Sola, who distributed levels, screeding levels and marking products in Europe, is now introducing a line of high-end, contractor-grade magnetic levels in the US and Canadian markets. They are using their Big Red levels platform but will be inserting magnets to give them more features. The magnetic feature will be engineered by placing a ferrous material sandwiched between two shoe plates. The desire is for a high-strength solution that isn’t brittle or subject to damage during heavy or even abusive use. The magnetic feature will be made available in their 24″, 48″, and 78″ levels. It will also be integrated into their Jamber Sets, which combine a 78″ with a 32″ level.
Their Big Red levels claim to be the only ultrasonic welded, all temperature level. We’re not sure how much advantage ultrasonic welding provides in this application, but it’s focused on the method used to lock the vial in place and seems like a good solution for that application. Ultrasonic welding also withstands drastic temperature differences well (as opposed to glue or epoxy methods which expand and contract), so that contributes to Sola’s claim that this ia a very good all-weather level.
Tech Note: Ultrasonic welding is an industrial welding technique that applies high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations to workpieces being held together under pressure to create a solid-state weld. While effective, it is most often used for plastics, and for joining materials that differ in makeup. With ultrasonic welding, there are no connective bolts, nails, soldering materials, or adhesives necessary to bind the pieces together.
The vials in this level are unique in that hey are somewhat magnified, giving them an easy readability beyond a standard vial. In addition, the vials are made in such a way that they can be read upside down. As for the markings, the vials are precisely engineered and designed so that the bubble and the bordering line markers are precisely in alignment. The vials are also made with a glow-in-the-dark backing so that you can read them in low light. That’s not exactly as impressive as backlit LED lighted vials, but it’s better than nothing.
For more information, visit www.sola.us or find them at Amazon.com.
