FARO Prime Portable Coordinate Measuring Arm Rental Service

Overview

The FARO Prime Portable Coordinate Measuring Arm (CMM) Rental Service provides industrial metrology professionals with on-demand access to a high-accuracy, field-deployable 3D measurement platform—without capital expenditure or long-term commitment. Engineered for precision dimensional verification and reverse engineering, the FARO Prime operates on a kinematic six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) articulated arm architecture, utilizing absolute rotary encoders and real-time temperature-compensated kinematic modeling to deliver traceable spatial measurements in uncontrolled environments. Its core measurement principle relies on deterministic geometric calibration of joint angles, combined with proprietary thermal drift compensation algorithms and multi-sensor fusion (integrated humidity/temperature sensors), enabling compliance with ISO 10360-2 performance verification standards for portable CMMs. Designed for mission-critical applications where portability, repeatability, and rapid deployment are essential—such as shop-floor GD&T validation, tooling inspection, and as-built vs. CAD comparison—the Prime rental service supports both ad-hoc verification tasks and structured quality assurance workflows across regulated manufacturing sectors.

Key Features

• Lightweight carbon-fiber construction (≈9 kg), optimized for ergonomic operation and transport without dedicated staging
• Measurement volume options from 1.2 m to 3.7 m reach, extendable via modular arm segments and articulating probe extensions
• Single-point accuracy up to ±5 µm (Platinum Series configuration); volumetric length accuracy up to ±18 µm per ISO 10360-2 Annex A
• Integrated rechargeable Li-ion battery supporting continuous 7-hour operation; USB-C hot-pluggable interface for real-time data streaming
• FARO CAM2 Measure software suite included: full GD&T evaluation (form, orientation, location, runout), curve/surface scanning (multi-section & single-line modes), pipe measurement module (no add-on hardware required), and SPC reporting with histogram, control chart, and capability index (Cp/Cpk) generation
• On-arm tactile probe interchange system: standardized ball/cone calibration in <60 seconds; support for custom probe configurations with automated requalification
• Patented internal counterbalance mechanism ensuring zero-gravity feel across all orientations and eliminating positional bias in overhead or inverted measurements

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The FARO Prime is compatible with metallic, composite, and thermoplastic components ranging from small machined fittings (<50 mm) to large-scale assemblies (e.g., aircraft wing ribs, turbine casings). It accommodates surface finishes from polished stainless steel to sand-cast aluminum, with tactile probing optimized for Ra values between 0.4 µm and 12.5 µm. All rented units undergo pre-delivery verification per ASTM E29 guidelines for significant figures and rounding in measurement reporting, and include full calibration certificates traceable to NIST or PTB standards. Rental packages support audit readiness for FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (electronic records/signatures), ISO 9001:2015, and AS9100D through optional secure software licensing, audit trail logging, and user-access-controlled calibration history archives.

Software & Data Management

CAM2 Measure v6.x (or latest supported version) is provided under concurrent rental license, featuring native import/export for STEP AP214, IGES, STL, and native CAD formats (SolidWorks, CATIA, NX). Measurement programs can be authored offline using Learning Mode—allowing operators to record manual motions and convert them into repeatable, parameterized inspection routines. All datasets are stored in encrypted SQLite databases with timestamped operator ID, environmental metadata (temperature/humidity), and full revision history. Optional cloud sync enables centralized review via CAM2 Cloud Portal, with role-based permissions and automated PDF report generation compliant with ISO/IEC 17025 documentation requirements.

Applications

• Automotive: Body-in-white dimensional analysis, fixture validation, weld gap/flushness assessment
• Aerospace: Turbine blade profile scanning, wing spar alignment verification, composite layup conformity checks
• Energy: Steam turbine rotor runout measurement, generator stator geometry mapping, pipe spool QA during offshore module assembly
• Tooling & Molds: Wear analysis of injection molds, cavity depth profiling, electrode inspection for EDM processes
• Heavy Machinery: Gearbox housing bore alignment, crankshaft journal roundness, hydraulic cylinder barrel straightness
• Medical Device Manufacturing: Orthopedic implant fit-check against master CAD, surgical guide dimensional release testing

FAQ

Is the FARO Prime rental unit calibrated before dispatch?

Yes. Each unit undergoes full volumetric performance verification per ISO 10360-2 prior to shipment, accompanied by a certificate of calibration traceable to national metrology institutes.
Can I use my existing CAM2 license with the rented arm?

No—rental units include time-bound, hardware-locked CAM2 licenses valid only for the rental duration. Offline programming remains accessible via Learning Mode.
Do you provide on-site measurement engineering support?

Yes. Certified FARO Application Engineers are available for short-term deployment (1–5 days) to conduct first-article inspections, train staff, or validate complex GD&T callouts.
What happens if the arm requires maintenance during the rental period?

All rentals include complimentary technical support and next-business-day replacement in case of verified hardware failure—subject to FARO’s global service network coverage.
Are measurement reports generated in compliance with ISO/IEC 17025?

Raw data export complies fully; formal accreditation requires integration with an accredited lab’s QMS. We provide templates and metadata fields aligned with ISO/IEC 17025 clause 7.8 requirements.