Probes

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The Probes group controls your ScanArm’s probe selection and settings.

Probe Management

Click Probe Management to change and edit a probe. In the Probe Management dialog box you can:

Probe Management

The Compensation Status and compensation date display for every probe.

Probe Information

If you do not see all of the probes, click Find to search the ScanArm and your computer.

Compensate each of these probes before you begin measuring your parts. See Probe Compensation Overview and Probe Compensation

Probe Compensation List

Click the list to show the most recent compensations.

Probe Compensation List

Single Point Articulation Test (SPAT)

Click SPAT to run a Single Point Articulation Test (SPAT) with your ScanArm. You can save this report to a file which you can send to FARO ’s Customer Service Department. See Single Point Articulation Test (SPAT).

Arm Compensation

Click Arm Compensation to create a user arm compensation for your ScanArm. See User Compensation.

Click Add to add a new probe. See Edit Probe.

You can also select any probe and click Duplicate to create another probe.

Using FARO iProbes

The standard 3 mm and 6 mm probes are FARO iProbes. The exact diameter is electronically recorded on the iProbe. You do not need to edit any parameters of the standard ScanArm iProbes.

This generation of FARO iProbe will not attach to the Design ScanArm Edge, Platinum, Fusion or 1st generation FARO Gage. Installing the iProbe to anything other than the Design ScanArm Quantum damages the iProbe. Previous generations of the FARO iProbe will not attach to the ScanArm.

Edit Probe

Select any probe and click Edit to modify the details of the current probe.

Editing a Probe

Modify any settings and click Save to continue.

Modify Probe dialog box

The new probe is now current. You must compensate the new probe.

Probe Compensation Overview

Probe compensation is a localized process by which a measurement device is optimized to perform measurements accurately.

To understand probe compensation, you must first understand the ScanArm's reference system. The ScanArm is factory compensated from the base to the last joint or axis, and the position of this joint is defined by the coordinate system which originates at the base of the ScanArm. The last axis of the ScanArm has its own coordinate system, and the location of the center of the ball probe is reported in the probe's coordinate system. After the probe's coordinates are established, these are translated into ScanArm coordinates and you are ready to start taking measurements.

Measurement accuracy relies on probe compensation under optimal conditions. If the probe compensation passes, measurements will be accurate. If the probe compensation fails, measurements will not be as accurate. Proper mounting and technique are critical compensation factors.

Probe Compensation

To optimize compensation and minimize stress-induced errors during this critical procedure, place the ScanArm in a single position in which the elbow joint remains relatively stationary without any obstructions or restrictions in movement while the compensation is performed. DO NOT let the elbow joint fall during compensation. Only exercise the last joint of the ScanArm for the software to accurately compensate the probe tip. To maximize accuracy, minimize elbow joint movement and focus on the probe and last arm joint during compensation.

Using the ScanArm Extension Adapter

If you are using the ScanArm Extension Adapter (part #21460) and the Probe Extensions Kit (part #21604) to create an angled probe, select the check box to add an additional step in the probe compensation to record the rotation of the probe. This rotation angle is sent to your measuring software so you will see the correct position and rotation of your probe on screen.

You measuring software may not support this feature of the FaroArm Driver.

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