quality
Faro, specialist in portable computeraided
measurement hardware and
software, has released its all-new
metrology software CAM2 Q.
User in
control
‘SIMPLY put, we’ve advanced the
functionality and training while making it
even more intuitive for any user,’ says Faro
President and CEO Jay Freeland. ‘Whether they
are a seasoned metrology pro or using our
portable CMMs for the first time, CAM2 Q
puts the user in control.’
CAM2 Q has been built from the ground up
with a best-of-breed CAD translator and the
Parasolid CAD engine. But according to
Antonio Carvalho, Faro’s Director of Software
Engineering, the most impressive facets of
CAM2 Q are not features of the software, but
are ‘the core design aspects and user benefits -
freedom, efficiency and simplicity - in perfect
balance, resulting in new software that’s in a
class of its own.’
CAM2 Q can easily change/convert between
different measurement units (inches, mm,
microns, angstroms, etc.) or coordinate systems
(cylindrical, polar, Cartesian, etc.) at any time
without re-measuring. There are no limits to
the number of units the user can define. The
all-new user interface is fully customisable, so
users can create a work environment that best
meets their needs. Place windows and toolbar
layouts based on the priorities of the project -
not a preset format - and the software saves
multiple users’ choices. And unlike other
measurement software, CAM2 Q can add,
change or measure features at any time - in any
A GTMA questionnaire regarding the state of business within its
metrology members has revealed some interesting trends.
GTMA metrology survey shows
export upturn
THERE has been an improvement across a wide range of business parameters,
with above average growth in export orders and sales, leading to increased
investment in capital equipment and in staff numbers to meet the rise in
demand. In fact, the only area for concern which could affect this expansion is
the current shortage of skilled staff in the sector. The survey confirms that topend,
precision business is starting to return to the UK and also that overseas
competitors are being forced to improve their measurement and quality facilities
in order to meet the market needs. www.gtma.co.uk
The all-new user
interface is fully
customisable, so
users can create a
work environment
that best meets
their needs.
order - so the project can flow logically as the
task demands, without being restricted to a
preset order of operation. It also has a new,
versatile reporting engine that creates
customized reports in various formats,
including Microsoft Word and Excel, HTML,
and PDF.
CAM2 Q can eliminate the need to move the
device when measuring large parts, because
multiple users can now measure with multiple
FaroArms and FARO Laser Trackers
simultaneously - even on the same location.
Also, every measured point can be viewed,
deleted, or re-measured. Users don’t have to
start over if new features are added to a
prototype.
The software also simplifies setup, training,
usability and programming. Whereas other
software can involve lengthy setup procedures,
CAM2 Q can be installed and ready to measure
with Faro hardware right out of the box. It’s
also the easiest measurement programme to
learn because the software and training were
developed simultaneously. ‘We focused on
learning, as opposed to just training,’ says
Carvalho. Rather than just showing how the
features work and expecting users to figure out
how to apply it, we teach them how to solve
their specific metrology problems.’ In addition,
the new intuitive user interface reduces the
learning curve and measurement time for
90 MWP march 2008
“The survey shows a resurgence
of orders among our metrology
members to supply high grade
measuring instrumentation and
systems, supporting the UK
precision equipment being
shipped to overseas operations,
assisting them in the drive for
better quality products.”
inexperienced users. It also allows them to
complete the job in the fewest number of
mouse clicks possible. Users can quickly create,
edit and run programmes in the same window
rather than opening a new application or
separate screen. Also, CAM2 Q allows
programmers to plan and record
measurement/operation sequences that the
software then programs as easy-to-follow, onscreen
instructions for other users.
CAM2 Q eliminates the lag time between
measuring and reporting that is common with
other metrology software. When a feature is
measured, users can instantly see exact
dimensions and geometric properties. The
easy-to-read reports allow production decisions
to be made immediately. It also incorporates
market-leading CAD translators, as well as
NIST- and PTB-certified fitting routines,
which certify that its geometry calculations are
accurate to 0.0005mm - 500 times smaller than
the width of a human hair. ‘CAM2 Q’s unique
combination of power and simplicity provides
a confidence-inspiring user experience with
our portable CMMs,’ observes Freeland. ‘No
other software/hardware package in the
industry simplifies measurement while
providing so much capability. The end result
for our customers: better products, more costeffective
processes, and a competitive
advantage.’ www.faro.com
John Adams, GTMA Metrology Chairman and National
Technical Manager, ASAP Calibration Services
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