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FARO® Knowledge Base

Mounting Options for the FaroArm

Overview

This article contains information on the different types of mounts available for the FaroArm, including:

  • Mounting requirements and how to mount the FaroArm (per generation)
  • Mount types, including part numbers
  • Drawing dimensions, including high-definition PDFs available for download
  • Troubleshooting information

FARO offers a selection of tripods, rolling stands, and granite surface work carts. See the following articles for more information:

Mounting Requirements

The FaroArm is portable and can be mounted in a variety of environments.  The counterbalance provided by the tension spring generates torque at the base of the FaroArm, allowing ease of mobility. To achieve optimum machine accuracy, the mounting must meet certain requirements. See the next section for instructions.
 

Note: Do not mount the FaroArm sideways, on a wall, or upside down (inverted), unless it is specifically designed to do so (known as Inverted Arms). This will affect accuracy and add stress to the FaroArm. Therefore, the FaroArm must me mounted in an upright position.

Mounting the FaroArm (Quantum and Edge)

  1. Place the Quantum onto the 3½” ring of your tripod or surface mount plate. Thread the collar onto the ring and hand tighten. 
    threadcollar.PNG
  2. Tighten the collar using the attached handles.
    collarclamp.PNG

Mounting the FaroArm (Pre-Edge)

  1. Attach the 3.5" (3½) threaded ring and surface mount plate to any stable location. Tighten all mounting bolts to 100-inch pounds.
  2. Place the FaroArm on top of the 3.5” (3½) threaded ring.
  3. Screw the threaded collar clamp onto the base of the FaroArm and the 3.5” (3½) threaded ring.
  4. Use a wrench, if needed, to tighten the threaded collar clamp.

mountrequirements_1.png
 

Types of Mounts

3½ Mounting Ring

Ring-IG-27-ISO.png

The 3½” Mounting Ring is typically used for all FaroArm models. The ring has six holes, allowing it to be mounted to any flat surface. The outside of the ring is threaded to accept the locking collar of the FaroArm. 

We offer the following two types:

  • Part #: IG-27  (Supersedes Part Numbers: 1149, 10066)

Material: Carbon Steel per ANSI 1040 or ANSI 1045 or Equivalent
Finish: Nickplate per QQEL -N-290, Class I. Grade G Min., Bright Finish.

 

  • Part #: 21203 (Stainless Steel, For High Corrosion Environments)

Material: 316 Stainless Steel
Finish: Passivation Per ASTM A967


Dimensional Drawing for 3½ Mounting Ring
 

Ring-IG-27-Dims.png

Click here to download a high-resolution PDF.

 

 

Square Base Plate and 3½ Mounting Ring Kit


Plate with Ring-Square-14178-ISO.png  

This kit includes both the square base plate and the 3 ½  mounting ring. The ring is pre-mounted using 10-32 x 3/4" socket head cap screws.

Attention: Quantum S/M/E FaroArm users:
Do not use a fastener through the center hole of the mounting plate. The head of the fastener will interfere with the bottom of the FaroArm.

 

Part #: 14178

 

Dimensional Drawing for Square Base Plate and 3½ Mounting Ring Kit
Plate with Ring-Square-14178-Dims.png


Click here to download a high-resolution PDF.
 

Circle Base Plate and 3½ Mounting Ring Kit (Discontinued)  

Plate with Ring-Round-1001-1023-ISO.png
(Alternative name: Surface Mount Plate)

 

Dimensional Drawing for Circle Base Plate and 3½ Mounting Ring Kit

Plate with Ring-Round-1001-1023-Dims.png

Click here to download a high-resolution PDF.

 

Magnetic Mount

FaroArmTrackerMagneticMountKit.jpg
Part #: 11516

Click here to download the product specifications.

The Magnetic Mount is used for all FaroArm modes. It is a large, magnetic base used to mount the FaroArm to surface plates, tools, and other iron-containing metal surfaces. It comes with the 3½” ring on top and the tool to turn the magnet on and off. 

To use the Magnetic Mount

CAUTION: This Magnetic Mount is a strong magnetic device. Make sure that loose metal items are not near the mount when it is “ON”.

  1. The mounting surface and the bottom surface of the Magnetic Mount must be clean, perfectly flat, and free of burrs. Check both surfaces. If they are not flat, imperfections can be removed by lightly stoning with a hand-held grinding stone.
  2. The full area of the Magnetic Mount must be in contact with the mounting surface for maximum holding stability.
  3. The mounting surface should be at least 0.50" (12.7mm) thick. The better the surface condition (flat and smooth), the higher the holding force and stability.
  4. The ideal material is mild steel (low carbon steel, SAE 1020). Other materials may result in lower holding force and thinner material may also decrease holding and stability. 
  5. Before mounting, make sure that the Magnetic Mount is in the “OFF” position. Place it on a good base material.
  6. Turn the handle to the “ON” position. This will take 1.25 turns to go from fully “OFF” to fully “ON”.
magnetic_mount1.PNG

Dimensional Drawing for Magnetic Mount

MagMount-11516-Dims.png

Click here to download high-resolution PDF.

 

Vacuum Mount
vacuum_mount3.1.PNG

Part #: 13402-002, Metric

Dimensions: Diameter= 10.75" (273mm), Height=1.75" (44.4mm).

 


Part #: 13403-002 (Metric) is available for the 4ft. model FaroArm and the FARO Gage.
Dimensions: Diameter=7.5" (190mm), Height=1.4" (35.5mm)


The Vacuum Mount is meant for every size and model of USB FaroArm and Faro Laser Tracker. Its purpose is to quickly, easily and rigidly mount the FaroArm and Tracker to granite surfaces without degradation in the accuracy of the readings.  

To use the Vacuum Mount

Note: A bottle of Vacuum Oil for the vacuum mount is included in the kit. Use the oil to create the vacuum seal between the mount and the granite surface. The reorder part number is XH26-0030.

  1. Make sure the granite surface is clean and free of debris.
  2. Attach the FaroArm to the 3½” Mounting Ring [4], and tighten the threaded collar clamp.
  3. Tighten the knob [2] to close the Pressure Relief Valve.
  4. Squeeze the handle [1] and pressurize the vacuum base the initial pressure, 30 in Hg. This is the Blue area of the pressure gauge.

    Note: Check the vacuum pressure gauge [6] periodically. Re-pressurize to 25 in Hg if the vacuum falls below 15 in Hg. On the pressure gauge the Green area is the normal range, 15 to 25 in Hg, and the Red area is below the normal range, 0 to 15 in Hg.
     

When you finish measuring, loosen the knob [2] to open the Pressure Relief Valve and release the vacuum.
 

  1. Vacuum Pump
  2. Pressure Relief Valve
  3. Flexible Tubing
  4. 3½ Mounting Ring
  5. Vacuum Mount
  6. Pressure Gauge
     

vacuum_mount3.PNG

Best Practices

CAUTION:  Always disconnect the FaroArm from the Vacuum Mount before moving. Moving the FaroArm and Vacuum Mount together may cause damage to the FaroArm.

  • Smooth clean granite surface, i.e. no dust, dirt or loose particles.
  • Thin layer of the provided oil needs to be on the dirt free surface. The oil needs to be spread around evenly and as thin as possible, if there is too much oil it will slide. 
  • Make sure the Pressure Relief Valve on the pump is tightly screwed. If it is not screwed all the way, tighten it to allow for there to be a build up of pressure. 
  • Check seal for any cracks or splits.
  • The initial pressure should be 30in Hg (which is in the blue area of the pressure). 
  • Check pressure gage periodically. Re-pressurize to 25 in Hg if the vacuum falls below 15 in Hg within 4 hours. On the gage there is color coding, green is the normal range between 15 and 25 in Hg, the red area is below normal, between 0 and 15in Hg.  If vacuum fails, please repeat the above steps, ensuring the mount is sitting on a clean flat surface, oil has properly been applied and that the seal is in good condition.
  • FARO does not recommend leaving equipment mounted overnight with the Vacuum Mount.

 

Battery-Operated Vacuum Mount

Part #: 15320

The Battery-Operated Vacuum Mount secures the FaroArm to granite and other air-impermeable surfaces. A battery-powered mini vacuum pump creates a vacuum between the FaroArm base and the surface to secure the Vacuum Mount via suction. Adapters secure the FaroArm to the mount’s upper plate.

To use the Vacuum Mount

  1. Place the Vacuum Mount onto the mounting surface.
  2. Turn the Vacuum Mount on.
  3. Check at the vacuum manometer to ensure a vacuum of -12.32 psi (-0.85 bar) has been reached. The vacuum is reached after five seconds on an optimal surface. If the surface is not optimal, the vacuum is reached after approximately 10 or 15 seconds.
  4. Secure appropriate adapters to the threaded holes.
  5. Secure the FaroArm to the adapter.   
  1. Charging connection
  2. Upper plate
  3. Vacuum manometer
  4. On/off switch
  5. Surface
  6. Base
  7. Charging level LEDs
  8. Double seal

batteryvacuum_4.PNG

Best Practices

CAUTION: Improper operation may result in injury!

  • The vacuum must be constant and there must be a pressure of -11.60 psi (-0.8 bar).
  • Constantly check the pressure on the vacuum manometer during operation.
  • Ensure that the leverage forces of the measuring arm are always less that the holding force.
  • If the holding force does not suffice, the vacuum base may break free of the surface causing injury and damage to property.
  • Make sure that the mounting surface is air-impermeable, smooth, clean, and flat.
  • that the batteries are at least halfway charged (yellow or green LEDs must be illuminated). If necessary, charge the batteries by connecting the charger to the charging connection.
  • After use, wipe the Vacuum Mount with a damp, clean cloth and let it dry.
  • If the Vacuum Mount is not used for extended periods, store it in the aluminum case.Clean the Vacuum Mount at regular intervals, depending on requirements, purpose of use, and actual soiling. Clean it as needed using a damp, clean cloth.

 

Troubleshooting

Verifying Position and Stability (Quantum and Edge)  

  1. Start the FaroArm Manager software and connect your FaroArm.
  2. Click Diagnostics > Base Deflection.
  3. Set up the FARO compensation cone, or a hole on your part, approximately ⅔ of the FaroArm's reach away from its base.
  4. Place a properly compensated probe firmly in the cone. The probe must be well-seated in the hole.
  5. Press the green Front button and move the tubes and joints of the FaroArm while keeping the probe firmly seated in the cone.
    • Press the green Front button to reset the screen at any time.
  6. Press the red Back button to stop.
  7. Any deflection of the base is recorded and displayed on the screen. All of the points must be within the circle on the graph. 

    deflectionedge.PNG

Verifying Position and Stability (Pre-Edge)

To verify the position and stability of a FaroArm, mount a dial indicator on the FaroArm as high as possible, but low enough so that the counterbalance or decelerator does not contact the indicator as the FaroArm moves around encoder 1 or the encoder at the base.

mountrequirements_2.png

  1. Mount the FaroArm on the surface.
  2. Torque down the locking ring or all the hex bolts with the Allen key.
  3. Tighten down the probe with a wrench over finger tight.
  4. With the FaroArm in a resting position, mount the dial indicator so that it rests against the base.
  5. Reset the dial indicator so that it reads zero.
  6. Pull the FaroArm from rest and move it around its volume while reading the dial indicator.
  7. Move the indicator to a new location (i.e. 45 or 90 degrees).
  8. Repeat.

The dial indicator should show no movement while the FaroArm is being moved around its volume.

FaroArm Size Error at 250 mm
(10 in) from center of base
Total Angular Deflection
4 ft.

<<: 0.005 mm
<<: 0.0002 inches

<<: .529 µm/mm
<<: 20.83 micro inches/inch

6 ft. <<: 0.005 mm
<<: 0.0002 inches

<<: 564 µm/mm
<<: 22.22 micro inches/inch

8 ft. <<: 0.005 mm
<<: 0.0002 inches
<<: .529 µm/mm
<<: 20.83 micro inches/inch
10 ft.

<<: 0.007 mm
<<: 0.0003 inches

<<: .719 µm/mm
<<: 28.33 micro inches/inch

12 ft. <<: 0.008 mm
<<: 0.0003 inches

<<: .847 µm/mm
<<: 33.33 micro inches/inch

Note: The bar must have a 6M thread on one end to connect to the FaroArm. Measure the deflection of the bar when the FaroArm is fully extended. The angular deflection and lateral deflection of the base must not exceed the values in the table above.