Alignment and field check procedures for the Leica LaserTracker LTD 500 – R. Loser, S. Kyle.

Abstract

Laser tracker systems are based on hi-tech instrumentation and have a wide range of industrial applications. In recent years a significant number of such systems have come into use and user’s expectations are growing. Along with technical improvements, system accuracy is one of the most important issues. Users can take control of a number of factors which influence system accuracy, in particular a software correction model which compensates for geometrical manufacturing tolerances through a set of alignment parameters. This set of parameters can be determined by a few measurements which are part of an alignment procedure. The following paper explains optimal measurement procedures, the mathematics of the correction formulae and the influences of slightly different measurement setups. Especially where users must make alignment measurements in a confined or restricted area, knowledge about the effects and importance of these parameters is fundamental to the achievable accuracy. In addition to basic system alignment, short field check measurements are described. These enable users to estimate system accuracy and improves their level of confidence in the results.