360 Degree Laser Levels

Everyone knows that correct calculation takes an important place in the construction business. The fewer mistakes there are in the course of work, the more economical the whole project will be. One such extremely useful device is the 360 ​​° self-leveling laser level. This device accurately and at high speed is controlled with those issues, for the resolution of which previously would have required enormous work, and most importantly - time.

Let's consider the structure and principle of operation of a laser level. The structure of the device includes:

• frame;
• light source;
• optical devices;
• installation mechanism and self-leveling system;
• source of electricity supply (network or batteries);
• control tools - customizable panel and console.

The sources of light radiation in these devices are powerful light-emitting diodes that create a beam of a specified wavelength. In modern devices, as a rule, red or green rays are practiced. They do not overheat the surface, do not waste a large amount of electricity.

The LED device emits a luminous flux. Then this stream is transformed into a laser beam passing through a lens or a prism, and is transferred to the object to which the level is oriented. The distance to which the device is capable of transmitting the beam can reach up to several tens of meters. The simplest laser levels project 1-2 beams, professional ones - up to 9. The more beams, the easier the marking is applied. For example, a few cross beams will make it easier to handle when laying tiles. And 4 lines will make it possible to make markings in different planes.

Batteries are practiced in the levels. You can charge them using a specialized device, it is included in the kit. With a stable load, the device is capable of operating in an autonomous mode for approximately 7-10 hours continuously.

Devices with a similar design have a number of advantages in comparison with those y which practice short beam length cylindrical prisms.

• This is a naturally closed surface, spreading along the entire contour of the room, which makes it possible to mark the level in a circular manner at high speed and accuracy, without rotating the device itself.
• Higher exponentiality. You just need to turn on the device, and at once the scope of the upcoming work becomes clear.
• One of the most interesting advantages of these laser levels is that the projected surface can be installed quite close to the wall or ceiling.

Such functions make it possible to carry out many construction and repair tasks much faster and more comfortably. This advantage was especially noted by specialists in stretch ceilings, installation of doors, partitions and plastering works.

Any technical device has its own advantages and disadvantages. And here, too, there are disadvantages. Not to say that there are many of them, but there are a couple.

• This is undoubtedly the cost. All lasers with 3-360 optical design (in other words, 3 planes of 360 °) are quite expensive.Although now you can buy this device for a very reasonable price. The only thing is that you will have to wait a little while it will be brought from China.
• The second drawback is the often more uneven and bold beam in comparison with levels, where prisms in the shape of a cylinder are installed.

However, this feature is not available for all devices, but only for some, and what is the reason is unknown, one can only guess. It should be noted that it happens for all manufacturers, regardless of the brand.

Depending on the complexity of the structure, laser levels are of several types.

They are the simplest and cheapest varieties. They project a point, can be used to mark the mounting location of the bracket, the location of fasteners when hanging cabinets, paintings, and so on.

More sophisticated devices capable of projecting rays. There can be 2 or more of them (up to 9), which increases the functionality of the device. By means of a linear level, it is possible to qualitatively plan the surface, which is convenient when laying tiles, installing cladding, cladding or other similar work.

Devices combining the functions of various devices. As a rule, they are rotary devices with options that make it possible to create points or lines. The price of such equipment is quite high.

At the moment, we can highlight The 5 most popular cone-shaped prism models projecting 3 planes of 360 °.

• For a long time in the first place is held device GLL 3-80 C Professional from Bosch from Germany, only for the domestic market is made, imagine, in China.
• The 2nd place is the laser level ADA Top Liner from ADA Instruments from China.
• The third place is occupied by a new brand from China Firecore making the F93T-XR instrument.
• 4th and 5th places with the smallest gap between themselves are taken by 2 manufacturers from the Celestial Empire budget laser levels: Xeast 12 and KaiTian 3D.

Having familiarized yourself with the basic classification of self-leveling laser levels, you can proceed to the selection of a specific device. In order not to be mistaken, it is necessary to focus on certain characteristics of the device.

In inexpensive devices, the accuracy of determining the horizontal position does not meet the requirements - the deviation can reach up to 3 millimeters per 10 meters of distance. Of course, there is no need to talk about any horizontality.

The determination of this indicator can be carried out by diameter or radius. The admissibility of working with the receiver is also fundamental.

You need to find out the technical parameters of the laser device: the length of the light waves, the radiation power. As a rule, the first indicator is equal to 635 nm. In this situation, the beam comes out orange-red. When the wavelength is 532 nm, the color of the beam will be green.

Bad choice - about 3 degrees. In this situation, it will be necessary to constantly level the position of the level with your hands. And also the device must be able to turn off the automation.

The usual protection by means of rubber inserts is enough to use the level both in the rain and in dust.

It can include glasses for better visual perception of laser radiation, a receiver, fasteners, a tripod, a control panel, and more.

Before starting to use the device, you need to clearly understand what type of laser level you need to work with.In general, the overwhelming majority of companies write in the annotations (usually included in the kit) how to prepare the device for work. Usually no special tweaks are required - everything is easy and simple. If the level modification is powered by batteries, the battery must be charged before using it.

If the device operates on batteries, then insert them into a special compartment. We check the functionality of the level by connecting it. If laser radiation appears, then everything is normal. You can start installing the device.

We bring the level to the working position. This is of great importance - the quality of the markup directly depends on how correctly the level is placed. Therefore, it is required to find a place appropriate for it, and install it in a proper way. There are several conditions required for the proper functioning of the device.

• There should be no obstacles on the laser path. Otherwise, the projected line will be interrupted as a result of refraction.
• It is necessary to place the level at the optimum distance to the object. The maximum allowable distance is indicated in the annotation, and you do not need to exceed it. Shortening the distance will reduce the possibility of error, so try to mount the device closer if possible. The maximum allowable distance can be increased by using a specialized beam receiver. This device is used when finding an object at a great distance.
• During operation, the level should remain on a flat surface (this can be a table), a specialized holder or a tripod. It must be thoroughly fixed, since the absolute static nature of the device is the key to obtaining clear information.
• Before measurements, the level is leveled off the horizon. For this we use the spirit level built into the device. Some patterns have a self-leveling option. It works like this: while the device is not standing straight, a signal is triggered. There is no signal - therefore, everything is fine, and the level is level.
• In advance, it is necessary to warn those who are near people about the upcoming work.

In the next video, you will find an overview of the 360 ​​° laser levels of the Ada Cube 360, Bosch PLL 360 and Instrumax 360.