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Laser Radar vs. Laser Tracker
Are You Using the Right Metrology Tool?
Laser trackers are a popular option across manufacturing industries to accurately measure large objects and structures.
While they are highly versatile, they generally require physical contact with or close proximity to the target object by a skilled manual operator. This can significantly limit their use for automated operations, or where components may be hot, cold, sharp, delicate, or inaccessible.
Is There an Alternative Solution?
Yes, the Laser Radar is an automated system that allows you to measure objects from far away to great precision and accuracy without needing to touch them.
Don’t let production delays get you down. Use the right metrology tool and get the job done faster.
Laser Radar Benefits
- Large field of view
- Long range
- High accuracy
- Zero operator variability
- Non-Contact
- Automated measurements
- Direct feature measurement
- Precision scanning
- Single or zero person operation
- Safe for operators
- Safe for parts
Your Laser Tracker Can’t Do This
On the face of it, both technologies may look similar—as both emit a laser beam that is steered towards the target and reflected back to the instrument to measure range. This, combined with the beam angle, determine the object’s position in 3D space. However, it’s important to understand their key differences to decide which measurement system is right for you and your application.
For trackers, the beam reflection requires a special mirrored target that needs to be in contact with the surface as a physical probe.
The Laser Radar, however, detects reflections directly from the objects surface without needing any special reflectors, probes or adapters. This allows the Laser Radar to be used in applications that are simply not appropriate for a Laser Tracker.
When is the APDIS Laser Radar a Better Solution?
The APDIS Laser Radar system is ideal for measuring almost any material – even reflective surfaces – accurately, automatically, and safely. Because the APDIS Laser Radar does not need any probes, adapters, or special reflectors, measurement routines can be automated and run remotely, removing operator variance and allowing you to deskill complicated inspection routines. The large field of view allows for measurement of a wide range of objects, from car doors to full aircraft, accurately and repeatedly.
- Is the object I’m measuring difficult to reach?
- Is the object I’m measuring delicate?
- Is the object I’m measuring dangerous to go near?
- Does the object need to be scanned?
- Does the measurement need to be fast?
- Does the measurement need to be repeated?
- Does the measurement need to be deskilled?
- Do I want to automate this measurement?
- Do I want to remove the use of manual probes?
If you answered yes to any of the above, then the APDIS Laser Radar system offers a game changing solution that will bring your inspections to the next level of precision.
Don’t Compromise on Safety
No need to climb to the highest heights or risk employees’ safety with dangerous or difficult measurements.
Nikon’s APDIS Laser Radar is non-contact and long range, so you can safely measure large-scale, delicate, or difficult-to-reach items from a distance without needing to go near the part.
No more accidents, wasted time, or additional costs of ladders, scaffolding, or platforms just to take a measurement.
Product Highlights
Fast & Fully Automated
Increased reproducibility and automatic analysis mean comprehensive results without the need for an operator.
Versatile Across Industries
Built to perform across demanding sectors, the APDIS Laser Radar offers high-precision, non-contact inspection for applications ranging from automotive BIW and gap & flush to large-scale aerospace assemblies.
Built for Your Shop Floor
Optimize your production process with machine-readable outputs that integrate with your control systems.
Schedule a Demo
Does this sound like the ideal solution for your needs? Contact our team, and we’ll initiate the process immediately so you can see the difference for yourself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Nikon’s APDIS Laser Radar system is used for non-contact, high-precision 3D inspection and measurement of medium to large scale components, particularly in aerospace, automotive, energy and heavy industry applications.
Unlike traditional laser trackers, Nikon’s APDIS Laser Radar performs fully automated, long-range, non-contact measurements without requiring reflectors, targets or manual probes. This approach results in reduced set up time, faster measurements and zero operator variance.
Yes, this APDIS Laser Radar utilizes a scanning beam that can be moved in precisely defined patterns allowing for efficient measurement of features, or precision scanning of surfaces and compare these back to CAD nominals, all without needing to go near the part.
No, once a measurement routine is setup, it can be started through a few button clicks and then run automatically. This simplifies the measurement operation, removes the need to be skilled in probing and ultimately removes operator variance from the measurement.
Contact Our Team
If you’d like further details on our APDIS Laser Radar, fill out this form and tell us about your project. Our expert team will be in touch shortly to advise you on the best inspection system to meet your requirements. We can even arrange an on-site visit.