Laser Tracker Probing System for Large Scale Fabrications

Hexagon Metrology, Inc. (North Kingstown, RI) offers the Leica B-Probe, an entry-level, wireless probing device which extends the capability of the Leica Absolute Tracker AT402. The handheld Leica B-Probe is designed for the inspection, alignment and assembly of large scale fabrications such as railway coaches, construction and off-highway vehicles or agricultural machinery.

The Leica B-Probe works within a 32.8 ft (10 m) radial distance from the AT402 with an accuracy of ± .008 in (0.2 mm) over a full measurement range, offering greater capabilities and flexibility over similar systems that have fixed-base stations. The lightweight 6.7 oz (190 g) B-Probe features IP50 certification and is AAA battery-powered, an ideal complement to the ultra-compact, user friendly system design of the AT402.

By using the move station method, the working range of the system can easily be multiplied with almost no loss in probing accuracy. For even larger parts or measurements that require higher accuracies, a standard retroreflector can also be used in combination with the B-Probe to take full advantage of the AT402’s accuracy and 525 ft (160 m) radial measuring range.

A demonstration of the Leica B-Probe handheld probing tool for the Leica Absolute Tracker AT402. The Leica B-Probe can gather hidden 3D points in a measurement volume of 20 m (ø). For very large structures that require highly accurate measurements, the volume can be extended within a working volume of 320 m (ø) with virtually no loss in probing accuracy by completing a laser tracker move station.

“The B-Probe fills a niche between reflector-based measurements and our high-performance 6DoF (6 deg of freedom) offering based on the Leica T-Probe and the Absolute Tracker AT901,” said Duncan Redgewell, the general manager of the Laser Tracker product line. “We recognized that many industries manufacturing large-scale assemblies required range, portability and inspection of hidden features, but had only modest accuracy requirements. The B-Probe was designed specifically for these users.”

The Leica B-Probe is available at hexmet.us/bprobe and is distributed through Hexagon Metrology’s worldwide sales network and resellers. Adding the B-Probe accessory is as simple as adding a reflector to a laser tracker, and any AT402 laser tracker already in use can be upgraded with a B-Probe by the user.

Hexagon Metrology, Inc., 250 Circuit Drive, North Kingstown, RI 02852, 401-886-2000, Fax: 401-886-2727, info@hexagonmetrology.us, www.hexagonmetrology.us.