A Laser Tracker is a type of portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM). We use Laser Tracker services for in manufacturing, engineering, and other industries to measure the position and dimensions of objects with high accuracy and precision.
The device works by emitting a laser beam that is directed towards a reflective target mounted on the object being measured (SMR – spherically mounted retroreflector). The tracker then measures the time it takes for the laser beam to bounce back from the target and angular position of servomotors head, and uses this data to calculate the position and orientation of the target in 3D space.
Laser trackers are often used in applications such as alignment of large machinery, inspection of aircraft components, and assembly of complex structures. They are capable of measuring distances of several meters with accuracies of up to a few microns, making them a valuable tool for many precision manufacturing and engineering applications.
A Spherically Mounted Retroreflector (SMR) is a type of optical probe used for high-precision measurement and alignment applications. It consists of a small, hollow, spherical reflector made of glass or other transparent material, with three mutually perpendicular reflective surfaces inside.
When a laser beam is directed towards the SMR, each of the three reflective surfaces reflects the beam back towards its source, regardless of the angle of incidence. This means that the reflected beam will always travel back along the same path as the incident beam, which makes the SMR a valuable tool for precise measurement and alignment.
SMRs are often used in conjunction with laser trackers or other high-precision measurement devices to provide a reference point for measuring distances, angles, and other geometric parameters with very high accuracy. They are commonly used in applications such as aerospace engineering, machine tool alignment, and calibration of optical instruments.