Description

The main benefits of using a laser light source are as stated below:-
Long Optical range – up to 2 metres this is useful in application were close proximity to the machine would be a risk to the operator or close access is not possible because of machine guards. The small diameter of the laser spot allows measurements to be made even through small apertures.
Large angular range – the ability to use the instrument at angles of ±80° from perpendicular to the target surface, is very useful in those instances where the shaft to be monitored is in a difficult or relatively inaccessible position.

High visibility red laser beam spot – enables easy target location and aim especially in conditions of high ambient light.

Operation without reflective tape target – this is useful when reflective tape cannot be applied such as in the case of high temperature shaft where the tape will not adhere or very high speed application were the tape detaches due to velocity problems.
See notes below

REFLECTIVE TAPE TARGET
It is recommended that tape be used whenever possible to ensure ease of measurement and maximum range and angle features. When reflective tape is used it is possible to use tape down to a minimum width of 3mm.
Because of the ability of the unit to use surface imperfections as a target, problems may occur if the angle of the beam to the target is too close to the perpendicular. It is recommended that the instrument is not used in the cone of angles (5°) shown in the darker colour in the following diagram.
Angles stated assume datum to be at 90° to the reflective tape surface.

NON REFLECTIVE TARGETS
Under controlled conditions reflective tape may not be required.
If there is an existing difference in reflectivity on part of the object to be monitored then this may be used ( e.g keyways and slots in bright shafts, spokes of a wheel, fan blades etc).
If there is more than one target per revolution of the shaft then the resulting reading must be divided by the number of targets to obtain the correct reading. In the case of multiple targets these must be equally spaced around the shaft or disc or jitter will occur in the measured value. This effect is most apparent at slow speeds.
On bright shafts it is possible to paint a black non reflective segment and conversely on non reflective shafts a white mark can be painted.

Warning
As conditions can vary greatly from application to application some experimentation may be required to determine the best method. In all cases where an existing target is used the angular range of the instrument will be greatly reduced and will have to be used as close to the perpendicular to the
feature being used as a target as possible
If the target disc or shaft has holes, gaps or cutouts it is possible to fix the reflective tape in a stationary position behind the target disc and shine the beam through the hole on to the tape.