Laser Microgage DCU 2D
Here at Pinpoint Laser Systems we are frequently asked about what to do with all these measurement readings. Some people set up their Laser Microgage to check the straightness of a machine or the squareness of a Z axis and they just want to see a few readings to confirm that their machinery is set-up and well aligned. They might write down 4, 6, or 10 readings in a notebook and call it done.
Other Laser Microgage users want to record sets of readings and save them. In some cases they might only be interested in a few readings and others might want to record several thousand readings. With our computer interface and Pinpoint Capture software you can do it all. The “Manual” recording mode lets you save one set of readings at a time, each with a personal note, time and date stamp. The “Auto-Log” recording mode lets you automatically save readings over time on your computer – from a single reading every hour up to 50 readings a second! These readings are saved in an ASCII text file on your computer and can be viewed in a variety of programs and industrial software.
Recently, Pinpoint introduced a new on-board storage capability for the Laser Microgage 2D where you can save readings right on your portable display unit. At a convenient time, your Microgage Display is connected to your PC or Laptop and these readings are uploaded, through the Capture program, and saved as a text file. Your readings can then be viewed, anytime, in spreadsheets and imported into manufacturing programs and other production tools.
Screen Shot of DCU 2D
Pinpoint Laser Systems has a number of complimentary spreadsheet templates for analyzing your measurement readings andproviding calculations and useful information to evaluate your machinery and equipment. We can also develop custom software for your specific needs. Please call us or check out our product solutions for storing and recording your readings; DCU-2D and DCU-2000.
Microgage 2D Universal kit
You do not have to be. There are a few key terms and once you understand these you are ready to talk about a wide variety of measuring devices. The important terms include; range, sensitivity, resolution, precision, repeatability, accuracy and reliability. These terms and definitions apply to measuring temperature, distance, pressure, magnetic fields, weight – just about everything you can measure quantitatively. Let’s start with range. This is the difference between the lowest and the highest measurement that the device or instrument can measure. For example, consider your bathroom scale with a range of 300 pounds. From near zero to 300 pounds it will provide readings – outside that range the scale is unreliable or might even break.
Sensitivity is also known as resolution and these are the smallest increment of measurement that a measuring device can detect. For example your bathroom scale might show weight in tenths of a pound so we would say this scale has a sensitivity of 0.1 pound.
Precision and repeatability are two terms that are used interchangeably to describe the consistency of a measurement. Note, that we did not say “accuracy”, we’ll talk about this in a moment. Precision is the ability of a measuring system to provide the same reading value for multiple measurements of the same parameter in the same conditions. This measurement of consistency does not however indicate the measuring values are true, accurate or reliable. Let’s go back to your bathroom scale example; if you step on and off the scale 15 times, do you get the same reading every time? Your precision and repeatability are good if you get the same value over and over.
And finally there is accuracy which is also occasionally referred to as reliability. Accuracy is the ability of a measuring device to not only have good precision and repeatability but also for the values to be correct to some known and accepted standard. Using our bathroom scale example, let’s say you truly weigh 180 pounds but every time you step onto your bathroom scale the reading says 187 pounds. The precision of your scale is good because you get the same reading each time but the accuracy is off by 7 pounds.
Typically, a measuring instrument is designed with a specific range, sensitivity and resolution and these do not change. Calibration is used to adjust the measuring output for optimal precision, repeatability, accuracy and reliability over the range of the instrument.
Gauging Level and Flat Using Laser Alignment Tools
The terms “level” and “flat” are used interchangeably and, in some cases, assumed to mean the
same thing. In fact, they are different, but both can be measured using laser alignment tools.
Flat or flatness refers to the topography, curvature or smoothness of a surface or machine. Sometimes engineers use the term “planer” when talking about flatness of a machine bed, ways, ground surfaces and other mechanical structures. Level, on the other hand, defines how a surface, machine or assembly sits relative to the earth’s gravity.
Why Are Laser Alignment Tools Important in This Area?
A machine bed or sub-assembly can be very flat, but over time the machine may have moved on its mounts or the floor or slab under the machine may have settled. Pinpoint engineers observe this in paper mills and facilities with large punch press equipment where the machine has settled over time due to its extreme weight and is no longer level to gravity, but is in fact very straight or flat.
Before laser alignment tools, precise bubble levels were used to check the flatness of machinery and equipment. Simply noting where the bubble rests in the sealed vial and then noting how this bubble moves as the level is moved around a machine bed or assembly. In this case, gravity is being used as a relative reference but the machine may not actually be level to gravity.
Measuring Level and Flat in the Modern Day
About 20 years ago, laser alignment tools were introduced allowing for precise measurements of flatness and planer surfaces, independent of level and gravity. These laser alignment tools generate an ultra flat plane of laser light, that can be placed in any orientation, and then used as a reference to check machinery and equipment. This was a key turning point for machinery alignment and the measurement of flatness and planer surfaces.
So, the next time you step up to your machine to check its alignment, you can now tell if the machine is flat and also if your machine also happens to be level.
Contact our Pinpoint engineering team for an assessment of your laser alignment tool needs, and we can set up a video demonstration of the products that will be most useful to you.
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