Laser technology for precast concrete elements

Using a computer-controlled laser system and appropriate software, work plans and measuring points can be transferred without errors and in a time and cost-saving manner, even for large or angled assembly areas. In the precast concrete industry, the ProDirector enables the exact positioning of formwork, built-in parts and reinforcements. The laser can be permanently installed above the table or mounted on rails for long tracks.

The ProDirector on a rail system

Used on a rail system, the laser projector moves from position to position along a long track. SL Laser has extensive practical experience in this field and has already installed laser systems on 120 m long tracks. As an innovation in this field, a second laser projector in the same rail system can project a drawing at a different position on the track – or display a large drawing together with the other laser projector. In this way, two independent teams can also work independently on different projects on a long track without having to wait for the laser. Several projects can be completed at the same time. The track system can also be equipped with more than two lasers.

The Laserpilot software

As another advantage a complete path can be predefined using a CAD system. The laser projector processes project by project. Each time the projector stops at a certain position, all the elements to be used are projected. These elements are stored on different layers so that the different components can also be displayed with a remote control or via the Laserpilot software. This software imports all common formats for projection, be it DXF, DWG, ULB or HPGL. Customer-specific data formats are tested by SL Laser in advance and the programming options are discussed with the customer. The laser projectors also work together with other well-known control systems.

The practice of laser projection in the precast plants

The laser projectors in the precast plants save users the time-consuming task of manually measuring the positions for the formwork, empty conduits and built-in parts. The templates are imported directly 1:1 from CAD. The contours are simply projected to scale onto the tables. The Laserpilot software makes it possible to generate a suitable surface for every application in the precast industry. Depending on requirements, the adaptations are discussed with the customer and transferred to the software interface. This is simply done by loading the file and is realized by calibrating, rotating, turning and mirroring. The template can also be rotated in the x and y directions or projected at a different z-height. Projection at a different z-height has certain advantages. For example, the line on the upper edge of a support or another component is easier to see than at height 0, as shadows often occur at this height. The angle of the component can also be taken into account. Many of these functions can be placed on the remote control so that the user can use them conveniently with a click.