Metrology software made for portable CMM arms
March 5th 2008 07:42 pm By Web Development in India
Metrology software for portable coordinate measuring arms can easily change/convert between different measurement units or coordinate systems
FARO Technologies is to release its latest metrology software, CAM2 Q. FARO president and CEO, Jay Freeland, said: ‘Simply put, we’ve advanced the functionality and training while making it even more intuitive for any user. Whether they’re a seasoned metrology pro or using our portable CMMS for the first time, CAM2 Q puts the user in control.’.
CAM2 Q has been configured with a high quality CAD translator and the Parasolid CAD engine.
FARO’s director of Software Engineering, Antonio Carvalho, said that the most impressive facets of CAM2 Q are not features of the software, but are: ‘The core design aspects and user benefits - freedom, efficiency and simplicity - in perfect balance, resulting in new software that’s in a class of its own’.
* Freedom of conversion - CAM2 Q can easily change/convert between different measurement units (inch, mm, micron, angstrom, etc) or coordinate systems (cylindrical, polar, Cartesian, etc) at any time without re-measuring.
There are no limits to the number of units the user can define.
The user interface is fully customizable, so users can create a work environment that best meets their needs.
Further reading
Portable CMM arm assists windshield manufacturer
Form Tec, based in Martinsville, IN, USA, has purchased a FaroArm to accurately measure the curved planes of their polycarbonate-based windshields and windows
Machining company expands with 3D measurement
An on-site machining company that specialises in manufacturing large circular and irregularly-shaped surfaces on structural components has expanded business with the Faro Laser Tracker
Part inspection time reduced by 50%
Heat transfer equipment maker has bought a portable CMM for checking their radiators, oil coolers, heat exchangers and charge-air coolers, reducing inspection time by 50%
Place Windows and toolbar layouts based on the priorities of the project - not a preset format - and the software saves multiple users’ choices.
And unlike other measurement software, CAM2 Q can add, change or measure features at any time - in any order - so the project can flow logically as the task demands, without being restricted to a preset order of operation.
It also has a new, versatile reporting engine that creates customized reports in various formats, including Microsoft Word and Excel, HTML, and PDF.
* Efficiency - CAM2 Q can eliminate the need to move the device when measuring large parts, because multiple users can now measure with multiple FaroArms and FARO Laser Trackers simultaneously - even on the same location.
Also, every measured point can be viewed, deleted, or re-measured.
Users don’t have to start over if new features are added to a prototype, said FARO.
* Simplified set-up - CAM2 Q simplifies setup, training, usability and programming.
Whereas other software can involve lengthy set-up procedures, said FARO to manufacturingtalk.com, Q can be installed and ready to measure with FARO hardware ‘right out of the box’.
It’s also the easiest measurement program to learn because the software and training were developed simultaneously.
‘We focused on learning, as opposed to just training,’ Carvalho said.
‘Rather than just showing how the features work and expecting users to figure out how to apply it, we teach them how to solve their specific metrology problems’.
In addition, the new intuitive user interface reduces the learning curve and measurement time for inexperienced users.
It also allows them to complete the job in the fewest number of mouse clicks possible.
Finally, users can quickly create, edit and run programs in the same window rather than opening a new application or separate screen.
Also, CAM2 Q allows programmers to plan and record measurement/operation sequences that the software then programs as easy-to-follow, on-screen instructions for other users.
* Live data - CAM2 Q eliminates the lag time between measuring and reporting that is common with other metrology software.
When a feature is measured, users can instantly see exact dimensions and geometric properties.
The easy-to-read reports allow production decisions to be made immediately.
* Confidence in ac curacy - CAM2 Q incorporates market-leading CAD translators, as well as NIST- and PTB-certified fitting routines, which certify that its geometry calculations are accurate to 0.0005mm (0.00002in).
‘CAM2 Q’s unique combination of power and simplicity provides a confidence-inspiring user experience with FARO’s portable CMMs,’ Freeland said.
‘No other software/hardware package in the industry simplifies measurement while providing so much capability.
The end result for our customers: better products, more cost-effective processes, and a competitive advantage’.
* Availability - CAM2 Q will be available on February 5, 2008 (USA).
* About FARO - with more than 14,600 installations and 7,000 customers globally, FARO Technologies designs, develops, and markets portable, computerized measurement devices and software used to create digital models - or to perform evaluations against an existing model - for anything requiring highly detailed 3D measurements, including part and assembly inspection, factory planning and asset documentation, as well as specialized applications ranging from surveying, recreating accident sites and crime scenes to digitally preserving historical sites.
FARO’s technology increases productivity by dramatically reducing the amount of on-site measuring time, and the various industry-specific software packages enable users to process and present their results quickly and more effectively.
Principal products include the following.
* World’s best-selling portable measurement arm - the FaroArm.
* The world’s best-selling laser tracker - the FARO Laser Tracker.
* The FARO Laser ScanArm.
* FARO laser scanner LS.
* The FARO Gage, Gage-PLUS and PowerGAGE.
* CAM2 family of advanced CAD-based measurement and reporting software.
FARO Technologies is ISO-9001 certified and ISO-17025 laboratory registered.
