L-700 4-Axis Spindle Alignment SystemWith a measurement resolution of .00001" (0.00025 mm) and alignment capabilities to .0001" (0.0025 mm), the L-700 4-Axis Spindle Alignment Laser System is an ideal tool for aligning lathes, spindles, headstock tailstock alignment, turrets, turning centers, grinders, bed ways and saddles, cross-slides, transfer lines, twin barrel extruders, and more. Precise straight, flat, square, parallel, and concentric alignments can be achieved.
Equipped with the L-700 Laser, T-261A 4-Axis Target, R-358 Interface and Lathe9 Software for PC, the system is designed to align the laser directly on the axis of rotation, then measure any angle and offset misalignment using the target. The software displays the measurements, calculates shim size, and updates in real-time! The L-700 system is about 2x faster than conventional methods like indicators, alignment bars or interferometers and even saved a GM plant over $1,000,000 annually in production waste from transfer line alignments. |
L-702 / L-702SP 4-Axis Spindle Alignment System |
The new L-702 & L-702SP 4-Axis Spindle Laser Alignment System is an upgrade to L-700 to keep up with the latest demands in machine tool alignment. The L-702SP laser is a self-contained combination of an axial laser beam line and perpendicular scanning plane, which provides the ability to check other axes on multi-turn machines. This system is commonly used for aligning lathes, spindles, turrets, turning centers, grinders, ways, cross-slides, saddles, and rotary dial machines.
When the L-702 laser is aligned directly on the main axis of rotation, the T-261 Target 4-axis measurement provides real-time pitch measurement, yaw measurement, horizontal and vertical offset of downstream spindles and other features with Lathe9 software, so any misalignment can be corrected easily. Using an A-1519 Target with the square plane allows for checking the squareness of cross-slides or other features. The 6 step Lathe9 Software for PC guides the user through setup and alignment. The L-702SP scanning perpendicular plane can also be adapted for general leveling, straightness, and flatness tasks with the L-702LB Leveling Base accessory or the L-702MB Magnetic Base. This is a versatile system and is 2x faster than conventional methods and more precise and reliable than using separate optics to measure squareness like other laser systems. |
How the Spindle Alignment Laser Systems Work
The spindle alignment kits from Hamar Laser Instruments are ideal alignment tools for CNC, lathes, mills, turning equipment, grinders, spindles, headstocks, tailstocks, turrets, ways, and other machinery or features. They provide center offset and angular misalignment measurements, straightness, parallelism, concentricity, and squareness capabilities. These laser kits are a clear benefit over traditional mechanical alignment methods (dial indicators, test bars, piano wire, etc.) and improve the quality of alignment with the fastest measurements possible. This results in less manufacturing downtime and waste, which results in a leaner operation and cost savings. Read on below for an overview and operation description of the spindle alignment laser systems from Hamar.
The L-700 and L-702 spindle lasers are made of anodized aluminum and a 440C stainless steel mounting stud with RC54-58 hardness, making them rugged and able to withstand the harshest environments in modern manufacturing and machine assembly. The standard rear mounting stud is removable and dimensioned to a precision .4995 in diameter, which can be customized for compatibility with your spindle chuck or tool holder.
Unlike some “plug and pray” lasers, the L-700 and L-702 feature fine angular and centering adjustments [.0001”/ft (0.008 mm/M) and .0001” (0.0025 mm) resolution, respectively] allowing the technician to aim the laser through to the spindle axis of rotation to .0005” or better and to buck in to downstream target locations with extremely high precision.
Measuring the spindle alignment is achieved with the T-261A 4-Axis Spindle Target, which is also made of hard aluminum with a precision-centered rear stainless steel mounting stud and can be customized to suit your alignment project requirements. When used with the R-358 computer interface, the T-261A 4-Axis Spindle Target provides a 2-axis (vertical and horizontal) centering measurement resolution of .00001" (0.00025 mm) and 2-axis angular (pitch and yaw) measurement resolution of .00001”/ft (0.0008 mm/m). The centering measurement and angular measurement ranges are ±.050” (±1.3 mm) and ±0.5° respectively. With an accuracy of <2% of reading when within +/- .04” (1 mm) of center, it will provide a better alignment measurement than any alternative.
With an operating range of up to 100 feet (30 m), the spindle alignment kit has the ability to make precise alignment measurements over the entire length of virtually any machine tool!
To set up, the laser is inserted into the chuck or other feature and the 4-axis target is inserted into the tailstock or other opposing feature to be aligned. To dial in the laser, the headstock is rotated 180 degrees and measurements are averaged, then the laser adjustments are used to dial the laser into the center of the circle ‘traced’, which is also the axis of rotation. Unlike other “plug and pray” laser systems, once the laser is dialed in, you do not need to continue rotating and averaging measurements throughout the alignment! (Imagine having to walk back and forth and do many repetitive steps with other systems – Hamar has eliminated that!) The 4-axis target stud concentricity is within .0005” of the measurement cell center - therefore for many applications, the target will not need to be rotated and measurements averaged. But for highest precision alignments, the target can be rotated and measurements averaged to eliminate this residual mechanical error. This is referred to as the NORMIN method, and can be read about in further detail by clicking here (see Appendix A).
Once the laser is aimed properly at the target in the tailstock (or other feature), the tailstock can be moved to any other location along the length of the machine, and any horizontal, vertical, or angular misalignment will be measured instantly and can be corrected in real-time.
The measurements are displayed in real-time with Lathe9 software for PC. This software provides a simple step by step instruction for laser setup and measurement procedure for measuring misalignment or guideway straightness. By inputting dimensions of the machine, the software will also calculate an appropriate shim size or the amount of adjustment needed to bring the machinery back into perfect alignment. With on screen misalignment visualization, Lathe9 is an intuitive and easy to use software for anyone. Test reports can be generated and saved and these trends analyzed over time, so you can determine how often to perform the preventative maintenance.
These kits are very portable and include a carrying case. For more information feel free to browse the brochures, read the latest L-702 blog article, view our spindle alignment videos on our YouTube channel, read our spindle alignment application note, or contact us at your convenience.
The L-700 and L-702 spindle lasers are made of anodized aluminum and a 440C stainless steel mounting stud with RC54-58 hardness, making them rugged and able to withstand the harshest environments in modern manufacturing and machine assembly. The standard rear mounting stud is removable and dimensioned to a precision .4995 in diameter, which can be customized for compatibility with your spindle chuck or tool holder.
Unlike some “plug and pray” lasers, the L-700 and L-702 feature fine angular and centering adjustments [.0001”/ft (0.008 mm/M) and .0001” (0.0025 mm) resolution, respectively] allowing the technician to aim the laser through to the spindle axis of rotation to .0005” or better and to buck in to downstream target locations with extremely high precision.
Measuring the spindle alignment is achieved with the T-261A 4-Axis Spindle Target, which is also made of hard aluminum with a precision-centered rear stainless steel mounting stud and can be customized to suit your alignment project requirements. When used with the R-358 computer interface, the T-261A 4-Axis Spindle Target provides a 2-axis (vertical and horizontal) centering measurement resolution of .00001" (0.00025 mm) and 2-axis angular (pitch and yaw) measurement resolution of .00001”/ft (0.0008 mm/m). The centering measurement and angular measurement ranges are ±.050” (±1.3 mm) and ±0.5° respectively. With an accuracy of <2% of reading when within +/- .04” (1 mm) of center, it will provide a better alignment measurement than any alternative.
With an operating range of up to 100 feet (30 m), the spindle alignment kit has the ability to make precise alignment measurements over the entire length of virtually any machine tool!
To set up, the laser is inserted into the chuck or other feature and the 4-axis target is inserted into the tailstock or other opposing feature to be aligned. To dial in the laser, the headstock is rotated 180 degrees and measurements are averaged, then the laser adjustments are used to dial the laser into the center of the circle ‘traced’, which is also the axis of rotation. Unlike other “plug and pray” laser systems, once the laser is dialed in, you do not need to continue rotating and averaging measurements throughout the alignment! (Imagine having to walk back and forth and do many repetitive steps with other systems – Hamar has eliminated that!) The 4-axis target stud concentricity is within .0005” of the measurement cell center - therefore for many applications, the target will not need to be rotated and measurements averaged. But for highest precision alignments, the target can be rotated and measurements averaged to eliminate this residual mechanical error. This is referred to as the NORMIN method, and can be read about in further detail by clicking here (see Appendix A).
Once the laser is aimed properly at the target in the tailstock (or other feature), the tailstock can be moved to any other location along the length of the machine, and any horizontal, vertical, or angular misalignment will be measured instantly and can be corrected in real-time.
The measurements are displayed in real-time with Lathe9 software for PC. This software provides a simple step by step instruction for laser setup and measurement procedure for measuring misalignment or guideway straightness. By inputting dimensions of the machine, the software will also calculate an appropriate shim size or the amount of adjustment needed to bring the machinery back into perfect alignment. With on screen misalignment visualization, Lathe9 is an intuitive and easy to use software for anyone. Test reports can be generated and saved and these trends analyzed over time, so you can determine how often to perform the preventative maintenance.
These kits are very portable and include a carrying case. For more information feel free to browse the brochures, read the latest L-702 blog article, view our spindle alignment videos on our YouTube channel, read our spindle alignment application note, or contact us at your convenience.
Laser Spindle Alignment compared to conventional methods
A laser alignment system is easier and up to 70% faster than using traditional mechanical methods.
Conventional mechanical alignment methods include cutting test parts using test bars. In the test part method, a machinist will run a straight test cut along a test piece that is at least 2 in diameter x 9 in long and then measure each end of the test piece with a micrometer. Depending on the job spec required, each end should measure within .0002” to .0004” of each other. On the first attempt, the difference will likely be much larger. Then depending on whether the cut piece tapers in or out, the machinist can infer the direction of spindle angular misalignment. Usually the headstock needs to be adjusted, then bolted down, and another test part used to check the final alignment. If this process isn’t perfect the first time, it will need to be repeated, wasting more time and material. Although a skilled machinist with a great knowledge of the machine can use this method well enough, ultimately material is wasted and there is no objective indication of how much adjustment is needed to bring the headstock back into parallel alignment with the tailstock.
Another mechanical method is to insert an alignment test bar, which is pre-machined parallel to small tolerances, then run a dial indicator over it lengthwise, typically mounted from the saddle. The spindles are parallel to the saddle when the indicator reading remains the same or within a small spec. One problem with test bars is any inherent tolerance error will be built into the alignment. Dial indicators attached to extended arms can also lead to sag error. The biggest issue, however, is that longer machines will require longer and heavier test bars, resulting in more sag error. Therefore, for larger machines, a laser alignment system is a no brainer.
Conventional mechanical alignment techniques can be a major problem for someone new to the machine or new to alignment in general. Different technicians might resort to using their own alignment techniques, creating more internal chaos and some might cheat to get a part out the door. Meanwhile, the underlying misalignment issue is never resolved and continues to plague the manufacturing operation. With a good alignment solution and procedure, time can be spent focused on machining quality parts and keeping customers happy, rather than trying to rush through a job because too much time was spend chasing your tail during failed attempts at proper alignment.
A laser alignment system is faster and better. With a laser spindle alignment system, no material is wasted and the headstock to tailstock alignments are objectively and directly measured with ease. The Hamar L-702SP system also features a scanning laser plane that is perpendicular to the spindle axis laser, so spindle centerline to cross slide squareness can be checked directly as well. Even better, the alignments are performed in real-time, rather than guessing and remeasuring iteratively. Spindle axis to Z-axis parallelism can be checked with a dial indicator, but it’s faster and easier with the laser. As the spindle or tailstock are moved closer or further away, the target measurements will increase or decrease, and that will provide the angular misalignment measurement without all the extra hassle.
One overlooked contributor of lathe misalignment is an unlevel machine base. It can be difficult to trace undesirable taper cuts all the way back to the machine feet and determine how much to adjust them. With a geo laser system from Hamar L-730/L-740 Series, the machine bed can be leveled to high precision to in the first place. Unleveled feet can twist the whole machine and contribute to taper. For machines with multi axes and a lot of travel other axes that need to be square and parallel, etc. it is recommended to consider a system from the L-730/L-740 series.
The bottom line is lathe misalignment leads to flawed parts, increased scrap, oversized holes, tapered holes, broken tool bits and machine down time. Don’t wait for a machine to crash at the worst time! Contact Laser Brain today for a quotation on a Laser Alignment System to help fix your alignment issues.
Conventional mechanical alignment methods include cutting test parts using test bars. In the test part method, a machinist will run a straight test cut along a test piece that is at least 2 in diameter x 9 in long and then measure each end of the test piece with a micrometer. Depending on the job spec required, each end should measure within .0002” to .0004” of each other. On the first attempt, the difference will likely be much larger. Then depending on whether the cut piece tapers in or out, the machinist can infer the direction of spindle angular misalignment. Usually the headstock needs to be adjusted, then bolted down, and another test part used to check the final alignment. If this process isn’t perfect the first time, it will need to be repeated, wasting more time and material. Although a skilled machinist with a great knowledge of the machine can use this method well enough, ultimately material is wasted and there is no objective indication of how much adjustment is needed to bring the headstock back into parallel alignment with the tailstock.
Another mechanical method is to insert an alignment test bar, which is pre-machined parallel to small tolerances, then run a dial indicator over it lengthwise, typically mounted from the saddle. The spindles are parallel to the saddle when the indicator reading remains the same or within a small spec. One problem with test bars is any inherent tolerance error will be built into the alignment. Dial indicators attached to extended arms can also lead to sag error. The biggest issue, however, is that longer machines will require longer and heavier test bars, resulting in more sag error. Therefore, for larger machines, a laser alignment system is a no brainer.
Conventional mechanical alignment techniques can be a major problem for someone new to the machine or new to alignment in general. Different technicians might resort to using their own alignment techniques, creating more internal chaos and some might cheat to get a part out the door. Meanwhile, the underlying misalignment issue is never resolved and continues to plague the manufacturing operation. With a good alignment solution and procedure, time can be spent focused on machining quality parts and keeping customers happy, rather than trying to rush through a job because too much time was spend chasing your tail during failed attempts at proper alignment.
A laser alignment system is faster and better. With a laser spindle alignment system, no material is wasted and the headstock to tailstock alignments are objectively and directly measured with ease. The Hamar L-702SP system also features a scanning laser plane that is perpendicular to the spindle axis laser, so spindle centerline to cross slide squareness can be checked directly as well. Even better, the alignments are performed in real-time, rather than guessing and remeasuring iteratively. Spindle axis to Z-axis parallelism can be checked with a dial indicator, but it’s faster and easier with the laser. As the spindle or tailstock are moved closer or further away, the target measurements will increase or decrease, and that will provide the angular misalignment measurement without all the extra hassle.
One overlooked contributor of lathe misalignment is an unlevel machine base. It can be difficult to trace undesirable taper cuts all the way back to the machine feet and determine how much to adjust them. With a geo laser system from Hamar L-730/L-740 Series, the machine bed can be leveled to high precision to in the first place. Unleveled feet can twist the whole machine and contribute to taper. For machines with multi axes and a lot of travel other axes that need to be square and parallel, etc. it is recommended to consider a system from the L-730/L-740 series.
The bottom line is lathe misalignment leads to flawed parts, increased scrap, oversized holes, tapered holes, broken tool bits and machine down time. Don’t wait for a machine to crash at the worst time! Contact Laser Brain today for a quotation on a Laser Alignment System to help fix your alignment issues.
Need to see it to believe it?
The Hamar Digital Library on YouTube has many in depth training videos to show how to use their systems. Paid remote -live video training or onsite training is also available for customers. If you prefer to see an actual alignment done on your machine with a Hamar system first, or do not to perform alignments often enough to justify purchasing a system, consider contacting one of the many alignment contractors who use Hamar. For spindle alignment services, DFW Movers and Erectors (Texas area) carries the L-700 Spindle Alignment system and L-743 Triple Scan. Larson Industrial (Sacramento, California area), Morley Machine Tool and Alignment (Milton, WA area), and Absolute Machine (OH, IL, and MI area) all use L-733 or L-743 Triple Scan system.
Custom Laser SolutionsHamar Laser Instrument’s ability to customize makes them a cutting edge leader of precision laser alignment systems. Many of their now standard systems and components were designed and continuously improved after working closely with customers for over 50 years to deliver the most accurate and user-friendly systems. The result is clear – the best turnkey laser alignment solutions for today’s most in demand alignment work. If you have a special measurement or alignment project, please contact us with your requirements and we will do our best to offer a customized measurement kit or component to solve your problem.
Why laser alignment?Not only is laser alignment faster and easier than traditional mechanical methods, but it is also allows for complete alignment over the entire length of the machine, whereas test bars, test pieces, and dial indicators can only be over short ranges before they produce too much measurement error. When compared to a laser tracker, a laser alignment system costs much less, is faster to setup and use, and requires less skill and training.
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Support and TrainingGet free remote product application support. Paid onsite and remote training options available.
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email: |
sales@laser-brain.com
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phone: |
1-877-507-1955
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location: |
Boston, MA, USA
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