FARO Introduces New Generation of Best-in-Class 3D Laser Scanners and Software

DENVER, March 30, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- FARO, the world's leading provider of portable measurement and imaging systems, has announced that delivery of a new generation of 3D laser scanners will begin in the second quarter of 2009. Two new models, the FARO Laser Scanner Photon 120 and 20, both feature measuring rates of up to 960,000 points-per-second. The 120 also offers an unprecedented operating range of up to 153 meters (503ft.) making it the longest-range phase-shift laser scanner in the world. The Photon 20, in comparison, has been designed for scanning objects within a range of 20 meters. The recent innovation provides an eightfold increase in speed and a double unambiguity interval compared to the previous generation FARO offerings.

The Company also announced the upcoming release of FARO Scene V4.6, the latest version of its scan processing software, which accelerates the registration of scans by 90 percent compared to manual completion.

FARO is presenting the market's fastest 3D laser scanner and its new processing software at the SPAR 2009 conference in Denver from March 29th to April 1st. In conjunction with the new system offerings, an upgrade path from previous generation FARO laser scanners will be available to current users.

"Large imaging assignments such as 3D documentation of shop floors or buildings require hundreds of scans and a significant investment of time and resources," said Jay Freeland, FARO Chief Executive Officer. "To remain cost-effective, such large projects must be completed as quickly as possible without sacrificing quality of the output. The new Photon laser scanners greatly enhance both the productivity and quality equations for our customers."

"The long range of the Photon 120 reduces the need to reposition the device," stated Dr. Bernd Becker, Director of Laser Scanner Marketing & Product Management for FARO.

The FARO Scene V4.6 software automates registration of the data captured by the scanner, that is, its target recognition, naming and matching.

"Instead of returning to the office to manually register scans and overlay them with color, FARO Scene V4.6 allows users to complete the process on-the-spot or, overnight through batch processing," added Dr. Becker. "As a result, in an average imaging project involving 300 scans, labor input can be reduced from several days to only a few hours for end control and troubleshooting."

About Photon Laser Scanners from FARO

The FARO Photon line of phase-shift laser scanners provides a fast and simple method for 3D data capture and highly detailed measurement of large objects or environments. Application areas range from a variety of Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) functions, including as-built and as-is documentation, surveying, BIM, and asset management, through geotechnical survey, accident and forensic research, heritage, and CGI production.

About FARO

FARO (Nasdaq: FARO) develops and markets computer-aided coordinate measurement devices and software. Portable equipment from FARO permits high-precision 3-D measurement and comparison of parts and compound structures within production and quality assurance processes. The devices are used for inspecting components and assemblies, production planning, inventory documentation as well as for investigation and reconstruction of accident sites or crime scenes. They are also employed to generate digital scans of historic sites.

Worldwide, approximately 8,600 customers are operating more than 18,000 installations of FARO's systems. The company's global headquarter is located in Lake Mary, Florida, its European head office in Korntal-Munchingen near Stuttgart (Germany). FARO has branches in Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Italy, Japan, Korea, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey and the UK.

Further information: www.faro.com

SOURCE FARO

http://www.faro.com