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...

When using a laser alignment system to check a machine or sub-assembly for straightness, flatness, bore alignment and many other geometric parameters, we often need to normalize the laser reference beam to some designated locations on the surface being measured. The laser reference beam is very straight and true but may not be aligned to the surface or mechanical features that you are measuring or checking. For example, imagine a guide rail that...

Many machine tools rely on the squareness or perpendicularity between moving tables or slidesand also the axis of travel for a cutting bit. Traditional methods for checking the squareness of machine tools rely on granite squares or jigs and fixtures coupled with precise dial indicators. The lengthy time and effort needed to perform these alignment checks has been a deterrent to their use. The development of the laser alignment system has made...