Laser Autocollimators
An autocollimator is a high-precision, non-contact optical instrument that measures minute angular deviations of optical or mechanical components. It operates by projecting a collimated beam of light (laser light in this case) onto a reflective surface, such as a mirror or flat, and detecting the return image through the same optical axis. Any angular movement of the surface causes a lateral shift in the reflected beam, which can be measured visually by eye or by a position-sensitive detector (e.g., a CMOS or PSD) and converted into angular units. Engineers use autocollimators for tasks like aligning optical systems, checking the flatness or squareness of components, verifying spindle tilt, and performing straightness and parallelism measurements in mechanical assemblies.
Selection Guide for Autocollimators
Type |
Description |
Measurement |
Range |
Resolution |
Working Distance Range |
Computer Interface |
Relative Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
This basic manual autocollimator enables visual, non-contact angular measurements. The KT-1530, as a manual device, operates independently and does not require a computer. |
Pitch, Yaw |
±30’ (arc minutes) |
2' (Arc-Minute Increments) |
0 - 300mm |
N/A |
$ |
|
The TM-2070 Laser Autocollimator System comprises an autocollimator head and a separate electronic processing unit. |
Pitch, Yaw |
±70’(arc minutes) Max. (Dependent on working distance) |
0.6" (Arc Second) |
0 - 250mm |
RS-232C (USB for sensor image only) |
$$ |
|
The ST-3100 electronic laser autocollimator system features a built-in controller and performs automated, sub-arcsecond, non-contact angular measurements in two axes. |
Pitch, Yaw |
±54' arc minutes) |
0.06" (Arc Second) |
0 - 200mm |
RS-232C USB |
$$$ |
|
The ST-3200 has a wide-angle range of ±5 degrees, five time larger than the other units. |
Pitch, Yaw |
±300' (arc minutes) |
9" Arc Seconds) |
65 ± 10mm |
RS-232C USB |
$$$$$ |
|
SH-3200 triangulating laser autocollimator system features the ability to measure axial, linear displacement in addition to pitch & yaw angular measurements. |
Pitch, Yaw, Z-axis |
Angle: ±90' (arc minutes) Z-Axis: ±5mm |
0.6" (Arc Second) |
50 ± 0.5mm |
RS-232C USB |
$$$$$ |