Laser Tracker Calibration Services
ISO/IEC 17025:2017 Accredited Laser Tracker Calibration
Independent. Technical. Proven.
Fast, Competitive Laser Tracker Calibration
Unlike OEM service providers, ECM is an independent metrology company focused exclusively on precision measurement performance. We deliver technically rigorous, A2LA-accredited calibration services backed by deep expertise in laser tracker diagnostics, performance evaluation, level verification, firmware updates, adjustment, and repair.
Advanced Diagnostics: Our detailed technical analysis includes volumetric performance evaluation, angular encoder accuracy assessment, distance measurement system verification, level calibration, compensation validation, weather and environmental analysis, and root cause investigation of performance drift.
Cost-Effective Alternative to OEM Calibration: We deliver lower cost, faster turnaround times (typically under one week), rental systems, and on-site calibration.
Integrated Level Calibration: Our standard laser tracker calibration process includes a precision level calibration that is not always included in OEM calibration programs.
The ECM Difference
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Still have questions? Check out our list of FAQs:
What equipment can ECM calibrate?
ECM provides ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited calibration services for:
- Laser trackers
- Scale bars
- Spherical mounted retroreflectors (SMRs)
- Portable arms
- Laser scanners (large and small volume)
- Coordinate Measurement Machines (CMMs)
- Total stations
- Theodolites
- Distance Meters
How is ECM’s laser tracker calibration different from OEM calibration?
ECM provides independent, third-party ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited laser tracker calibration focused strictly on measurement performance.
Unlike OEM calibration services, ECM:
- Includes a precision level calibration as part of the accredited process
- Performs deeper diagnostic evaluation of system performance
- Provides independent verification
- Offers lower cost and faster turnaround
- Supports on-site fleet calibration
Our process is built around metrology performance, and performed by experienced users.
What is level calibration and why is it important?
Level calibration verifies the accuracy and stability of a laser tracker’s internal leveling system.
Laser trackers rely on precise leveling to establish a stable reference frame for angular measurements. Even minor level errors can introduce angular bias that increases over long distances.
ECM’s ISO/IEC 17025:2017 calibration process includes a precision level calibration that is not standard in OEM calibration programs. This additional evaluation strengthens volumetric accuracy and ensures foundational measurement integrity.
Level accuracy is critical when performing:
- Turbine Installs
- Machine leveling
- Paper/Steel Mill Roller Alignments
- Structural assembly
- Bridge and infrastructure measurement
- And much more…
How often should a laser tracker be calibrated?
Most standards and quality systems recommend annual laser tracker calibration. However, calibration intervals may vary based on:
- Frequency of use
- Environmental conditions
- Transportation exposure
- Criticality of measurements
- Internal quality requirements
Organizations operating under ISO 9001, AS9100, or NADCAP typically define a fixed annual interval to maintain compliance and minimize risk.
Does ECM provide on-site laser tracker calibration?
Yes. ECM provides fully accredited on-site laser tracker calibration services.
On-site calibration is ideal when:
- Equipment downtime must be minimized
- Risk in shipping must be avoided
- Large fleets require coordinated service
- Production schedules cannot be interrupted
All on-site services are performed under ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation using certified reference standards traceable to NIST.
What standards does ECM use for laser tracker calibration?
ECM calibrates laser tracker systems in accordance with:
- ASME B89.4.19-2006 (Volumetric, Two-Face & Ranging Tests)
- ISO 10360-10:2021 (Acceptance and reverification testing)
All reference standards are traceable to NIST or an National Metrology Institute (NMI).
What happens if my laser tracker fails calibration?
If a laser tracker is found outside specified tolerances:
- ECM documents the As-Found condition.
- The customer is notified before any adjustment is performed.
- Adjustment is completed only when technically feasible and authorized.
- The system is recalibrated to document As-Left performance.
This process preserves data integrity while restoring system performance.
Does ECM offer laser tracker repair services?
Yes. ECM provides advanced diagnostic and laser tracker repair services when technically feasible.
Our technicians have extensive experience evaluating:
- Compensation table errors
- Mechanical instability
- Optical degradation
- Ranging system performance
Unlike some OEM service models that replace assemblies, ECM performs root-cause evaluation to determine the most technically appropriate solution.
Does ECM service legacy laser tracker units?
Yes. ECM will calibrate and repair systems that are no longer supported by the OEMs.
Our service centers specialize in repairing older units. Typical failures may include:
- Impact damage
- Cable repairs (inside and out)
- Zenith/Azimuth boards
- Laser Control Board
- Power Supply
- Lidar / PSATL
Typical service models will replace entire assemblies, ECM performs root-cause evaluation to determine the most technically appropriate solution, saving our clients large expenses.
How long does laser tracker calibration take?
Typical turnaround time is less than one week for most laser tracker calibration services.
ECM also offers:
- Expedited service options
- On-site fleet scheduling
- Rental systems to reduce operational downtime
Why choose an independent calibration provider instead of an OEM?
Choosing an independent ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited provider like ECM ensures:
- Unbiased third-party verification
- Broader metrology system expertise
- Exclusive level calibration not offered by OEMs
- Competitive pricing
- Flexible service options
- Faster scheduling and turnaround
- Multi brand calibration capability – one stop shopping
For organizations where dimensional accuracy directly impacts safety, alignment, or regulatory compliance, independent verification provides an added layer of measurement confidence.
How is a laser tracker validation performed?
ECM performs laser tracker performance validation using a field test device that compares the tracker’s distance measurement system (ADM/IFM ranging unit) with its angular encoder outputs. The procedure uses the tracker’s ranging system as a reference and evaluates the consistency of the angular measurement system relative to measured radial distances. This comparison provides an assessment of the tracker’s overall volumetric measurement performance.
This procedure is not a calibration. A calibration establishes traceability to a national or internationally recognized length standard and may include adjustments to scale factors or compensation parameters. In contrast, validation is a verification process used to confirm that an instrument is performing adequately for its intended application.
The objective of this validation is to provide statistical confidence that the tracker’s primary measurement subsystems—ranging and angular encoding—are functioning within manufacturer specifications. In most laser tracker architectures, the ranging subsystem provides higher resolution and linear accuracy than the angular encoders. As a result, volumetric measurement accuracy is typically more sensitive to angular errors than to ranging uncertainty.
By comparing the agreement between radial distance measurements and angular positioning data, the validation procedure evaluates whether the two subsystems are working consistently together. Because it is statistically unlikely that both systems would simultaneously deviate beyond specification limits, this method provides a practical and effective assessment of tracker performance in the field, even though it does not establish metrological traceability.
Does ECM offer laser tracker validation?
Yes. ECM performs laser tracker validation both in the field and in the laboratory.
For this service, ECM uses a Brunson KinAiry system, which is specifically designed to evaluate volumetric performance of laser trackers before or after measurement activities. The system compares the tracker’s ranging accuracy with its angular encoder measurements to verify that the instrument is operating within expected performance limits.
While this validation provides a valuable functional performance check, it does not constitute a calibration. A true calibration requires certified standards that are traceable to internationally recognized measurement references maintained under the authority of the International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM).
Laser tracker validation therefore serves as a practical verification tool to confirm system performance, while calibration establishes formal metrological traceability.
