Laser Quest

The argument for using laser-based measuring and levelling systems as an alternative to traditional setting-out and positioning techniques is difficult to dispute. With up to 20% of total time for an m&e installation spent measuring and setting out, reducing time and labour can have a substantial impact.

BSRIA (Building Services Research and Information Association) recently conducted research and found that lasers can reduce installation time by nearly one quarter and costs by 7%.

As well as being time- and labour-intensive, traditional setting-out methods using tape measures, chalk lines, plumb lines, spirit levels and marker pens are prone to generating mistakes. In addition, they can also prove a safety risk.

It’s not surprising that laser technology is beginning to filter into the m&e industry.

Measure of efficiency

Perhaps the most common use of laser technology is as an alternative to tape measures. Laser range meters allow a single person to take accurate measurements over long distances at the touch of a button, which reduces the risk of human error by cutting out mistakes that can occur when reading a tape measure.

In addition to handling and storing multiple measurements, the meters measure the distance from a fixed point to any object within line of sight, without requiring the operator to be in contact with the target. In many situations, this can reduce health and safety risks, particularly if the work is being carried out at height.

Measuring is not the only application. Laser technology is now being used to enable m&e contractors to set out accurately and quickly.

Replacing several pieces of traditional equipment with one single, compact tool means laser products can make aligning installations more straightforward. An accurate setting-out line can be projected around the perimeter of an installation space using a rotating laser.

Generating this marker with the push of a button could make spirit levels, plumb lines and chalk lines a thing of the past. The laser can be used for alignment horizontally, vertically, plumb or on an incline. This eases alignment of cable trays, channels, radiators and pipe runs.

A simpler alternative is a line laser such as the Hilti PML32. This projects self-levelled vertical and horizontal lines onto surfaces over a fan angle of 120°.

Where precise right angles are needed, or measurements need to be accurately transferred from floors to walls, a multi-directional laser can save time.

Tools such as Hilti’s PMP34 project self-levelling beams onto three planes at once, replacing plumb line, builder’s square and spirit level and automatically setting out accurate right angles.

Transpointing

As m&e contractors well know, uncertainty as to where a drill bit will emerge can be dangerous. Drilling blind can easily cause damage to wall coverings or render that can be costly to repair.

A transpointer can provide a solution to this problem. The tool comprises a transmitter that sends a signal to a receiver on the other side of the wall that shows the exact exit point, using arrows. Some tools can now allow contractors to pinpoint the exit point for drill holes in structures up to 1·35 metres thick.

Although many m&e contractors are comfortable using traditional methods and are reluctant to invest in innovative technologies, the bottom line is that those who have started to invest in this area have reported savings in time and cost.

Lasers open the door to a whole host of alternative methods for m&e installations, and not only can productivity levels be raised, but also health and safety standards can improve.