MeasurementWhat is laser measurement and what is it used for?
Laser measurement lets you measure parts without touching them, at high speed and with high resolution, even right on the production line. In this guide we explain what laser measurement is, what it is used for and which equipment we carry from the Starrett brand.
What is laser measurement?
Laser measurement is a non-contact measurement technique that uses a laser light beam to read the shape, dimensions and finish of a part. The laser sweeps the surface and a sensor calculates the profile with great precision. Because it does not touch the part, it is very fast and does not mark or deform it, so it is widely used to measure complex shapes and for in-line control, while the part moves through the process.
What is it for?
- Profilometry: measuring the profile or cross section of a part (for example, an extrusion or a tube).
- Surface and finish measurement: checking texture and flatness.
- Inline control: measuring at high speed while the part is being produced, without stopping the process.
- Special applications: measuring tires and parts with complex geometry.
The laser measuring equipment we carry
We carry Starrett's laser measurement range, for in-line and off-line measurement. These are the units, under the same name you will find on our website:
| Starrett equipment | What is it? |
|---|---|
| Profile360, Profile360 Blue, Profile360 Pipe and Profile360 Sheet | Laser profilometers for measuring the profile of extrusions, tube and sheet |
| Surface360 | Surface and finish measurement |
| SL4 | Laser sensor for profile measurement |
| In-line profilometer (OLP) and blue laser in-line | They measure the profile during production, without stopping the process |
| Off-line profilometer and 3D profilometer | They measure the profile after production, including 3D geometry |
| Tire360 and Green tire uniformity | Tire measurement and control |
| CTWIST | Torsion and geometry measurement |
In summary
- Laser measurement measures the shape and finish of the part without contact, using a laser
- It is fast, high-resolution and does not mark the part
- Used for profilometry, surface finish and high-speed in-line control
- We carry the Starrett range: Profile360, Surface360, profilometers and more
Why buy your measuring equipment at NAT MAC?
We are a Starrett distributor, one of the most prestigious brands in the world of metrology, with more than 54 years of experience in the industry and ISO 9001 certified quality. We advise you on choosing the right equipment for what you need to measure.
- Starrett measuring equipment for dimensional and quality control
- Advice on choosing the right instrument for your part and process
- Hand tools, vision systems, optical comparators, laser measurement, granite and force testing
- Backed by ISO 9001 certified quality
Tell us what you need to measure and with what accuracy, and we'll recommend the right equipment. Request your free quote.
Sources: NAT MAC Measurement catalog; Starrett (metrology catalogs).



