FARO Technologies provides advanced 3D measurement and imaging technology solutions including laser trackers. Laser trackers use two angle encoders and a laser to calculate highly accurate 3D coordinate measurements of parts and assemblies over large volumes. FARO laser trackers can improve manufacturing quality, throughput and performance by enabling more efficient part inspection, alignment, tool building and reverse engineering applications. Implementing FARO's flexible measurement solutions increases a company's inspection capabilities and productivity, reducing costs and increasing profits.
2. Overview
Purpose
• Review advanced contact and non-contact dimensional part inspection solutions provided by
FARO that have a significant impact on overall manufacturing QUALITY, THROUGHPUT, and
PERFORMANCE.
Content
• Introduction to FARO
• FARO Vantage Laser Tracker Overview
• Applications for Dimensional Part Inspection, Alignment/Tool Building, and Reverse-Engineering
• Areas of Cost Justification
Benefit
• Implementing advanced, flexible FARO measurement solutions will increase overall part and
tooling inspection CAPABILITY and EFFICIENCY in manufacturing, yielding higher profitability
and throughput.
3. “One of the biggest reasons that we keep
returning to FARO for solutions is because of the
support that has been provided to us over the
years. This support has been unsurpassed.”
- Mike Noel, MAG Cincinnati
4. FARO Technologies – An Introduction
• FARO is a worldwide leader in 3D measurement and
imaging technology with a diverse customer base
• Customer Focus
• Simplify work
• Reduce on-site measuring time
• Improve measurement capability and efficiency,
which ultimately lowers costs and increases
throughput.
• Global Technology Company
• Founded - 1981
• Corporate and North American HQ - Lake Mary
(Orlando), FL
• European HQ - Stuttgart, Germany
• Asia Pacific HQ - Singapore
• Publically Traded – NASDAQ: FARO (1997)
• ISO-17025 Accredited
5. Local Presence and Customer Snapshot
Locally supported. Locally trusted.
Industries / Manufacturing Processes
• Automotive, Aerospace, Consumer, Heavy
Equipment, Construction/Agricultural Equipment,
Military …..
• Machining, casting, forging, composites, plastics,
molding, stamping, ….
Applications
• Cell / Layout / Tooling / Fixture Alignment and
Assembly
• Single / First Article and Repeat Part Inspection and
Statistical Process Control (SPC)
• Reverse Engineering
Current FARO customers in Ohio
6. FARO
Laser Tracker
“The ability to measure complex geometry in
a quick and accurate fashion, anywhere on
the shop floor, makes this technology far
superior to having a fixed CMM. Having this
ability is a total game changer.”
- Brian Benyo, Brilex
7. What is a Laser Tracker?
How does it work?
A laser tracker works the same way all CMMs work, by measuring
points in space using a touch probe. With the tracker, this is
accomplished by utilizing two angle encoders in the head of the device,
then calculating a distance using the laser reflecting off of the probe.
With two angles and a distance, an x,y,z coordinate can be measured.
With two angles and a distance,
an x,y,z can be calculated.
The laser tracker is the most accurate, large volume measurement device. Replacing conventional tools
such as piano wire, plumb bobs, layout machines, large-volume fixed CMMs, theodolites, optical
transits, and total stations, a laser tracker is the simplest and most accurate large volume portable
CMM.
x,y,z
Close up of the probe, otherwise
known as an SMR (Spherically
Mounted Retroreflector).
8. How accurate is a FARO Laser Tracker?
Accuracy
• For every 30 ft radially, the tracker has a ±.001” accuracy.
• The tracker takes over 1,000 readings every point to ensure repeatability.
• The operational distance is from 0 to 250+ ft. in any direction.
TruADM (Absolute Distance Measurement)
• Latest advancement in ADM technology (5th generation patented system)
• Patented predictive algorithms compensate for acceleration and velocity of a moving target (SMR)
• Dynamic measurements can be taken by scanning with an SMR
“The Laser Tracker is considered the most accurate large scale
metrology device available for industrial measurements.”
-“Coach” L. Wilson, Justmetrology.com
MPE and all accuracy specifications are calculated per ASME B89.4.19 - 2006
9. Innovative Enhancements
MultiView Cameras (patent pending)
• Fully-integrated two-camera system
• Can automatically point to a specific target
• Quickly and efficiently locates a target when not in its
normal position due to part variation
SmartFind
• Exclusive technology quickly and efficiently locates and
locks on to the correct target
• Gesture to the Vantage and have the beam aimed back
to your target
TriMap Encoders (patent pending)
• Three read head encoder system that is self-mapping
• Enables faster service time in more convenient locations
Optics (patent pending)
• In-line optics designed for longer range (up to 80m)
• Allows for measurement of larger objects with fewer
device moves
10. Innovative Enhancements
Infinite Rotation
• No inconvenient measurement interruptions due to endstops
• Specifically beneficial when part features completely surround the Tracker
QuickComp
• Optimizes measurements based on specific ranges
• Maintains high system accuracy
Integrated Wi-Fi®
• Measure anywhere within the wireless network’s range
• Enhanced portability and convenience
Water & Dust Resistant IP52 Rating
• Designed for reliability and durability
• Can be used in demanding industrial conditions
11. Industry Leading Features
Instant-On Laser
• Begin taking measurements faster since no warm-up of the laser tube is required.
• Can result in a setup time savings of 20 to 30 minutes!
Smart Warm-Up
• Accelerates the thermal stabilization time of the unit
• Minimizes the initial temperature changes’ impact on measurements
Integrated Weather Station
• Temperature, air pressure, and humidity can affect the speed at which light travels
through air
• System monitors these variables and compensates to ensure accuracy
Integrated Precision Level
• Built-in level sensing device establishes orientation with respect to the gravity vector
• Beneficial in complex alignments and setups
Versatile Mounting Options
• Can be mounted vertically, horizontally, or upside down*
• Provides versatility in tight of congested areas
*Inverted mounting requires the use of integrated threaded ring
12. Exceptional Portability
Roller Board
• Designed for transportation in mind, moving
the tracker is an easy one-man job
• Tracker head is only 28 lbs
• As easy to pull as a standard travel case
• Conveniently fits into an airplane’s overhead
compartment
Backpack
• A comprehensive transportation system for
the master control unit (MCU) and accessories
• Can easily be set on top of the roller board
Heavy-Duty Shipping Cases
• Holds both the roller board and the backpack
• Provides the necessary protection for shipping
With the Vantage, FARO has taken the concept of “portability” to a whole new level.
13. FARO TrackArm System
The FARO TrackArm is the most versatile portable 3D measurement system. It brings
together the long range and high accuracy capabilities of FARO’s Laser Tracker with the
flexibility and consistency of the FAROarm. The seamless combination of these metrology
devices 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.
Versatility
• Seamless combination of two portable CMMs
into one complete large volume solution
• 6DOF capabilities with no sight restrictions
• Wireless freedom
14. Laser Tracker
Applications
“With the use of the FARO Laser Tracker, we
have been able to verify and analyze parts
of our machine that we previously couldn’t.
It has taken our calibration, quality, and
R&D to a whole new level.”
- Dave Papania, WARDJet
15. Real-World Applications
The FARO Laser Tracker accurately performs measurements within many applications
throughout a wide range of industries.
Part Inspection
• Compare complex geometry, surfaces, and feature
positions to nominal data
• No need to move the part to a fixed inspection tool
• Reduce production waste and non-conformance costs
Installation
• Lay out / level machine foundation
• Prevent damage during the machine’s initial run
• Reduce wear and tear on mechanical parts
16. Real-World Applications
The FARO Laser Tracker accurately performs measurements within many applications
throughout a wide range of industries.
Alignment
• More accurate and less time-consuming than
traditional methods
• Frequent measurements and proper trending of
distortions
• Real-time measurement confirms tolerances and
validates design
Reverse Engineering
• Acquire high accuracy digital scan data
• Eliminate the need for hard masters
• Easily export simple geometry to any CAD
package for creation of CAD model
17. Real-World Applications
The FARO Laser Tracker accurately performs measurements within many applications
throughout a wide range of industries.
Manufacturing & Assembly Integration
• Obtain critical positioning feedback real-time
• In-house machine certification
• Set moving parts to nominal coordinates
• Continuous survey to provide data at specific points
while moving dynamically
Tool Building
• Full volumetric accuracy tests (ensures parts are
being assembled to the highest standard)
• Expedites shimming and locating processes
• Verify dimensional integrity and repeatability of the
tool (identify or preempt tool defects)
18. Areas of Cost Justification
Part inspection
• Most FARO customers experience at least a 50% improvement in their overall part
inspection efficiency compared to traditional inspection methods (Traditional CMMs, Hand
Tools, dedicated fixtures and Gages). What would a 50% improvement mean for you?
• Having the ability to provide more comprehensive quality control documentation to a
customer is a competitive advantage for maintaining customers and obtaining new business.
• Fast creation and execution of first-piece part inspections
• On-Machine Inspection – Avoid removing the part from the CNC machine for part inspection.
• More efficient first-article part inspections result in higher production equipment efficiency.
Alignment activities (Machine building, Cell/Line Layouts, Large Assemblies)
• Obtain critical positioning feedback real-time, increasing build efficiency and decreasing
rework
• Can turn a complex job into a one man operation
• Whether it’s machine building, tool building, cell/line layouts, any time of large volume
assembly, the laser tracker can turn week long projects into day long visits.
19. Areas of Cost Justification (Continued)
Reverse Engineering
• Collect 3D data on parts, tooling and assemblies that have no prints or CAD model to
create 3D models.
Asset Management
• Inspect tooling, dies, molds, assembly fixtures to verify dimensional compliance.
• Perform these inspections on a frequency to develop trend data on tooling changes and
wear.
Summary
• Implementing advanced flexible FARO measurement solutions will increase overall part
and tooling inspection CAPABILITY and EFFICIENCY in manufacturing, yielding higher
profitability and throughput.
“Saving time translates into dollars, and Leiss has reduced
their production time by half or better on all of their
parts. Large parts that once took hours to inspect now take
only 15 minutes to check.”
- Leiss Tool & Die
20. FARO
Laser Tracker
Contact Mike for an on-site demonstration
Mike Fisher
Laser Tracker Account Manager
937-901-8362
michael.fisher@faro.com