Laser Scanning Arm suits contact/non-contact measuring.
Press Release Summary:
Laser ScanArm 7-axis contact/non-contact measurement device has integrated laser scanner and LED range finder. Hard probe and laser scanner digitize interchangeably without having to remove either component. Portable unit has open architecture and allows users to collect simple point variations with hard probe with rates of up to 13,000 points/sec. Users can then laser scan sections requiring larger volumes of data.
Original Press Release:
FARO Introduces Industry's First Fully Integrated 3-D Laser ScanArm
Lake Mary, Fla. - November 11, 2003 - FARO Technologies, Inc., the market-share leader in the portable coordinate measurement machine (CMM) field, introduced the industry's first ever seven-axis contact/non-contact measurement device with a fully integrated laser scanner: The FARO Laser ScanArm.
"Fully integrated means that, unlike other scanning systems, the FARO ScanArm's hard probe and laser scanner can digitize interchangeably without having to remove either component," said FARO President and CEO Simon Raab. "There are no third-party attachments, no external electronics and no cables that interfere with the Arm's infinite rotation ability, so the users get maximum data handling, accuracy and efficiency in an affordable package - rather than the complications of integrating separate technologies."
Users can collect simple point variations with the Arm's hard probe, then laser scan the sections requiring larger volumes of data - without the wasted time of adding or removing attachments, untangling cabling, or having to use a separate CMM then trying to import the data.
It adds to the compact FaroArm's versatility, as the Arm is now not only portable, but can also be used for a variety of non-contact measurement applications, including inspection, cloud-to-CAD comparison, rapid prototyping, reverse engineering and 3-D modeling.
"Our goal was to create the most user-friendly laser scanning arm on the market," FARO Hardware Product Manager Shaun Mymudes said. "It's an affordable, total package that's ready to measure."
The FARO ScanArm provides exponentially detailed inspection by collecting more than 13,000 points per second. Its open architecture allows users to analyze the data in not only the Arm's native CAM2 Measure, but also their choice of point-cloud evaluation software, including Geomagic, PolyWorks and RapidForm.
FARO estimates the non-contact inspection/digitization comprises approximately 20 percent of the computer-aided manufacturing measurement market.
"The fact that this is 100 percent FARO - no third party technology - gives us a significant price advantage in this field," Raab said. "Along with our other products, this helps further establish us as a 'one-stop shop' for all of a facility's metrology needs."
Although there are FARO ScanArms currently in use at manufacturers selected for prototype testing, full distribution is expected during the first quarter of 2004. It will make its debut trade show appearance November 16-19, 2003, at FABTECH in Chicago.
Exclusive Features:
Seven-axis arm with removable handle and three-point quick mount
Infinite rotation ability uninhibited by external cabling or electronics; fully ergonomic manufacturing use
Integrated LED range finder determines optimal scanning distance
Quick Probe calibration greatly reduces set-up time
Thin profile for tight areas, sealed for manufacturing environments
Operates within the same temperature range as the Arm without requiring recalibration
About FARO
FARO Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: FARO) and its international subsidiaries design, develop, and market software and portable, computerized measurement devices. The Company's products allow manufacturers to perform three-dimensional inspections of parts and assemblies on the shop floor. This helps eliminate manufacturing errors, and thereby increases productivity and profitability for a variety of industries in FARO's worldwide customer base. Principal products include the FARO ScanArm, FARO Gage, Platinum and Titanium FaroArms, Control Station measurement system, the FARO Laser Tracker, the Advantage FaroArm, the FARO Advantage Tracker, and a CAM2 family of advanced CAD-based measurement and reporting software. FARO Technologies is ISO 9001 certified and Guide 25 approved. Learn more at www.faro.com.
