The FARO Arm represents the cutting edge of portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM) technology, offering unprecedented precision, versatility, and efficiency for manufacturing quality control. At Quadrant Precision Engineering, our recent investment in this advanced metrology system is transforming how we approach measurement, inspection, and validation across our precision engineering services.
For manufacturers seeking the highest standards of dimensional accuracy and quality assurance, understanding the capabilities of the FARO Arm technology is essential. This comprehensive guide explores what the FARO Arm is, how it works, and the significant advantages it offers for modern manufacturing operations.
The FARO Arm is a portable coordinate measuring machine that combines tactile probing with non-contact laser scanning capabilities. Unlike traditional fixed CMMs that require components to be brought to the machine, the FARO Arm’s portability allows measurements to be taken directly on the shop floor, at assembly stations, or even at client facilities.
Key technical specifications of our FARO Arm include:
The system’s articulated arm design mimics the movement of a human arm, allowing operators to access difficult-to-reach features and measure components from multiple angles with ease.
When manufacturing new components, first article inspection is critical for validating that production processes are correctly set up. The FARO Arm enables comprehensive dimensional verification against CAD models, generating detailed inspection reports that identify any deviations before full production begins.
This capability is particularly valuable for aerospace and medical device manufacturers, where rigorous documentation of first article inspection is a regulatory requirement.
Rather than waiting until the end of production, the FARO Arm allows for in-process verification during manufacturing. This means potential issues can be identified and corrected immediately, reducing scrap rates and improving overall quality.
The system’s portability means it can be brought directly to the machine tool, enabling verification while components are still fixtured—saving time and ensuring accuracy.
For legacy components with no existing CAD models, the FARO Arm’s scanning capabilities enable precise digitisation of physical parts. The resulting 3D model can then be used to:
This capability is invaluable for maintenance, repair, and overhaul operations where original design documentation may no longer exist.
The FARO Arm enables direct comparison between finished components and their original CAD models. The system generates colour-coded deviation maps that visually highlight areas where the physical part differs from the design intent.
This visual feedback makes it immediately obvious where adjustments are needed, streamlining the iterative process of achieving perfect dimensional accuracy.
Manufacturing tooling, jigs, and fixtures must be precisely manufactured to ensure consistent production quality. The FARO Arm enables regular verification of these tools, ensuring they remain within tolerance despite wear and tear from regular use.
Traditional measurement tools struggle with complex contoured surfaces, undercuts, and internal features. The FARO Arm’s articulation and range of probe options make it ideal for measuring these challenging geometries, particularly in aerospace components, medical implants, and automotive parts.
Perhaps the most significant advantage of the FARO Arm is its portability. Our team can now offer on-site measurement services at customer facilities, meaning large assemblies don’t need to be transported for inspection, and approval processes can be completed with the client present.
Investing in FARO Arm technology delivers measurable benefits across manufacturing operations:
Compared to traditional measurement methods, the FARO Arm can reduce inspection time by up to 50%. The system’s ability to capture thousands of data points quickly means even complex components can be fully verified in a fraction of the time required by conventional techniques.
By enabling comprehensive inspection earlier in the production process, the FARO Arm helps identify and address issues before they become costly problems. This preventative approach significantly improves first-time quality rates and reduces rework.
In regulated industries like aerospace, medical, and automotive, comprehensive documentation is essential. The FARO Arm generates detailed inspection reports automatically, creating a digital record that supports traceability requirements and simplifies regulatory compliance.
Early detection of non-conformities means fewer components are scrapped during production. For manufacturers working with expensive materials like titanium or Inconel, this waste reduction represents significant cost savings.
The precision and efficiency enabled by the FARO Arm allow us to offer tighter tolerances, faster turnaround times, and more comprehensive quality assurance—all critical factors in today’s competitive manufacturing landscape.
In aerospace, safety is paramount, and tolerances are exceptionally tight. The FARO Arm’s ability to measure complex geometries with micron-level accuracy makes it ideal for inspecting turbine blades, structural components, and precision assemblies.
Automotive manufacturers benefit from the FARO Arm’s ability to measure large components like body panels as well as precision engine parts. The system’s versatility makes it particularly valuable for prototype verification and production quality control.
Medical implants and devices require exceptional precision and comprehensive documentation. The FARO Arm delivers both, ensuring patient safety through rigorous dimensional verification and generating the detailed reports required for regulatory compliance.
From wind turbine components to oil and gas equipment, the energy sector relies on precision-engineered parts that must perform reliably in challenging environments. The FARO Arm’s measurement capabilities help ensure these critical components meet their exacting specifications.
At Quadrant Precision Engineering, our investment in FARO Arm technology represents our commitment to delivering the highest standards of precision and quality. This advanced measurement system enables us to offer enhanced capabilities to our clients across aerospace, automotive, medical, and industrial sectors.
For manufacturers seeking to improve quality, reduce waste, and streamline production processes, the capabilities offered by the FARO Arm represent a significant competitive advantage. As British manufacturing continues to focus on high-value, precision-engineered components, advanced metrology tools like the FARO Arm will play an increasingly critical role in ensuring our industry remains globally competitive.
Whether you’re looking to validate complex components, reverse engineer legacy parts, or improve your quality assurance processes, our FARO Arm capabilities can help you achieve new levels of precision and efficiency. Contact our metrology team today to discuss how this technology can support your manufacturing challenges.
Quadrant Precision Engineering specialises in high-precision manufacturing and quality assurance services for demanding applications across aerospace, automotive, medical, and industrial sectors. Our investment in FARO Arm technology underscores our commitment to delivering exceptional quality and precision for our clients’ most challenging engineering requirements.