The Eight Things We Measure On Site

An alignment system is not chosen from a catalogue; it is measured on the line. The data we collect during the survey feeds every design decision, from housing length to laser colour. The eight headings below are the full set of questions we ask on site, and you can prepare most of them before we arrive.

1. Working width and travelThe working width of the machine and the range the reference lines have to cover are not the same thing. The required travel range runs between the narrowest and the widest recipe; housing length and rail assembly length follow from it.
2. Mounting points and support structureWe look at what the system will mount to: the existing frame, or a new traverse. The rigidity of that support translates directly into accuracy — a mounting that flexes undermines even the best servo.
3. Working distanceThe vertical distance between the laser module and the material surface. It sets line thickness, focus setting and the tolerance on mounting angle. As the distance grows, angular deviation becomes linear offset on the surface.
4. VibrationWe observe, and where possible measure, the vibration the line produces while running. Vibration degrades the legibility of the reference line and, over time, loosens mechanical connections. Depending on the source, we propose isolation or a different mounting point.
5. Ambient light and surfaceVisibility depends on the colour and gloss of the surface as much as on laser power. Red is enough on a light matte surface, while a dark or glossy surface may call for green. Where overhead lighting falls directly on the line, colour choice becomes critical.
6. Recipe variety and changeover frequencyHow many recipes there are, how often they change per day, and how many simultaneous reference lines the densest recipe needs. Those three numbers answer the Core-or-Shuttle question and size the reserve area.
7. Automation infrastructure and interfacesWhich control system is on the line, where the recipe data is held, and whether data exchange over PROFINET or EtherNet/IP is possible. This is where we settle whether the recipe is entered by hand or sent from the line.
8. Service access and safetyHow the system will be reached for laser replacement and calibration, and whether the line has to be stopped. We also assess laser class, operator eye level and reflective surfaces from a safety point of view.

What happens after the survey?

The data collected becomes design input directly: travel and reserve area set the rail assembly length, working distance sets laser selection and focus, recipe variety drives the architecture decision, and the automation infrastructure defines the interface scope. We issue the resulting layout proposal with the mounting details and, once approved, move into manufacture.

To share the dimensions of your line, reach us here .