Renishaw's ML10 Gets One-step Setup with Laser Steering Optic

A new optical alignment tool that makes the ML10 laser measurement system faster and easier to use has been unveiled by Renishaw Inc. (Schaumburg, IL). Called the laser steering optic (LS350), the tool will be an asset to seasoned users and novices.

Here's how it works. When measuring a machine's performance, the calibrating laser beam has to be accurately aligned — parallel to the axis of movement. This is the where the laser steering optic comes in. The optic incorporates optical components that are configured so that sliding a lever left and right sweeps the beam horizontally and sliding another lever up and down sweeps the beam vertically. The adjustment is smooth, precise, and intuitive, and most of the setups will only need one pass of the machine's axis.

The steerer adjusts the laser beam in the vertical and horizontal planes by up to +/-35 mm/m of beam path (+/-2°), which makes it suitable for use on axes up to 5 m long. The steerer can be used with the standard linear, angular, and straightness measurement optics; it's also compatible with the swivel mirror and fixed turning mirror accessories.

The laser steerer comes with new systems and can be used as an upgrade to existing field systems.

For more information, contact Renishaw, Inc., 623 Cooper Ct., Schaumburg, IL 60173. Tel: 847-843-3666; Fax: 847-843-1744.