Hamar Laser adds 2-4 minute lapping check to L-703SP surface plate system

Hamar Laser Instruments has enhanced its L-703SP Surface Plate Calibration System with two new options: an optional Lapping Line View™ software module and an A-703SP-LM-M "Mirrored" Surface-Plate Mounting Fixture. Both additions target the time operators spend during plate resurfacing, a step that previously required measuring the entire plate to assess lapping progress.

The new Lapping Line View™ module runs inside the existing Plane6 software and lets technicians check the flatness of a single line segment in about 2-4 minutes. The system records up to five runs per line and plots them on a single graph. What's new here is that operators no longer need to shoot the full plate to see whether a lapping pass improved flatness. "When resurfacing plates with electronic levels, you must shoot the entire plate for flatness to see how the lapping process is going," said Rod Hamar, president of Hamar Laser. "Our optional new Lapping Line View™ software module lets you make ultra-quick checks of a single line segment, which can significantly speed up the resurfacing process."

The L-703SP system itself, which Hamar describes as 30-60 percent faster than electronic levels, autocollimators, and laser interferometers, uses a T-1297 3-Axis Wireless Straightness Target with 10 µin. (0.25 µm) resolution and ±10 µin. (±0.25 µm) mechanical repeatability. The standard kit handles plates up to 48×48 in. (1.22×1.22 m), with add-on straight edges extending coverage to 72×144 in. (1.83×3.66 m). Measuring increments run at 0.38 in. (9.5 mm).

The A-703SP-LM-M fixture addresses a common shop-floor constraint: surface plates positioned against walls or other obstructions where the standard fixture orientation does not fit. The mirrored design places the laser on the opposite side, covering line segments that would otherwise require repositioning the plate.

The U.S. Air Force has awarded Hamar Laser a $2.6 million contract for up to 84 L-703SP systems over four years, supplying various Air Force and Air National Guard bases across the country. Deliveries extend through multiple fiscal years, meaning the new software module and mirrored fixture become available to a government fleet already mid-procurement.