Laser trackers are large-scale measuring devices that use a laser beam, a gyro, and rotary encoders to fire at a retro-reflective target in order to measure distance and angles, which then allows 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, or both to measure distances from the laser tracker with most trackers using only ADM systems.
Laser trackers are extremely useful to measure large objects and to measure objects that are 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.
Predominantly used for large volume inspection, laser trackers are also widely used for alignment tasks in the mining, aerospace, and power generation sectors to measure 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.
Met Optix is an Australian-owned business founded in 2014 in Melbourne by owner David Eldridge.
Over the last six years, Met Optix has steadily grown as more and more customers become aware of our great products and service.
Our philosophy is simple, offer our customers the best metrology and testing products that are available anywhere in the world, at a realistic price and all fully supported with exceptional after-sales service and support!
Models:
RADIAN CORE, RADIAN PLUS and RADIAN PRO
Target Systems:
Active Target and SmartTrack sensor
Probe and Scanning Systems:
i360 and vProbe
SMR and Accessories:
Laser tracker SMR range, Target Tooling, Tripods, 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.
Our support services are focused on providing the best possible customer service experience for all customers.
The range of services offered starts with basic technical telephone consultations and then through to on-site calibrations, repair and maintenance finally. Finally, more complex tasks such as machine or equipment upgrades are also available.
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.
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.
API laser trackers are used in many industries across the world, including aerospace, mining, power generation, and many others, both by end-users as well as a large collection of contract services providers who use laser tracker equipment for projects where customers can’t justify their own equipment or require the skills and expertise of the contractor.
Power generation. Large volume inspection with laser trackers in the power generation industry is part of critical maintenance operations for large rotating equipment such as rotators and stators. Laser trackers allow maintenance crews to accurately measure large parts in-situ rather than having to move them saving substantial amounts of time in the shut-down schedule.
Aerospace. Typically in the aerospace sector, laser trackers are used to measure large and complex jigs and fixtures or tooling used in the fabrication of aircraft components such as wings, ailerons, and rudder sections as well as in the assembly of aircraft sub-assemblies in order to accurately align large and difficult to maneuver sections of aircraft.
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.
