Calibration of measuring and machine tools by laser tracker and LaserTRACER

TRAC-CAL is a new method for the spatial calibration of machine tools and measuring instruments. Its flexibility and outstanding accuracy makes it the ideal method for machines of every size.

TRAC-CAL measurement principle is solely based on the use of the laser wavelength.

 

The method can be performed with a conventional laser tracker (LEICA, FARO) or with the especially for this application designed highly accurate LaserTRACER. The time needed for a full error mapping of a machine takes 1 to 3 h. The method does not require any precise adjustment or positioning of calibration tools and can be performed by a trained machine operator after short instruction time. After a few steps all sytematic geometric deviations of cartesian axes can be calcualted:

  • Positioning deviation
  • Straightness (horizontal and vertical)
  • Pitch
  • Yaw
  • Roll 
  • Squareness between the axes

 

 

How TRAC-CAL works

The application of TRAC-CAL is simple: The reflector is mounted to the tool or probe fixture and the LaserTRACER or Lasertracker is placed at several different predefined positions inside the working volume. At each position the machine follows a predefined path.

View movie (WMV: 4MB)

 

The measuring beam automatically tracks the reflector. No precise positioning, adjustment or hardware interfacing anymore! In 1 to 3 h all geometrical errors are evaluted and can be used for correction.

TRAC-CAL views

The user-friendly software is used to plan the measurement configuration, perform the measurement and evaluate the results.

 

 

New: Even faster with "On the fly"! See more here.

 

 

Comparison with independent methods

The TRAC-CAL method has been developed and verified at the Physikalisch-Technische Bundesanstalt (PTB) in Germany and the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) in the United Kingdom and is used there for the calibration of high precision measuring machines. It's proven for example with great success at high precision CMMs and machine tools. A comparison with independent reference procedures (Zerodur hole plates) shows consistence in sub-micron regime.

 

 

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ETALON AG
Tel  +49 531 592 1981
Fax +49 531 592 1979
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