05/09/07: gf laser continues expansion with purchase of Faro Laser Scanning Arm

gf laser, has expanded its wide range of services with the launch of a 3D laser scanning service. This investment continues the commitment of gf laser’s parent company, Primat, to continually invest in new technology in subsidiary companies.

The FARO ScanArm, a market leader in laser scanning, has three main areas which it is designed to operate within:

Reverse Engineering: CAD can be produced from existing components more efficiently than traditional touch digitising systems. This reduces product development time as well as simplifying the process of design changes in the latter stages of development.

Inspection: Components can be scanned and then compared with original CAD to ensure measurements and tolerances meet original specifications.

Rapid Prototyping: Prototype or sample parts that have been hand made can be scanned to produce accurate CAD Models in order to reduce production times.

The technology is available to customers as part of an overall  engineering project or as a stand alone facility.

The Managing Director of Primat, John Hickman, commented that “We have undertaken numerous projects where customers have  components without CAD, although our existing facilities allowed us to digitise, the FARO ScanArm is far more efficient. This significant purchase also reinforces our commitment to the recently acquired aerospace quality approval. I believe that all customers will benefit from improved levels of service.”

Eugene Richer, Account Manager for FARO, is convinced that the use of the FARO Laser ScanArm will lead to quality improvements and lead time reductions for gf laser, “The ScanArm's seventh axis affords further flexibility and has been designed for the integration of the laser line scanning probe. The extra degree of freedom allows optimum scanner positioning to obtain the best possible data. This extraordinary flexibility and the pistol grip also offer advantages with non scanning probes. This makes the ScanArm ideal for non-contact measurement applications, including inspection, cloud-to-CAD comparison, rapid prototyping, reverse engineering and 3-D modeling. It directly interfaces to the industry’s leading point-cloud inspection and reverse-engineering softwares.”