Laser tracker performance is sensitive to ambient temperature. Operating outside the recommended temperature range can reduce measurement accuracy, increase warm-up time, or cause tracking interruptions. This article outlines the ideal operating temperatures for the AT500 and AT930 laser trackers when used with Dusty Robotics systems.
Symptoms / What You’ll See
When the laser tracker is outside its recommended temperature range, you may notice:
- Difficulty locking onto the reflector during stationing
- Increased drift or inconsistent measurements
- Longer warm-up times before the tracker is ready
- Intermittent tracking loss during printing
- System warnings or degraded performance in extreme conditions
Why This Happens
Laser trackers rely on precision optics and internal sensors that are calibrated for a specific temperature range. Extreme cold or heat can:
- Affect internal calibration stability
- Change material expansion characteristics inside the tracker
- Reduce battery efficiency in cold conditions
- Increase thermal noise in high-heat environments
Operating within the specified temperature range ensures reliable accuracy and consistent tracking.
How to Fix or Prevent
Follow these operating temperature guidelines for each tracker model:
Operating & Storage Temperatures
| Spec | AT500 | AT930 / AT930-NRT |
|---|---|---|
| Recommended operating temperature | 5°F to 110°F (-15°C to 43°C) | 32°F to 110°F (0°C to 43°C) |
| Recommended storage temperature | 5°F to 110°F (-15°C to 43°C) | 5°F to 110°F (-15°C to 43°C) |
If the tracker has been stored outside the operating range:
- Place the tracker in a shaded, stable environment within the operating temperature range.
- Allow sufficient acclimation time before powering on.
- Complete the full tracker warm-up process before stationing.
Operating outside these ranges will not be corrected by re-stationing or re-recording control points.
Best Practices
- Set up the tracker in shaded areas whenever possible, especially in hot environments.
- Avoid placing the tripod on hot slabs or near active heat sources.
- Allow cold trackers to warm naturally to ambient temperature before use.
- Minimize rapid temperature swings during operation.
- Plan layout work during moderate temperature windows when working in extreme climates.
Maintaining proper temperature conditions helps ensure accurate control, stable tracking, and consistent layout results.
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