Article From: 9/9/2008 Production Machining
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Pinpoint Laser Systems' measuring and alignment system for lathes, turning equipment, spindles and related machinery. This spindle alignment tool is easy to use and versatile, the company says. The system is especially useful for aligning lathes and turning centers, adjusting boring mills, aligning drive shafts, adjusting bar feeders and many other industrial applications. The latest Microgage system provides information on runout, centerline offset, parallelism, concentricity and other useful parameters that can guide machinery back to optimal alignment and improved profits, according to the company.
The system contains a round laser that is secured onto a chuck or attached to the end of a shaft or spindle. A dual-axis receiver is placed on the tailstock, toolholder or another piece of equipment that can receive the laser beam. As the laser and the receiver move relative to each other, the digital display provides a precise reading of the alignment and machine's characteristics. This spindle alignment tool can measure to 0.0001" or better and the laser allows for alignments from distances as large as 150 ft. The recent introduction of the newest Microgage 2D brings added precision, easy to follow screen instructions and new optical and digital spindles and lathe alignment technology, the company says.
The kit operates on batteries, and all components are machined of solid anodized aluminum or stainless steel for wear resistance. A serial and USB interface connect to a laptop of PC and link to popular spreadsheets for plotting and analyzing data for maintenance records, customer compliance and other uses. It includes a compact carrying case to store its components.
