Laser trackers are large-scale measuring devices that use a laser beam, a gyro, and rotary encoders. A laser beam is fired at a retro-reflective target to measure distance and angles, allowing the tracker software to compute an X, Y, and Z position of the target in 3D space.
Laser trackers use either absolute distance measurement (ADM) or interferometer technologies to measure distances from the laser tracker, with most trackers using only ADM systems.
Laser trackers are just like any other tactile measuring tool. The spherical-mirrored retroreflector (SMR) becomes the probe that contacts the surface to be measured and the laser tracker measurement is triggered taking a 3D point in space.
Laser trackers are used with probing software for tasks such as inspection and tool building. A point cloud software package is also necessary if a laser scanner is used in conjunction with a laser tracker.
Large volume inspection with laser trackers has some key benefits.
Laser trackers are beneficial for measuring large objects inaccessible and remotely located, such as mining equipment in-situ.
The laser tracker can be located at a distance of up to 80 metres from the structure being measured.
Large volume inspection with laser trackers and alignment tasks in the mining, aerospace, and power generation sectors are common and allow the measurement of large tooling fixtures, large components in-situ, and during maintenance and shut-down periods.
API’s founder Dr Kam Lau developed laser tracker technology over 30-years ago, and now with a new improved and rationalized range of RADIAN laser trackers API is focused on showing customers in Australia and New Zealand how these systems can improve productivity and enhance quality in many applications and markets in the region.
The benefit therefore in choosing an API laser tracker is that you are dealing with the originators of the technology and a manufacturer who is solely focused on the further future developments of laser tracker systems.
Met Optix is proud to be API’s sales and support partner in Australia and New Zealand for API’s outstanding range of laser tracker systems.
Models:
RADIAN CORE, RADIAN PLUS and RADIAN PRO
Target Systems:
Active Target
Probe and Scanning Systems:
iSCAN and vProbe
SMR and Accessories:
Laser tracker SMR range, target Tooling, tripods, and software
RADIAN CORE is an entry-level laser tracker that enables uses to measure large parts and structures and parts with an ADM-only system and when API’s probing system are not necessary or envisaged being needed in the future.
RADIAN PLUS is a versatile laser tracker with ADM-only capabilities and ranges up to 80 meters and when optional API probing systems such as V-probe may be required or when the SmartTrack system may be necessary.
RADIAN PRO is the premium API laser tracker with both ADM and IFM technologies available and when higher accuracies are required. It is the only API laser tracker that operates with the optional SmartTrack 6DoF target system for complex machine tool calibration and verification tasks.
The range of services offered starts with basic technical telephone and consultation and progresses through on-site calibrations, repair, and maintenance. Finally, more complex tasks such as machine or equipment upgrades complete the picture.
By only supplying the highest quality products, our customers can be confident that their measurement results will be accurate and repeatable; high-quality measurement systems are critical to achieving consistency in measurement goals.
In these testing times, API Metrology is working hard to exhibit its award-winning range of metrology products to potential customers.
Click on the link below to access API’s virtual showroom for details on their latest products and success stories.
API has rationalized its laser tracker range down to three models, the Radian Core, Plus, and Pro with ranges from 20 meters to 80 meters. The Radian is the smallest, lightest, and most portable laser tracker on the market and operates with any external controller (except for the Pro model) with WiFi connectivity.
Available in both ADM only and ADM and IFM technologies (Radian Pro), the API range leads the market in innovation, technology, and functional design.
The API laser tracker range is complimented with two target systems, the Active Target system, and the API SmartTrack with its 6 degrees of freedom measurement capability.
API has a number of ex-demo laser trackers that have been used previously by API’s contract services group. These trackers are now available for resale and have been fully refurbished, calibrated and offered with a one-year factory warranty.
These refurbished API laser tracker systems represent outstanding value.
Laser trackers work by measuring the radial distance from the tracker to the target and the zenith and azimuth angles.
The angles are measured by angular encoders and the radial distance measured with either an interferometer (IFM) or an absolute distance meter (ADM) or a combination of both.
Historically laser trackers started out using IFM, but as improvements in ADM technology occurred, many systems became ADM only and now only a small number of systems have both IFM and ADM in one device.
IFMs work by splitting the laser beam into two parts: one beam travels directly to the interferometer, while the other travels to a target device in contact with the component being measured.
The two lasers interfere with one another inside the interferometer (hence the name), resulting in a cyclic change, each time the target device changes its distance from the tracker.
ADMs use infrared light from a semiconductor laser which bounces off the target device and re-enters the tracker. The infrared light is then converted into an electrical signal for time-of-flight analysis.
IFM has a fast update rate and it has been the industry standard for the last 30-years. The weaknesses are that it cannot determine its absolute position without a starting point and requires an uninterrupted line of sight between the tracker and the target.
ADM systems can measure distances without an absolute starting point and the laser beam can be interrupted without disrupting a measurement. Its, however, less accurate than IFM and its speed is restricted by integration time.
As well as the laser tracker, software and laptop computer, other items are needed to make the laser tracker package complete. These items include SMR or target systems, tooling kits, calibration tripods and stands for the laser tracker.
For the range of portable measuring Arms that we sell, we recommend and support software packages from Verisurf.
Depending on the intended applications such as inspection, reverse engineering or both and whether a laser scanner is proposed, there are a number of options with Verisurf.
When choosing a portable measuring arm system, consideration should also be given to the additional accessories that will be required such as the method of mounting the arm and extra probes.
The methods of mounting portable measuring arms range from a simple magnetic base to folding portable tripods to rolling stands for ultimate stability and accuracy.
Fixturing is important to ensure repeatable measurements and so that CMM programs have a consistent reference point from which to start. Fixturing includes:
Our range incudes portable and folding stand, magnetic bases and probing systems from Metrology Works, RPS Metrology and API.
Large volume inspection with laser trackers is made easy as API laser trackers communicate seamlessly with a range of target systems and probes, including the new vProbe, Active Target and SmartTarget systems for use in a wide range of applications such as the surveying of large structures, machine tool alignment and controlling robotic assembly systems.
Hand-held, light-weight, wireless tactile probe with easy-hold grip stylus allows for inspection of intricate features & cavities for large, complex parts.
Active Target houses a break-resistant SMR(spherically mounted retroreflector). SMRs track over 80m in range with accuracies of ± 2.5 microns. SMRs offer high accuracy line of sight measurement.
Hand-held, light-weight, wireless tactile probe with easy-hold grip stylus allows for inspection of intricate features & cavities for large, complex parts.
