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API SMR

Break-Resistant SMR
Spherically Mounted Retroreflectors

What is SMR?

A Spherically Mounted Retroreflector (SMR) is a precision measurement tool used with laser trackers. It’s a small, hollow sphere containing a three-mirror retroreflector that sends incoming laser light back to its source. This allows the tracker to accurately gauge the SMR’s spatial position.

Who is this for?

An SMR is for professionals in industries such as manufacturing, aerospace, and automotive, who need precise measurements for tasks like alignment, calibration, inspection, and assembly verification. It’s particularly useful for those utilizing laser trackers and is the main accessory for the Radian Laser Tracker.

Under 2,5 µM

Centering

80 M

Max. Range

One-Piece

Optics

Different

Types

Accuracy Matters

Your tracker’s accuracy is only as good as your retroreflector. API’s Break-Resistant SMRs are constructed with a one-piece optic, eliminating the common risk of fragile glass panels shifting, separating, or fracturing. Not only are API’s SMRs durable in harsh environments, but they can track over 80 meters when used with an API laser tracker

Hollow SMR

Hollow SMRs use an aluminum optic with gold coated reflective surfaces. API’s specially surfaced SMR’s have a measurement range of up to 80m without sacrificing accuracy.

Prismatic SMR

Prismatic SMRs use a solid glass prism that protects the reflective surface from dust. These types of SMR’s are suited to outdoor environments where high dust concentrations can affect accuracy.

Technical Specifications

Description
Hollow 0.5″
Hollow 1.5″
Hollow 1.5″
Hollow 1.5″
Hollow 1.5″
Prismatic 0.5″
Prismatic 1.5″
Type
Standard
Standard
Standard
Precision
Precision
Standard
Standard
Range
40 m
50 m
80 m
50 m
80 m
40 m
50 m
Centering
± 0,0127 mm
± 0,0127 mm
± 0,0127 mm
± 0,00254 mm
± 0,00254 mm
± 0,0254 mm
± 0,0254 mm

When to Replace SMR

SCRATCHED SURFACE

Cleaning dust from the SMR optic with a rag or other abrasive material scratches the gold plating and diminishes SMR accuracy.

DROPS AND BREAKS

An SMR should be replaced if it is dropped. Although API’s SMRs are break-resistant, dropping an SMR can flatten out the surface of the outer ball. An SMR with a flat spot causes centering inaccuracy.

CONFIDENCE IN ACCURACY

Inaccurate SMRs reduce productivity and increase operator frustration and costs. Regularly check or replace SMRs to have confidence in measurement accuracy.