The Faro TracerM laser projector accurately projects a 0.5 mm wide laser line onto a 2D/3D surface or object to provide a virtual template that enables operators and assemblers to quickly and accurately position components with confidence.
The clearly defined laser template is created with the use of a 3D CAD model, enabling the system to visually project a detailed laser outline of parts, artefacts or areas of interest.The system features accurate, variable and long-range projection to cover an envelope of up to 15.2 by 15.2 m and has a 3D projection range of 1.8 to 15.2 m.
For larger assemblies and for use in space-constrained areas, multiple TracerM projectors can be controlled from a single workstation to provide large-scale virtual templates in one coordinate system.
The Faro RayTracer Software Suite – containing the RayTracer Operator and RayTracer Administrator programs, operate the TracerM projector. Customers may also choose to use additional software packages that can directly create projection files for the TracerM.
RayTracer Administrator organises and streamlines processes for factory operators. It is intended for use by manufacturing process engineers who prepare laser projection jobs by selecting, organising, and storing necessary data into one or more RayTracer databases.
RayTracer Administrator is used to set up a RayTracer database, manipulate its components, configure jobs and control parameters, edit projection data and reference tool data, create user names and passwords, and more. Its easy-to-use interface allows multiple document handling, copying and pasting, layered tree structure viewing, and other options.
RayTracer Operator is an intuitive and user-friendly program that enables the projection of 3D templates. It is designed for use in manufacturing environments. Specified user access levels, as well as predetermined sequences of operating steps, help impose strict production rules on the work process. Projection data and control parameters are stored in a RayTracer Database. Personnel running RayTracer Operator can retrieve and execute pre-configured jobs from a RayTracer database, but cannot change the content.
The early sales success of Faro TracerM has resulted in the system being adopted by a range customers involved in the precise assembly of large components. Within the composite Industry, the TracerM is proving ideal for use in tasks such as hand ply lay-up, mandrel tracking and lay-up, and for use on Advanced Fibre Placement (AFP) machines
Aerospace and defence applications include system bracket placement, rib and stringer placement, for use on click-bonds and stand offs and for fastener or drill location. In addition, TracerM can be applied to paint templating and masking tasks.
The TracerM is used in the automotive and heavy equipment sectors for applications such as weld stud/block location, precision table applications and for factory floor and production line layouts and for fencing and robotic station arrangements.
Other Industries that make use of the TracerM include the railway industry, ship, yacht, boat building, and other marine construction sectors.
