Product category:
Control systems, DROs, etc, for machine tools
News Release from: ACI (UK) | Subject: Digital read out systems
Edited by the Manufacturingtalk Editorial
Team on 04 March 2004
Advanced DROs suit most metalcutting
needs
For milling, turning, grinding, EDM and other applications, a range of powerful yet user-friendly DRO systems, managing up to six axes, satisfy most metalcutting needs.
The display being mounted by Acu-Rite, a division of measurement and control specialist ACI Europe, will highlight the company's prowess as a supplier of one-/six-axis DROs and accompanying precision glass linear encoders With digital readouts for milling, turning, grinding, EDM and other applications, Acu-Rite systems can satisfy most metalcutting needs with the series 100, 200 and 300 one- to three-axis DROs
This article was originally published on Manufacturingtalk on 30 Sep 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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From the compact one-/two-axis series 100, through to the top-of-the-range 300M and 300T one- to six-axis vision readouts, all Acu-Rite systems are characterised by powerful yet user-friendly functionality.
The DRO 100 features zero reset, absolute/incremental display, radius and diameter conversion as well as Inch/metric conversion, shrinkage/expansion multiplier, auto scale resolution sensing and automatic linear error compensation.
It also boasts functionality more often associated with higher specification systems.
Further reading
Tool/workpiece probing cycles added to controls
ACI is including tool and workpiece probing cycles as standard features on its Anilam 6000 Series multi-axis CNC system.
Milling in two/three axis cost-effectively
Demonstrations of a two-/three-axis CNC for intuitive knee-type milling operations will highlight the system's cost-effectiveness and user-friendliness.
Measuring distance and position accurately
As well as demonstrating four-axis DROs, a range of linear scales will also serve to reinforce both the accuracy and performance benefits of its glass linear encoder technology.
Available in several versions, the Acu-Rite DRO 200's capability to substantially increase productivity levels is ensured by the use of powerful features to suit the task in hand: a.
Milling - full and partial bolt hole calculations, centreline calculation, single tool diameter compensation and electronic edge finder input; a.
Grinding - radius/diameter conversion, preset capability and near zero warning; a.
Turning - radius/diameter conversion, nine-tool offset library, axis lock function for tool offset qualification; and a.
EDM - When in EDM mode, current position, maximum depth reached and the target depth are shown simultaneously on the three-axis displays.
A dwell function delays the retract for a period of time or until spark out occurs to produce a better finish, and a reverse fault detection function will help to prevent the electrode from creeping up out of the bath during a burn cycle.
The 200M milling DRO functionality includes full/partial bolt hole pattern calculations, has single tool diameter entry to compensate for tool offset, and its edge finder input and three-segment linear error compensation combine to compensate for any machine tool, inaccuracies.
Features of the 200T DRO for turning also include an axis lock function that qualifies tools and locates workpiece zero, while the grinding version, 200G, embraces instant radius and diameter conversions to improve both the speed and accuracy of positioning.
With the Position-Trac (Trademark) distance encoded reference marks on Acu-Rite glass linear encoders (as standard, available in varying lengths and with resolutions from 0.5 to 10 microns), users are provided with accurate and fast location of workpiece absolute zero.
Position-Trac functionality is also provided as standard on the series 200, as it is on the VRO 300 series that has built a reputation in the milling and turning markets (300M and 300T, respectively) through a series of features that set this vision system apart from its competitors.
For instance, program input of up to 999 blocks can be by teach/learn or by direct entry from drawing, with relevant tools being held in a 99-tool library.
Also, the systems boast canned functions embracing tool selection and bolt hole routines, for example.
And there is a calculator with four arithmetical and trigonometric functions.
The VRO 300M for milling can: a.
Reduce machining times on multiple workpiece production schedules by visually verifying parts prior to production with immediate part-view graphics; a.
Speed productivity with enhanced bolt hole pattern calculations and canned functions for common routines; and a.
Provide quick reference for drilling and tapping, for example, using built-in tables.
The VRO 300T for turning can: a.
Easily and quickly compensate for different tools by using a tool offset library of up to 99 tools; a.
Quickly calculate tapers and radii; and a.
Enhance output quality via linear error compensation routines (up to 99 segments).
In addition to the Acu-Rite Millpwr CNC, the MACH display being staged by ACI Europe will also feature examples from the Anilam CNC and DRO ranges, as well as Quadra-Chek DROs for measuring applications.
MACH 2004 - April 19-23- NEC Birmingham, UK.
Hall: 5, Stand: 5640.
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