Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division announced the launch of the Leica Absolute Tracker AT500 and accompanying B-Probeplus, the company’s latest portable 3D laser tracker system. Succeeding Hexagon’s popular AT400 series range of 3D laser trackers, the AT500 brings improved performance to both reflector and probing measurement. A true ‘measure anywhere’ system, the AT500’s portability and versatility is powered by a new integrated controller design, full IP54-rated environmental protection and an expanded operating temperature range.
The AT500 has been designed as the most portable and robust laser tracker in Hexagon’s range. A number of features contribute to extremely fast setup times, including the system’s built-in controller unit, a first for an Absolute Tracker. This new design is a big step forward in portability, with cabling minimized and setup reduced to an essentially plug-and-play concept. Alongside the platform having no need for leveling or initializing on a reflector before measurement begins, this development allows the system to deliver significant overall productivity improvements and reduced time-to-result.
This next-generation laser tracker platform also delivers a revolution in probing functionality with the new B-Probeplus wireless handheld probing device. An increased tilting angle and working volume makes the probe comfortable to use and easy to target, with real-time connection feedback displayed directly on the probe unit’s live display readout, helping to ensure data points are measured correctly on the first click. And all that comes with accuracy certification in line with ISO 10360-10 specifications.
“The AT403 and its predecessors represented a ground-breaking laser tracker platform that has driven metrology-grade measurement into completely new areas over the last decade,” said Rodrigo Alfaia, Absolute Tracker product manager at Hexagon. “With the AT500, we wanted to continue that story while delivering improvements we know our customers have been asking for. Making our probe easier to use has been a key target for us, and with the B-Probeplus I believe we really have a system that can deliver huge productivity improvements and change the way people measure in difficult environments. The live measurement feedback on the probe makes such a big difference to the system’s usability — taking a measurement has become so much easier with this new generation.”
Additionally, an expanded operating temperature range of minus-15°C to 50°C will allow the AT500 to deliver accurate results whether aligning mountaintop radio dishes or inspecting large workpieces in foundries.
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