FARO Arm vs Hexagon Arm: Full Comparison for Rentals (2026)
This comparison addresses common searches such as FARO arm comparison, FARO vs Romer arm, Quantum Max vs ScanArm, and Hexagon arm vs FARO arm, while highlighting why FARO Arms are often the preferred choice in demanding, short-term, and mixed-use applications.
Note: The right choice depends on application, accuracy needs, environment, and project duration, which is why rental is often the smartest option.
What Is a FARO Arm?
Popular FARO models include:
• FARO Quantum ScanArm (with laser line probe)
FARO Arms are widely used because they combine:
• Touch probing
• Laser scanning
• Portable accuracy
• Field-ready operation
This versatility is a major reason many users searching “FARO arm overview” or “Quantum Max vs ScanArm” consider FARO first.
What Is a Hexagon (Romer) Absolute Arm?
Hexagon Absolute Arms (formerly known as Romer Arms) are portable CMMs featuring absolute encoder technology.
Key characteristics:
• No referencing or homing required
• Instant startup
• Repeatable probing
Hexagon Absolute Arms benefit from instant startup, however, overall workflow flexibility, particularly the ability to combine probing and scanning within one system, often has a greater impact on project efficiency than startup time alone.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose FARO Arm if:
• You need scanning + probing
• You perform reverse engineering
• Surface geometry is critical
• Flexibility matters more than speed alone
Choose Hexagon Arm if:
• You prioritize speed over flexibility
• Minimal setup time is critical
• You won't need scanning + probing funcionalities
Where FARO Arm Has a Clear Advantage
1) FARO Arms Are More Versatile in Mixed Workflows
One of the biggest differentiators in FARO Arm vs Hexagon Arm comparisons is workflow flexibility.
FARO Arms are designed to handle:
• High-accuracy touch probing
• Laser scanning (ScanArm models)
• Dimensional inspection
• Alignment verification
• Reverse engineering
This makes FARO Arms particularly effective when:
• Projects evolve mid-scope
• Both probing and surface data are required
• Field conditions are unpredictable
Hexagon Arms excel in probing speed, but FARO’s hybrid capability often eliminates the need for a second measurement system.
Practical advantage: fewer tools, fewer handoffs, fewer limitations.
2) FARO ScanArm Offers Stronger Scanning Flexibility
In comparisons like Quantum Max vs ScanArm, FARO’s scanning ecosystem stands out
The FARO Quantum ScanArm:
• Integrates laser line probing seamlessly
• Captures free-form surfaces efficiently
• Is widely used for reverse engineering and surface inspection
• Performs well in confined or complex geometries
For users who need scanning today, or may need it tomorrow: FARO offers a safer, more flexible choice.
3) FARO Arms Are Better Suited for Rental-Based Projects
In rental scenarios, flexibility and adaptability matter more than marginal speed gains.
FARO Arms are often preferred for rental because:
• Operators adapt quickly
• Scanning can be added when needed
• One system supports multiple applications
• Ideal for short-term, high-impact projects
This is why searches for FARO arm rental often follow FARO arm comparison queries.
- Rental advantage: FARO reduces risk when project requirements are uncertain.
4) FARO Arms Are Better Suited for Rental-Based Projects
FARO Arms integrate smoothly with:
• Reverse engineering workflows
• Alignment verification tasks
• Portable metrology setups
For teams handling:
• Alignment
• Inspection
• As-built verification
• Surface capture
FARO provides a broader operational envelope with a single platform.
Hexagon Arms remain excellent for repetitive inspection, but FARO Arms support greater task diversity.
5) FARO Arms Perform Better in Field & Non-Ideal Environments
In real-world field applications:
• Space is limited
• Conditions are variable
• Setup time matters
• Measurement tasks change frequently
FARO Arms are widely deployed in:
• Large rotating equipment alignment
• On-site inspection and verification
This practical field usage is a key reason FARO Arms are frequently selected for alignment-adjacent metrology tasks, where flexibility and adaptability outweigh marginal probing speed.
FARO Arm vs Hexagon Arm: Accuracy (Reality Check)
Both systems deliver industrial-grade accuracy when properly used.
However:
• FARO Arms offer consistent accuracy across probing and scanning
• Accuracy remains strong even when workflows change
• Hybrid measurement reduces the need to switch systems
In applications where alignment verification, surface inspection, and dimensional control intersect, FARO Arms maintain accuracy without workflow compromise.
FARO Arm vs Hexagon Arm: Accuracy (Reality Check)
Instead of asking “Which arm is faster?”, experienced users ask:
“Which system adapts better when the job changes?”
In many real-world scenarios, the answer is FARO...
Why FARO Arms Are Often the Safer Choice
When comparing FARO Arm vs Hexagon Arm, FARO consistently wins in scenarios that involve:
• Mixed inspection + scanning
• Field deployment
• Rental-based projects
• Unknown or evolving scope
• Alignment-related measurement tasks
This is why FARO Arms are commonly selected when project certainty is low but accuracy expectations are high.
Final Takeaway (Positioned Advantage)
Both FARO and Hexagon build excellent arms.
However, FARO Arms provide greater versatility, stronger scanning integration, and better adaptability for rental and field applications, making them the preferred option for many industrial and alignment-driven projects.
For users who value:
• Flexibility over specialization
• Scanning + probing in one system
• Field-ready adaptability
• Rental efficiency
Need Help Selecting the Right FARO Arm?
If your project involves:
A FARO Arm rental allows you to select the optimal configuration without long-term commitment.
Choosing the right tool upfront reduces risk, downtime, and rework.
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