Slashing inspection time with laser radar
16/11/2010
Nikon Metrology has introduced the Laser Radar MV330/350 for automated large-scale metrology applications. The new Laser Radar doubles measurement speed and performance, offers better data quality through improved signal-to-noise ratio, and features enhanced hole and edge measurement to cover more applications. Its proprietary laser reflection technology obsoletes tedious positioning of targets at difficult-to-access locations, as is required with laser tracker or photogrammetry systems. Through manual and automated non-contact measurement, Laser Radar is a productivity multiplier, supporting metrology-assisted production in aerospace, alternative energy, antennae, satellites, oversized castings and other large-scale applications.The Laser Radar is a versatile metrology system that offers non-contact and true single-operator inspection. As it is offline-programmable, the system is ready for completely automated and unattended operation. Equipped with more powerful digital signal processing, Laser Radar MV330/350 systems drastically increase the measurement speed from 500 to 2000 points per second and realise better range measurement. Manufacturers can complete their large-scale metrology workload multiple times faster, while acquiring higher-quality data.
As the Laser Radar directly measures freeform surfaces and features using entirely non-contact technology, it overcomes the traditional limitations of laser trackers and photogrammetry. Spherically mounted retroreflectors (SMRs) or retroreflective dots are simply not needed to start measuring with the Laser Radar system. This means that major savings can be realised, both on the purchase of these often expensive measuring tools and the labour costs involved to apply or manipulate the targets.
Recapturing one billionth of the reflected laser beam is enough for the Laser Radar to accurately measure a point within a 50 m range. This explains Laser Radar’s ability to scan dark, diffuse and highly-reflective material and surface finishes at challenging incident angles. The system’s increased signal-to-noise ratio yields repeatable range measurements on composites, the material of choice for many aerospace applications. Laser Radar serves as an award-winning metrology component in the production of right-first-time composite parts.
Aviation metrology applications include the inspection of fuselage, wing, wing/body connections, landing gear, jet engine inlet cowl and many more. In the energy sector, laser radar systems are used to check the geometric integrity of giant wind turbine blades and concentrated solar mirrors. Other applications include the inspection of space telescope hardware, large ship hulls and propellers, parabolic communication antennae, as well as delicate and hot surfaces.
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