Laser Tracker

Laser trackers are characterized by the ability to measure large objects. Laser trackers generally have a measuring range of more than 10 m 30', whereas a standard arm-type CMM has a maximum measuring range of a couple of meters. It is useful in situations where you want to measure large objects such as airplanes, parts of large equipment, and parts produced by double-column, 5-face milling machines.

The laser tracker measurement components are generally divided into four parts.

A PC to run laser tracker operation software, a camera body that integrates a light-emitting unit and a light-receiving unit, a tripod that supports it, and a retroreflector (SMR) that contacts the object to be measured.

When comparing tracker vs arm performance, laser measurement accuracy varies by distance and positioning. Traditional arms perform best in controlled environments where mechanical stability ensures consistent results. In contrast, portable units provide greater versatility while still delivering the measurement accuracy required for quality control applications.

Despite their name, portable laser tracker systems like the WM-6000 Series eliminate setup time and provide instant measurement capabilities. Traditional arms require fixed positioning and calibration procedures. The wireless design reduces operational costs by eliminating specialized training requirements.

The WM Series uses a handheld probe, making it possible for individual workers to measure large parts and equipment that would require several people with conventional laser trackers. In addition to a wide measurement range, the freedom of movement provided by the wireless probe allows for fast measurement, even with time-consuming and difficult measurements, helping to reduce both effort and costs.

The WM Series can be used to measure 3D features and GD&T over a wide measurement range in less time and with higher accuracy than tape measures, calipers, or micrometers. The WM Series is also able to import 3D CAD data for comparing differences with actual targets.

Because the WM Series is portable and can be installed virtually anywhere, it eliminates the need to move targets to a metrology lab/quality room and opens the door to a wide variety of applications, such as checking targets on manufacturing machines and performing periodic inspections during operation.

The WM Series was created with users in mind, from beginners to metrology experts. First off, KEYENCE’s WM Series only requires three simple steps: select the tool on the touch screen, touch the probe to the part, and press measure. If that’s not intuitive enough, there are video and picture tutorials that walk through the processes and different functions. A major advantage for ease of operation and understanding is the augmented reality measurement guidance, which overlays the measurement data over a picture of the physical part.

KEYENCE’s WM Series, similar to a laser tracking system, has built-in statistical analysis software. This feature reduces time spent on manual statistical analysis, separate from the measuring process. The measuring tool’s statistical analysis function can extract these analyses:

• Maximum/minimum value
• Pass/fail
• Average
• σ, 3σ, 6σ
• Cpk
• Increased variation trends
• Upward/downward measurement trends
• Periodic fluctuations
• Histograms

The WM Series has a wide measurement range that is suitable for large parts. The laser tracker measurement tool has a horizontal measurement range of 15 m and a vertical measurement range of 12.5 m. Also, since the device is portable, its setup can be easily adapted to meet the demands of large part inspection, such as on a tripod, cart, or granite table.

The temperature compensation function of the WM Series can adjust its temperature to match that of a climate-controlled measuring room. With this feature, measuring can continue even if there isn’t readily available access to a separate measuring room.

H-shaped steel beams are an essential material in civil engineering and building construction. Conventional methods for measuring these beams involve multiple workers using calipers or tape measures, which can be time-consuming. KEYENCE’s laser tracker makes it possible to measure the shape, joined section finish, and welding shrinkage amount using the wireless probe.

Leveling is an important step when installing industrial machinery, equipment frames, or base frames. Equipment or devices installed at an angle could lead to malfunctioning products or parts, or the equipment itself could become damaged due to unexpected loads. Using KEYENCE’s laser tracker makes it easy for even individual workers to perform leveling quickly, with significantly reduced time spent on setup.

Vacuum chamber quality depends greatly on semiconductor device performance. Leaks (vacuum leaks) that allow air to enter through gaps in the vacuum chamber and degassing caused by poor bonding or other causes must be prevented, as these factors could lead to defective semiconductor devices. Using a laser tracker to accurately measure the shapes and dimensions both before and after assembly can significantly improve quality.

With a large valve, the laser tracker can measure the distance between the center and the edge as well as the intersection point. Valves also have holes that can be measured by using the plane function.

On a heat exchanger, the plane function on the laser measuring tool can be used to measure the flatness.

With a machine tool component column, the plane function on the laser tracker is often utilized to measure the flatness or parallelism.

On a bridge component, the laser tracker can measure the top with the plane function. If there are slot centers, the laser tracker can use the rectangular slot center or the circle center function.