Product category:
Control systems, DROs, etc, for machine tools
News Release from: Acu-Rite | Subject: Digital read-out units
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 14 June 2001
DROs designed to maximise productivity
Acu-Rite will be demonstrating its family of ergonomically designed digital read outs along with MILLPWR, its two and half axis control system at the EMO show.
Acu-Rite will be demonstrating its family of ergonomically designed digital read outs alongwith MILLPWR, its two and half axis control system at the EMO show The ENC 250 scale will also be displayed, as will the range of Quadra-Chek geometric readouts
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 4 Feb 2008 at 8.00am (UK)
Related stories
Machine tool CNC needs no experience to use
Believed to be one of the most user-friendly CNC systems available, machine tool control features a conversational system that requires no CNC experience and can be used as a DRO or a CNC.
User-frendly functionality features control units
Machine tool control systems, encoders and 1-6 axis digital read out systems will satisfy most metal cutting needs, says a MACH 2004 exhibitor.
The range of digital read outs has been developed in conjunction with user requirements and is designed to give the maximum increase in productivity.
To ensure the greatest ease of use combined with the widest possible range of functions, Acu-Rite DROs are application specific.
For instance, for turning applications, the 200T gives instant radius/diameter conversion, 9 tool offsets, and has the axis lock to allow a diameter to be set and the tool moved away without the display altering.
Further reading
Non-linear error correction is major factor
As well as being reliable and very user-friendly, the Acu-Rite/Quadra-Chek technology deals with non-linear error correction, which is another factor that sets it apart, says a user.
DRO functionality combined with colour graphics
Accommodating up to eight encoder inputs, a versatile display combines familiar DRO functionality with colour graphics to provide fast and accurate measurement feedback.
Control system makes CNC milling easy to use
Thanks to a powerful, user-friendly two-axis control system and precision glass linear encoders, a miller is able to play a key role in EDM electrode production.
For milling, the 200M, has an electronic edge finder input, provides full and partial bolt-hole pattern calculations, centreline calculation, and tool diameter compensation.
The 200E for EDM work has an electronic edge finder input, a centreline calculation, Z axis displays (current, min/max and retract positions), a dwell capability and first spark detection.
Position-Trac, a feature made possible by the precision glass scale linear encoders used in all the DROs, allows the operator to know the exact position of the tool relative to absolute zero after the power supply has been interrupted - for instance due to power failure or switching the machine off at the end of a shift.
By moving the tool just 20mm, the digital read out will restore zero position.
Throughout the range, simple prompts on the screen help the operator find his way through even the most complex tasks.
The user has the choice of language for the messages; using the set up option, the user selects which language is to be used from a comprehensive list of European languages, thus in the UK all messages and prompts are in everyday English.
The tactile key pad has been styled to suit the typical operator's hand, with 9/16in.
(14mm) square keys which have a definite `push' and feel eliminating uncertainty when selecting a function or number, such as experienced with some membrane type keypads.
Encased in die cast aluminium, the robust unit is protected against the ingress of hostile materials and extremes of temperature and humidity.
Millpwr is offered as either a two or two and half axis control, with up to four axes in the DRO to enhance productivity and improve profitability.
Savings are achieved by the speed and ease with which set up can be achieved, reduced machining time, ease of programming (G or M codes are not required), and reduced costs of tooling due to optimised feed and speed rates.
The skew feature enables a workpiece to be set up without aligning it parallel along the X and Y axes.
Easy to use canned cycles increase productivity.
These include cycles to machine an ellipse, a spiral, an island, a custom pocket, a blend and a chamfer.
Alphanumeric references can be engraved on a vertical, horizontal or diagonal line or an arc.
A canned cycle for a helix is included on Millpwr 2.1/2D.
Using a tool, electronic edge finder or indicator, a part programme can be created from an existing part.
Tool offset is compensated for automatically whilst machining, allowing the operator to programme the part rather than the tool path.
Tool data can be held in a Tool Library.
Full and partial bolt hole patterns are calculated instantly simply be entering the details, as are linear rows and columns, a rectangular frame and a rectangular array.
Designed for large machine tool applications where consistent measurement and positioning is essential, the ENC250 linear encoder is based on proven non-contact reflective tape technology, using precision gold rulings on stainless steel tape.
It can be specified individually to suit the application, including large lathes and borers.
It is available from 3.2m to 20m measuring length.
Providing reliable precision positioning over long lengths at a highly competitive price, the ENC 250 stands alone in its market.
The scale has a resolution of 5 microns and is reliable for positioning across its full length because the sag common with some other systems on long lengths is eliminated and there are no mechanical parts to result in slippage.
Accuracy at 20degC is +/-15 microns/metre.
This ensures reliability at an affordable price.
The Quadra-Chek range of geometric digital read outs (DROs) has been designed and developed specifically to increase productivity in inspection and quality departments.
The market leader in the UK, the Quadra-Chek range is one of the most innovative on the market.
Designed and manufactured in the Unites States, it is based on information provided from extensive market research into customers' needs and wishes.
This enables the systems to be reviewed and updated constantly in order to maintain their relevance to industry and market leadership.
• Acu-Rite: contact details and other news
• Email this article to a colleague
• Register for the free Manufacturingtalk email newsletter
• Manufacturingtalk Home Page
