FARO TrackArm less than two-thirds the price of 6DoF competitors
FARO Technologies, Inc., a leader in 3D measurement, introduced the next generation of its TrackArm technology, calling it the “most versatile portable 3D measurement system available,” and targeting sales in the automotive, aerospace and heavy machinery industries, as well as suppliers of large parts to the tunnel and mining and hydro and wind power industries.
Lake Mary, Fla.-based Faro (Nasdaq: FARO) manufactures high-precision 3D measurement and imaging devices and software used for inspecting components and assemblies, rapid prototyping, documenting large volume spaces or structures in 3D, surveying and construction, as well as for investigation and reconstruction of accident sites or crime scenes.
The FARO TrackArm combines the high accuracy and long range (up to 263 feet) of its FARO Laser Tracker Vantage with the versatility of its FaroArm product family – Edge, Prime or Fusion – into a long-reach, six-degree-of-freedom (6DoF) probe.
The FaroArm is a portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM) that allows manufacturers easy verification of product quality by performing 3D inspections, tool certifications, CAD comparison, dimensional analysis, reverse engineering, among other uses.
The new TrackArm expands the FaroArm’s working volume, allowing it to be quickly repositioned anywhere within the Laser Tracker’s measurement range; while remaining in the same coordinate system and the same software interface.
Users can attach FARO’s Laser Line Probe to the TrackArm for extended scanning and non-contact inspection abilities for reverse engineering, CAD-to-part analysis, and inspection purposes.
The integration of the two products eliminates the need for a synchronization cable between them, and allows the TrackArm to be operated wirelessly with the FaroArm’s built-in capability.
The CAM2 Measure 10 software provides a user interface to switch back and forth between the two systems, enabling the FaroArm’s 6DoF to reach points out of the Laser Tracker’s line-of-sight, including around corners and inside hole features.
FARO said the cost of a FaroArm combined with the cost of its Laser Tracker is still less than two-thirds the price of competing 6DoF systems. Plus, the FaroArm and Laser Tracker are still stand-alone portable CMMs that can also be used independently.
The TrackArm is sold as a complete system – Laser Tracker, FaroArm and TrackArm kit, whille current FaroArm and FARO Laser Tracker users can order the TrackArm upgrade to get the two portable CMMs to work together.
“Working together or apart, the TrackArm is a great value and will boost measurement efficiency on the shop floor,” said FARO CEO Jay Freeland.
Earlier this month, FARO reported a 31 percent drop in first quarter net income to $4.6 million, or 27 cents per share, on sales of $65.4 million, up just slightly compared to the same period last year.
