How to Choose a Digital Readout System

A Digital Readout (DRO) purchase can be challenging. The first choice is typical whether or not to purchase one. The process is frustrating because a sound DRO system can sometimes cost as much or even more than the machine it is being installed on!

Everyone who has used a DRO knows how time and money can be saved, but for those who have never used one, it may take some time to get to the point where they decide to acquire one.

This post is intended for people who have decided to purchase a DRO but might value receiving some “inside” guidance on which DRO to buy.

Remember that the purpose of this post is to reflect the factors that, in our opinion, should be taken into account when buying a DRO system for the first time. As always, your scenario may differ.

Your circumstances might require a different set of priorities than we suggested here. Regardless of your earlier experiences, the following considerations are essential for anyone thinking about buying a DRO.

• Easy to use: This is, in our opinion, the most crucial qualification. In the end, virtually all brands of digital readout carry out the same tasks. Bolt hole circles, line holes, power out memory, etc., can all be accomplished by any respectable DRO in one way or another. The way they carry out their tasks differs.
• Cost: Ten years ago, the price of digital readout systems was a top priority. As we know, circumstances have changed, and you no longer need to spend as much money as you once did to have a high-quality digital readout.

All Other Priorities:

1. “All-in-One” readouts vs. machine-specific readouts – The readout that is the simplest to use is created especially for the machine to which it is affixed. DRO are machine-specific, so our readout for a milling machine differs from our readout for a lathe, which differs from our readout for a grinder, etc. Manufacturing machine-specific readouts cost a little extra, but we believe our clients are worth it!
2. Warranty – The only valid warranty is in writing and upheld by the business that sold you the digital readout. Other companies’ securities may only last for a short period, call for the return of parts to the “manufacturer” in another country, and are vague about what is and is not covered (i.e., unwritten). DRO offers a documented, three-year warranty, and we care for all repairs.
3. Resolution – Some manufacturers only offer a resolution of 10 microns as their highest! Since the resolution is ten times higher, both one and 5-micron scales are available.
4. Type of scale: There are currently four ways to identify the scale position—optical, rack-and-pinion, inductive, and magnetic.
5. Only Magnetic and Inductive Scales: Inductive scales are tubes filled with balls set in a position resembling a towel rack and placed some distance from the instrument. They are pricey, cumbersome to attach, and, did we say, expensive.
6. Rack & pinion system: In Canada, “Shooting Star” sells rack and pinion products. The greatest resolution available with this outdated technology is only 10 microns (.0005″). There is no “power out memory” or linear error compensation capability. This was an excellent substitute for more expensive optical scales ten years ago. . However, at that time, visual scale costs had decreased, eliminating the cost-benefit of using a rack & pinion system.
7. Scale size: DRO PROS supplies 58 various-length scales to match your machine exactly. Additionally, we automatically incorporate SlimLine scales at no additional cost when the thickness of the scale is essential (such as when mounting a scale on a lathe’s cross slide).
8. Armored wires: Some businesses exclude armored cables from their scales. DRO complies.
9. Build quality / Construction: A cast, tough aluminum casing protects all DRO displays.
10. Accuracy – Non-Linear and Linear Error Compensation is available on all DRO displays. This function corrects for temperature and other “flaws” in all measuring systems by nature. It is available through DRO.
11. Internal vs External Power Supply – DRO power supplies are built within the cabinet, where they are safe and can’t be misplaced or destroyed.
12. The readability and viewing angle are also excellent, thanks to DRO LED segments, which support a 180-degree offset. The DRO display features are all “dedicated button” style, not “menu system,” in terms of functionality.
13. Guarantee: Not all contracts are created equal. It doesn’t exist if it isn’t written. We take great pride in our warranties. 3 Years. Every web page has it prominently posted at the bottom!
14. Customer support – DRO is here to assist you! Before the sale, we advise selecting the appropriate scale sizes. We guide where and how to attach them during installation to help.

That’s pretty much it, then. We hope to have clarified more questions than we did! The best advice we can probably provide you is to take your time, carefully consider the business you’re buying from and decide which of the factors above are most important to you before moving forward. The criteria above should make purchasing a Digital Readout (DRO) much simpler!