Position Lasers

Positioning lasers for positioning, measurement, and inspection tasks

Q: What is pick-by-light used for?

Pick-by-light is an optical guidance system used in logistics and assembly: a laser shows the worker the next position to pick or the location of the next work step. Instead of reading lists or checking screens, the worker simply follows the laser. Benefits: fewer pick errors, faster cycle times, shorter training, low noise. Used in: order-picking warehouses (picking from shelf compartments), manual assembly (which screw next), placement (which position on the workpiece), packing (which box gets the item). Our DOE positioning lasers are well suited because they project clearly visible, defined patterns.

Q: How large is the pattern at a given distance?

The image size scales linearly with distance. With a PLM module at approx. 30° opening angle, 1 m distance gives an image of around 30 cm diagonal. At 2 m this doubles to 60 cm; at 0.5 m it halves to 15 cm. Recommended operating distance: 5 cm to approx. 100 cm. Beyond 100 cm the line sharpness drops noticeably, because DOE optics widen the line proportionally with distance. For very large distances we recommend the FloorPoint (100 mW at 532 nm) or an ILP laser projector.

Q: Which DOE patterns are available?

We offer five standard patterns: Laser crosshair „CH“ – classic +-cross for centring. Circle „Circle“ – marking circular areas (e.g. drill positions). Search field „SF“ – a larger highlighted area for visual orientation. Square „SQ“ – rectangular marking for pallet positions or boxes. Dot grid – on request for special patterns such as pick grids. The standard patterns are encoded in the product codes (e.g. PLM-30-650-CH = crosshair, PLM-10-650-SQ = square). Custom DOEs with company-specific logos or special alignment marks are available on request.

Q: What do the laser classes 1M and 2M mean?

Classes 1M and 2M according to EN 60825-1 stand for „Magnifying Optics“ – lasers that are safe under normal conditions but whose radiation can become hazardous when viewed through optical aids such as magnifiers, binoculars or microscopes. With DOE positioning lasers the optical power is spread across the pattern – but if a lens were to refocus the radiation, the power density could reach hazardous levels. Practical consequence: safe for normal industrial use without safety goggles. Prohibited: viewing the beam through magnifiers, binoculars or microscopes.

Q: DOE optics vs. classic lens optics – pros and cons?

Classic lens optics (cross-line laser): very sharp, narrow lines; brightest at the centre, fading towards the line ends (Gaussian profile). Ideal for precise centring where line sharpness is critical. DOE optics (positioning laser): even brightness across the entire pattern, defined outer boundary, arbitrary patterns possible. Lines are inherently a little wider and less sharp than with lens optics. When to choose which? Classic optics for micrometre-level centring and microscope work. DOE optics for operator guidance, pick-by-light and anywhere the whole pattern must be evenly visible.

Q: What is a DOE (diffractive optical element) and how does it work?

A DOE – diffractive optical element – is a special optic that generates a pattern through diffraction rather than through classic refraction at lenses. Instead of just a single line or dot, arbitrary patterns are formed: crosshairs, circles, squares, search fields, dot grids or marking symbols. The advantage over classic lens optics: constant brightness across the entire pattern area – even the outer edges of a crosshair are as bright as the centre. The trade-off: lines are inherently a little wider than with classic lens optics. DOE modules are ideal for operator guidance, pick-by-light and position indication.

Positioning lasers use diffractive optical elements (DOE) to project a defined pattern onto the target surface – dot, reticle, circle, line array or custom geometries. They are used for precise component positioning, machine alignment, worker guidance and sensing wherever a dot- or symbol-precise reference is needed.

Lasershop offers positioning lasers from MediaLas in red (635 nm) and green (520 nm) – as single modules and ready-to-use kits with mount and power supply. DOE optics are available for standard patterns; custom symbols, logos and pattern combinations are produced in Germany.

57 Products

DOE assembly "View finder"

€40.46

DOE assembly "Cross Hair"

Variants from €40.46

€55.36

Positioning laser kit 10mW RED " circle"

Variants from €206.46

€218.36

Positioning laser kit 10mW RED "cross hair"

Variants from €164.81

€183.85

Positioning laser kit 10mW RED "Search field"

Variants from €164.81

€198.75

Positioning laser kit 10mW RED "square"

Variants from €206.46

€221.36

Positioning laser kit 5 mW GREEN " circle"

Variants from €290.36

€305.26

Positioning laser kit 5 mW GREEN "cross hair"

Variants from €246.92

€273.72

Positioning laser kit 5 mW GREEN "Search field"

Variants from €246.92

€258.82

Positioning laser module 10mW RED " circle"

Variants from €105.91

€120.81

Positioning laser module 10mW RED "cross hair"

Variants from €66.64

€95.20

Positioning laser module 10mW RED "Search field"

Variants from €63.07

€89.87

Positioning laser module 10mW RED "square"

Variants from €105.91

€117.81

Positioning laser module 5 mW GREEN " circle", insulated, adjustable focus

Variants from €183.26

€303.47

Positioning laser module 5 mW GREEN "cross hair", insulated, adjustable focus

Variants from €146.37

€261.83

Positioning laser module 5 mW GREEN "Search field", insulated, adjustable focus

Variants from €146.37

€246.33

Positioning laser kit 10mW GREEN " circle"

Variants from €293.93

€308.83

Positioning laser kit 10mW GREEN "cross hair"

€246.92

Positioning laser kit 10mW GREEN "Search field"

Variants from €246.92

€264.18

Positioning laser kit 30mW RED " circle"

Variants from €232.05

€265.99

Positioning laser kit 30mW RED "cross hair"

Variants from €189.21

€208.25

Positioning laser kit 30mW RED "Search field"

Variants from €189.21

€235.05

Positioning laser kit 30mW RED "square"

Variants from €232.05

€251.09

Positioning laser module 10mW GREEN " circle", insulated, adjustable focus

Variants from €183.26

€210.06

Frequently asked questions about position lasers

Position lasers in red, green and blue: frequently asked questions

Answers about color selection for industrial applications in our position laser category.

What is pick-by-light used for?

Pick-by-light is an optical guidance system used in logistics and assembly: a laser shows the worker the next position to pick or the location of the next work step. Instead of reading lists or checking screens, the worker simply follows the laser. Benefits: fewer pick errors, faster cycle times, shorter training, low noise. Used in: order-picking warehouses (picking from shelf compartments), manual assembly (which screw next), placement (which position on the workpiece), packing (which box gets the item). Our DOE positioning lasers are well suited because they project clearly visible, defined patterns.

How large is the pattern at a given distance?

The image size scales linearly with distance. With a PLM module at approx. 30° opening angle, 1 m distance gives an image of around 30 cm diagonal. At 2 m this doubles to 60 cm; at 0.5 m it halves to 15 cm. Recommended operating distance: 5 cm to approx. 100 cm. Beyond 100 cm the line sharpness drops noticeably, because DOE optics widen the line proportionally with distance. For very large distances we recommend the FloorPoint (100 mW at 532 nm) or an ILP laser projector.

Which DOE patterns are available?

We offer five standard patterns: Laser crosshair „CH“ – classic +-cross for centring. Circle „Circle“ – marking circular areas (e.g. drill positions). Search field „SF“ – a larger highlighted area for visual orientation. Square „SQ“ – rectangular marking for pallet positions or boxes. Dot grid – on request for special patterns such as pick grids. The standard patterns are encoded in the product codes (e.g. PLM-30-650-CH = crosshair, PLM-10-650-SQ = square). Custom DOEs with company-specific logos or special alignment marks are available on request.

What do the laser classes 1M and 2M mean?

Classes 1M and 2M according to EN 60825-1 stand for „Magnifying Optics“ – lasers that are safe under normal conditions but whose radiation can become hazardous when viewed through optical aids such as magnifiers, binoculars or microscopes. With DOE positioning lasers the optical power is spread across the pattern – but if a lens were to refocus the radiation, the power density could reach hazardous levels. Practical consequence: safe for normal industrial use without safety goggles. Prohibited: viewing the beam through magnifiers, binoculars or microscopes.

DOE optics vs. classic lens optics – pros and cons?

Classic lens optics (cross-line laser): very sharp, narrow lines; brightest at the centre, fading towards the line ends (Gaussian profile). Ideal for precise centring where line sharpness is critical. DOE optics (positioning laser): even brightness across the entire pattern, defined outer boundary, arbitrary patterns possible. Lines are inherently a little wider and less sharp than with lens optics. When to choose which? Classic optics for micrometre-level centring and microscope work. DOE optics for operator guidance, pick-by-light and anywhere the whole pattern must be evenly visible.

What is a DOE (diffractive optical element) and how does it work?

A DOE – diffractive optical element – is a special optic that generates a pattern through diffraction rather than through classic refraction at lenses. Instead of just a single line or dot, arbitrary patterns are formed: crosshairs, circles, squares, search fields, dot grids or marking symbols. The advantage over classic lens optics: constant brightness across the entire pattern area – even the outer edges of a crosshair are as bright as the centre. The trade-off: lines are inherently a little wider than with classic lens optics. DOE modules are ideal for operator guidance, pick-by-light and position indication.

Positioning lasers for positioning, measurement, and inspection tasks

Unsure about optics or angles?

Position lasers in red, green and blue: frequently asked questions