Electronica Magnetic Scale
Mill kits
$88000
Click
HERE
Electronica Magnetic Scale
Lathe kits
$98500
Click
HERE
|
|
Welcome
to DRO PROS, the Digital Readout Experts.
If you're looking for a digital readout system (DRO) for your lathe
or milling machine, you've come to the right place.
The longer you look around the internet, you'll soon find that we
provide the best customer service, the best product, and the best
value for your money. We specialize in producing videos for our
products that show you step by step how to choose, install, and
operate them. We have hundreds of photos showing
our customers installations, located
HERE. But best of all, we actually talk
and spend time with our customers. Confused or don't know
what to buy? Call us now at (707) 452-8434 and talk to
any of our knowledgeable sales staff and get the right machine or
digital readout today!
Lifetime
Warranty on Magnetic DRO Kits
For over a
decade, DRO PROS has been proud to sell the Electronica brand
Digital Readout kits for lathes and milling machines. In over 10
years, we've never had a magnetic scale malfunction. Therefore, it
just seems right to offer the most incredible never seen before
warranty on the best DRO kit on the planet. Buy a magnetic DRO kit
from us and you'll never have to worry about buying a replacement
anything, ever.
What Size
Kit should I Buy?
Simply
purchase a kit that has travels longer than the travel of your
machine.
For a mill,
simply purchase a kit that has travels longer than the travel of
your machine.
As an example,
a Bridgeport milling machine with a 9" x 42" table typically has 12"
travel in the Y axis and 30" travel in the X axis. Therefore you
would need an 12" x 30" mill kit for this machine.
For a lathe,
all you need is a kit that has enough travel for the X (cross slide)
and the Z (carriage) axis travel.
Don't be
confused by the swing, which is the theoretically largest diameter
object that can pass over the bed rails. The swing dimension has
nothing to do with what you need for your DRO kit. As a general
rule, the cross slide travel is roughly half of the swing plus a
little bit more in order to cut over center. For example, a 1340
lathe (13" swing, 40" between centers) will typically have 13/2 =
6.5 + 1 = 7.5 inches of travel on the cross slide. Therefore you
would need an 8" x 40" lathe kit for this machine. However, with
this said, it's always best to measure the travels of your machine.
Look to the left margin for videos on how to do this.
Magnetic
Scale Physical Sizes
Magnetic
scales are named according to the amount of travel the scales are
built to accommodate. Maximum travel will be ~ 5/8" longer, and
overall length will be 5-1/2" longer than stated scale size. Using a
12" scale as an example, it is designed to fully accommodate 12" of
travel, it's maximum travel will be 12-5/8", and overall length will
be 17-1/2".
MagnaSlim Readheads...
Electronica has released their new line of MagnaSlim magnetic
scales. With the readhead measuring less than 1/2" x 1/2", this is
the smallest readhead on the market, designed to fit where others
can't! Of course it's IP-67 rated, meaning it's coolant and dust
proof. Available in both 1 micron (0.00005") and 5 micron (0.0002")
resolutions. These amazing readheads are perfect for mounting on the
cross slide of lathes, or on benchtop mills or lathes.
Things to
consider when buying a DRO:
In general,
there are two main factors to consider when buying a DRO. First is
scale type, and second, is display type. DRO PROS sells both glass
and magnetic scales. Glass is popular because it's the least
expensive, but it can (and frequently does) get contaminated from
oil and debris. Magnetic scales are superior because they are
coolant and dust proof. Further, they are slimmer, and can be cut to
any length you want, making installation much easier.
Glass Scales - Inexpensive, but not coolant or dust proof. Cannot be cut to
length. Only available as "Incremental" style.
Magnetic
Scales - Coolant and dust proof, they can't be contaminated. Can be cut to length. Available in
"Incremental" or "Absolute" style scales. Absolute scales are the best, because
they never lose position, even if power is lost or the machine is moved with the
power to the display turned off.
Capacitive
Scales - You may see inexpensive digital scales being sold and/or marketed
as magnetic, when in fact, they are not. For example, most digital calipers use
capacitive linear encoders. The downside to capacitive technology is that it's
susceptible to error when exposed to oils, dirt or low temperatures.
Unfortunately, unscrupulous resellers often refer to their scales as magnetic,
when in fact, they are not. More information can be found on Wikipedia
HERE.
DRO Display
Types:
DRO displays
are available in 2, 3 and 4 axis kits. The screen is either an LED
or LCD type. LED displays can only show numbers (like a calculator),
and are therefore less expensive. LCD displays are much like a
computer screen, and can graphically draw functions in color,
allowing you to see what you programmed, before you cut it. Our
EL700 display interfaces extremely well with our touch probe, making
it our best DRO display ever!
Electronica
Magnetic Digital Readout Kits
Our
Electronica kits come with magnetic scales,
which are coolant and dust proof. Easy to use, with the
clearest display we've ever seen! So what does Magnetic Scale
technology mean to you? Unlike glass scales, magnetic scales can be
cut to any length you need, they can't be contaminated, and they're
the easiest, thinnest scale to mount on the planet - only .4" thick!
Magnetic scale
technology combines the best of optical and inductive technology.
Just like inductive or "ball scales", magnetic scales are impervious
to coolant or liquid, yet are slimmer, and cost half as much!
They're easier to mount, more durable, and on par pricewise with
optical scales. In summary, magnetic scales combine all the
advantages of the other technologies, without retaining the negative
qualities of being higher priced, or
difficult to install, that inductive or "ball scales" suffer from.
If that wasn't
enough, the Electronica bracket kits are the best we've ever seen.
Unlike the competitors bracket kits, Electronica brackets are
individually machined for accuracy, not cast. Our Library page
includes a complete parts list and exploded assembly diagram - in
short, no more missing parts or time consuming "how does this
bracket fit together" sessions!
Electronica
Magnetic Scale 2 Axis Mill Kits:
Electronica
Magnetic Scale 3 Axis Mill Kits:
Electronica
Magnetic Scale 3 Axis Mill Kits |
|
Magnetic scales are
the best - cut to length and can't be contaminated!
|
|
EL400 |
Machine Specific |
Display |
|
EL700 |
Color LCD |
Graphic Display |
|
|
|
|
|
Need help choosing between the
EL300
& EL400 3 axis mill displays?
Click HERE |
|
|
Scales
up to 20 FEET
LONG now available - Call for details |
Universal Display |
Mill & Lathe Functions |
|
Mill Specific |
Touch Probe Port |
|
Color LCD |
|
Touch Screen |
Graphic Display |
Touch Probe Port |
|
|
|
|
Determining Magnetic Scale Length.
Magnetic scales are named according to the amount of
travel the scales are built to accommodate. This is the
value you should use to match the travel of your
machine. As a sidenote, maximum
travel will be ~ 5/8" longer, and overall length will be
5-1/2" longer than stated scale size. Using a 12" scale
as an example, it is designed to fully accommodate 12"
of travel, it's maximum travel will be 12-5/8", and
overall length will be 17-1/2". |
|
|
n/a |
$1,330 |
|
12" x 30" x 6" |
|
|
$1,255 |
|
12" x 30" x 16" |
|
$1,335 |
|
12" x 30" x 16" |
|
$1,785 |
|
12" x 30" x 16" |
|
|
$1,385 |
|
12" x 36" x 16" |
|
|
$1,330 |
|
18" x 40" x 18" |
|
$1,425 |
|
18" x 40" x 18" |
|
$1,865 |
|
18" x 40" x 18" |
|
Display
Arm Bracket: |
|
|
X Axis (longitudinal)
Bracket: |
|
|
Y Axis (in and out)
Bracket: |
|
|
Z Axis Quill Bracket
Set - Included only with the 6" quill axis kits: |
|
|
Z Axis Knee Bracket
Set -
Included only with the 16" and 18" knee axis kits: |
|
|
Electronica
Magnetic Scale 4 Axis Mill Kits:
EL400 |
Machine Specific |
Display |
|
EL700 |
Color LCD |
Graphic Display |
|
|
|
Mill Specific |
Touch Probe Port |
|
Machine Specific |
Color LCD
Touch Screen |
Designed
for our Touch Probe |
|
|
|
Determining Magnetic Scale Length.
Magnetic scales are named according to the amount of
travel the scales are built to accommodate. This is the
value you should use to match the travel of your
machine. As a sidenote, maximum
travel will be ~ 5/8" longer, and overall length will be
5-1/2" longer than stated scale size. Using a 12" scale
as an example, it is designed to fully accommodate 12"
of travel, it's maximum travel will be 12-5/8", and
overall length will be 17-1/2". |
|
$1,615 |
|
12" x 30" x 16" x 6" |
|
$2,025 |
|
12" x 30" x 16" x 6" |
|
$1,675 |
|
12" x 36" x 16" x 6" |
|
n/a |
$1,699 |
|
18" x 40" x 18" x 6" |
|
$2,100 |
|
18" x 40" x 18" x 6" |
|
Display
Arm Bracket: |
|
|
X Axis (longitudinal)
Bracket: |
|
|
|
Y Axis (in and out)
Bracket: |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Electronica
300 Series "Universal" 3 Axis Mill Display:
- The display does not
have "Quick Zero" buttons like the 400 model.
- The lower eight function
keys are not mill specific like the 400 model.
- The 300 model does
not
have a "Touch Probe" port like the 400 model.
Electronica
400 "Machine Specific" 3 Axis Mill Display:
- The front display has
"Quick Zero" buttons for the X, Y and Z axis.
- The lower eight function
keys are mill specific.
- Includes an interactive
"Touch Probe" port on the back.
Electronica
700 Color TFT LCD 3 Axis Mill Display w/ LED
Backlight:
- Color LCD Touch
Screen
- Graphic Display draws
functions
- Can be configured for
a lathe or mill
- Includes an
interactive "Touch Probe" port on the back
- Kit can be ordered
with the Z axis configured for the Quill or the Knee
EL700 Color LCD in the ABS mode:
EL700 Color LCD Arc
Function:
EL700 Color LCD Bolt
Hole Function:
EL700 Color LCD Line
Hole Function:
EL700 Color LCD
Grid Hole Function:
EL700 Color LCD
Pocket Function:
EL700 Color LCD
Optional Touch Probe:
- axis datum capture
- measure distance
- measure single or
dual angle
- find center of
circle on internal or external pieces
EL700 Color LCD
Touch Probe (continued):
- measure step height
- measure step width
- measure outside
width
- measure inside width
EL700 Color LCD
Polar Coordinates Function:
Electronica
400 "Machine Specific" 4 Axis Mill Display:
- The lower eight function
keys are mill specific.
- The front display has
"Quick Zero" buttons for the X, Y and Z axis.
- Z axis Summing Function.
Electronica
700 Color LCD 4 Axis Mill Display:
- Our most powerful,
brightest
display!
- Easiest to read
touch screen
- Simple and intuitive
interface
- Sealed Color LCD panel
- Fully interactive
"Touch Probe" port on the back
- Built in mill and lathe
functions - vector, summing, taper etc
- U axis can be shown
independently or summed with the X axis to sum the knee and quill movement
- Z and U axis
summed together to automatically report vertical (knee and quill) movement:
Electronica
Magnetic Scale 2 Axis Lathe Kits:
EL300
"Universal Display" Kit |
EL400
"Machine Specific" Kit |
|
|
NOTE: Items are shown out of their
protective boxes to better illustrate what's included.
Display cover, and installation
instructions included but not shown.
All kits ship in original factory packaging
and boxes.
Magnetic Scales can
be easily cut to length and can't be contaminated!
Determining Magnetic Scale Length.
Magnetic scales are named according to the amount of
travel the scales are built to accommodate. This is the
value you should use to match the travel of your
machine. As a sidenote, maximum
travel will be ~ 5/8" longer, and overall length will be
5-1/2" longer than stated scale size. Using a 12" scale
as an example, it is designed to fully accommodate 12"
of travel, it's maximum travel will be 12-5/8", and
overall length will be 17-1/2". |
|
8" x
30" |
X |
1 µm
(0.00005") cross slide |
$985 |
Call
for Avail |
8" x
30" |
X |
1 µm
(0.00005") cross slide |
$1,060 |
|
Z |
5 µm
(0.0002") carriage |
Z |
5 µm
(0.0002") carriage |
8" x 40" |
X |
1 µm
(0.00005") cross slide |
$1,035 |
Call
for Avail |
8" x 40" |
X |
1 µm
(0.00005") cross slide |
$1,085 |
|
Z |
5 µm
(0.0002") carriage |
Z |
5 µm
(0.0002") carriage |
10" x 40" |
X |
1 µm
(0.00005") cross slide |
$1,045 |
Call
for Avail |
10" x 40" |
X |
1 µm
(0.00005") cross slide |
$1,095 |
Call
for Avail |
Z |
5 µm
(0.0002") carriage |
Z |
5 µm
(0.0002") carriage |
12" x 40" |
X |
1 µm
(0.00005") cross slide |
$1,085 |
Call
for Avail |
12" x 40" |
X |
1 µm
(0.00005") cross slide |
$1,125 |
|
Z |
5 µm
(0.0002") carriage |
Z |
5 µm
(0.0002") carriage |
14" x
60"
size not available in 300 series |
14" x
60" |
X |
1 µm
(0.00005") cross slide |
$1,295 |
|
Z |
5 µm
(0.0002") carriage |
14" x
80" |
X |
1 µm
(0.00005") cross slide |
$1,280 |
Call
for Avail |
14" x
80" |
X |
1 µm
(0.00005") cross slide |
$1,485 |
|
Z |
5 µm
(0.0002") carriage |
Z |
5 µm
(0.0002") carriage |
20" x 120"
size not available in 300 series |
20" x
120" |
X |
1 µm
(0.00005") cross slide |
$2,575 |
|
Z |
5 µm
(0.0002") Jointed J2 scale |
22" x 160"
size not available in 300 series |
22" x
160" |
X |
1 µm
(0.00005") cross slide |
$2,949 |
|
Z |
5 µm
(0.0002") Jointed J2 scale |
22" x 200"
size not available in 300 series |
22" x
200" |
X |
1 µm
(0.00005") cross slide |
$3,299 |
|
Z |
5 µm
(0.0002") Jointed J2 scale |
22" x 240"
size not available in 300 series |
22" x 240" |
X |
1 µm
(0.00005") cross slide |
$3,935 |
|
Z |
5 µm
(0.0002") Jointed J2 scale |
|
|
"Universal"
Display
Not machine
specific |
|
|
|
"Lathe"
specific |
|
Need help choosing between the
EL300
& EL400 lathe displays?
Click HERE |
|
Display
Arm Bracket: |
|
|
X Axis (cross slide)
Bracket: |
|
|
Z Axis (carriage)
Bracket: |
|
|
Recommended
EL300 Documents:
How to Cut Magnetic Scales
2
Axis Lathe Worksheet
EL300 Lathe setup
EL300 Lathe Kit Parts List
Changing EL300 Scale Read Direction |
Recommended EL400 Documents:
How to Cut Magnetic Scales
2
Axis Lathe Worksheet
EL400 Lathe setup
EL400 Lathe Kit Parts List
Changing EL400 Scale Read Direction |
Electronica
Magnetic Scale 3 Axis Lathe Kits:
EL700
Machine Specific Color LCD Kit |
|
|
Lathe Specific |
Color LCD |
NOTE: Items are shown out of their
protective boxes to better illustrate what's included.
Display cover, and installation
instructions included but not shown.
All kits ship in original factory packaging
and boxes.
Magnetic Scales can
be easily cut to length and can't be contaminated!
Determining Magnetic Scale Length.
Magnetic scales are named according to the amount of
travel the scales are built to accommodate. This is the
value you should use to match the travel of your
machine. As a sidenote, maximum
travel will be ~ 5/8" longer, and overall length will be
5-1/2" longer than stated scale size. Using a 12" scale
as an example, it is designed to fully accommodate 12"
of travel, it's maximum travel will be 12-5/8", and
overall length will be 17-1/2". |
|
8" x
8" x 40" |
$1,980 |
14" x 14" x
60" |
$2,180 |
14" x 14" x
80" |
$2,375 |
20" x 20" x
120" (J2 Jointed Scale) |
$3,255 |
22" x 22" x
160" (J2 Jointed Scale) |
$4,662 |
22" x 22" x
200" (J2 Jointed Scale) |
$4,770 |
22" x 22" x
240" (J2 Jointed Scale) |
$4,990 |
Display
Arm Bracket: |
|
|
X Axis (cross slide)
Bracket: |
|
|
Z Axis (carriage)
Bracket: |
|
|
Z' Axis (top slide)
Bracket: |
|
|
Recommended EL700 Documents:
How to Cut Magnetic Scales
2
Axis Lathe Worksheet
EL400 Lathe setup
EL400 Lathe Kit Parts List
Changing EL400 Scale Read Direction |
Electronica
300 Series "Universal" 2 Axis Lathe Display:
- The proper
terminology for describing a lathes axis are X and Z.
- This display has X,
Y and Z buttons on the front panel.
- Only the X and Y
keys and display windows are functional.
- The back of the
display only has connections for the X and Y axis.
- The display does
not
have "Quick Zero" buttons like the 400 model.
- The lower eight
function keys are not lathe specific like the 400 model.
Electronica
400 "Machine Specific" 2 Axis Lathe Display:
- The proper
terminology for describing a lathes axis are X and Z.
- This display has the
'proper' X and Z buttons on the front panel.
- The back of the
display has the proper connections for the X and Z axis.
- The front display
has "Quick Zero" buttons for both the X and Z axis.
- The lower eight
function keys are lathe specific.
Electronica
700 Color LCD 3 Axis Lathe Display:
- Our most powerful
display
- Easiest to read
bright Color LCD panel
- Simple and intuitive
interface
- Sealed touch screen
panel
- Built in lathe
functions - vector, summing, taper etc
EL700
Color LCD Summing Mode:
- shown with both X
and Z axis in summing mode
- X or Z axis can be
individually configured to sum with the compound, or Z' axis
EL700
Color LCD Vector Function:
- Compound or vector
angle can be independently set to any value
EL700
Color LCD Vector Function:
- moving just the
compound or top slide automatically updates both the X and Z position
EL700
Color LCD display in Taper Mode:
Electronica
Magnetic Scale 300 Displays:
The 300 display is
a "universal" display. In other words, whether it's put on a lathe, a 2
axis mill or even a 3 axis mill, it's physically the same display. The
display always has X, Y and Z keys, even if it's for a 2 axis mill. The
buttons, or keys, are not lathe or mill specific, although the display
can perform most all of the same functions as its big brother, the 400.
Instead of machine specific keys, however, you must navigate the menu to
find specific functions.
Electronica
Magnetic Scale 400 Displays:
400 displays are
all "machine specific". In other words, the mill and lathe displays are
distinctly different. The axis keys (X, Y and Z) specifically match the
machine. The function buttons, or keys, are also machine specific, which
makes for a more intuitive, easier to use interface. The yellow front
panel also adds "one-touch zero keys" the 300 does not have.
Additionally, the back of the 400 has a contact probe input jack.
Benefits of Magnetic
Scales
|
Magnetic Scales |
Glass Scales |
Inductive Scales |
Profile |
1-1/4" height |
2-1/8" height |
2-7/8" height |
Ease of installation |
Flat scale "bar" easily
mounts directly to machine |
Scale and readhead joined together ?
cannot be disassembled |
Round "bar" must be offset / cannot be
mounted flat against the machine |
Price |
Complete kit starts
at only $760 |
~ $700 |
$1,500 + |
Cost to repair |
Readhead and / or
scale can be purchased separately |
Readhead and scale must be
purchased as a complete assembly |
Parts extremely expensive |
Resistance to
contaminants |
Impervious to
contaminants |
Optical technology
susceptible to contamination |
Impervious to contaminants |
Can
scales be cut to a custom length? |
Yes |
No |
No |
Scale
durability |
Virtually indestructible |
Glass prone to
breakage, contamination |
Rod susceptible to
damage |
Overall length |
2.5" longer than travel |
5" longer than
travel |
10" longer than travel |
Upgradeable software |
Convenient USB |
Not available |
Not available |
Bracket system |
Powder coated black, custom
brackets |
"Universal brackets"
require extensive
modification |
Complicated bracket
system must be "offset" |
There are currently three
different scale types available for digital readout systems. They are magnetic,
glass, and inductive. Glass scales rely upon an optical encoder and receiver
mounted inside of an aluminum extrusion. If the scale becomes contaminated by
coolant, oil or dust, they are rendered useless.
Inductive scales are impervious to contamination. The disadvantages are they're
bulky, expensive, and difficult to mount.
Magnetic scales combine the best of optical and inductive technology. Magnetic
scales are impervious to coolant, liquid or dust, yet are slimmer than either of
the other two technologies. They're easier to mount, more durable, and can be
broken down into convenient lengths for shipping. The first thing customers
notice with magnetic scales is that the readhead and the scale are completely
separate components. This means mounting magnetic scales is easier than any
other type scale - since the readhead mounts separately from the scale, mounting
is much quicker, and a whole lot easier! Prior to Electronica, magnetic scales
were prohibitively expensive. Today, they are on par pricewise with optical
scales. In summary, magnetic scales hold all the advantages of the other
technologies, without retaining the negative qualities of being higher priced or
difficult to install that inductive scales suffer from.
Picture of a New Glass
Scale:
|
Picture
of a new glass scale. Notice the mirror finish along the walls
inside the scale. |
Picture of a Glass Scale
that's been improperly used in a contaminated environment:
|
Picture
of a glass scale
contaminated
by hundreds of debris particles after being placed in service less
than 3 months. The inside of this scale should be a
mirror shiny finish, as shown above. Even a single
bit of debris can cause a glass scale to stop reading correctly. Unfortunately, a contaminated glass scale will continue to display
position, albeit an incorrect one, leaving the operator unaware of
the malfunction. The solution,
of course, is to use magnetic scales. Magnetic scales are designed
to operate in the harshest and most extreme environments. Not only
are magnetic scales unaffected by debris or contamination, they're
also protected against submersion in coolant or liquids. |
|
The height or
head dimension of the readhead is critical to a clean DRO
installation. Magnetic scale technology eliminates the bulky optical
sensors common to traditional readheads.
A slim design means the readhead can be mounted close to the machine, increasing
travel and tool efficiency.
Slimmer profile
readheads are also much
less likely to get damaged from dropped tools or workpieces.
Magnetic readheads retain the advantage of being impervious to coolant, but
aren't bulky or expensive like inductive or optical scales.
|
|
|
|
The overall
required mounting height is much less than optical or inductive
scales.
Magnetic scale height is less than half that of inductive scales.
|
|
|
|
|
"Required End Clearance" is the 'dead space' between the center of
the readhead and the end of the scale. The more "Required End
Clearance" a scale requires, the longer the scale becomes. |
Electronica vs. DRO PROS vs. Easson vs. Fagor
How Do I Choose the Right
DRO Kit?
To start with, all
DRO PROS products are quality built to do the job right.
However, with that said, each brand has it's own unique advantages. We
know that choosing a DRO kit can be difficult, so in our endeavor to
help our customers we've developed the following guidelines. While we
try to be as impartial as we can, our interaction with our customers and
their feedback has certainly influenced us greatly in forming our
"opinions". Please keep in mind that every installation is different,
only you can know what's best for you.
Electronica
PROS:
The most technologically advanced DRO kit on the market today. For
starters, the Electronica kit uses magnetic scales. Magnetic scales are
impervious to coolant or liquid, and are slimmer than glass or inductive
scales. They're easier to mount, more durable, and can be cut to any
length you need. They can't be contaminated, and measure only .4" thick.
The bracket kits are exceptional, being machined, not cast, and are
anodized black for a professional finish.
CONS: Such
an incredible deal you may end up buying more than just one!
COMMENTS:
DRO PROS hits another home run! Affordable, built to last, and one of
the best looking, easiest to use displays we've seen.
WHY YOU WOULD
CHOOSE ELECTRONICA: If you value quality, ease of installation, and
don't want your scales to get contaminated, this is the kit for you!
eBay "El Cheapo" vs. DRO PROS
But I
can still save $5 and get an eBay special from some guy I can't understand or
talk to!
Yes, we
understand. We all want to get 'a bargain'. But trust us, you don't want to go
there. Besides the fact you can't talk to these guys if you have a question,
they don't provide a written warranty, if something breaks you can't get
replacement parts, etc. etc, might we suggest you consider the quality of the
manual?
We've all
seen the eBay specials where the listing includes an English manual. But have
you actually read the "English Manual" included with our competitors kit? Of
course you haven't. Because if you did, you probably wouldn't buy the kit. But
in order to see the manual, you'd first have to buy the kit. Quite the dilemma.
Well, we have a solution - we did buy the kit, and we're happy to show you what
you really get! Check out the two excerpts below explaining "Bolt Hole Circle",
probably the easiest to use (and explain) function on a DRO:
From the
DRO PROS 3M Manual:
- Bolt Hole
Circle - |
From the
Competitions Manual:
- Bolt Hole
Circle - |
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(Click on the
documents above to open them up)
(Make sure
to check out the first remark on the last page of the competitions
manual... and no, we didn't make this up - this is the manual you
get!!) |
So if this is
the easiest to explain function, how well do you think
their manual explains ARC procedures?
Remember, the
very first moment you have a question, DRO PROS customers are going
to call our toll free number and get the issue resolved immediately
with an English speaking American.
Our
competitors customers are going to wonder what in the world they
were thinking when they saved $5. You be the judge!
What makes DRO
PROS readouts the best? Am I really getting a good deal?
At DRO
PROS we get
daily emails from suppliers wanting us to hawk their
digital readouts. We literally travel worldwide to seek out
the best deals for you, our customer. International Trade
Show in Beijing? Been there. Taiwan, Korea, Japan, China, you name
it, we've been there. And guess what? Our selection of digital
readouts represents the finest we've found. Anywhere. Trust us when
we say you get what you pay for. We could choose to sell the same
DRO's you see on eBay for $50 less, but we choose not to,
because we know they won't last and ultimately will cause us and our
customers frustration. Still don't believe us? Take a look here at
the insides of a very popular DRO currently sold on eBay under
various brand names:
(Click
on images to enlarge)
Notice how the
traces between the touch pads are simply taped in place by
hand from leftover scraps - obviously this is much cheaper
to manufacture, but how do you suppose this type of display is going
to hold up on your machine? As they say, Caveat Emptor
or 'Buyer Beware'.
Hopefully this
information will help you, our Customer, when choosing
your DRO system. Take your time, choose wisely.
What can a DRO
do for me?
A digital
readout system digitally displays a machine tool's exact position on
an electronic display board. A DRO can greatly simplify your work,
save time, reduce costly mistakes and allow you to produce more
accurate, exacting parts. The DRO unit keeps precise track of tool
bit position in all 3 axis - back and forth (x axis), fore and aft
(y axis), and up and down (z axis). Without a DRO system, an
operator must count the number of hand wheel revolutions to
determine exact position of a tool head against the table. For
example, some milling machine leadscrews are graduated at 16 threads
per inch (TPI), which means that for every turn of the hand wheel
the table moves 1/16? (.0625), therefore it takes 16 turns to move
the table exactly 1?. Other machines are calibrated at 10 TPI,
meaning it takes 10 hand wheel revolutions for the table to travel
an inch. On the Z axis, it is typical for each division to represent
.002?, where one full revolution is equal to .060?. Needless to say,
it can quickly become quite confusing! The bottom line is that with
a digital display, the days of counting hand wheel revolutions are
over!
In summary, a
machine equipped with a digital readout (DRO) is easier to use, less
frustrating, and can save the operator many hours in setup and
operation time. No more counting turns of the dial - simply turn the
display on and you're ready to go - the DRO keeps track of position
even after a power shortage!
Why should you buy from
DRO PROS?
We speak
English - We answer our phones - Same day shipping
Veteran
owned, Veteran managed - and proud of it!
Our goal is to
make customers for life. We feel that, in the long run, treating
customers right will yield much more than simply "going for the
sale". In accordance with that, we have attempted to pass on some
ideas to help you, the customer, in completing your purchase
decision:
Price.
Probably the most talked about factor when buying a
digital readout.
Price can also be the most misleading, and perhaps worst way, to
judge a digital readout kit. We've all heard the old adage, "You get
what you pay for." Before the internet, it was true, price did
generally correlate directly to value. But that was yesterdays
economy. All resellers obtained their goods the same way, and
therefore incurred the same costs. In today's economy, the market
has changed drastically. At DRO PROS, we import and sell directly to
you. Unlike our competitors, we do not have Western and Eastern
sales divisions and multi layers of management to support. One
location, one cost, and the savings get passed on to you!
Intuitiveness or "Ease of Use".
Probably the
most important, and hardest to determine factor when buying a
readout.
Think in terms of after the sale. Even if you get an absolute 'rock
star' bottom line price that would make William Shatner proud, if
the
digital readout
is not user friendly, you still didn't get a 'deal'. The whole point
of getting a
digital readout
is to make your work easier and more enjoyable. If the
digital readout is poorly designed, too complicated, if the display
isn't bright enough, or in other words is 'user unfriendly', you'll
regret your purchase decision every time you turn it
on. It simply won't matter what you paid, it's not worth
it!
Support.
Most likely the second most important, and perhaps most overlooked
factor when buying a
digital readout.
Imagine trying to reach a technician when you've bought a
digital readout
from an overseas reseller! Yet every day, people "save" $50 and buy
products on eBay without stopping to think what will happen when
they need service or tech support. Some
digital readout
resellers don't even publish a phone number! While our competitors
continue to pare down or even totally eliminate their customer
support, we continue to expand our Customer Service. Our Video
Tutorials are the best in the industry, and are available free for
you, our customers. Our tech help is the best in the business - our
techs all know our readouts inside and out.
Nobody knows digital readouts like
DRO PROS!
Warranty.
DRO PROS is proud to offer the industries safest, longest, lifetime
warranty on all of our Electronica magnetic scale kits.
DRO PROS brand warranty claims are handled directly
by DRO PROS. No run-arounds, no hassle! Something not working as
expected? Call us, don't get redirected overseas like the other
guys!
Parts.
Can
you believe some resellers don't carry parts? That's right, buy from
the "other guys", break a scale, and you get to replace the entire
digital readout
kit! Don't assume you can just go buy a different brand scale,
either, because most manufacturers use different connectors on their
scales. If that wasn't enough, even among those with a common
connector, such as a DB9, most are hard wired differently. Finally,
don't overlook the cost of parts. At DRO PROS, an
800mm replacement scale will cost you $197. A similar scale sold
extensively by a European company will cost nearly $700! Finally, we
have a massive inventory of parts, so rest easy - a replacement part
is only a phone call away!
The Best
Value.
We literally search world-wide for the best value
digital readout
products on the planet. If there was a better
digital readout
package to be sold, we would be selling it. Yes, we've seen cheaper
units on eBay, but there is a reason they're cheaper. Think poor
quality, no parts, no manual, non-existent customer service, poor
product fit/finish etc.
Customer
Service.
We pledge to
never "over sell" you on a product that won't work well for you. Our
philosophy is to try and save you money and get the best value kit
tailored to the machinery you have. Many of our customers are
surprised when we recommend against buying a more expensive brand.
Again, our philosophy is to build customers for life. Give us a call
and let us save you money!
Shipping.
Most orders
ship the same day, the next at the latest. We do not 'drop' ship, we
have our own massive warehouse of inventory right here on site. We
use UPS, you'll get a tracking number emailed to you immediately,
and we cover all shipping insurance automatically.
The
Company.
DRO PROS is a
veteran owned, American company. We enjoy selling quality products
at competitive prices. We believe that providing the best
customer service is the key to success. No other company spends more
time on the phone with customers than we do. Even in a down economy,
our company continues to thrive and grow. We look forward to earning
your business!
The Bottom
Line.
Our line of
digital readout's are simply the most user friendly readouts on the
planet. Because of our direct marketing structure, they're also
extremely affordable. Coupled with our extensive customer service
and affordable parts, our Digital Readout products are simply the
best value on the planet.
Shipping:
Domestic Shipping to
the United States:
All digital readout
shipping is done via UPS for a flat rate of $43. You'll get a tracking
number emailed direct to you from UPS, enabling you to track your shipment
door to door! We cover insurance against any potential shipping damages, so
no hidden fees here!
International Shipping
to Canada:
All of our DRO
shipping is done via UPS. We charge a flat fee of $80.
International Shipping
elsewhere:
All of our DRO
shipping is done via the United States Postal Service via a flat rate
of $140.
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Industry Leading Unlimited
Lifetime Warranty
Electronica magnetic
kits = Unlimited Lifetime Warranty
DRO PROS brand warranty claims are handled directly
by DRO PROS.
No run-arounds, no hassle!
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At DRO PROS, we
take care of our customers.
Have an issue or need some
help? Let us take care of it with a toll-free call to California!
Call us now at 1-707-452-8434
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