Laser Tracker Technology

Laser Trackers measure a distance and two angles in order to derive a 3D point in space. Either a laser interferometer or absolute distance meter (ADM) can be used to measure the distance of an uninterrupted laser beam being reflected back from a single retroreflective target applied near a point of interest. Motorized angular encoders track the target and determine the angular orientation of the tracker's two mechanical axes (azimuth axis and elevation axis). Combining the distance and angle information allows the determination of where a single 3D point is in space. Laser Trackers are used in various manufacturing applications, such as inspection and fixture alignment.

Advantages and Disadvantages

The following is a list of advantages and disadvantages of using laser tracker technology:

Disadvantages	Advantages
Need to re-establish tracking each time the laser beam is broken The need for moving mechanical parts increase potential maintenance costs and downtime Cannot track multiple points or objects in real-time Requires expensive accessories to perform 6DOF measurement for probing, laser scanning, or object tracking One of the most expensive solutions No dynamic referencing - cannot detect/correct for vibration or movement	Highly accurate in controlled laboratories or stable working environments Capable of measuring large volumes if located in large, unobstructed open spaces

Disadvantages

Advantages

Need to re-establish tracking each time the laser beam is broken
The need for moving mechanical parts increase potential maintenance costs and downtime
Cannot track multiple points or objects in real-time
Requires expensive accessories to perform 6DOF measurement for probing, laser scanning, or object tracking
One of the most expensive solutions
No dynamic referencing - cannot detect/correct for vibration or movement

Highly accurate in controlled laboratories or stable working environments
Capable of measuring large volumes if located in large, unobstructed open spaces

Summary

The shop-floor-inspired Optical Tracker from NDI combines all of the functionality of a laser tracker with the advantage of real-time, target-based, digital photogrammetry. With full, multi-object, 6DOF measurement capability, NDI's all-in-one tracker can do more than any other single technology, eliminating the requirement for multiple systems or expensive upgrades.

The fundamental advantage that an Optical Tracker offers over a conventional laser tracker is a beamless design that eliminates the need to maintain a constant line-of-sight - simply present the Probe to the Optical Tracker whenever you are ready to measure. Momentary obstructions have no effect on the system's ability to continue tracking, dramatically improving productivity.

Simply better by design, struggle no more with frustrating beam interruptions, limited range of motion, and measurement error caused by movement or vibration. Discover the advantage of instant tracking and Dynamic Referencing with NDI's universal Optical Tracker, and experience a new dimension in portable metrology.