Product category:
CMMs (co-ordinate measuring machines) and software
News Release from: FARO Technologies | Subject: Platinum FaroArm CMM
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 22 May 2007
Digital measuring speeds reverse
engineering
Faro Technologies introduced the Platinum FaroArm into the reverse engineering process of a company and reduced pattern production time by 50%.
The problem presented to Faro Technologies was a custom-pattern mould production which required precision measurements and reverse engineering technology The company involved had discovered that using manual measurements in order to maintain the quality of its aluminum, plastic and wood casting production was inefficient at best
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 15 May 2007 at 8.00am (UK)
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Rough Country purchased a FaroArm by Faro Technologies to assist in the design, production and inspection of suspension systems, undercarriages, truck body frames.
The company formerly used dial indicators to reverse engineer patterns.
Dial indicators usually have only a 1in or 2in range and are calibrated in increments of 0.001in.
For larger parts, they built their own system.
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Form Tec, based in Martinsville, IN, USA, has purchased a FaroArm to accurately measure the curved planes of their polycarbonate-based windshields and windows.
The measurements were hand recorded, then brought to the CAD designer to be put in 3D form.
The multi-step reverse engineering process proved time-consuming and costly.
They also needed an economic, automated method of inspecting post-production moulds to immediately catch any deviations from spec.
They introduced Faro Technologies' Platinum FaroArm into the design and quality control processes.
The portable, digital measuring device has a 4ft to 12ft range and can verify measurements within 0.0005in.
Unlike dial indicators, the FaroArm has temperature compensation sensors that account for metal expansion and shrinkage due to temperature changes.
Perhaps the greatest advantage for them is the ability to directly capture and import measurement points into the FaroArm's corresponding CAM2 Measure software, which automatically generates 3D files for easy CAD comparison and customised reporting.
Instantly creating 3D drawings enables the company to quickly reverse engineer and generate custom pattern moulds of impellers and OEM parts.
Many patterns have complicated schematics with line of sight issues that normally confuse laser scanner systems.
A simple probe extender allows engineers to use the 7-axis FaroArm in order to capture measurement points in these hidden areas.
They constantly receive requests for reproductions of existing moulds.
One such customer wanted to reproduce a pattern that had been made out of wood.
Although the pattern was high quality, the wood had begun to rot.
Engineers created a new surface model within three hours using the FaroArm.
Without FARO, this process would have taken two to three days.
The simple switch from dial indicators to the Platinum FaroArm enabled the company to reduce the new pattern production by 50%.
The FaroArm's accuracy and direct computer data import result in more accurate measurements and better quality parts.
They also plan to use their enhanced measuring capabilities to expand its business by offering inspection services to new and existing clients.
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