Alignment for Larger Applications over 100m - OT-4040 Laser Alignment System

07 Mar 2016

Laser alignment is becoming more commonplace in the workplace and is now replacing conventional alignment systems such as plumb lines and optical telescopes which have large setup times and factors for human error.  The OT-4040 is a unique and specialised laser alignment system as it is the only one in the world which allows a user to track multiple points of deviation from the same laser line in real time.

Designed to replace the 2.2498” (57.15mm) optical telescopes, the OT-4040 is used in applications such as straightness measurement, multiple point alignment, bore shaft alignment, angular offset measurement, and industrial machine positioning.  The system consists of three main components listed below.

OT-4040 LL laser

The laser projects a beam up to a distance of 100m which is readable by a maximum of 8 targets.  The laser emission source is located within 0.05mm of the housing centre with an angular error of 0.00028° (

TS4 and TTS4 targets

The system features two target options; a transparent target which allows the beam to pass through to another target, and a solid reference target.  Both targets feature a resolution of 0.01mm, and the ø25mm active area is cantered within 0.05mm of the bore.  The chrome steel snouts are precision ground to a diameter of 57.15mm (2.2498”) and the flat square plate features strong magnets to secure the target to your bracket.

If a more compact target is needed both the reference and transparent targets are available in just the cylindrical tube form.  All targets have a connector port to interface with the CPUs.

OT-4040 CPU

The CPUs are handheld units which display the real-time X and Y position of the beam on a 4 digit LED screen.  The CPUs are paired with the targets and contain the rechargeable battery pack which can operate a CPU/target pair for 10-12 hours (depending on adjustable screen brightness settings).

For users who wish to record the position data on computer each CPU has a DB9 port which outputs the target data in ASCII format.  When connected to a data logger or PC users can monitor and record the data in real-time.

Simple setup and use

One common application for the OT-4040 is straightness alignment of tracks.  The OT-4040 is a very popular choice as it only takes 5 minutes for a new user to setup and start taking measurements.

The OT-4040 LL laser is positioned to a fixed reference at the start of the track and a solid reference target is positioned at the end.  The reference target ensures the laser is pointing directly down the axis of alignment and that there is no angular pointing error.  Once this reference line is achieved the transparent targets can be dropped into the laser line and moved up the track, checking the track displacement as the target is moved from one end to another.  With the X/Y position data displayed on the CPU a user can adjust the track in-situ or log the data for correction at a later time.  Up to 8 targets (7 transparent targets and a solid reference target) can be used simultaneously on the same laser line, so if a user wanted to track multiple positions from the same laser this is now achievable.

If you want to discuss how the OT-4040 laser alignment system will be beneficial to your alignment application please feel free to contact our laser alignment specialist for advice.