Overview
A properly leveled tripod is critical for accurate and clear printing. An unlevel setup can cause distorted, uneven, or incomplete marks. Follow the steps below to quickly level the tripod before printing.
1. Position and Lower the Tripod
- Place the tripod on a stable surface
- Fully collapse the tripod to its lowest position
- Ensure all leg locks are secure before extending
2. Partially Extend the Legs
- Extend each tripod leg approximately 6–8 inches
- Keep leg extensions as even as possible
- Fully tighten all leg locks after extending
Keeping the tripod low increases stability and makes leveling faster and more accurate.
3. Optional: Pre-Level Using a Local Leveling Device
- Before installing the laser tracker, the operator may:
- Place a local leveling device (hand level or digital level) on the tripod head
- Adjust the tripod legs until the head is level
- This step is recommended and often easier than adjusting legs with the laser tracker installed
4. Install the Laser Tracker
- Carefully mount the laser tracker onto the tripod
- Ensure the tracker is securely fastened before proceeding
5. Level Using the Laser Tracker Bubble
- Locate the leveling bubble on the laser tracker
- Adjust the tripod one leg at a time:
- Make an adjustment to a single leg
- Move to the next leg and adjust
- Continue working around the tripod
- Expect to make 2–3 adjustment passes on each leg as you circle the tripod
- Gradually reduce adjustment size as the bubble approaches center
- Continue until the bubble is centered
Leveling is an iterative process—small, repeated adjustments across all legs produce the best result.
6. Verify Stability
- Gently apply downward pressure on the tripod
- Confirm there is no rocking or movement
- Recheck the leveling bubble after tightening all adjustments
Operator Tips
- Always level the tripod before beginning any printing operation
- Recheck level if the tripod is bumped or repositioned
- Avoid large adjustments once the bubble is close to center
- When working on sloped surfaces, position two legs downhill and one uphill for added stability