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A computer software called DRO
Link is developed for using conventional milling machines as
a coordinate measuring machine. A digital readout device
(DRO) is needed for coordinate measurement. The probe of DRO
is used to gather the coordinates of the part. By using RS
232 connection, DRO Link transfers these coordinates to a
CAD software like AutoCAD. DRO Link helps the user to define
geometrical shapes using the coordinates. Another important
function of DRO Link is to transfer the coordinates of a CAD
drawing to the memory of DRO device. This function lets the
user does the machining without making any coordinate
calculations. DRO Link gathers the specified points on the
CAD drawing, transfers them to the DRO device. The user only
traces the coordinates from the display. More than that, DRO
Link follows the motion of the machine and informs the user
about the machining coordinates. We can categorize the
capabilities of DRO Link in 3 functions:
1.
From CAD Software to Milling Machine
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User either draws the workpiece geometry or
plots the toolpath in CAD software
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DRO Link extracts the machining coordinates
from the drawing. These coordinates can be modified, deleted
or new coordinates can be added manually by the user.
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Extracted coordinates are sent to the memory
of DRO device. User can either send whole coordinates or
divide them into blocks and send them partially.
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Machining operation is done by following the
coordinates on the screen of DRO device step by step.
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An
AutoCAD Drawing of Workpiece
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Extracted Coordinates of Workpiece in DRO Link
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Coordinates are Loaded into DRO Memory |
2. From the DRO Device to the CAD Software
Some DRO devices are capable of making basic
coordinate calculations like circular patterns. More than
that, operator stores some coordinates in the memory. DRO
Link gathers the coordinate memory and shows the coordinates
graphically. If required, these coordinates are sent to CAD
software.
3. From Touch Probe to the CAD Software
Touch probe is used to obtain coordinates
from the workpiece. By using DRO Link, these coordinates are
sent to CAD softwares. Therefore, conventional milling
machines can be used as CMM (coordinate measuring machine)
systems.
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Workpiece Coordinates are Gathered by
Using Touch Probe
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Touch Points can be Viewed in DRO
Link
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Touch Points are Sent to Cad Software
For Measurement
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Advantages of DRO Link:
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Decreases the risk of errors in coordinate
calculations due to human factor
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Decreases the coordinate calculation time
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Workpieces can be measured without
dismounting from the machine
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Conventional milling machines can be used as
CMM
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Lower production time
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Lower production cost
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Lower cost than CMM systems
Features of DRO Link:
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User friendly interface with Turkish, English
language option and color controls
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Coordinate information can be saved, loaded
and exported into an ASCII text file
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Coordinate data can be edited manually
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Coordinate data can be seen in graphical
interface with zooming and panning functions
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Compatible with different brands of DRO
systems that use RS232 interface
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Windows 9x, ME, XP is required as an
operating system
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Compatible with AutoCAD R13, 14 ,2000, 2002,
2004 and Intellicad
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