Laser Tool Usage

Air Temperature

Does air temperature or smoke affect the accuracy of the Laser Microgage?

No. The Laser Microgage projects a beam of laser light, but changes in air temperature or smoke or dust in the atmosphere will not influence the position of this reference beam.

Air Turbulence

Does air turbulence influence the Laser Microgage readings?

Air turbulence creates a very minute, momentary shift in the laser beam and when readings are taken over long distances, the values will tend to move symmetrically around the correct reading value. Air turbulence is more of a general annoyance than an error source and can be easily averaged from your readings by simply noting the high and low readings over a 2 second period and averaging the results. The Laser Microgage 2000 and 2D displays both have an averaging function to eliminate this problem.

Durability

How tough or durable is the Laser Microgage?

The Laser Microgage has no internal moving parts and is enclosed in a solid metal housing with machined reference surfaces and a hard anodized coating. The laser is designed to provide years of trouble free operation in demanding industrial environments. Care should be taken to avoid dropping the laser onto floors or subjecting it to hard impact which might potentially dent the outside housing or disturb the laser alignment.

What happens if I drop the Laser Microgage?

The Laser Microgage has been designed for tough industrial environments and the receiver and display units can survive a drop onto hard surfaces and even concrete floors. The laser transmitter has no internal moving parts and is designed for durability but care should be taken to avoid dropping the laser or subject it to hard impacts which might alter the alignment of the laser beam. Pinpoint can easily repair a laser that has been damaged in the field for a nominal fee.

Hot Surfaces

Can the Laser Microgage system be used on hot surfaces?

It is best to keep the Laser Microgage transmitter away from very hot surfaces. The receiver can be placed onto hot surfaces for a short period of time. Pinpoint can design and fabricate heat shields for your applications as well as mounts that can be used in hot environments; for example warm extruder barrels and hot press platens.

Lighting

Does daylight or bright lighting disturb the laser system?

Laser Microgage receivers are equipped with a special filter that blocks out the influence of bright room lights and the sun. If bright sunlight falls directly on the front of the receiver and the laser is placed a great distance away, we recommend blocking the direct sun. This is easily achieved by taping a business card so it overhangs the front of the receiver or attaching a 1” to 2” section of paper towel tube on the front of the receiver to block the direct sunlight.

Do room lights influence the Laser?

Laser Microgage receivers have a filter that blocks out room lights and other stray light sources that might otherwise influence the accuracy of your measurement.

Magnets

Will the Laser Microgage work in the presence of magnets or EMI Fields?

The Laser Microgage will operate in the presence of large electro-magnetic interference fields or magnetism.

Outdoor Environments

Can the Laser Microgage system be subjected to rain, splash, and condensation in an outdoor environment?

The Laser Microgage works outside in a damp environment, but not in the direct line of rain or snow. The temperature also needs to be above 32 degrees for the Laser Microgage to work properly. The receiver works best if it is kept out of direct sunlight. If possible, place it in a shady area or under a piece of cardboard to block the direct light.

Vacuums

Does the Laser Microgage work in a vacuum?

The Laser Microgage reference beam can pass through a vacuum, however the laser or receivers should not be directly subjected to a deep vacuum environment. Pinpoint can fabricate an enclosure for the laser transmitter or receivers if they need to be placed into a vacuum environment.

Vibration

Will vibration affect my Laser Microgage?

Generally not, unless the vibration becomes large in magnitude or frequency, possibly damaging part of the Laser Microgage. If the vibration is slow in frequency (< 10 Hz.) you are likely to see the oscillations if the actual motion is greater than 0.0005 inch. Otherwise, vibration will produce no noticeable effect on your readings.