XL-80
laser measurement system
The
new Renishaw XL-80 laser measurement system offers high performance
calibration for motion systems, including CMMs and machine tools. Fast,
accurate and extremely portable, the XL-80 system retains the Renishaw
ML10's key virtues of accuracy, reliability and durability in day-to-day
use. Together with advanced software solutions and superior performance,
use the XL-80 to improve your businesses performance.

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Components
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basisof the new system is a compact laser head (XL-80) and an independent
environmental compensator system (XC-80). A tripod and stage may also
be required depending upon the application. |
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XL-80
laser unit
The
XL-80 laser produces an extremely stable laser beam, with a wavelength
that is traceable back to national and international standards.
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Specifications
- Laser
frequency stability: ± 0.05 ppm over 1 year and ±
0.02 ppm over 1 hour is achieved by dynamic thermal control of
the laser tube length to within a few nanometres.
- Linear
measurement accuracy: ± 0.5 ppm over the whole environmental
range ie, from 0 ºC - 40 ºC (32 ºF - 104 ºF)
and 650 mbar - 1150 mbar. Readings can be taken at up to 50 kHz,
with a maximum linear measurement speed of 4 m/s and a linear
resolution of 1 nm; even at maximum speed.
- Integrated
USB means there is no requirement for a separate laser-to-PC interface.
- LED
status lights: indicate the laser status and signal strength,
providing a convenient alternative to the softwares on-screen
indicators.
- Switchable
between standard (40 m) and long (80 m) range modes.
- Analogue
I/O port allows for analogue signal output and a trigger signal
input.
- Warm-up
time is less than 6 minutes.
- External,
switch mode power supply ensures 90 V - 264 V flexibility in input
voltage
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XC-80
compensator and sensors
The
XC-80 compensator is a crucial factor in your XL systems linear
measurement accuracy. Featuring intelligent sensors
that process the readings at source, the compensator very accurately
measures air temperature, air pressure and relative humidity. Changes
in these conditions can effect the wavelength of the laser light
and the measurement readings taken. The
XC-80 uses the sensor readings to modify the nominal value of the
laser wavelength to give a true value, which is then used in calculations
to virtually eliminate any measurement errors resulting from these
variations.
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Features
- Uniform
compensation - The design of the XC-80 and sensors ensures uniform
and extremely accurate readings over the full range of environmental
operating conditions.
- Frequent
sensor updates - This can be done automatically every seven seconds,
as indicated by LED status lights on the XC-80 unit.
- Integrated
USB - The inetgral USB connection means there is no separate PC
interface and no separate power supply (the USB supplies the XC-80
and sensors' power).
- Lightweight
- The XC-80 weighs 550 g, and together with the XL-80, weighs
just over 3 kg (including connecting cables, XL power supply and
sensors).
- Intelligent
air and material temperature sensors - The integral microprocessors
analyse and process the sensor's output before sending digital
temperature values to the XC-80 compensator. This offers more
secure measurements and is a key reason why the XC-80 is so compact
and also ensures sensors are fully interchangeable without comprimising
accuracy.
- Up
to three material temperature sensors can also be attached to
the XC-80 compensator to allow linear measurements to be normalised
to a standard material temperature of 20 °C.
- Versatile
sensor cables - The standard 5 m long sensor cables are detachable
for easy replacement and can be screwed together for extended
lengths on longer machines.
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Tripod
and stage
Unless
you are using a dedicated measurement rig, then you are likely to
need a mounting stage (and in most cases a tripod) to adjust the
lasers position relative to the desired measurement axis.
- The
XL mounting stage allows for precise angular rotation and translation
of the XL-80. It is designed to be left attached to the laser
unit for easy storage and quick set-up.
- A
"quick fit/release" mechanism enables rapid and secure
fixing to a tripod. For those applications where tripod mounting
is not convenient, e.g. for mounting directly on a machine tool
table, the stage and laser can also be mounted on to most standard
magnetic bases, using an optional adapter with M8 thread.
- The
new Universal tripod has been extensively tested to provide a
stable, adjustable base in a compact, lightweight unit.
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Details
about Portable laser measurement and calibration
Updated:
05/2009
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