FARO: 8-Axis Max Scanning & Probing

When people think of the classical or cartesian axes, they think of X, Y, and Z: horizontal, vertical, and depth, or backward/forward motion... In metrology, axes refer to something else.

On a measurement arm like the Faro Quantum Max ScanArm or the Quantum Max FaroArm Series, an axis refers to an articulation point, or a range of movement akin to a human arm.

Original Source - FARO Technologies

The ABCs of Axes

To perform probing (contact-based) with an arm and to allow it to move around the part to be measured with complete freedom, requires six axes. Laser scanning (non-contact) requires a seventh access, so that the laser line probe can be maneuvered.

The coveted 8th axis, as its name suggests, is what the FARO 8-Axis Max is all about.

Spin me Right Round

The arm accessory is a standalone patent-protected metrology-grade turntable which lets users scan large parts and objects by rotating them on an integrated eighth axis. Combined with built in encoders and sophisticated software, the arm and 8-Axis Max essentially communicate with one another in real time, solving multidimensional trigonometry problems, relying on the angles measured by the encoders built into the 8-Axis Max and the length of each piece of the measurement arm.

Big Benefits mean Big Business

This added dimensional accuracy provides a variety of benefits.

• For starters, scanning with 8-Axis Max means increased speed; 40% faster scan times thanks to greater arm access and improved ergonomics.
• Second, and this is significant, it eliminates the need for “leapfrogging”. Ask any manufacturer and they will tell you what a pain point this can be.
  
  

From Leapfrogging Around to 8-Axis Max Ease

For the uninitiated, “leapfrogging,” or more technically, the “leapfrog alignment technique,” enables the movement of a portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM) to measure parts beyond the reach of its current location. It involves measuring a series of features, then moving the machine and re-measuring the same features in the same order.

As might be anticipated, performing a leapfrog alignment is a high-risk, high-reward endeavor. Done right and you'll have accurate measurements of the part/s you wish to measure. Done wrong (which is to say, anything less than perfect) and alignment errors will be introduced into whatever you're trying to measure. It is also a time-consuming task.

Incremental Gains, Increased Inspection and Quality Assurance

Big gains aren't the only benefit to owning an 8-Axis Max. Gains are also realised in small, cumulative ways. By gaining a natural extension of your existing arm's capabilities, users will also be able to complete part inspection and quality assurance tasks. And they will do so faster, and more accurately than they could otherwise achieve - all without placing targets.

Eliminate Dents, Dings, and Damage

By not having to physically move a part you'll also:

• Enhance your ability to measure parts up to 220 lbs (100 kg) since weights like this are difficult to move in the first place, possibly risking operator injury
• Reduce risk of damage to delicate objects (no banging into walls, tables, equipment, etc.)
• Improve your ability to measure small to medium-sized parts with irregular geometries
• Save time since you won't have to reposition the part and instead can rely on the rotating plate in the same coordinate system.
  
  

Time to Measure Up

The bottom line? If you're looking to maximise your ability to measure hard-to-reach angles on parts and achieve significant inspection and quality assurance gains in the process, the 8-Axis Max is the ideal solution.

Compatible with a FARO arm like the FARO Edge, FARO Design ScanArm, FARO Quantum, FARO Gage Max and FARO Quantum Max products, users who make the upgrade from their existing FARO arms will see an immediate improvement in their PCMM scanning and probing technique.

The 8-Axis Max might only be an accessory to your FARO PCMM. But in (many) more ways than one, it is a significant task multiplier and efficiency driver. Compact, lightweight, and easy to use, the 8-Axis Max truly is an industry first. And it's poised to transform how you measure small to medium-sized parts, now and in the future - so much so that it'll leave your head spinning.

To learn more about the FARO 8-Axis Max and to see this pint-sized powerhouse in action, watch the video above featuring FARO's Will Pitarello, a Senior Application Specialist, as he walks viewers through its varied applications and use cases and consult one of our experts.