Introductory Guide to Laser Levels
Laser levels have been around for a long time, but only recently have they become a common tool for masonry construction professionals. A laser beam projector is at the heart of a tool known as a laser level. The projector shows one or more fixed lines or dots along the horizontal and/or vertical axis, so the person using it can line up their work with these lines or dots. Some laser levels show lines and dots at the same time. There are many companies that provide 5 lines laser level, laser level 16 lines and more products.
1. Uses for the Laser Level
We can use laser levels to level and align things that are vertical, horizontal, square, at an angle, on a slope, or to move a point from one place to another. Line laser levels are mainly what contractors prefer to start a wide range of projects, such as installing drywall, HVAC, ceiling joists, rafter alignment, doors and windows, sprinklers, tiling, and flooring.
Masons use this tool to line up pipes and metal studs in walls. You can also use them to help keep walls straight and vertical when taller walls are being built. As well as helping check that the blocks and bricks are level and making sure the building or project is square.
You can also use and take laser levels outdoors. Landscapers use these tools for projects like terracing and retaining walls that involve leveling the ground.
2. Laser Level Types
Laser levels can be put into three main groups. The fixed laser level is the simplest. It has a laser diode attached to a spirit (bubble) level that acts as a pointer. The vials are what we use to make the line or dot straight. These lasers are what we use for jobs that don’t need a lot of accuracy or range. Rich Morse, who is in charge of product marketing at Stabile, agrees that point and line lasers work best for small projects and close ranges.
TYPES:
- Self-leveling lasers, which are also known as “pendulum levels,” are more towards a modern side. They are more accurate and we can use it to do the job at a fast pace. A self-leveling laser doesn’t need to be aligned by a person. Instead, it uses a set of laser diodes mounted on a pendulum. These diodes are calibrated when the pendulum is still in its natural position.
- This is when the diodes will emit lines and dots that are level or vertical. A prism (lens) turns the laser beam into a line, which makes the line. The main benefit of this type of level over fixed laser levels is that it is much more accurate. Good lasers that level themselves can be accurate to within 0.2mm/m, or 0.0002′′/1′′.
- The main problem with these clocks is that they are sensitive because the pendulum is a part that moves. When the product is not in a position to use, you can hold the pendulum in place by a locking mechanism. You can unlock that mechanism when you want to turn on the laser level. This keeps the pendulum safe. This locking mechanism also enables the use of the device in manual mode.
Furthermore,
- In this mode, the lines and dots are not properly in level, but you could still use a cross laser level to mark straight lines and 90-degree angles. Most jobs up to 60-100 feet wide that you can do with a laser level that levels itself (depending on the model). If the area is bigger or the job needs a level that works in all directions, the user may want to get a rotary laser level instead. Using a detector, which is a special device that can find the laser beam even when the user can’t see it. This range can be almost double in figure.
- A mechanically leveled laser, also called a rotary laser level, is the third type of level. Most of the time, rotary laser levels are put in the middle of the job site. And the laser beam goes all around to get a full 360-degree read.
- A mechanical gyroscope is what we can use to find the center of the earth. And an electronic servo motor that you can use to make sure the laser emitting diodes are at the same height. Most of the lasers in this group are rotary lasers, in which the diode is in the middle. And you can turn it by a motor to make a vertical line that goes through 360 degrees.
Since the beam in these models does not split into lines by a prism. But instead of rotating, you can use a detector to get a range much farther than 700 feet. Because of this and the fact that you can also slope the line, it is best for jobs outside. Some models come with an optional trivet that lets the product work when it is on its side. And projects a vertical plane that is meant to take a reading on a grade and sometimes tilt the plane of the beam.
3. Accessories:
The purpose of laser accessories is to make a laser level more flexible and useful. Mounting accessories, like light tripods and brackets, are the main types. Other types of tripods and poles range from semi-professional to heavy-duty. Tripods are more stable and you can easily use them in more places than poles, which are used inside. Poles make it much easier and faster for the user to move the level to different heights. Some poles are kept in place by a tripod base, while others you can keep in place by pressing against the ceiling. When you need to place a laser level in a more specific place, brackets are also used.
USES OF ACCESSORIES:
- Digital receivers are made to find the exact location of rotary lasers with red laser diodes. You can easily see them from farther away. This piece of high-tech equipment is what you can attach to a metal rod to make measuring easier and more accurate.
- You can also use the receivers as handhelds, which makes them more portable and easier to use on the job site. Each handheld has a battery life of at least 50 hours per charge.
- A laser that can level itself and has its own legs is a new idea that has just hit the market. This means that you can use this product without a tripod. And when the legs are in the fold, they form a frame that protects the product.
- As was already seen, we generally use a detector to make the laser level’s beam go as far as possible. The level needs to have a Pulse Mode so that you can use the detector.
- This mode changes the frequency of the beam at a rate that can be chosen up by the detector. For each color of laser, you need a detector that is the same color.
Conclusion:
As technology keeps getting better, experts say that in a few years most professionals will use it. We hope this blog post helps you with understanding about laser levels.
