Why I don’t recommend a Faro Laser Tracker for every CMM job (unless you’re ready for the hidden costs)

I’m going to say something that might annoy the Faro sales team

If your shop is mostly doing simple first-article inspections on medium-sized parts, and you don’t have a dedicated metrology engineer on staff, don’t buy a Faro Vantage laser tracker. Seriously. Go rent one, or buy a used portable CMM arm with a basic software license. I’m an office administrator, not a metrologist — but after managing purchasing across three facilities for five years, I’ve watched us burn more than $45k on equipment that sat idle because we weren’t ready for the real cost of precision.

Honestly, I’m tired of seeing colleagues overbuy. So here’s my take: buy a Faro laser tracker only if your tolerances are tighter than ±0.002” and your team already knows CMM training inside out. Otherwise, you’re just buying a beautiful paperweight.

Argument 1: The sticker price on a Faro Vantage isn’t the real price

When we first looked at a Faro Laser Tracker Vantage, the quoted base price was around $45k–$55k (based on quotes from a distributor, February 2024; verify current pricing). That’s the number everyone remembers. But here’s what the quote didn’t include:

• Probe and mounting kit: add ~$4,000–$6,000
• Software bundle (CAM2 Measure 10): can run another $5k–$8k depending on the package
• Calibration and service contract: roughly $2,500–$3,500 annually (annual recert is required for ISO 17025 labs)
• Training for two employees: around $2,000 for a two-day course, plus travel if your training center is far (we drove 4 hours to a Faro distributor for ours).

So that $45k quote? Reality was closer to $60k all in for the first year. And that’s before your team’s time for learning curves.

What most people don’t realize is that “standard turnaround” for calibration quotes often includes a buffer of 2-3 weeks — vendors pad the queue. We once ordered a Faro Laser Tracker Vantage in late July thinking we’d have it running by mid-August. The unit arrived two weeks early, but we couldn’t get the calibration cert for another 10 days. (Source: ISO 17025 accreditation standards require in-lab recert for first install. Faro official policy, 2024.)

Argument 2: CMM training is the hidden deal‑breaker for most shops

I hear people say “CMM training is easy — your CAD guy will pick it up.” That was true maybe 15 years ago when software was simpler (those legacy myths die hard). Today, CAM2 Measure 10 is powerful but non‑intuitive. I’ve seen two experienced machinists take three weeks to get comfortable. Their first five parts? Totally botched alignment. We had to re‑inspect everything.

If you’re the person signing the checks, here’s the question to ask: Does your lead inspector already know basic CMM programming? If no, budget for at least two people to attend a formal training course, plus a full month of reduced productivity. That’s not a knock on the equipment — it’s just the reality of high‑precision metrology.

Actually, I’ll add a personal failure here: I knew I should’ve sent our technician to Faro‑certified training before the unit arrived. But I thought “what are the odds he can’t figure it out over a weekend?” The odds caught up with me. He ended up spending 12 hours over two weekends, then finally admitted he needed the class. (We paid for a rush training session — an extra $600, plus a really awkward conversation with my VP.)

Argument 3: The “Faro CMM machine price” isn’t the same as total cost of ownership

A lot of folks search for “faro cmm machine price” expecting a single number. The reality: a Faro Arm — say a 6‑foot model — might be $18k–$25k used, $35k+ new. But the Faro Laser Tracker Vantage? That’s a different beast. It’s designed for large‑volume measurement (up to 80 meters). If you’re measuring a car chassis or an airplane wing? Perfect. If you’re checking a 12″ bracket? You’re overpaying for range you’ll never use.

Here’s the thing: total cost of ownership (TCO) for a Faro system includes calibration, software subscriptions (if you go subscription), and potential repair costs if the laser head gets bumped. That can easily exceed $20k over four years. For a small shop, a less expensive portable CMM arm — like a used Faro Edge or even a competitor’s arm — might deliver 90% of the capability at 60% of the cost. I‘m not saying Faro is overpriced; I’m saying buy the tool that matches your job, not your ego.

The inevitable objection: “But accuracy is everything”

I get it. If your customer demands tight tolerances and you‘re buying a Faro Laser Tracker Vantage, you’re getting ±0.0017” uncertainty. That‘s world‑class. But here’s the honest truth: if you haven’t trained your team properly and you don't have a clean, temperature‑controlled inspection area, that accuracy is theoretical. I’ve seen a Faro Vantage give bad readings because the floor vibrated from a nearby press. (True story — we had to isolate the measurement station for three weeks.)

So when someone asks me “is a Faro CMM the right choice?” my answer is: yes, if you already have the team and the environment to use it. If not, I‘ll recommend renting it first, or buying a used arm and investing the savings into CMM training. It’s not sexy, but it‘s what works.

Bottom line: don’t let a shiny spec sheet trick you into overspending. The Faro Vantage is incredible when used properly. But it’s not a universal solution. So before you write that PO, ask yourself: “Do I have the skill, the environment, and the real need — or am I just buying peace of mind with a big price tag?”

If you’re the person who answers that honestly, you’ll probably make the right call.