FARO Introduces World's Most Accurate Break Resistant SMR as Part of Expanded Line of Laser Tracker Targets

LAKE MARY, Fla., July 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- FARO Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: FARO), the world's leading provider of portable 3D measurement and imaging solutions, announced today the release of the world's most accurate break resistant spherically mounted retroreflector (SMR) as a part of their newly expanded line of laser tracker targets.

(Photo:  http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20100713/FL32815)

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20100713/FL32815)

FARO's new break resistant SMRs offer the accuracy, durability, and affordability needed in today's demanding measurement environments. In the past, users were faced with choosing between a high performance, lower cost glass panel SMR or a durable, higher cost, less accurate break resistant model. With FARO's new break resistant SMRs, however, this dilemma no longer exists. Their accuracy is equal to or better than a traditional glass panel SMR, while having the added advantage of being break resistant. They also come at a lower cost than before – some are even less than a traditional glass panel SMR. This will allow users to quickly recognize a true return on the investment.

"FARO's dedication to providing world-class 3D measurement and imaging solutions doesn't stop with the devices themselves," stated Jay Freeland, FARO's Chief Executive Officer. "Our goal is to continuously offer industry-leading accessories that enable optimal device performance. With FARO's new line SMRs, we are able to take the durability and performance of break resistant SMRs and make them affordable for more customers."

These new targets are available in three models: standard accuracy, long range, and high performance. Each one has higher accuracy than previous FARO break resistant SMRs, while the long range and high performance models have the ability to track up to 55 meters with the FARO Laser Tracker ION™. In addition to its long range, the high performance break resistant SMR is 80% more accurate than previous FARO models. The combination of the sphere properties and the centering of the optics make it the world's most accurate break resistant SMR.

"Regardless of how accurate your laser tracker is, the quality of the measurements is directly affected by the precision of the target," said Ken Steffey, FARO Director of Product Management – Laser Tracker Products. "These new break resistant SMRs contain a single element retroreflector with a gold coating. Since the retroreflector is constructed of a single element, there are no separate glass panels that can shift or break over time. Users can now have the peace of mind that comes with a break resistant target without having to sacrifice high performance."

FARO is also introducing its new line of patented break resistant window SMRs. These targets represent the ultimate performance in harsh environments, as the window covering is designed to keep the reflective optics clean. All of the SMRs provided by FARO can be used with any laser tracker measurement system.

About FARO

FARO develops and markets computer-aided coordinate measurement devices and software. Portable equipment from FARO permits high-precision 3D measurement and comparison of parts and compound structures within production and quality assurance processes. The devices are used for inspecting components and assemblies, production planning, inventory documentation, as well as for investigation and reconstruction of accident sites or crime scenes. They are also employed to generate digital scans of historic sites.

Worldwide, approximately 10,000 customers are operating more than 20,000 installations of FARO's systems. The company's global headquarters is located in Lake Mary, Florida, with its European head office in Stuttgart, Germany and its Asia/Pacific head office in Singapore. FARO has branch locations in Canada, Mexico, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Netherlands, India, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, and Japan.

SOURCE FARO Technologies, Inc.