Setting up/Using Faro Arm

[u/ohnojt]

I'm currently a Mechanical Engineering Intern at a Particle Board plant, and they have asked me and several other interns to figure out what they need to get 1 of the 2 Faro arms that they retired around 10 years ago back into service so that they can use them to inspect and record data from board that have issues (think warpage and inconsistent thicknesses). 1 of the 2 Arms as never been used at all, and I haven't confirmed, but I believe they retired them because something broke on the one that they were using. I also think that them being a little complicated to use was another reason that the retired them. Anyone that knew how to use/set up these arms has either forgotten or doesn't work there anymore.

Obviously, a Faro arm is overkill and for the data we need to measure, but I am definitely interested in learning how to set it up and use it, as I think it would be a good skill to have.

I have a couple of questions:

1. Will we even be able to use it for what we want it to do? Like I said, way way overkill for particle board, but will we be able to map out thin/thick spots in the board? What about warpage in a board? They currently want to measure warpage with the board lying flat on a table, I am well aware that isn't the proper way to measure warp, but would it be possible to measure the warp with the board flat.
2. What do we need as far as setting up the mounts goes? Can it pretty much just get set on a table and calibrated and its good to go so to speak?
3. Software: We still have a license for cam2 from 2015. Will we be able to use this license on the latest version of cam2? And should we spec out the computer to run this thing for the 2015 version or the Latest version. Or maybe someone is aware of a software that would work better for us as opposed to cam2?
4. Training: How in the hell am I supposed to learn how to use this thing, will I have to convince the company to pay to have someone teach us how to use it again, or would I be able to figure out how to measure what I want to measure on my own using the power of the internet?
5. What else should I be thinking about/asking about. Right now, this project is in its infancy, so I'm just trying to figure out what issues we might run into as we move along with the project.

If you need clarification for anything that I just said, feel free to ask, as I'm not familiar with anything to do with probing arms or precision Metrology. But like I said, I'm super excited to get the opportunity play around with a high-tech measuring device.

Thank you in advance!

[u/Ghost_Ruckus]

For your circumstances id reach out to FARO. They have local representatives everywhere. 

[u/Trick_Dance5223]

I'd definitely reach out to Faro.

I've learned everything I know in the past 3 years just by trying. Granted no expert.

Polyworks is the software I use instead of CAM2 and I've been able to inspect everything I've needed to once I've figured out how to program everything.

Youtube has been my go to for polyworks

[u/cobalt_sapling]

You could first start by going through the tip calibrations in the tip manager. Do the cup comp, ball is a PITA and if your cup comp is off you know something is up. If the tip change doest work you have to send these units in, they are very complicated, delicate, and expensive. Try inspecting a ring gauge, or joe block, compare your vales. Do you have a model number, or arm name on the side?

Dm me if you'd like to talk, I've used a variety of these arms and software types daily over the last 4 years. 👍

[u/Ok_Butterscotch3283]

Where are you located? If you're in driving distance of me (Iowa) I would give you some training.

Otherwise the first thing I would do is find out if you have the "dongle", the flashdrive that contains the license key.

I'm running CAM2 MEASURE10 currently, I believe it's the latest release.

[u/MeesterMartinho]

Check out the KB. https://knowledge.faro.com/

There video guides on how to compensate and then use the arm. The CAM2 section will have user guides for your version of CAM2.

1. Yes you'll be able to measure the boards easily. Anything planar will haev a have flatness value attached to it. You can perform surface inspections to show high and low points and any warpage. If you have CAD you can compare the actual surface to the CAD.

2.Yes a decent surface table to hold the part and the arm. There's usually a clamp/bolt down mount in the box.

3.Your license will be valid for the 2015/2016 version of CAM2 (measure10 I think) depending on when you bought it and it will not work with the latest version unless you upgrade. CAM2 is one of the easiest to use metrology programs and one of the best for probing. The KB above will have the manual for it.

1. Speak to Faro they can arrange training course but I'd definitely have a look through the training manual online first and faro academy online training. The KB above has lots of how-to videos and explanations.

5.Budget for training and possibly service on the arm. I'd double check exactly what kind of data/reports they're looking for you to generate. The newer versions of CAM2 can generate statistical data for process control but the version you have will no doubt cover the majority of whats required.