© 2010 Quality Digest Magazine. All Rights Reserved.
By: FARO
(FARO Technologies Inc.: Lake Mary, FL) -- FARO Technologies Inc., the world’s leading provider of portable measurement and imaging solutions, recently announced the release of their latest 3-D measurement system, the FARO Laser Tracker ION.
The FARO Laser Tracker ION is the most advanced, state-of-the-art FARO Laser Tracker ever introduced. It is the most accurate laser tracker available based on the most common types of measurement applications. It also features a longer measurement range, lighter weight, and contains the fastest, most sophisticated distance measuring system—the Agile Absolute Distance Meter (aADM).
Specifically, the ION has improved the volumetric accuracy by 27 percent over the previous model to 0.002 in. (0.049 mm) at 33 feet (10 meters). The measurement diameter range has been extended 36 percent to 361 feet (110 meters), and the weight has decreased 12 percent to 39 lb (17.7 kg).
“At FARO, our goal is to continuously provide advanced solutions that empower our customers,” says Jay Freeland, FARO CEO. “It is more than just offering new products, but focusing on a long-term partnership that enables their products and processes to be the best in the world. In today’s economic climate, having a measurement instrument that can produce results you can be confident in, while reducing costly rework and streamlining processes is extremely important. The ION will help our customers drive the innovation that is necessary for them to remain competitive.”
A patented feature available exclusively in the ION is Agile ADM. “Agile ADM represents the latest advancement in absolute distance meter technology,” says Ken Steffey, FARO director of product management, tracker products. “The ION is the only ADM system on the market that is fast enough to allow for high-density scanning without relying on an interferometer. This system is much more simplified than the technology used in other laser trackers—with Agile ADM there is no need to switch between ADM- and interferometer-based systems.”
Replacing conventional tools such as tape measures, piano wire, plumb bobs, and theodolites—customers have come to know FARO Laser Trackers for their use in applications such as alignment, machine installation, component inspection, tool building and set up, and reverse engineering. Companies of all sizes rapidly see the benefits of implementing this tool and realize a complete return on their investment.
