How to Use a Laser Beam for Measuring Machine Guide Way Flatness?

[Firnsy]

Hello all,

I want to use a laser beam as a straightness standard for use in measuring flatness of a machine guide way which is about 2 meters long. I'm envisioning a low power laser pointed at the sensor of a digital camera which moves laterally along the imperfect guide way. The waviness of the guide way would change the position of the laser image on the camera sensor as I manually slide it along the length of the guide. How can I image the laser point without damaging the camera? What software will locate the center of the laser image and allow me to measure its change in position? Do I need some optics on the camera?
Thanks all.

 

[Rive]

I think you should start with defining the targeted accuracy, and then do some math if your idea is able to met the requirements // what does that accuracy means if translated to pixels.

 

[AlexTheParticle]

Hi there,

That sounds like an interesting project! To image the laser point without damaging the camera, you can use a neutral density filter to reduce the intensity of the laser beam. As for software, you can try using image analysis software like ImageJ or MATLAB to locate the center of the laser image and measure its change in position. Optics on the camera may not be necessary, but you can experiment with different lenses or filters to improve the image quality. Good luck with your project!