Advances in 3D laser scanning

Asia’s metalworking industry, along with many other industries around the globe, is capturing 3D measurements and documentation without coming into contact with the objects measured. FARO, a provider of portable measurement and imaging systems, announces its latest 3D laser scanner, FARO Focus3D, for detailed measurement and documentation. The new multi-sensor hardware feature includes the compass and height sensor, which complement the existing dual axis compensator for the FARO Focus3D. The two new sensors deliver the orientation and the relative height against a set starting point for each scan. They significantly improve the automatic registration process, minimizing manual effort in post processing.

“At FARO, we firmly believe that Asia’s metalworking industry will continue to see movement towards non-contact 3D measurement and documentation. In the beginning, parts, objects, material, equipment, and even buildings had to be ‘touched’ to capture simple two-dimensional data and information. The metalworking industry then moved on to capture 3D data and information with similar tactile measurement techniques. 3D capabilities opened plenty of opportunities for the industry, including better specifications and higher quality product,” said Mr. Rodney Chaffee, Head of Sales, Faro Asia-Pacific.

Helpful features
With the WLAN remote control, the FARO Focus3D presents a very helpful new feature which allows users to start, stop, view or download scans remotely. Examples include scanning from difficult to reach positions like high posts, inside tanks, or sewage canals. Moreover, the FARO Focus3D can now be equipped with three new adapters useful for specific applications. The Automation Adapter allows the Focus3D to be mounted on any support like a fixed post, robot arm and rail; the Helical Adapter for mobile scanning builds on the automation adapter, but adds two pins to fix the scanner body in a stable position, suitable for the roughest rides that may be encountered in mobile scanning; finally the TMS-adapter has been developed especially for surveying in super-fast tunnelling applications.

SCENE WebShare 4.9, FARO’s Internet sharing browser, will provide measurement tools and added information via Documentation Objects. Scans shared using the WebShare functionality can be directly analysed on the browser. in the overview map it is possible to accurately measure distances and surfaces, while in the panorama view of the software you can easily measure distances between points.

“The use of 3D scanning technology is the way everyone in the metalworking industry will document objects - parts, equipment, material, and even the entire factory - both now, and in time to come. The technology is becoming easier to use, smaller in form, and more affordable. The combination of these three factors enables every member of Asia’s metalworking industry to enjoy the benefits of noncontact, 3D measurement and documentation.”

Growth in Asia
FARO sees growth in every area in Asia. “Product advances like FARO Focus3D will continue to drive Asia’s metalworking industry to non-contact 3D measurement and documentation,” said Chaffee. “In developed markets, such as Japan, we are leveraging and benefiting from the market’s position of high quality and high efficiency manufacturing. Developed markets must continue to improve efficiency and produce desirable, high quality products to compete with the lower cost markets like China, India, and Thailand.

Our solutions help these markets produce the best products at very high efficiencies. In semi-developed markets, like China, we are enjoying the new opportunities, as well as continuing to penetrate the market that has existed for years. As costs and competition in these markets increase, quality and efficiency must improve. FARO can apply the knowledge and experience gained from developed markets to help our cusAir Jordan XVIII 18