FARO Introduces World's Most Accurate Large Volume Laser Tracker

LAKE MARY, Fla., Sept 22, 2009 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- FARO Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: FARO), the world's leading provider of portable measurement and imaging solutions, announced today the release of their latest 3D measurement system, the FARO Laser Tracker ION(TM).

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090922/FL76690)

The FARO Laser Tracker ION is the most advanced, state-of-the-art FARO Laser Tracker ever introduced. It is the most accurate laser tracker available based on the most common types of measurement applications. It also features a longer measurement range, lighter weight, and contains the fastest, most sophisticated distance measuring system: Agile Absolute Distance Meter (aADM).

Specifically, the ION has improved the volumetric accuracy by 27% over the previous model to .002" (.049mm) at 33 feet (10 meters). The measurement diameter range has been extended 36% to 361 feet (110 meters), and the weight has decreased 12% to 39lbs (17.7kg).

"At FARO, our goal is to continuously provide advanced solutions that empower our customers," stated Jay Freeland, FARO Chief Executive Officer. "It is more than just offering new products, but focusing on a long-term partnership that enables their products and processes to be the best in the world. In today's economic climate, having a measurement instrument that can produce results you can be confident in, while reducing costly rework and streamlining processes is extremely important. The ION will help our customers drive the innovation that is necessary for them to remain competitive."

A patented feature available exclusively in the ION is Agile ADM. "Agile ADM represents the latest advancement in Absolute Distance Meter (ADM) technology," said Ken Steffey, FARO Director of Product Management - Tracker Products. "The ION is the only ADM system on the market that is fast enough to allow for high density scanning without relying on an interferometer (IFM). This system is much more simplified than the technology used in other laser trackers - with Agile ADM there is no need to switch between ADM and IFM-based systems."

Replacing conventional tools such as tape measures, piano wire, plumb bobs, and theodolites - customers have come to know FARO Laser Trackers for their use in applications such as alignment, machine installation, component inspection, tool building and setup, and reverse engineering. Companies of all sizes rapidly see the benefits of implementing this tool and realize a complete return on their investment.

Be the first to see the Laser Tracker ION at the Quality Expo in Rosemont (near Chicago), IL, at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center on September 22-24, 2009. FARO will hold a press conference in booth #5125 at 1:00pm on September 22 to demonstrate the product and answer any questions.

About FARO

FARO develops and markets computer-aided coordinate measurement devices and software. Portable equipment from FARO permits high-precision 3D 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 9,200 customers are operating more than 19,600 installations of FARO's systems. The company's global headquarters is located in Lake Mary, Florida, with its European head office in Stuttgart, Germany and its Asia/Pacific head office in Singapore. FARO has branch locations in Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Netherlands, India, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan.

SOURCE FARO Technologies, Inc.


  
      
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: Statements in this press release regarding FARO Technologies Inc's business which are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report or Form 10-K for the most recently ended fiscal year.