Often times, one of the toughest aspects of engineering is gathering accurate dimensions of a product. Last time you had to measure something and you picked up a tape measure, did you stop to think about how accurate that tape measure was? Most people just take it for granted that the device they are using will provide them with an accurate result. In engineering, preciseness is key to the operation of some products. This is why in recent times a device known as a Faro Arm has been developed to help measure items down to the thousands of an inch.
What is it? What does it do?
A Faro Arm (Figure 1) is a piece of equipment that uses computer aided software to take measurements from a ball on the tip of the arm. The arm is mounted on a table or a tripod next to the item being measured. Then, the operator moves the arm so the tip is touching the object. A data point is then taken. The operator can move around the object taking as many data points as they wish. When finished, these data points will appear in the computer software where analysis can be performed.
A Faro Arm (Figure 1) is a piece of equipment that uses computer aided software to take measurements from a ball on the tip of the arm. The arm is mounted on a table or a tripod next to the item being measured. Then, the operator moves the arm so the tip is touching the object. A data point is then taken. The operator can move around the object taking as many data points as they wish. When finished, these data points will appear in the computer software where analysis can be performed.
Figure 1 Faro Arm
(Source:
www.faro.com)
Ranking Criteria
For this review, the new Faro Arm technology will be put through a high level of scrutiny. In some cases, due to the fact that most engineers are familiar with a measurement tool known as a calipers, comparisons will be drawn between the two. The categories under which the Faro Arm will be tested are:
For this review, the new Faro Arm technology will be put through a high level of scrutiny. In some cases, due to the fact that most engineers are familiar with a measurement tool known as a calipers, comparisons will be drawn between the two. The categories under which the Faro Arm will be tested are:
- Ease of use and time needed for measurements
- Ease of measurement
- Interpreting the measurement
- Accuracy of measurement
- Dimensions of object being measured
- Cost
Product Review
The setup of a Faro Arm is not as quick as just pulling out a calipers because the arm is relatively large in size. The device requires a large amount of time to attach to a steady surface, start-up the computer and arm, and launch the computer software. In most cases, all of this equipment is too heavy to carry with one set of hands. Therefore, the technology is not the most practical for quick measurements.
Faro Arms work by placing the tip of the arm on the surface and pushing a button to record a data point. This can then show up as single points, circles, or lines in the computer software. Taking measurements are as easy as taking a picture; just point and shoot.
Unfortunately, interpreting the measurements and analyzing the data collected is not as easy. The software program is not as user friendly as it could be. To use the program you would either need training on it or spend a great deal of time working with it. Having a background in engineering modeling programs, such as Creo Parametric, would help out tremendously.
If you do happen to master the software and are confident the software interpreted what you measured correctly, the Faro Arm is one of the most precise pieces of equipment a person can use. According to www.faro.com the repeatability of the arm can be as low as 0.0009 of an inch. Even if a calipers is calibrated daily it would not even come close to measuring that precise.
A Faro Arm will measure medium to very small sized objects. The largest model available on www.faro.com comes with the reach of only six feet. In most cases this would be sufficient enough, but in areas such as the automotive industry, the reach may come up short.
The biggest question thus far, may be the cost of the unit. For a baseline model, one can be obtained for as little as $15,000. Unfortunately, depending on the application, you may not be satisfied with a low-end model. Depending on the accuracy, arm reach length, and options, Faro Arms can range up to as high as $85,000.
The setup of a Faro Arm is not as quick as just pulling out a calipers because the arm is relatively large in size. The device requires a large amount of time to attach to a steady surface, start-up the computer and arm, and launch the computer software. In most cases, all of this equipment is too heavy to carry with one set of hands. Therefore, the technology is not the most practical for quick measurements.
Faro Arms work by placing the tip of the arm on the surface and pushing a button to record a data point. This can then show up as single points, circles, or lines in the computer software. Taking measurements are as easy as taking a picture; just point and shoot.
Unfortunately, interpreting the measurements and analyzing the data collected is not as easy. The software program is not as user friendly as it could be. To use the program you would either need training on it or spend a great deal of time working with it. Having a background in engineering modeling programs, such as Creo Parametric, would help out tremendously.
If you do happen to master the software and are confident the software interpreted what you measured correctly, the Faro Arm is one of the most precise pieces of equipment a person can use. According to www.faro.com the repeatability of the arm can be as low as 0.0009 of an inch. Even if a calipers is calibrated daily it would not even come close to measuring that precise.
A Faro Arm will measure medium to very small sized objects. The largest model available on www.faro.com comes with the reach of only six feet. In most cases this would be sufficient enough, but in areas such as the automotive industry, the reach may come up short.
The biggest question thus far, may be the cost of the unit. For a baseline model, one can be obtained for as little as $15,000. Unfortunately, depending on the application, you may not be satisfied with a low-end model. Depending on the accuracy, arm reach length, and options, Faro Arms can range up to as high as $85,000.
Is A Faro Arm Right For Me?
Depending on the application, skill level, and budget, a Faro Arm can be a useful tool. There are a variety of applications that could only be measured with a tool like this. If you are experienced with 3D modeling software you will be able to pick this software up with ease. When used correctly, the arm and software can be a very precise way to reverse engineer or check the quality of an object. If multiple object have to be checked for quality, taking repeated measurements is even easier. Overall, a Faro Arm is an extremely solid tool to use in certain specific applications.
Depending on the application, skill level, and budget, a Faro Arm can be a useful tool. There are a variety of applications that could only be measured with a tool like this. If you are experienced with 3D modeling software you will be able to pick this software up with ease. When used correctly, the arm and software can be a very precise way to reverse engineer or check the quality of an object. If multiple object have to be checked for quality, taking repeated measurements is even easier. Overall, a Faro Arm is an extremely solid tool to use in certain specific applications.
Justin, Great review of Faro Arms,
ReplyDeleteBefore reading this article I had very minimal knowledge on 3d measurement technology, just the basics on the operation of calipers, micrometer, and surface roughness measurer. I can easily see where an arm that takes multiple data points could be a much better tool in quality control to maintain exact tolerances. You did an excellent job in your review by dividing your review criteria in order to give the reader a better sense of the capabilities of this product, so they can decide if it’s right for their needs. I found the capabilities of Faro arms to be very impressive, tolerances as a small as .0009 of an inch? That’s over 4 times as thin as a human hair, simply amazing! Measuring devices aren't the most exciting things to some, but 3D measurement tools like Faro arms used in manufacturing are at the cutting edge of helping engineers push the limits of product design and efficiency. Once again great post!
Thank you for the reply. Yes, these are very impressive pieces of equipment. That is probably why they cost so much. I have actually gotten the opportunity to utilize this technology on the job. It brings quality control and troubleshooting into a whole new world!
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