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August 12, 2017 18:06

Laser Level How To Choose

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In the practice of private construction in the majority of cases the installation of structures or the performance finishes are made with strict observance of the basic vertical and horizontal lines and planes.This is, firstly, largely determined by the requirements for strength, stability, durability, and by and large - and the safety of erected structures or structures, and secondly, strict adherence to "geometry" attached to buildings, premises, made finishing underlined accuracy.

Laser Level How To Choose

Laser Level How To Choose

Yet until recently, the main control builder tools were plumb, simple spirit level, water level, square, etc.Great success is to secure high quality of the construction bubble level.But today the situation has changed radically - to help builders are increasingly comes to laser equipment allowing to conduct high precision marking and continuous monitoring during the operation.And similar tools have become not only a privilege of professionals - more domestic artists wish to have it in his work "arsenal."Therefore quite natural in such a popular Internet search engine query "laser level which one to choose."Let's try to understand this more.

principles of the device and of laser levels (leveling)

Article Contents

  • 1 principles of the device and of laser levels (leveling)
    • 1.1 main laser level design elements
    • 1.2 Variety of laser levels
      • 1.2.1 Static builders axes
      • 1.2.2 Static builders lines (planes)
      • 1.2.3 Rotary builders planes
  • 2 What criteria guide the choicelaser level
    • 2.1 range of the instrument
    • 2.2 laser type
    • 2.3 device error
    • 2.4 tools for installation and system self-leveling
    • 2.5 Quantity of new rays (planes)
    • 2.6 duration of battery life
    • 2.7 use of the device Options in the "field" conditions
    • 2.8 scope device
    • 2.9 Manufacturing company and its warranty
    • 2.10 Video: What is evaluated when choosing a laser leveling

So, laser level - an optical electro-mechanical device that visually projected onto the surface of the building structures or lines, points, or a plane, arranged vertically, horizontally or at a predetermined, user defined angle.

use of such devices gives a lot of advantages:

  • measurement and layout are performed with high precision, usually not exceeding a millimeter per meter, that little is achievable using traditional instruments.
  • Laser devices quickly ready and able to give the necessary points, lines or planes of projection at once on a large plot of construction or repair.
  • does not require special qualifications of the employee - operation of such devices can be learned very quickly.
  • use laser levels allows in many cases to do without assistants, on its own.
  • significantly, up to 40 ÷ 60%, reduced runtime marking operations.

Key elements of the laser level design

A variety of current models - a very broad

A variety of current models - a very broad

Models laser levels have a very wide variety.Nevertheless, they are composed of several arranged in a single housing and interacting systems and mechanisms.To those could be considered:

- light source;

- optical system;

- setting device and the device is self-leveling.

- power supply;

- organs manual or remote control device;

- housing, the device gives protection against mechanical damage, moisture and dust.

  • light source in such devices are always the high-power LEDs.These semiconductor elements are capable of producing high density monochromatic flux of specific wavelength, while preventing excessive heat without consuming large amounts of power and without fear of accidental mechanical damage.
Lasers with red and green beams

Laser Levels with red and green rays

As a rule, in modern devices of this class uses two types of LEDs.First, the length of the light wave 635 nm, emitting a red color (with a slight yellowish tinge) - yet still stand on most laser levels.The new versions of devices can be traced a gradual transition to LEDs with green emission, wavelength of 532 nm.This frequency is closer to the peak of the human eye perception of light, and the line "drawn by" such a level seen better, which is especially important in sunny weather when working outdoors.

However, the instrument design with a green beam is somewhat more complicated, they are more energy-intensive, and cost considerably more expensive.

  • optical system is required for beam focusing and giving it right direction and configuration - from the point to the scattered plane flow in a particular sector, giving a straight line to the obstacle.

optical scheme is a set of prisms and lenses.It can be fixed, fixed, or have a rotating head - this will be discussed below.

From optical quality depend directly and accuracy of the laser level, and the visibility created by their points and lines.

  • installation mechanism in different models may differ
Some inexpensive devices have to be set manually on the bubble

Some inexpensive devices have to be set manually, the bubble level

most simple laser levels are, in fact, the usual bubble level, in which integrated optical system with radiator.Such an instrument must be accurately set on a tripod, and turn the adjusting screws to achieve accurate horizontal.Only then you can begin to work.

more convenient in this respect, laser levels with self-leveling system.Before working as they are mounted on a tripod or the surface (the wall bracket, and the like).They usually also have adjusting screws (feet) and bubble levels.But high accuracy during installation - not required.If the deviation from the horizontal does not exceed a specified value (usually - from 3 to 5 °), the special gyroscopic or pendulum mechanism itself will make the necessary corrections, and as a result the optical unit takes the desired position.

More advanced models have a self-leveling mechanism

More advanced models have a self-leveling mechanism

Moreover, even in the process of stabilization of the system will follow the correct position and to compensate for possible small deviations.In that case, if the shift is too significant, exceeding the device capacity to self-regulation, a sound or visual signal will be given that required the intervention of the wizard to reinstall, for example, on a more sustainable basis.

Most modern laser levels have produced a self-regulatory system is to varying degrees of complexity and accuracy.

  • Power laser level can be provided by conventional batteries (from simple models of consumer class) or NiCd (nickel-metal hydride) batteries that provide optimal performance for quite respectable time - up to 10 hours or more.Naturally, in this case, the laser level kit should include an appropriate adapter to recharge the battery regularly.
  • CONTROLS laser level - generally uncomplicated, and represent a panel with several buttons, including those or other functions, and the indicators that signal, for example, about the device status or level of charge of power supplies.

Many professional-grade models are equipped with remote controls.This is a very handy option if, for example, has to do the work alone, especially at large in the area of ​​the construction site.

When working on large areas useful option becomes a remote control

When working on large sites useful option becomes a remote control

Available laser levels with integrated rangefinder - "e-tape."These products have an indicative digital panel which displays the measurement values ​​to within a few millimeters.

  • Most modern laser levels are executed and protected from external influences from high-impact plastic housing and is usually supplemented by another damper rubber pads - to reduce the likelihood of damage due to accidental bumps under construction or repair.

Variety of laser levels

All devices in this class can be divided into three groups:

  • Spot laser priors - static builders axes.
  • Static builders lines.
  • Rotary builders planes.
Static builders axes

Such devices are among the most simple.The lens system ensures the output of this level of fine lines rays that are projected onto the surface at a point.

Spacing horizontal line point level

Spacing horizontal line point level

absence of complex prismatic optics for maximum light intensity, and usually such devices are characterized by high operating range.

The number of rays may vary

number of rays may vary

number of rays generated may be different.In simple devices, which are often referred to as laser plummet, three of them - directed forward, horizontally, and two vertical, up and down, in the zenith and nadir.Very convenient when marking, for example, frame structures for interior partitions, when necessary to achieve a perfect match lines on the ceiling and on the floor.

In more advanced models can also be beams directed from left to right, of course, lying in the same horizontal plane as the wheel.This provides additional advantages in operation, such as during the marking works in the room.

Convenient builders axes when working on the ground or in very large rooms, one year is necessary to bring the horizon at a distance.

Static builders lines (planes)

Such devices are often referred to cross-liners.The beam from the source passes through a prism to disperse and becomes a flat narrow stream that is projected onto the surface in the form of lines.Most devices can be simultaneously transmit stream in the vertical and horizontal planes, so that the surface is projected just two lines, vertical and horizontal, with a clear crosshair.

Two narrow flat light flux is set perpendicular to the intersection of the planes

two narrow flat light flux is set perpendicular to the intersection of the planes

Such devices are extremely convenient when performing marking or decorating - master constantly can visually control the accuracy and smoothness of the operations.

Typically, in such laser levels, the number of LEDs and prisms, so they are often referred multiprizmennymi.Quantity of new planes may be different - from one to several crosshairs (held markings on several walls), and in addition, can be projected point of the zenith and nadir.

Laser levels of this type are very convenient when performing finishing work

Laser levels of this type are very convenient when performing finishing work

An important characteristic of this class of devices is the angle of the sector in which the projection is made plane.Usually it is at least 120 °, although there are modern models, in which this figure rises to 160 ° or more.Well, the most advanced lasers are able to completely close the created projection of the three planes, that is working on 360 °.

Some devices allow you to completely close the circle line

Some devices allow you to completely close the line in a circle

The disadvantages of static builders include the fact that the use of the prism optics and flow dissipation significantly reduce its intensity, and over long distances or in bright sunny day, the projections may be poorly visiblethat would require the use of special additional accessories - this will be discussed later.

However, such devices are extremely comfortable and enjoyed the widest popularity among professionals and amateurs, especially those involved in interior decoration.

Rotary builders planes

When working on the open construction sites or in rooms large area to create a common horizon optimal choice are laser builders planes rotary type.

The rotating head makes the beam in the plane

rotating head makes the beam in the plane

Lack prism dispersion produces a beam of maximum light intensity, and the plane created by the rotation of the radiating head with respect to a strictly vertical axis.

Typically, these devices are the professional class.The transmission range of the beam they can reach tens, and using special receivers - even hundreds of meters.On the vast construction site or in a large room, and you can create a single horizon, thereby ensuring simultaneous operation of several independent diversified teams.

Such devices are indispensable in extensive working areas

Such devices are indispensable in extensive working areas

Some "advanced" model capable of creating both a horizontal and vertical plane - they are equipped with two rotating heads.

emitter rotational speed can usually be adjusted, for example, from 10 to 600 rpm.

Such laser levels (Levels) belong to the category of the most expensive, and in the practice of individual building widespread not received - just their ability in such conditions, for the most part remain unclaimed.

What criteria guide the choice of laser level

If it is decided to purchase a laser level, the potential owner must already have a clear idea for what purpose it will require this tool.These devices - quite expensive, and with the growth of their functionality, of course, increases sharply and the price.So, will not be too wise to give extra money for a laser level, functionality is simply left unclaimed.

should be guided by certain criteria for selection of the required model.

range of the instrument

Different models it can range from a few meters to a few dozen.Naturally, this affects the battery consumption rate.If you purchased the device to perform the construction and finishing works in the house or apartment, it is not necessary to pursue a particular range.Another thing, if large-scale works are planned on the ground.

range indicated in meters.It is necessary to be attentive - sometimes manufacturers mean radius, sometimes - the diameter of the zone, which can be projected lines or dots.

laser receiver can dramatically increase the range of action of the instrument

laser receiver can dramatically increase the range of the instrument

If you require long distance, you should pay attention to whether the appliance is equipped with special laser receiver - it can significantly increase the range.It also happens that the receiver is not included, but in the technical documentation reflects the possibility of its use, and it seemed options range with him and without him, for example, 50/100 m.

Laser type

Pro is mentioned.

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