Renishaw's laser interferometer systems are used for comprehensive accuracy assessment of machine tools, co-ordinate measuring machines (CMMs) and other position-critical motion systems.

They offer the ultimate in high accuracy, repeatable and traceable measurement, using externally mounted beam splitters.

There are two Renishaw laser systems for performance assessment; the XL-80 (new for 2007) and the ML10, which has been in service since 1988.

Renishaw's Interferometric Pedigree
Renishaw has been designing, manufacturing and supplying laser interferometer systems for over 20 years. Its ML10 laser system has become a standard for accuracy and reliability in use, enabling linear measurements to be made to an accuracy of ±0.7ppm. It has become the leading high accuracy, portable machine calibration and  measurement system worldwide.

In 2007 it has been joined by the XL-80 laser system with enhanced measurement performance (±0.5ppm, 50kHz, 4m/s) in a highly compact, portable and easy to use package, bringing the benefits of laser interferometry to an even wider audience.

After specific requests for a closed loop laser feedback solution, our first laser encoder product, the HS10 long-range laser scale, was launched in 1994. To extend application suitability to smaller geometry machines, the RLE laser encoder was developed, based on the principle of combining interferometer performance levels with encoder simplicity. The first generation RLE10 was launched in 2001, with further devlopments since. 

Today "laser measurement" is recognised as a byword for accuracy. However systems vary widely from custom laboratory standards costing tens of thousands of pounds to hand tools for home use costing a few pounds only. It is essential to pick the right system for the job and one that is accurate, reliable and durable in day-to-day use, where it really matters.

Benefits of Laser Verification of Machines

• Increase Machine Uptime
  • Whatever your machine or motion system, you need to know that it is up to the job - before you even begin cutting or processing material or measuring components. You can gain a detailed picture of how each characteristic of a machine's positioning performance is varying over time. Predict when maintenance work will be required for specific machines, and establish contingency plans in advance.
• Improve Machine Performance
  • Renishaw's performance measurement equipment can actually improve machine performance throught targetted maintenance and error compensation.
• Increase Knowledge of Your Machine/Manufacturing Capabilities
  • Use the right machine for the job - assigning specific toleranced jobs to machines capable of holding these tolerances ensures that the machine is fit for the required purpose and less likely to produce scrap.
• Prove the Performance of Your Machines
  • When customers need confidence in the quality of your machines or process then calibration graphs and regular performance evaluation resluts of your machines are excellent proof. These can give you a valuable competitive advantage over other manufacturers, who may not perform such tests.
• Comply with Quality Assurance Procedures and Standards
  • It is a requirement of the ISO 9000 series of quality standards that manufacturing and inspection equipment is calibrated, monitored and controlled using recognised and traceable systems and methods.
• Provide a Professional Maintenance Service
  • High quality after-sales service is a must. Using the same calibration tools in the customer's premises as the system OEM uses in his factory is the best way to restore the machine to the original manufacturer's specification.

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