To help ensure the correct assembly of large and heavy components, Coventry-based Faro Technologies UK Ltd (www.faro.com) has launched the TracerM laser projector.

This projects a 0.5mm-wide laser line on to a 2-D/3-D surface or object to provide a virtual template that enables operators and assemblers to quickly and accurately position components with confidence.

The TracerM system can project a detailed laser outline of parts, artefacts or areas of interest. It features variable and long-range projection to cover an area up to 15.2 x 15.2m — and it has a 3-D projection range of 1.8 to 15.2m.

Among the system’s features are advanced trajectory control, which is designed to deliver fast projection, accuracy and a rapid refresh rate that minimises flicker.

Photogrammetric targets are used to enable the best fit alignment of the projected image onto the surface or object, thereby providing consistency with the CAD model.

For larger assemblies, multiple TracerM projectors can be controlled from a single workstation to provide large-scale virtual templates in one co-ordinate system.

Faro’s RayTracer software suite, which contains the RayTracer Operator and RayTracer Administrator programs, operates the TracerM projector, but other software packages can be used to create projection files for the system.

In the composites industry, TracerM can be used for tasks such as manual lay-up, mandrel tracking and lay-up on fibre placement machines. Aerospace and defence applications include system bracket placement, rib placement and stringer placement.

TracerM can also be used in the automotive and heavy equipment sectors for applications such as weld stud/block location and production line layouts.