FARO | Charting New Waters

How FARO Leap ST is Revolutionizing Marine Applications with 3D Scanning

Charting New Waters: How FARO Leap ST is Revolutionizing Marine Applications with 3D Scanning
FARO Technologies, a long-standing leader in 3D metrology, has cast its net into a new area with the launch of the FARO Leap ST.

This cutting-edge handheld scanner isn't just another addition to their impressive portfolio; it's a game-changer with the potential to significantly impact the marine industry, where precision, efficiency, and adaptability are paramount. By offering a complete range of portable 3D metrology devices, FARO is solidifying its position as a go-to solution provider for marine professionals seeking to optimize their workflows.

The launch of the Leap ST is perfectly timed, coinciding with an update to FARO's CAM2® Software. This powerful combination offers a streamlined and effective way to scan and analyze marine components, from intricate engine parts to large hull sections. Peter J. Lau, FARO's President & CEO, aptly stated, "Leap ST underscores our dedication to the manufacturing sector and 3D metrology, the backbone of FARO Technologies for over 40 years. Along with our updated CAM2 software, we’re confident that Leap ST will significantly impact our customers and the wider industry." And indeed, the marine industry stands to gain immensely from this technological leap forward.

Navigating Complex Geometries with Five Powerful Modes:

The FARO Leap ST isn't a one-trick pony. It boasts five distinct operating modes, making it incredibly versatile for the diverse challenges faced in marine applications:

• Ultra-fast Scanning: Ideal for quickly capturing the overall shape of larger components like boat hulls or decks, significantly reducing inspection time.
• Hyperfine Scanning: Perfect for intricate details on engine blocks, propellers, or custom fittings where high precision is crucial for performance and reliability.
• Deep Hole Scanning: A game-changer for inspecting internal features of pipes, manifolds, or complex engine components, ensuring proper tolerances and preventing potential failures.
• Large Area Scanning: Effortlessly capture the geometry of entire boat sections or large molds, providing a comprehensive digital record for design, repair, or modification.
• Photogrammetry: Enables high-accuracy measurements of even the largest vessels or structures, overcoming the limitations of traditional methods and ensuring dimensional accuracy across the board.

As a metrology-grade tool, the Leap ST delivers the accuracy and reliability that the marine industry demands for quality control, reverse engineering, and ensuring the safety and performance of vessels. Its compact and portable design makes it ideal for use both in the workshop and on-site, whether you're inspecting a newly built yacht or assessing damage to a ship in drydock.

CAM2 Software: Charting a Course for Efficiency:

The updated CAM2 software further enhances the value proposition for marine applications. With five tailored versions, CAM2 now offers specific solutions for scanning devices, probing devices, and even a hybrid approach utilizing tools like the FaroArm with laser line probes. This flexibility allows marine professionals to choose the configuration that best suits their specific needs, whether they're focused on scanning intricate parts or probing large structures. The unification of FARO data within CAM2 streamlines the workflow, creating a cohesive and connected system that simplifies analysis and reporting.

Real-World Impact on the Water:

Just as RFK Racing, a NASCAR champion, recognized the transformative potential of the Leap ST for their manufacturing processes, the marine industry can expect similar benefits. Imagine:

• Precise Hull Inspections: Quickly and accurately assess the condition of a hull, identifying areas needing repair or maintenance with unprecedented detail.
• Reverse Engineering Legacy Parts: Recreate obsolete or hard-to-find components for classic boats or specialized vessels, saving time and money on custom fabrication.
• Optimizing Hydrodynamic Performance: Scan and analyze hull shapes to fine-tune designs for improved efficiency and speed.
• Quality Control in Shipbuilding: Ensure that components and assemblies meet stringent tolerances during the manufacturing process, guaranteeing the safety and reliability of new vessels.
• Customizing Interiors and Fittings: Accurately measure spaces for custom cabinetry, seating, or other interior elements, ensuring a perfect fit and reducing rework.

Setting Sail Towards a More Efficient Future:

The FARO Leap ST, coupled with the updated CAM2 software, represents a significant step forward for the marine industry. By democratizing access to high-precision 3D scanning technology and offering versatile tools tailored to the unique challenges of the maritime world, FARO is empowering marine professionals to work smarter, faster, and with greater accuracy. As the industry continues to embrace digital solutions, the Leap ST is poised to become an indispensable tool for shipbuilders, repair facilities, naval architects, and marine engineers alike, charting a course towards a more efficient and innovative future on the water.