Rotary laser

What is a rotating laser

Rotary lasers are used to determine heights or for indoor and outdoor alignment. Many rotary lasers now also allow inclinations to be set for slope work. Depending on the model, this is done manually or by means of a digital specification of percentage values. Rotary lasers generally differ in the laser diodes used, which affects the visibility and range of the lasers due to the different wavelength ranges (red or green laser light) and the laser power (mW). The devices are sometimes also referred to as construction lasers, inclination lasers, horizontal lasers or vertical lasers, depending on their function. Single-axis or dual-axis inclination lasers are also quite common.

Function of a rotating laser

At the top of the laser unit is either a deflecting prism or a beam splitter prism. The prism is rotatably mounted and is rotated by a motor. This generates a 360° rotating laser beam. While the deflection prism deflects the entire laser beam horizontally, the beam splitter prism projects part of the laser light onto the ceiling, this so-called plumb point is helpful for many designs. Many rotating lasers offer useful functions. These can be controlled via a corresponding control panel on the rotating laser or via the remote control. For example, the rotation can be limited to a certain angle in order to display a shortened line, which improves the visibility of the laser. The X and Y axes of the devices can also be tilted to set up slopes. In conjunction with a suitable laser detector, a rotating laser achieves a range of around 500 meters. So-called machine receivers can also be used to carry out height checks during excavation work.

Drehbares gelagerter Laserkopf

Self-levelling for rotating lasers

Professional rotating lasers have a so-called self-levelling system, which means they align themselves automatically in the horizontal and, depending on the model, also in the vertical plane. A distinction can be made between motorized self-levelling and a pendulum system. With motorized self-levelling, the laser unit is brought into the correct position by motors. The motors are controlled by electronic position sensors. The self-levelling system can also be switched off, for example, in order to map a slope or an incline.

Rotationslaser S2 mit deaktivierter Selbstnivellierung

Pendulum system for a rotating laser

With the pendulum system, the laser unit is brought into alignment by the pendulum, similar to a line laser. The pendulum can swing freely within the design-related freedom of movement. The advantage of a magnetically damped pendulum is the lower manufacturing costs compared to the motorized version. However, functions such as axis tilt are not possible with the devices and severely restrict their areas of application.

Pendel von einem Rotationslaser hedue R2

Areas of application for rotating lasers indoors

In the interior, rotation lasers are used for floor and ceiling work as well as for setting walls. Because they are four times more visible to the human eye, devices with a green laser diode are often used for interior work. Devices with plumb points can even be used to mark out and mark right angles.

Rotationslaser bei Deckenarbeiten

Areas of application for rotating lasers outdoors

Pouring foundations, formwork work, measuring buildings, laying terraces, parking lots, depth control for excavation and grading. The range of applications is practically unlimited. In outdoor areas, the visibility of the laser lines is low or non-existent, depending on the lighting conditions. This also applies to green laser diodes, the benefits of which can only be enjoyed indoors. With the help of a suitable laser receiver, the laser lines can be picked up and reproduced. This is done with an optical or acoustic signal, which the laser detector emits when approaching or reaching the exact escape route. With digital laser detectors, it is also possible to display differences to the target height in mm or cm. Together with a machine receiver, the rotation laser is also used to control an excavator bucket or dozer blade. The machine receiver is basically a large laser detector whose display is easy to read even from a distance. While a laser detector is held in the hand or mounted on a measuring stick during measurement, the machine receiver is mounted on the excavator bucket or dozer blade while the operator is sitting in the cab. The machine receiver must therefore be easy to read even from a distance.

Höhen übertragen mit einem Rotationslaser Foto: Leica Geosystems

Accessories and aids for rotating lasers

In addition to the laser detector already mentioned, there is a whole range of useful accessories for the rotating lasers. These include tripods that can be used to position the rotating lasers at a height. Special wall and ceiling stands are particularly suitable for working on ceilings. So-called target boards and laser goggles improve the visibility of the laser lines and help with exact positioning. Height differences can be precisely determined or measured using special measuring sticks. These measuring sticks have corresponding holders for the laser detectors.

Kurbelstativ für Rotationslaser		Wandhalterung für Rotationslaser bei Deckenarbeiten		Magnetische Zieltafel