Laser Tracking Benefits
Laser trackers are becoming an increasingly appealing alternative to a traditional fixed CMM for inspections due to their high accuracy, portable nature and flexibility to perform dimensional inspection on very large objects. This allows Carolina Metrology’s engineers to quickly and accurately perform 3D measurement of large fixtures or jigs crucial to an active production process on-site at your facility.
Faro Laser Tracker
Carolina Metrology uses a Faro ION Laser Tracker. This model supports high accuracy up to 0.0006” (0.015mm) and a spherical working volume of 361ft (110m). The Faro ION Laser Tracker is portable and can perform equally well at the Carolina Metrology lab or off-site at any facility or site where high accuracy laser tracking is required.
Laser Tracker Inspection Services Examples:
- Machine leveling / precision alignments
- Machine assembly and verification
- Robot cell alignments and TCP definitions
- Tooling Certifications (Fixtures and Jigs)
- In-process inspection of large parts or parts that cannot easily be moved
- Large assembly dimensional validation
What is a 3D Laser Tracker?
A Laser Tracker is a device that can measure larger 3D coordinates by tracking a laser beam to a retro-reflective target. In operation, the laser tracker simply measures two angles and a distance by sending a laser beam to a target. The light reflected off the target then retraces its path back to the tracker to determine the distance through an interferometer and two angles through angular encoders. The tracked target is generally a spherically mounted retro-reflector or SMR. The SMR is placed in contact with the location to be measured. The distance and two angles are enough to accurately locate the SMR. Just like a touch probe on a CMM, the SMR has a fixed radial distance from the center to the point of contact on the measured surface.
