With a goal of being able to “close the gap” in its services, Bunbury-based Filor 3D Services recently invested in a FARO long-range laser scanner.
Upgrading from the previous model of Faro Focus, Callum Davies, business development manager at Filor, told Manufacturers’ Monthly that the biggest advantages from the new scanner would be seen in servicing oil and gas clients, though it would be useful in a huge range of applications.
The Faro Focus 3D X330 model (released in October last year) comes with a new 1550 nm, Class 1 laser rating, safe for flammable conditions.
“The laser rating allows us to bring this technology into the oil and gas industry with the full knowledge that it is safe to use,” explained Davies.
“The next great advantage is the range of 330 metres in every direction; this gives us a huge scanned cloud.”
The 330-metre, extra-long range is nearly three times that of previous models, according to Faro. The company also says the X330’s new features include a noise reduction of up to 50 per cent, an integrated GPS receiver, the ability to perform in direct sunlight, and increased portability, with a weight of 5.2 kilograms and a battery life of 4.5 hours.
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“We want this to be used in many settings but we see great advantages to reliability engineering, heritage and archaeology and general engineering,” said Davies.
“Keeping personnel away from large or dangerous equipment and even having the ability the measure without a shutdown, is a bonus to any mine site.”
But, adding to Filor’s equipment such as a portable CMM arm, CAD software and 3D printer (see here for a story on the company’s 3D printing ambitions), the X330 offers an increased level of service for the company’s industrial clients.
“Last week we scanned a local manufacturing plant just as a test; I see a massive advantage just in virtual fly-throughs so your clients can see your plant and understand processes,” said Davies.
Purchased from metrology specialist vendor Laser & Survey Solutions in Queensland for “around the $100K area”, Davies said Filor was the first Australian company to acquire an X330 scanner.
While many of us spent the Christmas holiday period playing beach cricket and binge eating, Filor has been getting to know its new scanner.
In only a couple of weeks, Davies has put the scanner to use on the Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and Ngilgi Cave, the Bunbury manufacturing facility mentioned above, a construction site and “countless streets and other points of interest as we travel around the state”.
Faro scanner image from www.pobonline.com.