The HighRES 2011 software has been shipping to beta test users for the last 3 months. Excitement draws near to launch the bi-directional 32-bit AND 64-bit reverse engineering software in November 2010 for FARO portable measuring devices.
Managing a complete reverse engineering solution involves several components of 3rd party hardware and software. One of the biggest challenges is maintaining compatibility with the fast pace of technological advancements.
Reverse engineering software, for the FARO 3D measuring devices, requires up to date knowledge of current device drivers and how they interface with personal computers and existing CAD software programs. In an ideal world, good technology means good solutions. It would be wonderful if everything will work forever. That might sound good in a “perfect” world. Unfortunately that can’t remain true if technology partners are continuously pushing the envelope and improving their deliverables. Truly, we all understand that more is better and more means faster and more accurate and easier in the reverse engineering field.
Digitizing hardware such as FARO manufactures remains competitive worldwide. The HighRES reverse engineering software continues to strive to be best in class and maintains the required technology compatibility between individual components that make up a reverse engineering bundle.
Personal computers are now advancing faster than would be expected. Current CAD users are upgrading to the latest and greatest PC’s which just happen to be 64-bit operating systems.
Why 64-bits?
A 64-bit personal computer is the move into the future. We expect the 32-bit systems to soon be obsolete. 64-bit versions of Microsoft Windows 7 support up to 192 GB of installed memory. Engineers have forever been dealing with the limitations of large file formats. 64-bit operating systems should significantly reduce previous file size limitations. Windows XP is now an “end of life” OS product and is currently in the “phase out” stage of their support cycle.
Now that 64-bit personal computers are here, it is a known fact that the FARO devices are also 64-bit compatible. This is becoming more important now that CAD users are upgrading their PC hardware with new 64-bit PC’s.
The big question?
The big question today is “are you 64-bit” compatible? We acknowledge the answer for personal computers, we know the answer for the FARO devices and we know the answer for the HighRES reverse engineering software plug-in’s. That answer is “YES”!
But will a 64-bit application run on a 32-bit OS? The answer is yes and no! The individual, single components that make up a reverse engineering bundle, may indeed work on either. Although, when the individual components are combined for the total RE solution, it is then that you most likely will experience problems. The 2011 HighRES reverse engineering software plug-in’s for FARO will be delivering a dual option for end users. Both 32-bit and 64-bit choices will be available.
Differences to be aware of.
64-bit applications require more memory to open any files other than a 32-bit application because the 64-bit app automatically creates a larger file. This means if you are running 64-bit please have at least a minimum of 4 GB of memory installed and Windows 7 with extended XP mode.
How fast is 64-bit OS being installed?
Windows 7 has seen a 46% install rate of the 64-bit version. So finding the compatible 3rd party plug-ins is becoming more urgent every month. ReverseEngineering.com products are fully up and running on 64-bit on all FARO devices, FARO legacy arms and other measuring hardware devices too (with the exception of those devices that have not yet ported to a 64-bit environment).
Compatibility
Our 64-bit software plug-in apps can just run on a 64-bit OS running on a PC with a 64-bit CPU. It has been stated by others, that a 32-bit version of Windows cannot run 64-bit software, even if the CPU is 64-bit capable. Keep in mind there may always be exceptions. ReverseEngineering.com will be shipping their 2011 release with both 32-bit and 64-bit software choices.
If you are thinking of a FARO portable CMM, measuring device, laser scanner or laser tracker AND you require a bundled solution for reverse engineering, our company manages the complete solution whether it be an older device, older PC or the latest and greatest on 64-bit. We consider the reverse engineering bundle to comprise of the following: PC, digitizing/scanning device, CAD software and the HighRES reverse engineering CAD direct plug-in.
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Glen Glasgow is an experienced freelance article writer for Reverse Engineering Romer, a worldwide premier resource offering several integrated solutions for turbo-charging your reverse engineering Faro process while providing a "model as you go" environment.
