Worker guidance for shipbuilding at shipyard scale.

Ship sections are large, heavy and difficult to reposition once assembly starts, and manual measuring and marking across large steel structures is slow and error-prone. Placement and welding errors lead to costly rework later in the build, and tough shipyard conditions take their toll on equipment. Exaktera laser solutions address these challenges across the build, from large structure guidance and steel cutting to welding and seam inspection.

Exaktera ZLP2 HighPower laser projectors project component positions, weld lines and reference marks directly onto the structure from CAD data, so the assembly team can follow the layout without measuring and marking each part by hand. Each projector covers a working area of up to 10 x 10 m at projection distances of up to 20 m, with an accuracy better than 0.1 mm per metre.

For larger sections, several projectors can be combined into one multi-projection system managed through ZLP-Suite software. Layouts are imported from CAD data, and the workflow editor can guide operators step by step through the assembly sequence.

Exaktera positioning lasers mark the exact start point for flame, waterjet and laser cutting systems, and help operators cut long plates and slabs where there is no mechanical stop. After rolling, laser lines help align plates on the roller conveyor for the next process step.

Accurate positioning is key to clean welds on complex frames and structural parts. Exaktera laser projectors display the exact target position when tacking components, making fit-up faster and more consistent.

For quality control, Exaktera machine vision lasers use laser triangulation to help inspect weld seams, including on curved surfaces, so vision systems can check seams for weak points. IP67-rated laser modules are available for harsh or hard-to-reach locations.