Measurement and control specialist ACI (UK) has broken new ground in digital readout and the complementary glass scale technologies with the launch of a new generation 'one size fits all' Acu-Rite DRO 200S digital readout system - a user-friendly and cost-competitive DRO that, from a single unit, can be quickly and easily configured for two- or three-axis milling, turning or grinding applications - plus new SENC glass linear encoders that boast further improved accuracy and durability. The developments push the boundaries of DRO technology, with the new DRO in particular representing an innovative and unrivalled level of flexible machine control by eliminating the headache, time and cost often associated with the selection and installation of multiple application-specific DROs.Acu-Rite's new DRO 200S is totally intuitive and all prompts, instructions and help functions are visible as text or graphics on the flat screen 5.7 inch 320 x 240 resolution crystal clear LCD display (instead of traditional LED and VFD display technology). All standard routines are visible on the screen and graphics guide users through the simple questions. Operation-specific soft keys reinforce the boast that Acu-Rite systems are the easiest to use in the industry.
For milling, the system is supplied as standard with bolt hole pattern calculations for full and partial circles with graphics, zero reset and preset features, tool diameter compensation and near zero warning, for example.For, turning, the system features include taper turning functionality and 16 tool offsets that, when used with the axis lock feature, ensures tool deflection is reduced even under load. Grinding and general use applications for the DRO 200S are based around the system's zero reset, linear error compensation, instant radius-to-diameter and inch to mm conversions, as well as absolute/incremental display features. RS232 port and workpiece probing functionality is provided as standard.The new DRO complements the Anilam range of Wizard DROs from ACI (UK), where additional new product developments are imminent, and Acu-Rite's revamped DRO 100S - a 'low-end' product that now features three-axis functionality - plus Acu-Rite's top of the range VRO 300 series dedicated to milling (M series) and turning (T).All new ACI (UK) DRO systems are of slimline design, with diecast aluminium casing and plastic front cover.
Developed at Acu-Rite's state-of-the-art, multi-million dollar precision glass linear encoder manufacturing facility in the USA, the new SENC 150 scale adopts a radically new construction process based around the use of reflective light (rather than that transmittive light) for measurement, using a reader head that is mounted on the scale's top face.With advanced roller bearing technology for reduced backlash and greater scale travel life, the result is a high-precision glass scale that is more resistant to machine inaccuracies and vibration, and therefore more durable, than existing products but available at comparable cost.With resolutions of 0.5 micron, one micron and five microns, SENC 150 is available in lengths of 50 mm to 3.4 m. A smaller version, SENC 50, is also available in lengths of 25 mm to 500 mm and with similar resolutions. Both systems feature Acu-Rite's exclusive Position-Trac functionality that allows operators to accurately and quickly re-establish workpiece zero from any position after a power interruption. Once power is restored, the DRO reads a line pattern on the glass scale to recall the last known zero.