FARO Arm and Tracker for Complex Assemblies

A Unified Approach to Industrial Measurement

In modern manufacturing and industrial assembly, accuracy is critical. Large structures, complex assemblies, and tight tolerances require advanced metrology solutions capable of measuring both wide production areas and hard-to-access features.

By combining the FARO Laser Tracker with the FARO portable measurement arm, manufacturers gain a complete inspection solution that delivers both large-scale accuracy and detailed measurement capability.

Large-Scale Accuracy with the FARO Laser Tracker

The FARO Laser Tracker is designed for high-precision measurements over long distances. It is widely used in industries such as aerospace, automotive, energy, shipbuilding, and heavy engineering, where components and assemblies often span several metres. By tracking a reflector with a laser beam, the system captures three-dimensional coordinates with exceptional accuracy across large workspaces.

Its greatest strength is the ability to inspect large assemblies quickly and efficiently. Production lines, tooling, machine installations, and structural assemblies can be measured with minimal setup, making the Laser Tracker ideal for alignment, dimensional verification, and assembly validation.

Like all optical measurement systems, however, the Laser Tracker requires a clear line of sight to the target reflector. In complex production environments, structural elements, machinery, or the component itself can obstruct certain measurement points, making some features difficult or impossible to measure from the tracker's position alone..

This is where the FARO portable measurement arm becomes the perfect complement.

One Coordinate System, Complete Measurement Coverage

Compact, portable, and manually operated, the FARO Arm allows operators to inspect recessed features, internal geometries, confined spaces, and other hard-to-reach areas without relying on line of sight. Instead of repeatedly repositioning the Laser Tracker, technicians can simply place the arm where measurements are needed, reducing setup time and improving workflow efficiency.

One of the greatest advantages of combining these two technologies is that they operate within the same coordinate system. The Laser Tracker establishes the global coordinate framework, while the FARO Arm measures fine details directly within that same reference. As a result, every measurement—whether captured by the tracker or the arm—is immediately aligned, providing a seamless dataset without the need for additional registration or coordinate transformations.

This shared coordinate system enables manufacturers to combine large-scale alignment with high-precision feature inspection in a single workflow. Operators can verify the overall geometry of an assembly while accurately measuring hidden or obstructed features, ensuring complete dimensional coverage and greater confidence in the inspection results.

Faster Inspection, Better Productivity

The combined solution is particularly valuable for aerospace tooling, assembly fixtures, vehicle body structures, wind turbines, heavy machinery, and large welded fabrications, where dimensional accuracy must be maintained throughout every stage of production to prevent costly rework and alignment issues.

There are significant productivity and cost benefits as well. Faster inspections, fewer instrument repositionings, and complete measurement coverage reduce downtime while increasing efficiency. Since both systems are portable, measurements can be performed directly on the shop floor, eliminating the need to transport large components to dedicated inspection facilities.

As manufacturing becomes increasingly complex, flexible metrology solutions are more important than ever. Together, the FARO Laser Tracker and FARO Arm provide a fast, accurate, and practical solution for complete dimensional inspection—from large-scale alignment to the smallest hard-to-reach features—all within a single, unified coordinate system.