FARO's New TrackArm Extends 'Measure Anywhere' Capability

LAKE MARY, Fla., Dec. 14 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- FARO Technologies, Inc., the world's single source for a complete line of portable CAM2 solutions, has released the TrackArm: two of its top-selling portable coordinate measuring machines (PCMMs) in a single package that operate together seamlessly thanks, in part, to a specially designed laser target assembly. The FARO TrackArm unites the FARO Laser Tracker, which has a range of up to 230 feet, with the Platinum FaroArm -- the original and only long- reach, six-degree-of-freedom probe on the market.

Both systems share the same CAM2 Measure X software (on the same PC or separately), so all of the data is easily accessible.

"Combining these two technologies creates an immediate R.O.I.," FARO Co- Founder and CEO Simon Raab said. "A manufacturer can use the FARO Laser Tracker for all of their large volume, 3-D measurement applications. Then they can then use the Platinum FaroArm's six degrees of freedom to reach the hidden points that all other tracker systems miss. That means they have the ability to measure anything, any size, anywhere -- simultaneously -- but now with no line-of-sight limitations, and all on the same software interface."

In seconds, the FARO TrackArm can switch from the Tracker to the Arm, enabling the Platinum FaroArm's six degrees of freedom to reach the hidden points that are out of the Laser Tracker's line of sight -- even around corners and inside. The big benefit of TrackArm technology is that the user no longer has to go through the lengthy process of establishing reference points. This is accomplished in part by having a dedicated laser target mounted on the Platinum FaroArm. The CAM2 Measure X software provides a simple user interface to quickly and easily switch back and forth between the Tracker and Arm.

Perhaps best of all, it can also be used separately as two stand-alone portable CMMs, yet sells for $10,000 less than the cost of purchasing the technology separately, regardless of the FaroArm's size.

"Working together or apart, the TrackArm is a great value and will boost measurement efficiency on the shop floor," FARO President and COO Jay Freeland said. "It enables users to inspect, reverse engineer or perform CAD-to-Part- analysis with greater ease than ever before."

The TrackArm is available as a complete system (Laser Control Station, FaroArm and TrackArm Kit), or current USB FaroArm or FARO Laser Tracker users can order the TrackArm Upgrade to enable the two portable CMMs to work together.

About FARO

With more than 9,100 installations and 4,100 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 3-D 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 TrackArm; 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.

SOURCE  FARO Technologies, Inc.
    -0-                             12/14/2005
    /CONTACT:  Darin Sahler, Global PR Manager of FARO Technologies, Inc.,
sahlerd@faro.com, or +1-407-333-9911/
    /Web site:  http://www.faro.com/
    (FARO)

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

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7114 12/14/2005 16:10 EST http://www.prnewswire.com