We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Hardware

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What Are Autocollimators?

By Amy Rodriguez
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 12,797
Share

Autocollimators are high precision instruments that use internal optics to measure angles. This instrument resembles a telescope, but it is positioned in a horizontal orientation for testing purposes. The main purpose of the instrument is to align external mechanical devices, such as industrial machines, into a perfectly parallel line. These devices come in two different types, including visual and digital versions.

The autocollimator functions by emitting perfectly horizontal parallel light beams out to a reflective object, like a mirror. After reflecting off the object, the light returns to the instrument's internal optics. Any aberration from a perfect parallel position is displayed on a predetermined scale within the autocollimator. The scale is normally measured in arc seconds — also referred to as angular distance — to determine the amount of error in the mirror.

Applications using autocollimators are highly diverse. Fiber optic manufacturing companies use these instruments to ensure that the optical lengths are perfectly straight for the best operation. Leveling laser systems, such as those used to create a smooth concrete roadway, use autocollimators for calibrating the laser's beam plane. In addition, production lines with strict alignment needs, like in the aerospace industry, use autocollimators to line up machinery and final production models.

A visual autocollimator depends on the human eye to determine angular error. The instrument is equipped with an eyepiece. Once the reflective surface and autocollimator are set up across from one another, the person views the reflected light beam across the instrument's scale through the eyepiece. Any angular error that is out of tolerance for that reflective surface must be adjusted; the person can modify the surface's angle in comparison to the autocollimator to reduce the angular error. This calibration process continues until the visual error is acceptable for the particular reflective surface.

Digital autocollimators function in the same manner as visual instruments; however, the device has an internal photodetector to sense the angular error rather than relying on the human eye. The error is electronically converted into a visual value on a liquid crystal display (LCD). Technicians or repair workers can modify the error and run the autocollimator again to ensure proper alignment.

The main benefit to digital autocollimators is data storage and traceability. In addition, the visual error interpretation can vary widely, based on the person's eyesight and angle of vision. Digital error interpretation relies on precision electronics with no interpretation discrepancies. As a result, high precision industries can prove that their machinery is aligned to specification, especially if the accuracy comes into question because of a product defect or failure.

Share
EasyTechJunkie is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon263010 — On Apr 22, 2012

List the various types of autocollimators.

Share
https://www.easytechjunkie.com/what-are-autocollimators.htm
Copy this link
EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

EasyTechJunkie, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.