Rugby-based Faro (www.faro.com) has introduced its first arm-based solution to include a high-resolution 3-D colour scanning capability. This function is available as standard on the new Faro Design ScanArm 2.5C.

Moreover, this machine is compatible with the Faro eight-axis FaroArm system, which effectively doubles the arm reach, significantly improves the ease of use, and is specifically designed to address design challenges in a range of industries — including computer graphics, industrial machinery, automotive manufacturing and engineering services. Faro says the coloured 3-D representation provides the optimum baseline for product visualisations and special effects.

It allows parts and objects to be reconstructed and visualised “as vividly as they appear in the real world”. The true-to-life capability not only allows design professionals to proceed with a high level of confidence but also allows projects to be completed in a shorter time — as does a rapid colour scanning capability of up to 240,000 points per sec.

The Design ScanArm 2.5C (like its predecessor the Design ScanArm 2.0) is available in three arm lengths — 2.5, 3.5 and 4m — thereby ensuring that users can select the option that best fits with the specific design objectives of their projects.

Faro says the scan vividness and sharpness not only deliver spot-on representation of the colour of the real-world object but also allow finer details — including texture and even text — to be clearly extracted for product visualisation, computer graphics or identification of key features during the product design or reverse-engineering processes.

Finally, greater efficiencies can be achieved, as full colour can be captured in a single scan, removing any need to take pictures or apply texture in the post-scanning process.