The laser guide for loading docks is a novelty that helps truck drivers to see the correct route for backing their trucks up to the loading dock. The laser guide improves work efficiency and safety particularly during the dark time of the year, when visibility in the loading areas is poor and painted road-surface markings get buried under snow. This blog gives answers to questions that help with purchasing of the laser guide.
What is the length of the laser line?
Laser line length can be optimized to meet the specific needs of each loading dock. For example, for a 20-meter laser line, the laser lens opening angle is set to 60° and the laser device mounting height is 4.5 meters. If the installation height is three meters, a 20-meter laser line is created using a 75° laser lens opening angle.
Is the laser line equally bright throughout?
The laser line is equally bright throughout the whole beam length because our propriety optics distribute the laser’s optical power evenly. The laser line is precise because the laser beam is collimated, a feature that other light sources do not have. A collimated laser beam stays narrow and there is no scattered radiation.
Is the laser beam eye-safe for loading dock workers?
The laser beam does not cause retinal damage because a line laser, not a point laser, is used in the laser guide for loading docks.
The point laser is dangerous to the eyes because its optical power is applied to a small point area like the human eye, whereas the power of the line laser is evenly distributed throughout the whole length of the line and the power decreases as the length of the line increases.
Line length increases the higher the laser is installed. To ensure laser safety, the lowest installation height is no less than three meters at minimum.
Example of line laser safety:
The 6 mW line laser is rated to laser class 3B.
The output power is measured at a distance of 100 mm from the end of the laser, according to laser safety standard IEC 60825-1
The output power is reduced to half when the measuring distance is doubled.
When the measuring distance is 1.5 meters (1,500 mm), the laser output power is only the same as the limit for children's toys, 0.4 mW.
Did you know that laser power is measured with a laser power meter? The diameter of the measuring orifice is 7 mm, the same as the pupil of the human eye?
Is the laser line visible in daylight?
The laser line is visible in daylight. Visibility is best on a cloudy day and in the dark.
Is the laser line visible on asphalt surface?
The laser line is visible on asphalt surface. Because asphalt is a solid material, the laser beam does not penetrate it but is reflected from the surface.
Is the laser line visible on snow?
The laser line is visible on snow. Because snow is a porous material, the laser beam penetrates it and is scattered as a visible line.
What colour of laser line is suitable for use as loading dock laser guide?
A green laser is best suited for outdoor use, as the human eye sees the green wavelength (520 nm) up to six times better than the red (660 nm).
Does the laser withstand varying weather conditions?
The laser withstands varying weather conditions because it is protected according to protection Ingress Class IP67. The laser is dustproof and withstands immersion in water for 30 minutes at up to 1 meter’s depth. The laser’s optics and electronics are hermetically protected from dirt and moisture. The laser’s structure, designed for industrial use, makes it resistant to vibration and shocks.
Does the laser work in subzero weather conditions?
Yes, the laser can withstand a temperature of up to -30°C below zero.
Does the laser work in snow and rain?
The laser is moisture resistant thanks to its IP67 rating. However, it must be protected from rain because snow and water droplets on the optics will impair laser line visibility. Our delivery includes an integrated weather cover for the laser.
How long is the laser’s service life?
The laser diode is a semiconductor component that degrades in use. The power used and the operating conditions influence its service life. Line laser diodes typically last thousands of hours in continuous use.
What is the operating voltage of the laser?
The laser operating voltage is 24 VDC. The power supply must be double insulated. Our delivery includes a power supply with a socket connection and an operating voltage of 240 VAC. The power supply model depends on the number of lasers to be installed.
What are the dimensions of the laser device?
The frame diameter is 25 mm and the length 122 mm.
How should the laser be installed?
The laser is installed with an isolated mounting bracket with 3-axis adjustment. The bracket is included in the delivery. The laser body must not be grounded. The mounting base must be sturdy, for example a supporting structure of a wall, to prevent the laser from being subjected to vibration that would make the laser line vibrate as well.
Is installation included in the price of the laser?
The price of the laser does not include installation. If necessary, we can provide an offer for installation work.
More questions about lasers? Please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Tapio Kallioniemi
Product Development Engineer
+358 14 241 488
tapio.kallioniemi@keypoint.fi
Jorma Orkosalo
Product Development Director
+ 358 14 241 488
jorma.orkosalo@keypoint.fi