Software calibrates laser trackers.
Press Release Summary:
TrackerCal v1.2 includes 1-Point QVC feature, which allows correction of all 6 error parameters on Laser Tracker II Plus! using single point. With this feature, field adjustments of tracker's squareness are possible. Portable Birdbath calibration tool speeds inside-outside test for laser tracker home position while out in shop environment. All data relating to checks and calibration are automatically recorded and can be retrieved at any time.
Original Press Release:
API Announces New Calibration Software for Laser Trackers
Rockville, MD - API has released TrackerCal v1.2 with new improvements including faster in-field adjustments, 1-Point QVC (volumetric calibration), and automated home position calibration.
Improving on its already widely used TrackerCal software, API's latest release (v1.2) adds several new features that all laser tracker users should be aware of.
The most significant new feature for most users is expected to be the 1-Point QVC feature. This advanced algorithm allows correction of all 6 error parameters on the Laser Tracker IIPlus! using a single point. Using this new feature, it will be possible to do a field adjustment of the tracker's squareness even when it is mounted in an area where a full 4-point QVC may not be possible.
Another new function is the automated "birdbath" calibration. "While verification of the interferometer reset position (bird-bath) was always possible using a simple inside-outside check, many users were asking for an automated function to speed the process," said Aaron Sabino, Product Manager for API Laser Trackers. "This, in addition to API's new "Birdbath Calibration Tool," gives the customer the same ease of use and accuracy that our factory technicians have."
The API Birdbath calibration tool is a portable fixture designed to speed the inside-outside test for laser tracker home position while out in a shop environment.
"However, the improvements don't stop there. Even the standard calibration features have been updated," continued Sabino. "The new default Quick Volumetric Calibration (QVC- which still uses only 4 points) has seen a drastic speed improvement. Previously taking an average of 10 minutes it now takes less than 4. When this improvement is combined with the new single point QVC feature, the time taken to maintain the full specified accuracy of the tracker over its entire measurement volume is a matter of seconds, not minutes.
Even the ADM calibration has been improved. The new software offers an enhanced, easy to read user interface that is clearly visible even when the user is far from the computer. It should also be noted that while some other instruments require over 20 points for calibrating the ADM with an Interferometer, the API system uses only 5 linear points to adjust their industry leading 40+ meter ADM system.
In addition to speed increases and new features, usability is also improved by inclusion of more data being written to the log file after each function is run. All data relating to both checks and calibration are automatically recorded and can be retrieved at any time. This combined with TrackerCal's ability to record any or all of the instrument's numerous onboard data streams make reporting the condition of the tracker both convenient and more complete than ever.
To receive a copy of TrackerCal 1.2, existing API customers are directed to please contact your local sales representative.
Designed with the user in mind, the Laser Tracker IIPLUS!(TM) is meant to be used on the shop floor. It is the most versatile laser tracker available for dimensioning, tool building, alignment, and reverse engineering applications.
About API:
API's experience with laser tracking systems spans over twenty years. API's founder, Dr. Lau, is the inventor of the modern laser tracker. He developed the concept as a research scientist at NIST in 1982 and perfected the first working laser tracker less than three years later. In 1987, Dr. Lau founded Automated Precision Incorporated, and working with Boeing, API developed the first commercial laser tracker through extensive field trials and testing in aircraft manufacturing applications. API was granted the license to tracker technology by NIST in 1988, and remains the exclusive licensee. Today, that very same-patented technology is present in over 1,000 trackers worldwide.
For more information, contact:
Roger Wells
Director of New Business Development
(301) 330-8100
roger.wells@apisensor.com
