The new and advanced technology is touted as a platform that will change the way people use laser trackers.

Already boasting one of the lightest and most portable laser trackers on the market with its Tracker3, Automated Precision Inc.’s (API, Rockville, MD) Radian Laser Tracker with the Innovo technology platform is even lighter and has a smaller profile than its predecessor.

The Innovo technology platform features on-board intelligence that brings increased confidence to the laser-tracker operator with advanced features that include I-Vision, ADM-Maxx and a host of key activity and self-diagnostic features.

“All of these features are designed to create a laser tracker that is more intelligent, easier to use and optimizes the measurement and inspection processes. Radian lets the user focus on the job and not the tracker itself,” says Dr. Kam Lau, president and CEO of Automated Precision Inc. “API is changing the conversation that people will have about what to expect from a laser tracker.”

INNOVO Technology

The Radian Laser Tracker’s Innovo technology is on-board intelligence that guides the operator through the measurement process and “gives you a new way to think about measurement and inspection.” Anchored by its integrated camera and enhanced software algorithms, Innovo technology makes the Radian Laser Tracker smarter, faster, more accurate and more flexible.

The technology also is highly user-friendly. Whether it is the first time a technician has operated a laser tracker or owns several, Innovo technology takes the guesswork out of using a laser tracker and allows the technician to focus on the job, not the tool.

I-Vision

I-Vision makes it possible for the Radian Laser Tracker to automatically find and lock on to the measurement target, ensuring high-accuracy whether the operator is climbing through scaffolding or measuring a large part. I-Vision has more than a 30-degree angle of view, which allows Radian to stay with the operator. If the beam is broken, the unit automatically relocates and reacquires the target. I-Vision also allows the use of multiple spherically mounted retro-reflectors (SMRs), which increase job efficiency and reduce the time to complete a task.

Image Capture

The technology captures both still and video images, allowing the ability to document the actual use of the Radian Laser Tracker, thereby allowing a company to meet the external requirements of its customers, who want to know the details of the processes. Image capture also can assist in troubleshooting challenges in the field and can help provide a visual aid for training purposes.

Self-Diagnostics

Radian provides information about itself, the environment and other parameters before they become critical. Self-diagnostic parameters include excessive vibration, elevated temperature, laser beam deviation, detecting a bad SMR and laser intensity, so operators can be sure of the measurements they are making before they start their tasks.

The Smart Check feature validates SMR targets before work begins to ensure each step provides valuable data. ADM-Maxx provides a stable measurement environment and provides accuracies over greater measurement distances. ADM-Maxx delivers accuracies of better than ±10 microns. A Shake to Drive feature allows the flexibility of multiple-point measurement by simply “shaking” the new target. Radian drives to the new target, takes the point and waits for the next command.

The Future is Bright

Looking to the future, both the Radian Laser and I-Vision will integrate with a new technology in development from API, RapidScan.

This noncontact, 3-D measurement system is designed for almost any environment with a wide range of industrial applications, including aerospace, automotive, wind energy, electronic assembly, packaging, ship building, pharmaceuticals, medical and systems integration.

RapidScan technology allows the operator to collect accurate high-density 3-D point cloud models of large panels, molded parts, structural components, fixtures, molds and dies in seconds. The system can quickly scan curved, contoured and complex surfaces and can collect millions of points of data on geometric features, dimensions, angles, surfaces and sections.

The RapidScan’s use of white light means dark or reflective parts are no longer a problem. The structured light is a bright, white light that eliminates the problems usually encountered when scanning bright metallic objects. RapidScan is not limited by the type of surface, or by the reflectivity or darkness of the surface being scanned.

The structured light allows for expanded usability in areas such as aerospace, automobile and machine tool applications for quality control, in-process inspection, tool and die inspection, reverse engineering and production prototyping.



For more information, contact:

Automated Precision Inc. (API)

15000 Johns Hopkins Dr.

Rockville, MD 20850

(800) 537-2720

www.apisensor.com

Specifications

Linear Range (Diameter): 100 meters (328 feet) [Also available: 40 meters (132 feet) and 160+ meters (526+ feet)

Azimuth Range: ±320 degrees (640 degrees end to end)

Elevation Range: 79 degrees/-60 degrees

Angular Resolution: ±0.018 arc seconds

Angular Accuracy: 3.5 microns/meter

Maximum Lateral Target Speed: 6 meters/second (20 feet/second)

Static Measurement (IFM): ±5 parts per million (2 sigma)

Resolution: 0.08 micron (0.0000031 inch)

Accuracy: Better than ±0.5 parts per million

Lock-on Accuracy: Better than ±10 microns (±0.00039 inch)