Compared to CMMs and articulating arms, laser trackers constitute a fairly young technology. In use for about 30 years, these increasingly portable and flexible devices are known for measuring large objects by determining the positions of optical targets, usually spherically mounted retroreflectors (SMRs) that a technician holds up against the objects.

Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division launched a brand-new laser tracker line, the Leica Absolute Tracker ATS600. This new product introduces a new concept in metrology-grade laser trackers, with targetless 3D scanning possible for the first time directly from the laser tracker.

Seems like everyone who fancies themselves an artist or performer uses—or overuses—the term “pushing the envelope” when describing their craft. However, if we journey back to the origins of the term we can regain the value of its meaning.

The manufacturing industry continues to push the conventional boundaries of creating larger and more complex parts. The potential for costly errors also increases exponentially when producing large-scale, intricate components and assemblies. 

KinAiry is the comprehensive, independent solution for laser tracker evaluation, utilizing NIST’s Interim Field Test Procedure IR-80161.

The project includes six stations in total: four in-line gauging, one in-line robot guidance for form and pierce, and one near-line closure panel gauging.

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence launched the latest addition to its range of laser tracker systems. The Leica Absolute Tracker AT403 has been designed to offer excellent portable metrology performance, and presents significant improvements in terms of speed and ease of measurement.

There are major technology disruptions afoot in the world of conventional portable metrology. For the better part a decade, 6DoF laser tracking has been the standard go-to technology for metrologists in the large-scale manufacturing sectors. 

Laser tracker technology has advanced by leaps and bounds in the last 20 years. But experts say the biggest shift has actually been in thinking and how they are used.

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence announced the release of a System Software Update v1.3 for its Leica Absolute Tracker AT930 and AT960 laser trackers. This upgrade brings advances in usability as well as improvements to automated application functionalities.