laser A device for producing a coherent stream of single-frequency light, usually in a highly collimated beam. It does this by storing energy from an external source, and then releasing it in a sudden burst not unlike a chain reaction
laser cutting machine A machine for cutting materials (particularly in sheet form) using a laser beam as the cutting head
laser diode A diode that lases, and emits laser light
laser engraving machine A machine that uses the concentrated energy of a thin laser beam to melt or burn the target substance, thereby leaving a visible mark. The beam is used to trace out letters, numbers or other identification patterns
laser scanner A system, usually involving oscillating or rotating mirrors, for deflecting a laser beam so that it traces a line (over a bar-code, for example) rather than remaining in a single point
laser sensor A sensor that gives an electrical output corresponding to optical input from a laser source
laser welding machine A machine that uses the concentrated energy of a thin laser beam to melt the target substance, thereby creating a molten spot at the join of two such materials
lathe A machine for turning (using tools, like chisels, to cut into the object while it is being held lengthwise, and turned about its central horizontal axis)
leak detector A sensor that gives a signal when it detects that the proportion of fluid being lost on one side of a barrier, or gained on the other, is above some (small) threshold value
lift platform A platform that is raised and lowered while carrying goods and personal
lift table A work platform that can raise and lower personnel and materials when work must be done at a height that is without natural access
lifting clamp A clamp for clasping the object, ready for lifting
lifting magnet Instead of lifting ferrous materials using a mechanical grab or hook, they can be attracted by a large, powerful magnet. Usually, an electro-magnet is used, to provide control, as well as the powerful magnetic fields required
lifting platform A platform that can be raised and lowered, with a load on board, to move goods from one level to another
light barrier A cross-sectional area that is crossed by multiple light beams, the blocking of any one will cause a signal to be generated by the device
limit switch An electric switch that is opened or closed by a mechanical device as it reaches the preset limit of its travel
linear actuator An actuator (a device that achieves mechanical displacement, under some sort of remote control) achieving linear, rather than angular, displacement
linear encoder A device (analog or digital) that outputs electrical signal(s) to indicate the linear displacement from the initial or reference position
linear guide The straight track, giving a smooth surface for a linear bearing
linear module A complete module (including guides and motor drives) for a (small) platform with controlled linear motion
linear motor A form of electric motor (usually an induction motor) in which the two working surfaces are linear and parallel, instead of cylindrical and coaxial
linear sensor A device for monitoring or measuring a given physical parameter that gives an output that is proportional to the measured value
linear unit A complete module (including guides and motor drives) for a (small) platform with controlled linear motion
liquid filter A filter for removing one liquid from another
load cell A sensor that gives a signal proportional to the force or weight being applied