The Process Of Laser-Based Alignment

Laser-based alignment is the process by which a system of devices composed of a laser, targets and other equipment is used to measure and create a precise straight line along the entire length of a given laser beam.

A laser is set up at one end of the desired line and a laser beam is pointed at what is called a reference target, which is positioned at the other end of the desired line. The reference target is positioned until it is at dead center. Once the laser and reference target have been centered, various targets can be set up anywhere along the beam and the proper alignments can be made to correct any deviations and variations off the x-y axis in reference to the target.

Today's sophisticated, but easy to use laser-based alignment systems, provide a rapid and extremely accurate method of precision measuring and aligning for industrial applications, allowing non-contact measurement of position, distance, motion and vibration over long distances.

Prior to the advent of laser alignment technology, measuring and making alignments in processes like these required the use of a hand-strung wire, repeatedly placed at specific points along the entire length of what was being measured. Laser-based alignment was actually a development of the airline industry where this old-style manual process gave way to the need for an extremely precise but easy method of aligning wings, fuselages and seat tracks.

Laser-based alignment was born and has now solved some of the most difficult manufacturing problems in the aviation, shipbuilding and automotive industries, where precise measurements and positioning are often mission-critical and are needed across long spans and distances such as wingspans and propellor shafts.

You can find out more about which one of On-Trak Photonic's laser alignment systems is right for your application by contacting us or checking out the resources on our website.

Check out our homepage at: http://www.on-trak.com

 

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