap and production losses

This ensures a more controlled, efficient, and high-quality glass manufacturing process.