Rugby-based Faro (www.faro.com), which provides 3-D measurement and imaging solutions for factory metrology and product design, has introduced an eight-axis FaroArm system.

This combines the company’s portable Quantum FaroArm, Quantum ScanArm or Design ScanArm range of products with a functionally integrated — yet physically separate — eighth axis.

This rotational unit provides a natural extension to all FaroArm products, providing a seamlessly integrated high-accuracy additional axis that requires no additional set-up time or effort.

Moreover, unlike a turntable, this axis is completely transparent to the measurement software, so no software updates or upgrades are needed.

The functionality that this provides allows the part being inspected to be rotated in real time relative to the FaroArm, instead of the arm to being moved around the part.

As a result, it is easier to scan and measure harder-to-reach areas; moreover, measurement times and human measurement errors are dramatically reduced, since the part is located on a stable and consistent platform.

This eight-axis system can be used for a range of non-contact measurement and design applications, including point-cloud comparison with CAD data, rapid prototyping, reverse engineering, and the 3-D modelling of free-form surfaces.

Simon Raab, Faro’s CEO, said: “We are excited about this eight-axis system, another Faro first that provides a new standard for both inspection and design efficiency.

"Based on our meetings over the last two years with both inspection and 3-D design professionals, we are confident that we are addressing their needs relating to speed and productivity, ease of use and end-to-end cycle time in the most easy to implement manner.”