Laser Tracker Performance Testing Solution Released

Brunson Instrument Company has announced the KinAiry solution for laser tracker field testing. KinAiry is a comprehensive, independent solution for laser tracker evaluation, utilizing NIST’s new Interim Field Test Procedure IR-8016. The KinAiry system provides a set of traceable measurements designed to verify volumetric performance in a customer environment. The result is a colorized graphical analysis that quickly shows the overall health of a laser tracker…regardless of make or model.

Traditional laser tracker field checks (2-face tests and short reference bars) do not exercise a tracker sufficiently to evaluate performance over larger working volumes, so NIST developed a volumetric test to assess the general health of a tracker in the field. In accordance with the NIST procedure, KinAiry facilitates taking measurements on a 2.3 meter reference bar held in various orientations which are strategically selected to more fully exercise the volumetric measurement capabilities of a laser tracker.

“KinAiry provides a solid field test for laser trackers to help ensure measurement specifications are met. Our customers now have a single, simple process to make traceable error measurements for any tracker. This advancement boosts confidence in laser tracker performance where it matters most…right on the job,” states Matt Settle, Product Manager.

The field test is quick and easy to perform, occupies a small footprint and works in nearly any environment. Data is analyzed and then errors are charted.  Comparisons to values generated using the tracker manufacturers’ Maximum Permissible Errors (MPEs) are possible when the MPEs are known. KinAiry’s traceable, documented results can be used to fulfill pre- and post-measurement audit trails, help confirm laser tracker performance prior to critical measurement procedures, or track instrument performance over time.

KinAiry is different from other long reference bars in the field as it is calibrated on-site by isolating the ranging element of the laser tracker. The carbon fiber length artifact floats stress-free on KINematic mounts located at its AIRY points, chosen because they minimize sag. A folding mirror orients the laser beam, and an articulating head positions the artifact as specified by the NIST interim field test procedure.

NIST IR 8016 white paper:  “A Proposed Interim Check for Field Testing a Laser Tracker’s 3-D Length Measurement Capability Using a Calibrated Scale Bar as a Reference Artifact” download

For more information: www.brunson.us