Laser Tracking 

How Do Laser Tracks Work? 

Laser trackers work by measuring two angles and a distance. The laser is aimed at a retro-reflective target that’s held against whatever object is to be measured. The path is retraced as the light is reflected, and it then re-enters the laser tracker at the same position it left. As the light re-enters the laser tracker, some of it goes to a distance meter. The distance meter measures the distance from the tracker to the SMR. At this stage, one of two distance meter types may exist – interferometer or absolute distance meter (ADM).  

Absolute distance meter or ADM provides the added benefit of it being a ‘point and shoot’ system, which makes it a far simpler version to work with. The distance to the target is measured automatically, and this occurs even if the beam has previously been broken. The semiconductor laser produces infrared light that reflects off the SMR and re-enters the laser tracker, at which point it’s converted into an electrical signal.  

Internal circuitry analyses the signal, determining the time of flight and multiplying this value by the speed of light in the air. This gives you the distance from the tracker to the SMR.  

Distance measurements can be either absolute or incremental. An interferometer is used to obtain incremental measurements along with a frequency-stabilised helium-neon laser. Absolute measurements, as discussed above, have undergone something of a transformation in recent years. However, the accuracy of ADM is now easily on par with interferometers.  

Benefits of Using Laser Trackers  

There is a multitude of reasons as to why you should be using laser trackers versus traditional methods. Precision is possible, even in an external environment where every variable cannot be controlled. Laser technology advancements allow for a level of precision that far exceeds what’s possible with traditional methods of metrology. This results in benefits, such as:  

• Versatile Mount   
• Small, Lightweight Design  
• Easy to Use   
• Continuous Point Measurement  
• Super-Fast Single Point Measuring   
• Highest Precision and Accuracy   

Thanks to the versatile mount, the laser tracker can be positioned upside down, sideways, or directly on the part being measured. And thanks to the small, lightweight design, laser trackers are portable, so they can be easily carried out into the field.  

A single operator can operate laser trackers with a computer. While a two-person crew is recommended for efficiency, this flexibility does make laser trackers an accessible option for one person alone. In addition, through continuous point measurement, points can be measured continuously, enabling the tracking of critical areas, thermal growth and shrinkage, moving machinery, etc. This is all possible without the need for human interference.   

Modern laser trackers can record 3-axis measurements in a fraction of a second, enabling super-fast single point measuring. Combine a tracker with additional accessories, and it’s possible to mass-collect data points.  

No other technology can provide the degree of precision that laser trackers can outside of a controlled laboratory environment. Laser trackers are considerably more accurate than optical measurement because of a real-world tolerance of one-thousandth of an inch. Optical measurement is subject to human error and measurement variations that don’t impact laser tracking system.  

Other Services Available  

At ETG, we’re proud to work alongside a whole host of sectors, from automation to automotive, medical, and modular. Clients frequently come to us for bespoke automation systems, assembly tooling, and more, and we’re able to tailor the technologies we offer to each respective sector’s requirements. We work closely with clients, devising supremely efficient automated processes that optimise operations while increasing speed and efficiency.

In addition to laser trackers, the team at ETG can cater to virtually any other engineering request, creating products and technologies that fit our clients’ needs. You can see a full list of our overview sectors on our website. As for what we can develop, just a few examples can be found listed below:

• Aerospace Flow Lines
• Engine Assembly
• Modular Manufacturing, Handling, Joining, and Assembly
• Robotics
• Special Purpose Machinery

Aerospace

At ETG, we possess nearly 50 years of experience delivering aerospace solutions, ranging from production tooling to materials handling, flow lines, automation, and engine assembly. Our project managers actively seek to build strong and lasting relationships. This is crucial in the aerospace sector, where projects can often have long lead times. We’re an established engineering company with an excellent track record, sizeable and modern factory floors, and extensive facilities and capacity.

With our adaptable shop floors, we can even cater to contract manufacturing requests.

Medical

In the medical sector, products can often have a very short life, and so it can become a never-ending and frankly overwhelming task trying to stay abreast of the latest product developments. At ETG, we support clients throughout the product development lifecycle. We leverage best practices and apply top-notch technological advancement, bringing acceleration without compromise.

Our dedicated healthcare team are on hand to provide much-needed support with all facets of medical product and technology development. This includes Proof of Principle, Concept Simulation and Process Validation through to Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT). We can handle a single machine or an entire production line.

Modular

If you’ve decided to go modular, ETG is the team to call. Modular construction affords all the benefits of traditional construction with none of the drawbacks. Build costs are greatly reduced while lead times are vastly improved. At ETG, we possess an extensive range of modular capabilities and can handle manufacturing, assembly, automation, handling, joining, and more.

Why Come to ETG for Laser Trackers?

Here at ETG, we’re proud to be regarded as being at the forefront of advanced manufacturing technologies (AMT). We’ve been in the business of developing solutions for clients from many different sectors for nearly 50 years. In that time, we’ve solidified our position as the go-to ETG experts for countless businesses, local, national, and global. Our ability to diversify across different sectors has made us somewhat of an authority when it comes to advanced manufacturing technologies.

We proudly offer capabilities not offered by our competitors, such as scalability, quality, and reliability. Whatever you need developing for your business, we’ll work with you to see that it’s accomplished. And we won’t stop there; we’ve helped deploy technologies and products for thousands of customers anywhere in the world for nearly half a century. We can even help with deployment in remote locations. So, you won’t be left contending with lengthy, complicated logistics.

Plus, thanks to our unbeatable aftersales support and quality standards that surpass ISO 9001:2008 standards, you can rest assured that, whatever your needs might be, you’re in capable hands.

Contact Us for Most Reliable Laser Tracking

Laser trackers are an invaluable tool, useful for performing dimensional inspections on large pieces of equipment. You won’t find a more specific type of laser measurement system suited for this particular task anywhere else. That’s why you’ll find these tools in use throughout the manufacturing and engineering industries. So if you’re in the market for a brand-new laser tracker or looking to outsource tasks requiring such a technology, you’ve come to the right place.  

It should be obvious by now that ETG is the best source of laser trackers in the industry, having read through the article above. To get in touch with our team to discuss your requirements, simply pick up the phone and call ETG on +44 2476 428 500. Alternatively, if you don’t have time to speak on the phone and would prefer to get in touch using a written method, you can do so. Simply fill out our online contact form or email sales@exta.co.uk.