User and Advanced FaroArm Compensation using the FaroArm Manager
Overview
The FaroArm is a precision tool. Consequently, changing conditions in your work environment may cause the accuracy of your FaroArm to fall out of tolerance as stated in the in the Single Point Value field on the accuracy specification label attached to your FaroArm. If you have performed a SPAT test from the FaroArm Manager several times with consist results, and the test results are consistently higher than the Single Point value printed on the accuracy label attached to your FaroArm, you can bring the FaroArm back into tolerance by compensating it within your new work environment.
Note: Make sure you validate that the FaroArm is out of tolerance by performing multiple SPAT tests before you run the compensation. Compensation changes the factory compensation settings. Do not run the FaroArm compensation if the SPAT tests are within tolerance.
Quantum V1 (2017) or newer, Arm Driver 6.12.102, Arm firmware 821.21 are the minimum requirements to perform this compensation procedure. If these requirements are not met, please follow the instruction provided in this article.
Detailed Steps
- Check the stability of the FaroArm mounting before you begin. Compensation takes the FaroArm through its full range of motion. If the mount is not stable, the compensation will not be accurate. Faro recommends the use of the 6mm probe for SPAT tests and Arm Compensation to reduce the chance of the probe slipping.
- Position the FARO compensation cone within 2/3rds of the FaroArm's reach, as measured from the FaroArm base.
- Connect the FaroArm to your computer, open the FaroArm Manager app and go to Probe Management. Make sure the probe is set active and go to Arm Compensation.
- Select the type of compensation to perform. Choose Arm Compensation to perform a simple, quick compensation on any arm model. Choose Advanced to perform a more in-depth compensation on newer arm models (2017 and newer) to ensure accuracy.
Advanced Compensation
- Use the on-screen coordinate system to position the arm height and ball probe. The repeatable point (e.g., stationary conical socket) must be the proper distance from the base of the Arm.
When the height and distance align, the software proceeds to the next step. - Follow the screen prompts to capture each of the positions required to compensate the device. For each position, rotate the probe to the required position by aligning the green dot with the X in the alignment circle. When the probe is at the proper angle, press the greenFront button and slowly rotate the arm elbow joint the range specified in the elbow indicator.
Following successful capture of a position, the software prompts you to rotate the point to the next position for the next capture.
- When the compensation completes, the status displays. If the compensation meets your requirements, click Save and Exit. You can also restart the compensation.
If the status returns as failed, ensure that your set up is stable, and do not apply excessive force to the arm while performing the compensation.
User Compensation
Note: This process is oriented towards older devices.
- Click Arm Compensation.
- Place the probe in the conical socket.
- Position the elbow of the measurement arm to one side and press the green Front button.
- Watch the screen and slowly sweep the elbow so that it ends up on the opposite side.
If you are using a 7-axis arm, you are prompted to rotate the handle 180°. - Slowly sweep the elbow back to the first side.
- Look at the before and after results. Click the Yes button to generate and save a detailed report of the test to a comma-separated values text file (*.csv file), or the No button to save the new arm compensation.
The new arm compensation will remain in your Quantum X until changed or reset. Click the Reset button to restore the FARO Factory compensation.
Repeat SPAT
Repeat the SPAT with the compensation cone or conical socket in a different location. This will verify the new arm compensation.