the world’s most trusted source for 3D measurement and imaging solutions for factory metrology, product design, construction BIM/CIM, public safety forensics and 3D solutions and services applications, announces the launch of a higher resolution version of the FARO Cobalt Array Imager solution, geared toward quality inspection, factory automation and in-process verification (IPV) applications.

The new 9MP version of the Cobalt Array Imager is a higher resolution model of the Cobalt platform, which FARO introduced earlier this year. The 9MP version is ideally suited for manufacturers, particularly automotive and aerospace manufacturers, where there is a need to capture fine details and features on edges and surfaces including stamped, machined or engraved parts. The current 5MP version remains the ideal solution for customers who do not require high-resolution data capture. Both versions feature on-board processing, blue light technology, interchangeable lenses, high dynamic range and automatic exposure.

On-board processing, an industry first, means that the Cobalt Array Imager is a smart sensor. This capability enables unique multi-imager array configurations of an unlimited number of Cobalt sensors. Multi-imager arrays expand the scan area to deliver rapid and automated inspection of all surfaces of an object, dramatically reducing cycle time. The actionable data is delivered as a simple go/no-go result or an easy-to-read dimensional deviation color map.

“FARO’s portfolio of Cobalt Array Imagers is designed for the factory floor and production environments so they can be used anywhere inspection is needed,” stated Joe Arezone, Chief Commercial Officer of FARO. “The Cobalt is deployable in both near-line and in-line inspection applications, which allow this solution to align with lean manufacturing principles of eliminating unnecessary movements and time. The new 9MP version enhances Cobalt’s attractiveness for applications requiring higher resolution scan data and provides our customers with more options to select the version best tailored to their needs.”

Mr. Arezone added, “Our initial release of the Cobalt Array Imager was well received as a product which allows businesses t simultaneously improve both quality and productivity. The Cobalt is a simple-to-use solution, ideal for maximizing productivity and automated workflows throughout the factory. This is particularly true when using the Cobalt in automated inspection processes that may include deploying multiple Cobalt sensors in multi-imager array configurations or attaching one or more Cobalts to a robot. Moreover, Cobalt is priced for rapid return on investment and offers unparalleled value.”

FARO, the world’s most trusted source for 3D measurement and imaging solutions for factory metrology, product design, construction BIM/CIM, public safety forensics and 3D solutions and services applications, introduces the FARO Freestyle3D Objects, a new medium-volume, handheld 3D Laser Scanner for crime/crash scene investigation and reverse engineering applications.

With the new powerful Freestyle3D Objects, FARO expands the successful product concept of its construction BIM/CIM Freestyle3D Scanner Series to the growing and fast moving product design and public safety forensics markets.

“Working with our customers, FARO identified an unaddressed need for a scanner that provides fast, color and detailed scan data without the frustration of constantly losing tracking, sticking external targets on the parts or the time required to manually register the point clouds,” stated Joe Arezone, FARO’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Featuring a midrange measurement volume, the Freestyle3D Objects is the answer – easier to use than narrow field-of-view scanners that have high resolution but are difficult to handle as the tracking is easily lost, yet provides more detail and precision than large volume handheld scanners.”

The balanced approach of detail and ease of use makes the Freestyle3D Objects ideally suited for a number of challenging measurement applications including reverse engineering for product design and crime/crash scene investigation in public safety forensics. With a scan range of 0.3 to 0.8 meters, FARO Freestyle3D Objects is optimized for scanning mid-sized components and items in almost every industry. Whether the goal is to capture industrial pump and wind generation components, molded plastic items or documenting the inside of a vehicle as part of a crash or crime scene investigation, FARO Freestyle3D Objects scans the needed geometry into a high resolution color point cloud. Once the object has been measured, the user receives the data prepared in SCENE Process 6.1, offering a large scale meshing tool, or the user can export the data into many end user applications.

FARO Freestyle3D Objects is the first 3D handheld scanner solution that FARO is introducing to the Early Adopter (EA) community. FARO’s EA Program provides leading edge products to qualified customers for limited product introductions

The new 9MP version of the Cobalt Array Imager is a higher resolution model of the Cobalt platform, which FARO introduced earlier this year. The 9MP version is ideally suited for manufacturers, particularly automotive and aerospace manufacturers, where there is a need to capture fine details and features on edges and surfaces including stamped, machined or engraved parts. The current 5MP version remains the ideal solution for customers who do not require high-resolution data capture. Both versions feature on-board processing, blue light technology, interchangeable lenses, high dynamic range and automatic exposure.

On-board processing, an industry first, means that the Cobalt Array Imager is a smart sensor. This capability enables unique multi-imager array configurations of an unlimited number of Cobalt sensors. Multi-imager arrays expand the scan area to deliver rapid and automated inspection of all surfaces of an object, dramatically reducing cycle time. The actionable data is delivered as a simple go/no-go result or an easy-to-read dimensional deviation color map.

“FARO’s portfolio of Cobalt Array Imagers is designed for the factory floor and production environments so they can be used anywhere inspection is needed,” stated Joe Arezone, Chief Commercial Officer of FARO. “The Cobalt is deployable in both near-line and in-line inspection applications, which allow this solution to align with lean manufacturing principles of eliminating unnecessary movements and time. The new 9MP version enhances Cobalt’s attractiveness for applications requiring higher resolution scan data and provides our customers with more options to select the version best tailored to their needs.”

Mr. Arezone added, “Our initial release of the Cobalt Array Imager was well received as a product which allows businesses to simultaneously improve both quality and productivity. The Cobalt is a simple-to-use solution, ideal for maximizing productivity and automated workflows throughout the factory. This is particularly true when using the Cobalt in automated inspection processes that may include deploying multiple Cobalt sensors in multi-imager array configurations or attaching one or more Cobalts to a robot. Moreover, Cobalt is priced for rapid return on investment and offers unparalleled value.”

the world’s most trusted source for 3D measurement and imaging solutions for factory metrology, product design, construction BIM/CIM, public safety forensics and 3D solutions and services applications, announces the release of SCENE 6.1, the next generation of its powerful software for efficiently processing and managing 3D laser scan data.

For modeling freeform shapes such as statues, equipment, industrial components and buildings, SCENE 6.1 now offers a fully integrated meshing tool, eliminating the need for customers to utilize 3rd party software for such deliverables. Watertight 3D meshes can be calculated, viewed and exported in various standard formats, such as .STL, .OBJ, .PLY and .WRL (VRML). Besides a streamlined workflow and reduced software costs, product designers, architects, engineers and construction specialists benefit by meshing scan data in a single software platform. The software is ideal for users who do not own a CAD system with native point cloud support and those with 3D-Scan-to-Print applications, such as printing historical artifacts or fabricating scaled models of complex infrastructure.

In addition, the newly enhanced SCENE 6.1 user interface provides 3D scanning specialists with an integrated tool for fully automating the processing of target-based scan projects. This functionality increases overall project efficiency within a simple, straightforward user experience. Added verification steps now allow users to confirm if a scan registration result is contextually correct, adding an additional level of confidence to their data quality. Also, newly printable registration reports in PDF-format now permit easy project documentation and monitoring.

“Scan-to-mesh workflows, target-based registration and the use of survey control has never been as intuitive and simple as with SCENE 6.1,” stated Joe Arezone, FARO’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Thanks to the integration of SCENE’s groundbreaking workflow driven user interface, our customers can now process their scan data in an even faster, more reliable and cost-efficient way.”

Overall productivity improvements in SCENE 6.1 such as faster scan processing and a new noise reduction technique reduces user effort for higher-quality and faster data evaluation. In addition, new multi-layer overview map functionality gives construction BIM-CIM professionals the ability to view scan projects by individual building levels.

the world’s most trusted source for 3D measurement and imaging solutions for factory metrology, product design, construction BIM/CIM, public safety forensics and 3D solutions and services applications, announces the release of SCENE 6.1, the next generation of its powerful software for efficiently processing and managing 3D laser scan data.

For modeling freeform shapes such as statues, equipment, industrial components and buildings, SCENE 6.1 now offers a fully integrated meshing tool, eliminating the need for customers to utilize 3rd party software for such deliverables. Watertight 3D meshes can be calculated, viewed and exported in various standard formats, such as .STL, .OBJ, .PLY and .WRL (VRML). Besides a streamlined workflow and reduced software costs, product designers, architects, engineers and construction specialists benefit by meshing scan data in a single software platform. The software is ideal for users who do not own a CAD system with native point cloud support and those with 3D-Scan-to-Print applications, such as printing historical artifacts or fabricating scaled models of complex infrastructure.

In addition, the newly enhanced SCENE 6.1 user interface provides 3D scanning specialists with an integrated tool for fully automating the processing of target-based scan projects. This functionality increases overall project efficiency within a simple, straightforward user experience. Added verification steps now allow users to confirm if a scan registration result is contextually correct, adding an additional level of confidence to their data quality. Also, newly printable registration reports in PDF-format now permit easy project documentation and monitoring.

“Scan-to-mesh workflows, target-based registration and the use of survey control has never been as intuitive and simple as with SCENE 6.1,” stated Joe Arezone, FARO’s Chief Commercial Officer. “Thanks to the integration of SCENE’s groundbreaking workflow driven user interface, our customers can now process their scan data in an even faster, more reliable and cost-efficient way.”

Overall productivity improvements in SCENE 6.1 such as faster scan processing and a new noise reduction technique reduces user effort for higher-quality and faster data evaluation. In addition, new multi-layer overview map functionality gives construction BIM-CIM professionals the ability to view scan projects by individual building levels.

The world’s most trusted source for 3D measurement and imaging solutions for factory metrology, product design, construction BIM/CIM, public safety forensics and 3D solutions and services applications, announces the acquisition of Laser Projection Technologies, Inc., a leader in high-speed, long-range 3D laser projection and measurement systems designed for use in manufacturing applications requiring precise component alignment.

Located in Londonderry, New Hampshire, LPT’s line of laser projection and measurement systems are used throughout manufacturing environments around the globe to maximize productivity and efficiency.

“The acquisition of LPT enhances FARO’s robust portfolio of 3D measurement solutions,” stated Dr. Simon Raab, FARO’s President and CEO. “In addition to LPT’s leading laser projection solutions, we believe LPT’s proprietary imaging laser photogrammetry and imaging laser radar technologies have tremendous potential to disrupt the market by establishing a new class of high-speed laser measurement with advanced 3D imaging capabilities and we will focus our integration efforts on rapidly leveraging this potential. This technology is thousands of times faster than currently available Lidar products and has proprietary imaging features, which provide extraordinary qualitative and quantitative inspection capabilities in every area of manufacturing. In addition, this promising technology incorporates a well-developed laser projection capability to guide assembly, making it a fully robotic, high-speed collaborative tool for manual or automated assembly and verification. In this case, ‘seeing’ is truly measuring.”

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

• development by others of new or improved products, processes or technologies that make the Company’s products less competitive or obsolete;
• the Company’s inability to maintain its technological advantage by developing new products and enhancing its existing products;
• declines or other adverse changes, or lack of improvement, in industries that the Company serves or the domestic and international economies in the regions of the world where the Company operates and other general economic, business, and financial conditions; and
• other risks detailed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

JFE Mechanical regularly holds review meetings where results of projects are reported to the top management for evaluation. At these meetings, actual examples are shared in order to ensure customers receive the best support, and are given access to the most advanced technology available. The team at JFE Mechanical is conscious about differentiating its measurement services by providing value-added benefits (e.g. videos) using all the resources they have access to.

The company strives to “contribute to the society with the world’s best technology at all times”. In line with that corporate mission, JFE Mechanical owns several sets of FARO Laser Tracker Vantage and FARO Laser Scanner Focus3D. It is certain that the company will continue to provide high-quality measurement services to various industries with its gamut of high-tech equipment.

Introduction
In order for a manufacturer to ensure precision in manufacturing its products, the machines used within the production facility must be properly maintained. Inspection and alignment are common techniques used to address manufacturers’ quality needs. As

an example, rollers that are used to transport steel plates must be positioned accurately for the job to be completed smoothly. In the same way, facilities need to be inspected and maintained accordingly, especially if the equipment has aged or if layout has changed.

For JFE Mechanical Co., Ltd. (JFE Mechanical), helping companies to evaluate their facilities and rectifying issues is one of its core areas of business. Based in Kuramae, Taito-ku, Tokyo, the integrated engineering firm provides a comprehensive set of facility-related services across Japan. Its diverse portfolio of services include design and development of facilities; design, fabrication, and installation of complex structures (machinery, electrical, steel); as well as maintenance of plant construction equipment.

Increased Measurement Needs
As part of its facility development and maintenance service, JFE Mechanical identified “measurement” as a service area to focus on. In 2008, the company purchased a FARO Laser Tracker to enhance its levels of accuracy for equipment alignment within its own premises. Later, JFE Mechanical also invested in a FARO Laser Scanner to safely acquire measurements of complex, large pieces of equipment using non-contact methods. When word got out that JFE Mechanical had expanded its in-house capabilities with these new devices, the company began to receive an influx of measurement requests, both internally and externally.

For instance, JFE Mechanical’s construction department asked for a documentation of the changes made to its factory during renovation. Mr. Michihiro Maki, Section Chief of Keihin Equipment Diagnosis Section, Plant Engineering Division, JFE Mechanical, said, “We first embarked on providing full-scale ‘measurement
services’, so as to tap on our collective capabilities to expand the business. Now, we find ourselves providing the service to JFE Steel, our internal construction department, as well as other customers. Apart from providing 3D measurements, we also offer a total solutions package that includes vibration and stress diagnosis, as well as new and relocation construction works.”

Benefits Of Using Laser Measurement Devices
Based on JFE Mechanical’s usage of FARO’s devices, here are some benefits the company has enjoyed.

• Perform non-contact scanning from a safe location.
• Complete measurements with less number of people and in a shorter time.
• Acquire dimensions for objects that are challenging to measure using manual methods.
• Increase its capabilities beyond simple measurements of distance and angles 
– including applications such as interference check, corrugated surface analysis, and CAD drawings.

In the past, JFE Mechanical would perform measurements manually, using tools such as transits, levelers,
and micrometers. However, because JFE Mechanical advocates safety as a top priority, it was important
to reduce risks by replacing old measuring methods with new equipment. At the same time, the move to swap out manual measurement also enabled higher levels of accuracy. Both of FARO’s devices helped JFE Mechanical achieve a safer environment for its employees. The FARO Laser Scanner’s non-contact scanning capabilities meant that objects at inaccessible locations (e.g. height) could still be measured from a safe, distant site. On the other hand, the FARO Laser Tracker’s portability contributed to the reduction of risks in the movement of large objects, because the measuring device can be deployed right where the part is instead.

Performance History of the Laser Measurement Devices
Using the FARO devices, JFE Mechanical has completed a variety of scan and measurement projects.

Projects involving the Laser Tracker:

• Geometry measurement of shearing knife holders.
• Installation positioning of parts when fabricating equipment.
• Geometry measurement of processed surfaces.
• Measurement of tilt in rollers to ensure parallel alignment.
• Geometry measurement of spindles – to inspect overall curvature and flexural deformation of 
existing spindles, and to measure the roundness of each roll.

Projects involving the Laser Scanner:

• Measurement of tilt in buildings 
After the Great East Japan Earthquake on 11 March 2011, there have been more requests to measure the tilt of buildings. By importing point cloud data obtained with the scanner into the software, analysis of surface roughness and tilt can be done.
• Dimensional measurement, despite obstacles
In the case of plumbing renovation, users can check the position of plumbing and other objects with the software, examining the scan data of the interior and exterior of building walls.
• Measurement of tilt in furnace wall
The amount of tilt is measured periodically to assess the amount of wear-and-tear to the furnace.
• Rail measurement of ceiling crane
The Laser Scanner obtained detailed measurements of the rail quickly and safely, avoiding the risks of working at height.
• 3D documentation
The team was able to visualize data comparison results before and after a construction project took place.

Conclusion
JFE Mechanical regularly holds review meetings where results of projects are reported to the top management for evaluation. At these meetings, actual examples are shared in order to ensure customers receive the best support, and are given access to the most advanced technology available. The team at JFE Mechanical is conscious about differentiating its measurement services by providing value-added benefits (e.g. videos) using all the resources they have access to.

The company strives to “contribute to the society with the world’s best technology at all times”. In line with that corporate mission, JFE Mechanical owns several sets of FARO Laser Tracker Vantage and FARO Laser Scanner Focus3D. It is certain that the company will continue to provide high-quality measurement services to various industries with its gamut of high-tech equipment.

3D Documentation is the act of capturing accurate three-dimensional (3D) geometry and images of real objects, reproducible at a certain point in time, and saving it as an informational model. These models are digital representations of the object or environment of interest in its current, true state. While data for these models can be collected in a few ways, 3D terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) is one method that has gained much momentum in recent years. Its popularity can be attributed to technological advancement, which has made this method highly versatile and robust.

3D TLS is ideal for users who need high levels of detail and precision in their 3D models. Today’s 3D laser scanners are capable of acquiring large volumes of data at high speeds, creating high-fidelity virtual copies of reality in millimeter-accuracy in a few minutes. Users who require a non-contact form of measurement — when an object of interest cannot be touched — will also find 3D TLS useful. Some instances of “untouchables” include objects at extreme temperatures, objects of extreme plasticity or malleability, or objects of large scale (e.g. buildings, caves).

In fact, 3D TLS can be used to replace many of its predecessors, given its high-functionality, improved outcomes, and ease of use. 3D laser scanners are now designed with intuitive controls similar to digital cameras and smartphones, allowing entry-level users to access a world of possibilities that was previously thought to be too complex.

Laser Scanners of Today

Current models of 3D terrestrial laser scanners offer long range scanning capabilities, high resolution colored images, and precise measurements all rolled into one. Some boast of ergonomic designs, portability, wireless connectivity, better workflow, or ease of use. One such laser scanner that combines all these benefits into a small, compact ‘package’ for users is the FARO^® Laser Scanner Focus^3D.

Fundamentally, the Focus^3D makes use of phase shift measurement technology to measure distance. The scanner projects a beam of infrared light of varying lengths, which is reflected back to the device upon contact with an object. Using the distance measurements and the device’s rotational angle data, the angle encoders in the device calculate the object’s Cartesian coordinates in space. Several million of such 3D coordinates results in a complete 3D impression of the surroundings.

With a size of only 24 × 20 × 10cm³ and a weight of just 5.2 kg, the Focus^3D is the smallest 3D laser scanner ever built. As a standalone solution, the scanner does not require external device to operate. Data management is convenient with a Secure Digital (SD) card and secure web sharing functions. To top it off, its latest hardware update includes new sensors that simplify post-scan data processing, allowing quicker set-up and a better workflow. Packed with all these features and more, the Focus^3D is truly an industry-leading product that continues to eclipse competing models.

Uses of 3D Terrestrial Laser Scanning

3D TLS has a multitude of applications across a variety of industries. Improvements on 3D laser scanners have made them highly versatile, able to withstand both indoor and outdoor conditions.

Here is a closer look at a few of the more popular applications of 3D TLS, namely, general surveying, construction, and heritage preservation.

1) General Surveying

Land surveyors commonly utilize 3D TLS for As-Built Surveys, Monitoring Surveys, Topographic Surveys, as well as for Volume and Area Measurements. Point cloud data captured by the laser scanner is then put through the point cloud processing software, which is used to create contours and meshes, calculate volumes, and create profiles and cross-sections.

The FARO^® Laser Scanner was used in one of Beijing Institute of Surveying & Mapping’s projects, to capture as-is documentation for the Wenchuan Earthquake Memorial Park. The commemorative site was set-up after the Great Sichuan Earthquake that shook China on May 12, 2008. The team behind the memorial designed a comprehensive study using a multi-pronged approach, involving high-technology equipment in many areas.

Mr Yin Wenguang, Project Leader from Beijing Hao Yu World Mapping Technology Development Co., Ltd. shared, “We used an unmanned aerial vehicle to collect data from a bird’s eye view. And on the ground, we employed laser scanning

technology, precision control measurement technology, and close range photography to gather a wide variety of images for full digital reconstruction of the site.”

Aside from serving as a high-fidelity digital archive, the scan results were used for several other applications within the memorial — such as in the overall layout plan for the park, as a virtual tour system for an exhibit, and even as a 3D-video for tourism marketing.

When asked about his experience in the usage of FARO Laser Scanner, Yin expressed, “The scanner gave us exceptionally accurate scans in a very short amount of time. Its ease of use helped us complete the necessary surveys and generate the 3D model outputs efficiently.”

2) Construction

 Architecture and civil engineering industries utilize 3D TLS for building documentation, structural analyses and maintenance, inspection of facades, as well as construction progress monitoring. The technology has the potential to significantly empower engineers by providing details of the spatial environment in which they operate.

Aisei Ltd is a Japanese professional structural inspection company that is actively involved in the preservation of urban landscapes. The company’s work involves checking structures for possible deterioration caused by passage of time, environment, or external forces. While it may not appear impressive at first glance, Aisei plays a vital role in detecting potential dangers in important urban structures that are used by thousands of commuters daily.

In the course of their work, the team at Aisei has had to assess many bridges without an original design blueprint in hand. These documents are important especially for earthquake-resistance construction work, because crucial information such as precise dimensions and measurements of the structure are required. To overcome that, Aisei would physically take measurements of the structure using instruments such as tape measures, and manually transfer the information onto 2D blueprints. However, the task of manual measurements is risky to accomplish, and there are often inaccessible areas as well. This has posed a problem for the inspection work.

Consequently, the company decided to invest in a FARO^® Laser Scanner Focus^3D to perform measurement tasks using 3D Documentation technology. Having seen the FARO device at the 2009 Maintenance Techno Show, Aisei understood the Laser Scanner’s ability to capture point cloud information at high speeds.

With 3D laser scanning, structural dimensions can be captured easily, replacing conventional hand tools. In addition, information about any structure can be presented in 3D format. When asked about the rationale of switching to the 3D Laser Scanner, Mr. Koichi Iwasa, President of Aisei, said, “Regardless of the industry sector, we believe that the use of 3D source data will become a standard in the future. That is why we decided to introduce the Focus^3D into our workflow. We also felt that it would enhance safety and quality management, adding value to the work we are doing.”

3) Heritage Preservation

Other vocations that favor the usage of 3D TLS outdoors include historians and geographers, who may require documentation of historical sites and landforms for heritage preservation or academia purposes.

In the summer of 2013, a group of university professors, instructors, and students from the University of Hong Kong’s Faculty of Architecture and the Tsinghua University’s School of Architecture (Beijing) took a trip to research and record the unique architecture that characterizes the Miao and Dong minority tribes in Kaili city, Guizhou province, China.

To aid in the mammoth assignment of capturing data for the unique Miao structures, the research group relied on the FARO^® Laser Scanner Focus^3D, a portable high-speed 3D laser scanner, for the detailed measurement and documentation of selected structures. Over the course of a week in Kaili, the Focus^3D was employed rigorously, and yet consistently delivered accurate results that eventually contributed tremendously to the students’ learning experience.

Of particular importance to the success of the trip was the data archiving and digital information modeling of a typical traditional house, also known as ‘house on stilts’. The Miao people take pride in building, and they place great importance in the selection of an ideal spot for their homes. In general, there is a preference for sun-facing sites located either next to rolling ridges, surrounded by mountains high above cascading slopes, or by the waters with a beautiful view.

The Focus^3D was thus put to the test right away, first to scan a ‘house on stilts’. A major advantage of the scanner was its lightweight portability. With a size of only 24 × 20 × 10cm³ and a weight of 5.2kg, the Focus^3D was easy to maneuver and position, allowing the team to deploy it anywhere they required for the best scans.

Another positive factor was the device’s ease of operation. The students found it revolutionarily simple and intuitive to operate the touchscreen display on the Focus^3D. As a standalone solution, the device did not require external devices to operate. This offered the team true portability and convenience during the data acquisition process.

Overall, however, what everyone considered the best thing about utilizing the scanner was its speed and precision. The Focus^3D collects 976,000 measurement points per second at millimeter-accuracy, creating an accurate, virtual copy of reality in a matter of minutes. This allowed the team to complete a detailed scan of a Miao house with a total of 11 scanning stations in just three hours. With its high performance integrated lithium-ion battery, the Focus^3D was able to perform this scan with a single charge.

Other than benefits during data acquisition, the Focus^3D also offered the students great convenience in the later stages of their educational trip. Data was easily transferred from the device’s SD card onto the computer, where post-processing was done with proprietary software. This took the team just five to six hours for each structure they had scanned earlier. The team appreciated the fact that the Focus^3D captured photorealistic 3D color scans, which came in very useful for their post-trip design skills training and workshop in Beijing.

Apart from common applications explored earlier, manufacturers who require dimensional inspections of large, complex components, rapid prototyping, and reverse engineering of products also find the technique of 3D TLS very helpful. This group of users span across industries such as aerospace, metalworking, shipbuilding, as well as oil and gas.

Lesser-known (yet equally relevant) applications of 3D TLS include creation of 3D virtual reality for the film and gaming industries, as well as documentation and recreation of crime scenes by forensic scientists. In the unique application of crime scene investigations, the non-contact nature of 3D TLS is a crucial requirement as police departments cannot risk contaminating evidence.

As technology continues to advance, the usage of 3D TLS is expected to grow and become more widespread. FARO has been and remains committed to democratize 3D scanning, making the technique available to all who can find a use for it.

By Mr. Poh Fatt Mak, Business Line Manager (3D Documentation), Asia Pacific, FARO Technologies

Founded in 1991, FAW-Volkswagen Automotive Co., Ltd (FAW-VW) is a Chinese joint venture between FAW Group Corporation and the Volkswagen Group. The company is headquartered in Changchun, Jilin, and it has a registered capital of RMB 7.81billion (US$1.22 billion). As China’s first modern passenger sedan industrial base of considerable economic scale, FAW-VW produced more than one million vehicles in 2011 alone, with annual sales adding up to more than RMB 170 billion (US$ 26.9 billion).

FAW-VW’s sound foundations and strategies enabled the company to grow continuously. Its strong corporate culture and commitment to technological leadership are some of its key success factors. In addition, FAW-VW considers the pursuit of quality extremely important, as is evident in the safety and environmental-friendliness of FAW-VW sedans.

Maintenance of Assembly Line
Checking the Anchor Points on the Conveyor Trolley Over in its Chengdu plant, FAW-VW specializes in the production and assembly of the Jetta and Sagitar car models. A large component of the assembly line is the conveyor system on which all the vehicles are transported. Any failure in this system would effectively cripple all other departments within the facility. In order to ensure that each plant operates at its optimum, the company put in place a number of processes to minimize downtime on its shop floor.

Similar to a majority of automotive manufacturers, FAW-VW utilizes an overhead conveyor to move vehicles around the plant. The way that FAW-VW chose to avoid system failure was to specially dedicate space and staff to conduct regular maintenance on the shop floor. “It is our department’s responsibility to make sure that the all our equipment functions properly, so that production is carried out smoothly,” said Mr. Song Jiashan, Head of Assembly Shop Maintenance. “This includes making sure that different automation systems interface well with one another, enabling us to uphold our quality promise to customers.”

Mr. Song’s department plays a pivotal role in supporting plant operations. Regular inspection and alignment checks on the equipment are necessary to ensure optimal performance. Common areas of interest requiring inspection include anchor points on the cradle support structure, corresponding anchor points on the conveyor trolley, and relative distances between work piece and center axis. These measurements vary in nature, and range anywhere between 2 to 4m in length.

Traditionally, the technicians rely on hand tools such as tape measures, gauges, micrometers and spirit levels to get the job done. However, these traditional methods were not ideal in more ways than one. “To begin with, accuracy levels achieved are lower with hand tools,” shared Mr. Zhou Tingzhi, an engineer from the Assembly Shop Maintenance department. “At times, complex measurements would require several procedures, and these would accumulate large error margins. It would also take us a long time to perform the measurements and calculations manually.”

Enhancing Capabilities
FAW-VW’s measurement needs prompted the search for a better alternative to replace existing methods. In 2011, the company came into contact with FARO and found that the FaroArm® Platinum was a suitable solution for its metrology needs. The FaroArm is a portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM) that performs highly accurate measurements. Taking the form of an articulating arm, the device has multiple rotating axes, which allows maximum versatility. Data acquired by the device is then fed directly to a computer, where it can be further manipulated.

FAW-VW deploys a 12-ft FaroArm on the maintenance platform, located right next to the assembly line. Whenever a glitch occurs on the production line, the team would use the device to pinpoint the precise problem area before zooming into it. “On average, problems occur only three to five times a month,” stated Mr. Song. “While we don’t need it every day, its presence on the shop floor has made all the difference to our work, and the quality of our products.”

Since acquiring the portable CMM from FARO, FAW-VW’s inspection and alignment checks on its manufacturing systems have become much more precise and simple. This, in turn, has kept the plant operating at its best. The arm’s versatility and accuracy meant that the FAW-VW team could confidently rely on the device to meet its variety of measurement needs. Mr. Zhou revealed, “Now, equipment alignment and inspection of check fixtures can all be done with just one tool. With the FaroArm, we can now accomplish our measurement task which is having volumetric size of 4m and below, at an accuracy of up to 0.02mm. We have eliminated the possibility of human error, and greatly increased the precision levels by switching to FARO.”

Aside from precision levels, FARO also addressed FAW-VW’s concern for efficiency while performing measurements. Mr. Song stated, “Complex measurements that required several tools and procedures in the past can now be completed quickly and simply! Instead of having to make calculations manually, the software does that automatically and gives us the final figures. Being able to pre-program the measurements also saves us a lot of time.”