Electronica has introduced the MT100 digital readout (DRO), which simplifies the task of indexing a turret mill head to perform operations that are not perpendicular to the workpiece. Angular machining using turret-type milling machines is performed by rotating the head manually. In these circumstances, operators must loosen the securing bolts and rotate the head using a steel tape to determine the required angle. Alignment is by eye only and an operator will frequently retighten the bolts and perform a trial cut only to find that further adjustment is necessary, so the whole process has to be repeated.Such a time-consuming setup can have a negative impact, particularly in a tough manufacturing environment where every second counts. Returning the head to vertical once angular machining is complete presents the same problem. The new MT100 from Electronica overcomes this difficulty by replacing the steel rule with magnetic tape technology to give precise angular positioning from -180 degrees through zero up to +180 degrees. The MT100 has an integrated IP67-rated miniature sensor that reads a magnetic scale that is attached alongside the standard steel angular rule.
The battery-based MT100 sensor (offering more than 12 months of constant use) automatically detects any movement and accurately displays the angle (the resolution is 0.01 degrees) on its LCD screen, putting an end to operator uncertainty, human error and unnecessary trials cuts, according to the company. 'We have some time and motion studies ongoing and indications suggest the MT100 will comfortably save at least 40 minutes of labour time each time the turret mill head has to be set to accommodate angular machining,' said Robert Matthews, sales and marketing director at Electronica.
While Electronica already provides standard DRO products for one- to four-axis applications (table, knee, quill, knee/quill sum), the MT100 effectively facilitates the accurate operation of a fifth axis. Suitable for both OEM and retrofit applications, the self-calibrating functionality of the MT100 is designed to simplify setup. The unit, which is manufactured to ISO9001:2000, fits all makes and models of milling machines and is supplied as standard with a 2m sensor lead. Housed in an aluminium case measuring 102 x 55 x 48.5mm, the compact MT100 features a wipe-clean membrane keypad. The unit can be panel mounted if required.
