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

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.

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.

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.

The current generation of portable measuring arms feature absolute encoders for increased single point and volumetric accuracy and in the hands of properly trained personnel can return excellent levels of repeatability.

Features such as WiFi communications, automatic probe recognition, and ease of calibration all help to make the portable measuring arm one of the most popular 3D inspection and reverse engineering metrology tools on the market.

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.