The L-743 Ultra-Precision Triple Scan® Laser is
an ideal instrument to quickly and accurately calibrate the geometry of
almost all machining centers. It is one of only 2 lasers in the world
(the other is the L-733) to offer 3 automatically rotating laser planes
that are accurate enough for today's ever-tightening tolerances. This
creates a powerful tool that not only FINDS, but also FIXES geometry problems,
all in a fraction of the time needed with conventional methods. Align
70% Faster Than Other Methods
Continuously sweeping lasers and live data output create a powerful combination
to align machining centers up to 70% faster than traditional or interferometer
methods. Downed machines will be up and running, producing quality parts
in record time. HLI's continuously sweeping lasers are far superior to
other point-and-shoot laser systems that require time-consuming manual
laser rotation and target setup for each point measured. They also allow
the use of multiple targets, which is especially helpful for large machine
tools.
Simultaneously Measure 3 Axes with One Setup
Another great time saver is the L-743's ability to measure the three main
axes of a machine at the same time. Not only can you measure the flatness
and straightness of each axis, but you can also measure the squareness
of the three axes. And if there are any additional axes, such as a rotary
table or extending quill, you can easily check the parallelism to the
main machine axes with the same setup!
Live Data Reduces Machine Downtime
By
providing live alignment data, misalignment errors can be quickly and
easily fixed without having to change the setup. This is a tremendous
benefit, especially if you are used to using an interferometer, where
the entire length of and axis must be measured before the straightness
or flatness can be determined and the data provided is not even live.
Significantly Reduce Part Setup Time
Another benefit of having a properly aligned machine tool is that part
setup time is significantly reduced. An article in the October 1998 issue
of Quality in Manufacturing Magazine describes the incredible benefit
of laser alignment to the John Deere Corporation. In the words of Jim
Abitz, tool and die maker,
"...[laser alignment] makes the operators
a lot happier because they don't have to struggle for two or three shifts
to get a machine to work properly."
L-743 Significantly Reduces Stack Up Errors
One of the biggest problems with aligning machine tools using conventional
methods is that many different alignment tools must be used, requiring
a lot of time and increasing stack-up errors. Another problem is that
an alignment is only as good as the tools used to perform it. The machinist
level is a good example: it has a resolution of .0005" per foot,
not very accurate for today's ever-tightening tolerances.
The L-743's laser planes, by contrast, have a flatness of 1/2 an arc second
(0.00003"/ft or 0.0025 mm/M) in a 180º sweep and 1/4 arc second
(0.000015"/ft or 0.001 mm/M) in 90º sweep. The laser planes
are square to each other with an accuracy of up to1 arc second (0.00006"/ft or 0.005
mm/M). They further have the advantage of creating a single reference
from which to measure machine geometry, significantly reducing stack-up
errors.
Squareness Built Into Laser Head
One of the L-743's greatest feature is its built-in squareness (each plane
is square to each other with an accuracy of up to 1 arc second - 0.00006"/ft or 0.005
mm/M). If you have ever tried to set up a cylindrical square or interferometer
to check squareness, you will be amazed at how quickly and easily the
squareness of not just one axis, but all axes can be measured, usually
with one setup! Where an interferometer may take hours just to set up
a squareness check, the L-743 takes 15 minutes. And, unlike a cylindrical
square, the L-743 can check the entire length of a machine's axis, up
to 100 feet (30.5 meters), not just 12" (305 mm) or 24" (610
mm) of it.
Wireless Targets and Readout Speeds Setup
With
Hamar's new line of wireless targets (A-1519-900, A-1519-2.4, A-1520-900 and A-1520-2.4), there is no need to string long extension cords to reference targets. The targets have up to a 1" measuring range, a resolution as low as 0.00001" (0.00025 mm) and can be used up to 100 feet (30.5 meters) from the readout. The R-1310-900 (R-1310-2.4) Readout uses a HP PDA, color software and a wireless
receiver to display up to 4 targets simultaneously. Other features like
electronic zeroing and target averaging help to speed setup and alignment.
Software
Quickly Collects and Analyzes Data
Hamar's new line of alignment software, combined with newly designed computer
interfaces, makes collecting and analyzing machining center alignment
data faster and easier. All of the software is Windows based and provides
large, color graphics. Alignment reports clearly and concisely show the
machine's condition. In today's world of ISO 9000 documentation hell,
our software will help you submit alignment reports in record time.
Align
70% Faster Than Other Methods 
By
providing live alignment data, misalignment errors can be quickly and
easily fixed without having to change the setup. This is a tremendous
benefit, especially if you are used to using an interferometer, where
the entire length of and axis must be measured before the straightness
or flatness can be determined and the data provided is not even live.
With
Hamar's new line of wireless targets (A-1519-900, A-1519-2.4, A-1520-900 and A-1520-2.4), there is no need to string long extension cords to reference targets. The targets have up to a 1" measuring range, a resolution as low as 0.00001" (0.00025 mm) and can be used up to 100 feet (30.5 meters) from the readout. The R-1310-900 (R-1310-2.4) Readout uses a HP PDA, color software and a wireless
receiver to display up to 4 targets simultaneously. Other features like
electronic zeroing and target averaging help to speed setup and alignment.
