Point Probe Calibration Techniques

To calibrate a point probe you should use the Sphere

Method. The Sphere calibration is performed using
any size precision sphere or tooling ball. The sphere
should be at least 10mm (3/8") diameter or larger.

You will digitize 15 individual points; 5 in each of 3 specific

locations around the sphere by pressing the FRONT button for
each. (See figure 1)

CAUTION: The probe tip must remain in contact with the sphere
while digitizing points. Even one or two poorly digitized points
could significantly affect the optimization process, which then has
an effect on the accuracy of the Faro Arm.
Figure 1

 Digitize five points around the top of the sphere with the
probe pointing in position #1. (See figure 2)

 Digitize five points around the front of the sphere with the
probe pointing in position #2. (See figure 3)

 Digitize five points around the side of the sphere with the
probe pointing in position #3. (See figure 4)

NOTE: The illustrations you will see in the software during this
process show a ball probe being calibrated; even when calibrating
Figure 2
a point probe. Please note that with a point probe you must not take
points 2, 3, 4 and 5 of the calibration sequence at the equator of the
ball as shown on the screen; instead you should take these, as show
here, half way between the first or top point and the equator of the
ball relative to each position

The calibration points are then calculated and the probe Calibration
Status is updated. If the probe passes, then the current date and
time is added to the probe information. You may view the details
for all of the calibrations of a probe by clicking the View Log
button. Figure 3
Please keep in mind that all Point Probes are inherently considered
“Low Accuracy” probes, hence you may not always get a pass
condition after calibrating. You may accept a failed calibration and
still continue measuring. Always check the calibration log and look
at the 2 Sigma error for the point probe. Expect this error to be
slightly higher that the specified accuracy of the arm being used;
typically 2 to 5 times the arms accuracy can be expected. If you get
a higher value you should redo the calibration paying close
attention to the technique.
Figure 4
 Alternative Point Probe Calibration Method
You may also calibrate the Point Probe using the Single Hole
Method.
In this case you will not use the provided calibration cone,
instead you can use the surface of a soft metal, hard wood or
laminate to mimic the process.

The tip of the probe will make a small dimple on the surface by its own
weight. This will provide enough grip for the probe to remain in the same
position while the calibration points are captured. (See figure 5)

All of the points in this method will be collected by holding down the
FRONT button. The FaroArm will collect points as fast as possible
("scanning") until you release the FRONT button. Make sure that the
Figure 5
GUIDANCE feature is turned off.

 Place the probe on the surface. Start in a vertical position.

 Press and hold the FRONT button. Sweep the handle down to one
of the 3 indicated positions (see figure 6). Be sure that the probe
remains seated in the hole.

 Release the FRONT button and repeat for each position.

7 Axis Arms Only: After taking the point for position 3, you will be
prompted to take additional points while you rotate the handle in vertical
position. Please omit the rotation portion when using a point probe; simply
return the probe to vertical position and click on the FRONT button once to
capture one point. Click the back button to finish when done.
Figure 6
CAUTION: In order for the tip of the probe to remain in the same spot be
very careful when sweeping the handle down. You should sweep the handle
no more than 45 to 50 degrees from vertical to keep the tip from loosing it’s
grip. (See figure 7)

NOTE: Please keep in mind that all Point Probes are inherently considered
“Low Accuracy” probes; hence you may not always get a pass condition
after calibrating. You may accept a failed calibration and still continue
measuring. Always check the calibration log and look at the 2 Sigma error
for the point probe. Expect this error to be slightly higher that the specified
accuracy of the arm being used; typically 2 to 5 times the arms accuracy can
be expected. If you get a higher value you should redo the calibration
paying close attention to the technique.
Figure 7
POINT PROBE FACTS
As sharp as a point probe may appear to be, there will always be a very
small radius at the tip that is difficult to quantify; this is were the inaccuracy
of these probes starts. Also, be aware that point probes may continue to
loose accuracy over time as the tip wears off under normal use. It will all
depend on how much you use it and the type of materials you probe.