LAKE MARY, Fla., Jan. 21 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- FARO Technologies, Inc. , the world leader in portable computer-aided measurement hardware and software, announced it will release its all-new metrology software: CAM2 Q.

"Simply put, we've advanced the functionality and training while making it even more intuitive for any user," FARO President and CEO Jay Freeland said. "Whether they're a seasoned metrology pro or using our portable CMMs for the first time, CAM2 Q puts the user in control."

Continuing FARO's tradition of having the fastest software on the market, CAM2 Q has been built from the ground up with a best-of-breed CAD translator and the Parasolid CAD engine. But according to Antonio Carvalho, FARO's Director of Software Engineering, the most impressive facets of CAM2 Q are not features of the software, but are "the core design aspects and user benefits -- freedom, efficiency and simplicity -- in perfect balance, resulting in new software that's in a class of its own."

-- Freedom: CAM2 Q can easily change/convert between different measurement units (inches, mm, microns, angstroms, etc.) or coordinate systems (cylindrical, polar, Cartesian, etc.) at any time without re-measuring. There are no limits to the number of units the user can define.

The all-new user interface is fully customizable, so users can create a work environment that best meets their needs. Place windows and toolbar layouts based on the priorities of the project -- not a preset format -- and the software saves multiple users' choices. And unlike other measurement software, CAM2 Q can add, change or measure features at any time -- in any order -- so the project can flow logically as the task demands, without being restricted to a preset order of operation. It also has a new, versatile reporting engine that creates customized reports in various formats, including Microsoft Word and Excel, HTML, and PDF.

-- Efficiency: CAM2 Q can eliminate the need to move the device when measuring large parts, because multiple users can now measure with multiple FaroArms and FARO Laser Trackers simultaneously -- even on the same location.

Also, every measured point can be viewed, deleted, or re-measured. Users don't have to start over if new features are added to a prototype.

-- Simplicity: CAM2 Q simplifies setup, training, usability and programming. Whereas other software can involve lengthy setup procedures, Q can be installed and ready to measure with FARO hardware right out of the box. It's also the easiest measurement program to learn because the software and training were developed simultaneously.

"We focused on learning, as opposed to just training," Carvalho said. "Rather than just showing how the features work and expecting users to figure out how to apply it, we teach them how to solve their specific metrology problems."

In addition, the new intuitive user interface reduces the learning curve and measurement time for inexperienced users. It also allows them to complete the job in the fewest number of mouse clicks possible.

Finally, users can quickly create, edit and run programs in the same window rather than opening a new application or separate screen. Also, CAM2 Q allows programmers to plan and record measurement/operation sequences that the software then programs as easy-to-follow, on-screen instructions for other users.

-- Live Data: CAM2 Q eliminates the lag time between measuring and reporting that is common with other metrology software. When a feature is measured, users can instantly see exact dimensions and geometric properties. The easy-to-read reports allow production decisions to be made immediately.

-- Confidence: CAM2 Q incorporates market-leading CAD translators, as well as NIST- and PTB-certified fitting routines, which certify that its geometry calculations are accurate to 0.0005mm (0.00002"). That's one half micron; 500 times smaller than the width of a human hair.

"CAM2 Q's unique combination of power and simplicity provides a confidence-inspiring user experience with FARO's portable CMMs," Freeland said. "No other software/hardware package in the industry simplifies measurement while providing so much capability. The end result for our customers: better products, more cost-effective processes, and a competitive advantage."

CAM2 Q will be available on February 5, 2008.

About FARO

With more than 14,600 installations and 7,000 customers globally, FARO Technologies, Inc. designs, develops, and markets portable, computerized measurement devices and software used to create digital models -- or to perform evaluations against an existing model -- for anything requiring highly detailed 3-D measurements, including part and assembly inspection, factory planning and asset documentation, as well as specialized applications ranging from surveying, recreating accident sites and crime scenes to digitally preserving historical sites.

FARO's technology increases productivity by dramatically reducing the amount of on-site measuring time, and the various industry-specific software packages enable users to process and present their results quickly and more effectively.

Principal products include the world's best-selling portable measurement arm -- the FaroArm; the world's best-selling laser tracker -- the FARO Laser Tracker; the FARO Laser ScanArm; FARO Laser Scanner LS; the FARO Gage, Gage-PLUS and PowerGAGE; and the CAM2 family of advanced CAD-based measurement and reporting software. FARO Technologies is ISO-9001 certified and ISO-17025 laboratory registered. Learn more at www.faro.com