It’s that time again – the start of a new year! As you follow through with your resolutions and get back to the grind after all the celebrations, take a moment to consider how you might update your digital readout systems. Acu-Rite manufactures the finest digital readout systems and linear encoders to take your precision measurement skills to the next level. In preparation for the new year, we would like to highlight some of the best product offerings available through Acu-Rite to help boost the quality of your work.
Acu-Rite – History and Product Overview
Acu-Rite first hit the scene in 1985 and they have been rolling out top quality digital readout systems since. Starting in the 1980s, Acu-Rite released the first cathode-ray tube (CRT) readout, eventually known as vision readouts or VROs. With specialized features like tool offsets, programming, and quick reference tables, the Acu-Rite readout systems were one of a kind. Then in the 1990s, Acu-Rite released MILLPWR 2-axis CNC Control / 3-axis Readout System. This product pushed the company forward in terms of efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and productivity. Then again in the 2000s, Acu-Rite continued to improve its product line, allowing MILLPWR to process G-code files and provide 3D contouring and easy translation of program code. Since then, Acu-Rite has been supplying new and improved digital readout systems, MILLPWR designs, and encoders. If you are in the market for new and improved digital readout systems that are top of the line, look no further than the Acu-Rite to stock up before the new year.
Acu-Rite – Featured Products
The Acu-Rite MILLPWRG2
The Acu-Rite MILLPWRG2 is a powerful CNC retrofit system for knee and bed mills with either 2- or 3-axes control and 3-axes readout. With its simple and conversational language capability, you can program any standard machining operations right there on the machine itself. The Acu-Rite MILLPWRG2 can be applicable for both manual and automated operations, increasing its utility. This machine can help you to significantly reduce set-up time, decrease scrap and minimize additional operations that impact productivity. When working with the Acu-Rite MILLPWRG2, you can use the DXF file input in order to directly import geometry from a CAD file, save the instructions on the internal memory system, and retrieve it as needed. Look no further for ways to bring in the new year than with the efficient, convenient, and versatile Acu-Rite MILLPWRG2.
- TOOL – Program tools by diameter, length, type, direction, or speed
- POS – Drill, bore, or position
- RECT – Pocket, frame, face, or slot
- LINE – Defined by “from” and “to” points or by angles
- CIRCLE – Pocket, frame, ring, or helix
- HOLES – Full or partial circles, linear row or column, rectangular frame and array
- ARC – Defined by “from” and “to” points or by sweep, center or 3-points
- BLEND – Insert a corner radium between two lines, two arcs or lines and arcs
The Acu-Rite DRO300 Digital Readout
The Acu-Rite DRO300 Digital Readout is the highest level readout system offered by Acu-Rite. Just a few of the common functions of this top-notch readout include multiple display views, program storage, advanced skew compensation, stop watch, feed rate display, multiple language support, near-zero warning with graphics, and more. The Acu-Rite DRO300 Digital Readout is built with full part program capability, edge-finder probe support, and multiple DRO displays with standard input and output. The dynamic zoom, user-friendly installation guide, and day/night switching display contribute to the versatility and quality of this tool. The complete line of performance-driven DROs, including the Acu-Rite DRO300 Digital Readout, was created to help advance any and all of your manual machine applications. Check them out for your 2023 needs!
Accessories of the Acu-Rite DRO300 Digital Readout
- Constant surface speed
- Input/output
- Multiple scale coupling box
- Electronic edge-finder
- Single position stand
- Multi-position holder
- Mounting frame
- Protective cover
- IBX2, allows input of 2 additional axes
The Acu-Rite SENC 150 Linear Encoder
The Acu-Rite SENC 150 Linear Encoder can be used across any application you may have. Designed to be both compact as well as powerful in its capabilities, the Acu-Rite SENC 150 Linear Encoder can be mounted in numerous ways which makes it the best option for retrofitting needs. This tool comes with a ball-bearing guided encoder that uses the reflected light method of encoding in order to reach the highest levels of precision. Considering the Acu-Rite SENC 150 Linear Encoder as a new year upgrade will greatly expand the accuracy and reach of the encoding you can do. With TTL output signals, resolutions from 0.5 µm to 5 µm, length measurements from 75 mm/2″ to 3075 mm/120″, and distance coded reference marks, the Acu-Rite SENC 150 Linear Encoder takes your metrology skills a step further in precision.
Features of the Acu-Rite SENC 150 Linear Encoder
- Travel lengths of 2” (50mm) to 120” (3,050mm)
- Multiple resolutions with exceptional accuracy 0.5µm (.00002”), 1µm (.00004”), 5µm (.0002”)
- Armored cable
- Flexible mounting features
- Durable and rugged scale case
- Position-Trac™, allows for quick and easy workpiece zero-reset after losing power
Training with Acu-Rite in 2023
When it comes to being a precision metrologist, training and continuing certification are key. One of the many assets of Acu-Rite is their expansive availability of trainings. Whether you are an individual wanting to improve your technological knowledge or a company wanting to enhance the skills of your employees, the Acu-Rite training resources are there to help you. Classes are offered regarding training in installation, programming, and general trainings for users. Learn new skills through presentations plus demonstrations on real machines. Classes available in 2023 include: Basic TNC 530/TNC 640 Operator, Advanced TNC Operator, Custom TNC Operator, Custom TNC Operator Classes with Simulator Use, Direct Drive Technology Integration, Feedback Training Class, G2 Basic Programming, G2 Console and Program Training, and TURNPWR.
Bring in the New Year with Acu-Rite
The products and resources discussed here only scratch the surface of what Acu-Rite has to offer consumers, business owners, and metrology nerds alike. Bring in 2023 with an upgrade to how you measure and take a deeper dive into all that Acu-Rite has to offer. For more information on how Acu-Rite can help improve your precision measurement options, contact us at Higher Precision today to stock up for the new year!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- What makes the Acu-Rite SENC 150 Linear Encoder so unique?
The Acu-Rite SENC 150 Linear Encoder enhances the other Acu-Rite linear encoder product options with a wider range of measurement length capabilities and a more rugged, durable build to its structure. These qualities make the Acu-Rite SENC 150 Linear Encoder well built for providing highly accurate, easily repeatable data in a range of machining applications. The ball-bearing guided encoder was strategized in order to be compact and robust, making it easy to relocate using its numerous mounting options. Finally, the robust nature of the Acu-Rite SENC 150 Linear Encoder makes it ideal for working in different and variable metrological environments.
- What sets the Acu-Rite DRO300 Digital Readout apart?
- The Acu-Rite DRO300 Digital Readout is the top line readout system made by one of the finest metrology companies around. This readout system can be used in EDM machines, with the IOB 610 allowing it to be utilized with up to six inputs and ten outputs. Additionally, the Acu-Rite DRO300 Digital Readout works with up to four axes, with the IBX2 option increasing the input for two additional axes for a total of six inputs. This allows this high quality readout system to be used with large machining tools. Finally, the IOB 610 helps this tool manage the input for touch probes and the edge-finder with switching signal or contact triggering. With all of these features and more, the Acu-Rite DRO300 Digital Readout can be applied in milling, turning, grinding, boring, EDM, and general purpose applications.
- How is the The Acu-Rite MILLPWRG2 the best of its kind?
- The Acu-Rite MILLPWRG2 is one of a kind in allowing for an entry level milling control solution. From the ground up, the Acu-Rite MILLPWRG2 is designed to help transition from readouts to controls in a complete machining tool solution. This tool is also modernized to meet up-to-date measurement needs including the USB/Ethernet access, having up to 2.5 GB of internal storage for keeping large programs at the ready, being built with 1.4 GHz processing, and coming with a high-resolution display that can show 3D graphics and manage non-linear error compensation. Finally, the Acu-Rite MILLPWRG2 is compatible with almost all of the popular machine brands both new and old, making it the best in versatility.
GLOSSARY TERMS
- Digital Readout System
A digital readout (DRO) system is an electronic measurement display tool that indicates the specific position of a tool relative to a workpiece. Digital readout systems require a high level of accuracy in order to ensure proper measurement. The more versatile a DRO, the better, given that these tool are required to be used frequently in different measurement contexts and environments. The digital nature of modern day readout systems has helped improve accuracy provided by data readout displays.
- Encoder
- An encoder is the sensor built into a digital readout system. The encoder is the specific part that collects data on the count, direction, position, and speed of any given measurement. Often, encoders can be paired with a glass linear scale in order to convert the encoded information into a more usable format. Encoders send relevant information to the DRO which allows the applicable measurement to be completed.