Leica AT960 Absolute Laser Tracker by Hexagon

Overview

The Leica AT960 Absolute Laser Tracker by Hexagon is a high-precision, portable large-volume coordinate measuring system engineered for deterministic geometric metrology in industrial environments. Based on absolute interferometric distance measurement (AIFM) combined with high-resolution angular encoders and real-time kinematic compensation, the AT960 delivers traceable, six-degree-of-freedom (6DoF) spatial coordinates without requiring homing or initialization—enabling immediate deployment and measurement continuity across complex, dynamic workspaces. Its core architecture integrates laser interferometry for sub-micron incremental displacement resolution with absolute distance encoding for unambiguous range determination, eliminating ambiguity in long-range tracking. Designed for compliance with ISO 10360-12 (laser trackers), VDI/VDE 2634 Part 2 (dynamic performance), and ISO 10360-8 (environmental compensation), the AT960 serves as a primary reference instrument in aerospace assembly jigs, automotive body-in-white validation, shipyard hull alignment, and robotic calibration workflows.

Key Features

• AIFM Dual-Mode Metrology Engine: Combines absolute distance measurement (ADM) and interferometric (IFM) modes within a single optical path, delivering both high-speed dynamic tracking (up to 1000 Hz) and static measurement repeatability better than 1.5 µm at 10 m.
• PowerLock™ Autonomous Beam Recovery: Reacquires retroreflector targets automatically after beam interruption—without operator input—within a ±30° horizontal and ±20° vertical field of view, ensuring uninterrupted data capture during robotic motion or personnel movement.
• Integrated Environmental Observation Station: Real-time compensation for air temperature, barometric pressure, and relative humidity per ISO 10360-8, using embedded sensors co-located with the optical path to minimize thermal gradient error.
• Hot-Swappable Battery Architecture: Dual lithium-ion battery modules support >8 hours of continuous operation; seamless hot-swap capability enables uninterrupted field metrology without power cabling.
• Panoramic Visual Camera (OVC): 120° field-of-view HD color imager provides remote visual feedback for rapid target identification and coarse alignment—critical for unattended or semi-automated setups.
• IP54-Rated Enclosure: Dust- and splash-resistant mechanical housing certified to IEC 60529, enabling reliable operation in shop-floor environments with coolant mist, metal particulates, and ambient vibration.
• Gravity-Aligned Z-Axis (OTG Mode): Onboard inclinometer and firmware-based orientation correction allow direct alignment of the tracker’s Z-axis to local gravity vector—essential for jig-leveling, fixture verification, and horizontal surface mapping.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AT960 is compatible with industry-standard spherically mounted retroreflectors (SMRs), including 0.5″, 1.0″, and 1.5″ diameter variants, as well as active targets such as the T-Probe (for tactile probing), T-SCAN (line laser scanning), and T-MAC (motion-capture enabled 6DoF sensor). All measurements are traceable to national standards through Hexagon’s ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration laboratory. The system supports full GLP/GMP documentation workflows—including electronic signatures, audit trails, and change control logs—when operated with Leica Metrology Software (LMS) under FDA 21 CFR Part 11 configuration. It conforms to ASTM E2921 (Standard Practice for Evaluating Performance of Laser Trackers) and is routinely deployed in AS9100-certified aerospace production lines where measurement uncertainty budgets must be rigorously defined and validated.

Software & Data Management

Leica Metrology Software (LMS) v6.x provides native support for real-time 7DoF data streaming at 1000 Hz, synchronized with external PLCs, robot controllers, or vision systems via TCP/IP or EtherCAT. LMS includes built-in GD&T evaluation engines compliant with ISO 1101 and ASME Y14.5, automated report generation (PDF/HTML/XML), and export to common CAD formats (STEP AP242, IGES, XYZ point clouds). All measurement sessions are logged with time-stamped metadata—including environmental conditions, battery status, and PowerLock event history—for full traceability. Optional LMS Automation Module enables integration into Industry 4.0 architectures via OPC UA, supporting predictive maintenance alerts and cloud-based calibration scheduling.

Applications

• Aerospace: Wing spar alignment, fuselage section mating, tooling verification for composite layup molds
• Automotive: Body-in-white dimensional analysis, robotic weld cell calibration, stamping die validation
• Energy: Wind turbine blade geometry inspection, nuclear containment vessel deformation monitoring
• Heavy Machinery: Gearbox casing bore alignment, hydroelectric turbine runner balancing
• Research & Development: Large-scale optical bench alignment, particle accelerator component positioning, satellite antenna deployment simulation

FAQ

What is the maximum unambiguous measurement range of the AT960?

The AT960 achieves a spherical measurement volume with a diameter of up to 160 meters, verified per ISO 10360-12 Annex C protocols.
Does the AT960 require periodic recalibration in the field?

No routine recalibration is required; its self-diagnostic routines and environmental compensation algorithms maintain metrological integrity between scheduled ISO/IEC 17025 calibrations (typically annually).
Can the AT960 operate in environments with high ambient light or vibration?

Yes—the AIFM optical design incorporates narrow-band filtering and adaptive signal processing to reject stray light, while mechanical damping and inertial stabilization ensure stable operation at vibration levels up to 2.5 g RMS (per IEC 60068-2-64).
Is the PowerLock function compatible with all SMR sizes?

PowerLock operates reliably with standard 0.5″–1.5″ SMRs; performance with non-standard or coated reflectors may require empirical verification per VDI/VDE 2634 Part 3.
How is measurement uncertainty quantified and reported?

LMS generates full uncertainty budgets per GUM (JCGM 100:2008), incorporating Type A (statistical) and Type B (systematic) components—including encoder drift, thermal expansion, and atmospheric refractivity corrections.