DRO(Digital Read Out)

Below shows the DRO unit mounted on my milling machine. This unit is commercially available and  provides a resolution of 0.01 mm on three axes.  The panel allows selecting  metric or inch readout, "zeroing" a particular axis and setting the x-axis value to be "single" or "double" value.  (This option  is intended for DRO  use on a lathe, not for use on the milling machine.)  The DRO unit supplies power to the sensor units under control of its ON/OFF switch. 

 

1. The installed  DRO  unit.

2. Testing the components before installation.

3. To facilitate the installation of the sensor unit, the table of the milling machine has been detached.
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3. Table removed to facilitate mounting  x-axis and y-axis sensors.
4. Drilling table for mounting x-axis sensor.
5. X-axis sensor attached to table.

6. Y-axis sensor mounted on standoffs on left side of milling machine.  This sensor was converted from a digital caliper.


7. Z-axis sensor and cabling.
8.  X-axis sensor protected by  aluminum angle bar.
9.   Rear view of DRO unit and associated  cabling.