Level lasers have been in the construction, excavating and grading industry for some time now. A level laser is a control tool based on a laser beam projector, projecting one or multiple dots or fixed lines along the vertical and/or horizontal axis. This enables the worker using the level laser to align their work to these dots or lines.
Let’s find out more about construction lasers here.
Table of Contents
The Different Level Laser Types
Mechanically Levelled Laser (Rotary Laser)
The third and final type of level laser is the mechanically levelled laser. Also known as the rotary level laser, these are generally positioned in a worksite’s centre and its laser beam is casted around the site to get a 360 degree read. These devices utilised a mechanical gyroscope to detect the earth’s centre and an electronic servo motor to establish laser emitting diodes’ levelling. Most of the lasers in this range are rotary lasers, as they have the ability to position the diode at the center and are motor-rotated to produce a vertical 360-degree line.
As the beam in rotary lasers is not split into a line by a prism, and instead rotates, they can achieve a much longer range. In some cases they can even reach beyond 700 feet using their detector technology. This makes them perfect for outdoor jobs. Some rotary level laser models come with an optional trivet. This allows them to operate when placed on their side and project a vertical plane that sometimes tilts the plane of the beam and can take a reading on a grade.
Fixed Level Laser
There are three main varieties of level laser. The standard mechanism is the fixed level laser, which contains a laser diode attached to a spirit (bubble) level which works as a pointer. The vials are utilised to level the line or dot. Fixed level lasers are used for jobs that do not require great accuracy or range. Many people will tell you these are the best for small projects and close range jobs.
Self-Levelling Lasers (Pendulum Levels)
Self-levelling lasers, also called pendulum levels, are more hi-tech and provide faster results and greater accuracy. Self-levelling lasers don’t depend on people to level them, and are instead based on a set of laser diodes mounted on a pendulum. These are then calibrated when the pendulum is at its natural position, where the diodes will emit vertical or levelled dots and lines. The line is produced using a prism that converts the laser beam into a line, the main advantage being the incredible accuracy of this leveller.
However, self-levelling lasers are also very sensitive, as the pendulum is a moving part. When the pendulum is not in use, the pendulum is held in place by a locking mechanism that is released only when the level laser is in use. This locking mechanism also allows the umanual use of the device. Here, the dots and lines are not levelled, but a cross laser level can still be utilised for 90 degrees squaring and marking straight lines.
Self-levelling lasers work well for most construction jobs with areas covering up to 60-100 feet. However, this is dependent on the model. However, if the area is greater, or the job requires levelling up to 360 degrees, then this is where the rotary laser level comes into play. This range can potentially be doubled using a detector, a specific device that has the ability to detect the laser beam even when the user can’t see it.
