Hakiran Sandhu, Country Head, FARO India
FARO has a wide range of metrology and measuring solutions. Tell us more about your product offerings like the FaroArm, Design ScanArm, and VectorRI.
FARO develops and markets computer-aided measurement and imaging devices and software. The company prides itself as the world’s most trusted source for 3D measurement, imaging, and realization technology. Founded in 1981, FARO has developed numerous innovative products and application solutions since then, catering to a wide range of applications such as alignment, CAD-based inspection, and reverse engineering.
Our best-selling product line is the FaroArm, which has enjoyed tremendous success with our customers. The FARO® Design ScanArm is our latest addition to this range, and it is a portable 3D scanning solution tailored for 3D modeling, reverse engineering, and CAD-based design applications across the product lifecycle management (PLM) process. Featuring optically-superior blue laser technology equipped with fast scanning speed to deliver high-resolution point cloud data, the Design ScanArm offers a simplified user interface, enabling easy operation regardless of skill level or 3D scanning experience.
The FARO VectorRI Imaging Laser Radar is an ultra-high speed, large-volume, non-contact 3D measurement solution, equipped with high-resolution 3D imaging and projection guidance to support manual and automated manufacturing processes. With the FARO VectorRI, users have access to a new class of Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) with High Speed Imaging (HSI) technology, significantly reducing inspection cycle time while providing manufacturers with exceptional throughput. We are confident that the FARO VectorRI will be a game-changing solution for large-volume surface inspection and measurement of parts, assemblies and tools, in-process guidance and verification, fully-automated in-line inspection or any application requiring high-resolution scan data.
What will FARO showcase at the upcoming show RMTS? How do you plan to leverage on the event?
At the 2016 Rajkot Machine Tools Show (RMTS), FARO will showcase the FARO Edge ScanArm HD, FARO Laser Tracker Vantage, and the FARO Gage.
Equipped with cutting-edge technology, the Edge ScanArm HD is developed with the ‘SmartArm’ technology and is integrated with a built-in touchscreen computer, aimed to simplify user experience with improved performance, portability, and reliability. The device’s extra wide scan stripe and fast frame rate aims to boost productivity for users by increasing coverage and reducing scanning time. With the 2,000 actual points per scanline and the new blue laser featuring noise reduction technology, intricate components can be captured in fine detail. Users can also dramatically reduce training time with the new crosshair feature and existing LED Rangefinder function, which provides real-time scanning feedback.
FARO has reinvented accurate and large volume measurement with the Vantage, the world’s most complete laser tracking solution that melds disruptive new features with a supremely portable design. Smaller and lighter than its predecessor, the Vantage is a step ahead with its ability to capture more measurements with fewer device moves and shorter routines. With a measuring range of up to 80 m (160 m spherical working volume) and accuracy levels of up to 0.015 mm, the device features infinite rotation, supports in-line optics, and also offers TriMap encoders.
The FARO Gage is ideal for smaller components, as it offers high accuracy levels, improves measurement consistency, reduces inspection time, and generates automatic reports. The Gage is also made specifically for shop floor personnel as it can be set up in seconds, allowing users to measure parts and assemblies easily, quickly, and accurately.
RMTS provides an ideal platform for FARO to exhibit as our measurement technologies can be adapted and used across a wide range of industries. With the event expecting more than 50,000 visitors this edition, we look forward to sharing our technologies to a wider group of audience, demonstrating how FARO’s portable 3D measurement solutions can help businesses to reduce total cycle time.
FARO is known for its innovations and high-end technologies. Tell us more about your R&D activities.
In order to stay ahead of competition and to consistently deliver innovative technology to our customers, FARO places great emphasis on innovation. Research & Development (R&D) is one of FARO’s top priorities, and our approach to R&D does not change even during a bear market. Recently, FARO has pushed out new metrology solutions including the FARO FocusS Laser Scanner, FARO Freestyle3D Objects and FARO VantageE Laser Tracker amongst others.
Additionally, FARO takes its customers’ feedback into consideration, and many times, their input has helped to shape the improvements we make to our products. For instance, the Edge ScanArm HD’s matchless scanning capabilities and the Freestyle3D’s novel applications were made possible because of the close relationships that we hold with our customers. It was through this approach that FARO came up with disruptive launches like the FARO Laser Scanner Focus3D X Series, and numerous notable ones this year.
What are the latest developments in metrology technologies in respect to your product offerings?
Across the market segments that FARO serves, we have noticed an increase in preference for more complex, curvy shapes (as opposed to ‘boxy’ designs primarily formed with straight lines). This trend will continue to play a big part in the proliferation of non-contact measurement techniques, as well as non-contact scanning technologies.
At FARO, we have developed several products to target this specific market trend. FARO’s Design ScanArm and Cobalt Array Imager series are capable of capturing high-resolution point clouds that can be processed into data models for re-production of objects. The digitized information allows key design specifications and requirements of the prototype to be checked or modified easily and quickly.
How do you see the response for such solutions in Asian market and especially in India?
As the Asian market continues to grow, manufacturers are becoming more particular with products that can abide by and meet international standards. We have observed the same happening in India, as the country becomes increasingly developed due to its growing literacy levels and thriving talent pool.
Naturally, these local companies are willing to invest in quality equipment that can stand up to close scrutiny. In this regard, FARO is confident that its ISO-certified devices can allow customers to achieve various certifications in their respective industries, including ISO and API accreditations amongst others.
As the manufacturing industry in Asia and India grows in maturity, manufacturers develop higher standards and demands for precision and speed in quality checks. With quality control and inspection tasks becoming more intricate, products and measurement needs naturally advance in complexity, leading to a rise in sophisticated measuring equipment like FARO’s in a production facility.
How is the business outlook in India?
Presently, India is reforming to become the third largest global economy by 2030. The Government of India launched the ‘Make in India’ program to accelerate the country’s progress as an international manufacturing hub, and according to India Brand Equity Foundation, India’s manufacturing sector can potentially gross USD 1 trillion by 2025.
In view of this forecast, FARO remains expectant and is preparing to leverage on the good growth in India. We observe that strong performing industries in India continue to be the metal fabrication, die-and-mold, automotive, heavy machineries, and construction industries.
According to FARO, what are the future trends in the 3D Metrology industry?
In the last few years, we observed an increase in demand for accuracy, reliability, and ease of use in measurement solutions, across the sectors and industries that FARO serves. Logically, it is almost certain that users of our measurement technology will continue to expect improvements in these same areas in the years ahead. As technological advances continue to gain new grounds, companies with measurement technology that cater to users’ needs are the ones that will lead the way in this industry.
What are your future plans?
We are committed to our business in Asia-Pacific and will constantly look towards expansion, with future growth and development in tandem with business needs. This is evident in our recent acquisitions of new companies and technologies – such as BuildIT Software & Solutions Ltd. and Laser Projection Technologies. Inc, as part of FARO’s continual efforts to increase and enhance our product solutions to our customers.
Over the years, our products have been well received by our customers, and we are heartened by the responses that we’ve seen. Moving forward, we are confident of rolling out more solutions that address industrial manufacturers’ real, felt needs.
