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Get to Know Our 90-Line Laser Accessories

Parallelism | Perpendicularity | Squareness

Squareness and parallelism are two orientations that ensure the precise alignment and functionality of assemblies, equipment and machinery.  Some machines depend on squareness between moving tables, slides, or tools to produce accurately shaped parts. If machinery isn’t squared properly, it can negatively affect the quality of produced parts.

Parallelism refers to the degree to which two surfaces or workpieces maintain a constant distance apart within a defined reference plane or axis. The parallelism of shafts and bearings in mechanical systems is vital for reducing friction and ensuring smooth rotation.

Importance of maintaining machine orientations

Geometric accuracy is critical for operational efficiency and the production of quality parts.  Both squareness and parallelism must remain in specified tolerance as any deviations can significantly impact performance.  Regular inspection of these characteristics should be part of preventative maintenance or conducted after repairs to ensure consistent alignment and functionality.

The most effective method for ensuring accurate machine geometry is by using a laser alignment tool.  This approach is quick, easy, highly accurate and more reliable that using jigs and fixtures coupled with dial indicators.  Laser alignment equipment projects a reference beam that travels straight along an axis, surface or object for measurement. An attachment is necessary to redirect the beam at precise angles to check squareness and parallelism.

90-Line Right Angle Beam Bender

When connected to Pinpoint Laser Microgages, the 90-Line Right Angle Beam Bender creates a precise right-angle laser reference beam.  An internal optical pentaprism turns the laser beam exactly 90 degrees and does not require specialized mounting or adjustment. This allows for verification of squareness and the establishment of accurate parallel reference lines for alignment.

For squaring applications, the 90-Line is placed into the laser beam path, redirecting it to form a new right angle reference line.  This line can be used to check the orientation and travel of square machine axes.  The right-angle beam is precise to 0.0006 degrees or 2 arc-seconds, ensuring a squareness tolerance of within 0.0015 inch at a distance of 10 feet.

For measuring parallelism, the 90-Line can be moved sequentially along the laser path to create multiple reference lines that are square to the original reference line and parallel to each other.  The established reference lines are accurate to within 0.001” over long distances. The Microgage receiver takes readings along these square reference lines to determine how the surface, track or object is positioned relative to the square laser reference beam.  Comparing these readings indicates whether a surface is not parallel, quantifying the amount and direction of the deviation.

90-Line Product Line

In addition to its standard 90-Line Right Angle unit, Pinpoint offers:

  • 90-Line-D Right Angle: Includes a built-in dual axis receiver, connected to the display, for accurately measuring square planes the three-dimensional assemblies.
  • 90-Line D Wireless Right Angle: Includes a two-axis receiver that monitors the position of the laser reference beam for added measurement precision. It offers wireless data transmission over 120 feet or more.
  • 90-Line-T Right Angle: Allows the laser to enter from the back of the unit so that its face can be positioned closer to the alignment process.

Applications

The 90-Line with Microgage Laser can be used for a various squareness measurement applications including:

  • Squaring stacked linear stages
  • Cross-cutting systems and guides
  • Alignment of the X-Y-Z axes of machines
  • Gantry travel and cross bridges
  • Checking rim and flange flatness
  • Factory surveying.

For parallelism, applications include:

  • Checking tracks, rails and guides on machine tools
  • Roll and web alignment
  • Other assemblies and structures where parallelism is needed.

Laser alignment systems with 90-Line are versatile and can be applied to many machines and systems.  In addition to measuring parallelism and squareness, Pinpoint Laser Microgages can be used alone to measure straightness, flatness and level.

 

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