AR1000 laser distance meter by Acuity promises accuracy, long range

The Acuity AR1000 laser distance sensor

Acuity Laser Measurement is renowned for its industrial measuring sensors, available in Canada via Durham Instruments. The AR1000 laser distance meter is the perfect pick for several applications, like crane and hoist tasks, position measurement, or monitoring fill levels of bulk material; it also suits bridge cranes and steel shape profiling. A unique device, this laser sensor uses phase shift comparison measurement principles of light to measure distances up to 30 metres (m) accurately.

Indoor and outdoor distances

The AR1000 can also measure ranges of up to 150 metres when users add reflective target boards (3M Scotchlite 3279). This laser distance meter has a typical speed of six hertz, but operators can achieve 50-hertz samplings with white targets at close ranges with small target movements. Acuity has designed the instrument for work environments with NEMA-4, IP65 enclosure ratings, which enables direct rinsing of the sensor with water. The standard data outputs are serial RS232, RS422 (optional), and current loop 4-20 mA signals.

A highly versatile device, the AR1000 laser distance meter can measure distances both indoors and outdoors, although its capabilities may be limited with very dark targets or measuring through steam, fog, or smoke, which may obstruct the signal. One key advantage is that this laser meter can measure glowing steel as hot as 1,000 degrees Celsius. Acuity also offers a special AR1000H model with an internal heater, which operates in temperatures down to -40 degrees Celsius. The heater cycling can be configured through the serial interface.

Specifications for the AR1000 include the following:

• Span: 1 to 30 m;
• Accuracy: plus or minus three millimetres (mm);
• Resolution: one mm;
• Laser spot: one mm, 0.6 mrad divergence;
• Reproducibility: greater than or equal to ½ a mm;
• Weight: 760 grams;
• Laser class: Class 2, compliant with 21 CFR 1040.10 with Laser Notice 50, IEC/EN60825-1:2001; and
• Laser type: 650 nanometres, one megawatt visible RED.

Durham Instruments recommends the AR1000 for use in the general manufacturing, aerospace, automation, food-processing, forestry, education, medical, military, mining, packaging, power, and transportation industries.

To learn more, contact Durham Instruments.

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