Customer Background

A heavy industry enterprise in East China, primarily engaged in welding and processing large, high-precision frame components.

Measurement Requirements

1. The hole position detection of the welding plate directly above, with a length of approximately 40 meters and a height of 15 meters;

2. The positional accuracy of the side holes and the detection of hole diameter

The area of the reference plane is relatively large, making it impossible to evaluate the overall flatness and height difference of the plane.

The impact of temperature makes it difficult to control the positional accuracy of the parts;

5. Online detection to ensure dimensional control during processing.

Figure 1: Large box parts to be measured at the case site

API Solutions

Using the API Radian Core laser tracker measurement system, the configuration includes:

- High-precision static measurement: Achieving micron-level precision measurement based on the Radian Core laser tracker;

- Temperature compensation module: Built-in sensors automatically correct for the effects of environmental temperature and humidity;

- Portable design: Device weight < 11kg, allowing for quick deployment at measurement stations and easy transfer;

- Universal accessories for quick measurement of hole positions, improving overall measurement efficiency.

Figure 2: Radian Core laser tracker

Figure 3: Measurement site for this case

Measurement Implementation

During measurement, the Radian Core tracking instrument emits a laser to the target sphere of the built-in prism and performs tracking. Once the target sphere is aligned with the position to be measured, the tracking instrument can collect spatial data at that target location either manually or automatically. After data collection, it will be synchronously transmitted to the measurement software on the laptop for subsequent analysis.

Figure 4: Parallelism detection report for the upper and lower surfaces

Figure 5: Accuracy detection report for the flange hole position of the welding plate directly above the part

Figure 6: Hole position detection report on the side welding plate of the part

Figure 7: Height difference dimensions of the overall plane of the part

Measurement Results

1. By using Polyworks software and the API laser tracker, the required accuracy for all welding plate holes and the accuracy of the plane were obtained;

2. Automated report: The final measurement requirements of the customer were obtained through the quick report generation of Polyworks software;

3. The wireless transmission function of the tracker, along with the reasonable application of accessories, greatly improved the work efficiency of the equipment transfer station.

Note: In addition to the Polyworks measurement software used in this case, the API laser tracker is also compatible with most measurement software available on the market (e.g., SA, Metrolog, Verisurf, etc.); furthermore, API has independently developed the MeasurePro measurement software based on the characteristics of the instrument and frontline applications, which can be applied to the compatibility of all API measurement devices for integrated data analysis.

Customer Feedback

“The measurement and solutions provided by API have allowed us to find a method for measuring this large workpiece, which not only measures the workpiece but also controls its dimensions during the processing, giving us more confidence in taking on subsequent orders.”

Figure 8: Full range of API brand laser trackers (from left to right: Radian Plus / Radian Pro / Radian Core / iLT&iLTx)

More Extensions

In addition to the Radian Core model laser tracker used in this case, the full range of API laser tracker products also includes:

- Radian Pro, which integrates IFM/ADM dual lasers with traceable measurement data;

- Radian Plus, which achieves compatibility with probes and six-dimensional accessories based on the Radian Core;

- iLT/iLTx, which reduces the overall size of the laser tracker by an additional 50% (compared to the Radian series) while enabling fully wireless measurement, with a total weight of only 4.9 kg, maximizing portability and fully meeting the needs for applications in outdoor, field, confined spaces, and multi-machine integration environments.

Figure 9: Radian laser tracker and iLT laser tracker

About API

The API brand was founded by Dr. Kam Lau in 1987 in Rockville, Maryland, USA. He is the inventor of the laser tracker and holds multiple patents for globally leading measurement technologies, making him a leader in the field of precision measurement technology. Since its establishment, API has been dedicated to the research and production of precision measurement instruments and high-performance sensors in the mechanical manufacturing field. Its products are widely used in advanced manufacturing sectors around the world and are at the forefront of high-precision standards in coordinate measurement and machine tool performance testing.

Figure 10: Headquarters Building of API Company