FARO's CAM2 Measure X1: the Fastest Software for Large CAD Files

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LAKE MARY, Fla., June 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- FARO Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: FARO), the only company with a complete line of portable 3D coordinate measurement systems for the Computer-Aided Measuring (CAM2) market, announced it has released CAM2 Measure X1 -- an entirely new software that continues FARO's commitment to set new standards in CAD-based measurement.

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"X1 lets users load and render very large files faster than any other program -- regardless of the system," FARO Software Product Manager Ken Steffey said. "One of the files tested was 551 MB. CAM2 X1 opened it in only five seconds and took just five seconds to render it. Other CAD programs would take 15 minutes or more to open and render a file that large."

The core technology that enables CAM2 X1 to accomplish this feat is a patent-pending graphics/CAD engine. Although details are proprietary, the Company divulged that the software engine allows multiple measurement files to refer to single CAD file, instead of each file containing all of the CAD part data. Moreover, because it loads and manages the assemblies more efficiently, the huge gains in processing time aren't limited by a computer's processor speed.

"Our research revealed that despite the number of software programs out there, there wasn't a single program that could handle the very large CAD files typical in our target markets, handle them quickly, while also being easy to use," FARO CEO Simon Raab said. "CAM2 Measure X1 is the only software that masters all three criteria."

The superior file-handling capability also empowers CAM2 Measure X1 users to deal with entire CAD files, rather than slicing them up into separate, more manageable sections. They can easily measure and draw 3D parts or components without having to wait for the software to open or render the complete file, thus allowing them to significantly increase their productivity and efficiency.

CAM2 Measure X1 has added versatility thanks to its advanced CAD Translator that supports more formats than ever, including IGES, VDA, CATIA(R) v4 and v5, Unigraphics, Parasolid, SolidWorks, Solid Edge, ProE, Inventor and OpenNURBS.

Other noteworthy new features are:

* On-Screen Labels provide more action-ready ready data by allowing users to review results on-screen without picking a specific feature

* Feature Constraints set certain parameters for feature calculation resulting in more precise arc measurement during large volume applications

* The 3-2-1 Coordinate System options have been expanded to enable users to set the primary axis on a cylinder or bore, not just a plane as in previous versions

* Enhanced Layer Management simplifies organizing measured and nominal data

* Custom Tool Macros maximize efficiency by allowing users to easily and conveniently program their own specialized commands for repeat measurements -- without complicated constructions.

"This advanced software adds to CAM2 Measure's core capabilities and strengths without sacrificing it's ease-of-use -- and that's crucial," FARO President Jay Freeland said. "If you can't remember how to use your measurement software, is it really that powerful?"

CAM2 Measure X1 has been translated and released in eight different languages to support FARO's worldwide customer base. The Company will continue to support its previous line of CAM2 software, as well.

About FARO

With more than 7,500 installations and 3,800 customers globally, FARO Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: FARO) and its international subsidiaries design, develop, and market software and portable, computerized measurement devices. The Company's products allow manufacturers to perform 3D inspections of parts and assemblies on the shop floor. This helps eliminate manufacturing errors, and thereby increases productivity and profitability for a variety of industries in FARO's worldwide customer base. Principal products include the FARO Laser ScanArm; FARO Laser Scanner LS; FARO Gage and Gage-PLUS; Platinum, Digital Template, Titanium, Advantage FaroArms; the FARO Laser Tracker X and Xi; and the CAM2 family of advanced CAD-based measurement and reporting software. FARO Technologies is ISO 9001 certified and ISO-17025 laboratory registered. Learn more at http://www.faro.com .

SOURCE  FARO Technologies, Inc.
    -0-                             06/21/2005
    /EDITORS' ADVISORY: Images available at
http://www.faro.com/Newsroom/Image_Gallery.asp /
    /CONTACT:  Darin Sahler, Global Public Relations Officer, FARO,
+1-407-333-9911, or sahlerd@faro.com/
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              AP Archive:  http://photoarchive.ap.org
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    /Web site:  http://www.faro.com /
    (FARO)

CO:  FARO Technologies, Inc.
ST:  Florida
IN:  AUT MAC STW CPR
SU:  PDT

AC-DS
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1485 06/21/2005 12:30 EDT http://www.prnewswire.com

"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.