Use of Laser Trackers

[Wairau]

We are evaluating Laser Trackers for use in aircraft parts Jig alignment etc.

Some models come with interferometer included which we understand increases accuracy, with associated significant price increases.

Does anubody have any useful feedback on using Laser Trackers & in particular whether the inbuilt inteferometer is reallynecessary?

Graham Murphy

 

[IRstuff]

I'm unclear how you expected to get an decent answer without specifying YOUR required accuracies.

TTFN

FAQ731-376

 

[KENAT]

As I recall BAES use them at Warton for assembly of the Eurofighter.

Do you know anyone there?

KENAT, probably the least qualified checker you'll ever meet...

 

[tbuelna]

Laser trackers are good for large parts that would not fit on your CMM. The accuracy of a good laser tracker, under ideal conditions is about +/-.001 inch per foot. So if your target's 10 ft from the base, expect a measurement tolerance of at least +/-.010 inch. Laser tracker measurements are also limited to line-of-sight.

If your part is small, use a CMM. It's much more accurate. However, a laser tracker is still better than using optics such as a theodolite.

Laser trackers are very impressive pieces of technology. To a hayseed like me, they are black magic!

 

[IRstuff]

a laser tracker is simply a theodolite with a non-contact tape measure that is the laser.

TTFN

FAQ731-376