Original Date: 11/03/1996
Revision Date: 01/18/2007

The need to accurately inspect and measure parts and assemblies that are too large for conventional coordinate measurement machines (CMMs) has been identified and resolved by the Quality Service personnel at the Oak Ridge Y-12 Plant. The Leica Laser Tracker is a state-of-the-art portable inspection system now being used in various applications throughout the Plant. The laser tracker offers a replacement technology for precision theodolite measuring systems by providing comparable or slightly enhanced accuracy and consistent results not dependent on operator skills.

The Leica system consists of a tracker head assembly and retro reflector; two compatible, networked IBM PCS (one used as the application processor and the other as the tracker processor); and a controller consisting of power supplies, two motor amplifiers, two encoders and interferometer electronics. The laser tracker can measure a surface from a distance of up to twenty meters allowing a substantial flexibility with large irregular shapes. It has been verified to be accurate within + 0.002-inch within an eight foot cube. Used routinely to measure components or assemblies that are too large for conventional CMMs, it has also been used to verify machine setups and to certify dimensional features and tooling ball location in large assemblies. Since its initial procurement, the laser tracker has been in demand for production work as well as special jobs. Because of this demand and its wide acceptance, two additional units were procured.

For more information see the Point of Contact for this survey.