Hamar Laser's Calibration System Shortens Setup Times

Hamar Laser Instruments Inc. has released its L-703SP Surface Plate Calibration System. The L-703SP is a compact geometry laser-based calibration system that is highly repeatable, offers  high resolution and accuracy, easy setup and training, as well as fast data collection. Hamar says its R&D and field testing have shown that the L-703SP reduces the time for calibrating surface plates by 30-60% versus conventional methods.

The L-703SP is said to be 30-40% faster than electronic levels, as well as more rugged, reliable and repeatable. In addition, the L-703SP is set up directly on surface plates, so each line segment setup is easier than autocollimators and laser interferometers, which require floor mounting and touchy setups. This results in faster plate calibrations and, unlike these devices, does not require re-taking data if the laser beam is broken.

The L-703SP System uses Hamar Laser’s newly designed L-703S Spindle and Straightness Laser and T-1297 3-Axis Wireless Straightness Target. Compact and lightweight, the new laser is ideal for high-resolution straightness applications, such as surface plates, machine-tool guideways, and spindle axes. The T-1297 target features a super-linear, two-axis PSD (Position-Sensitive Detector) with resolution of 0.25 μm and mechanical repeatability of ±0.25 μm.

The L-703SP features new Windows-based Plane6 Surface Plate Calibration Software, which offers an easy-to-follow, three-step calibration procedure and built-in tolerance table that speeds setup and data-taking, and generates a full-color report. The system also includes the A-703SP-LM Laser Mounting Fixture, A-703SP-SE Straight Edge & Ruler, A-1297-SP High-Accuracy Flatness-Measuring Base and a A-703SP-SE-CLT Corner and Mid-Point Locating Tool. The laser and target are powered by Li-Ion rechargeable batteries with 14+ hours of life and use Bluetooth wireless communication.

For resurfacing surface plates, the L-703SP also features the Lapping Spot-Checker, a specialized, time-saving feature that enables users to spot-check the flatness of any line segment in the Moody plot without having to take data for the entire plate. This can save many hours when having to lap-in a plate that is out of calibration.