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Mag scale sales
- Thread starter Oldseabee
- Start date
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2013
- Messages
- 852
Mike,
It depends on your definition of "quality". In my experience Chinese magnetic scales are "adequate for hobby use", but I would not call any of them "quality" by any stretch. I haven't heard of the reading heads failing, but the encoder tape you get is basically glorified refrigerator tape. (This is the place where the vendors majorly cut corners). The actual error is usually very cyclic and for home shop is irrelevant. You might have plus/minus a few micron error as you move along. Basically you get 5-micron [nominal] resolution sales that are more resilient than capacitive scales (and about as repeatable and accurate).
If that is not acceptable, you lowest cost of entry will be Electronica/EMS scales from DRO Pros. I don't know if the reading head is implemented much better (at that price point they are probably still using pretty basic interpolation algorithm), but the encoder tape is of better (and documented) quality. They are about 2x the price of generic Chinese scales but repeatability/accuracy/stability is equivalent to glass scales (just more expensive and less bulky).
Regards
Yuriy
It depends on your definition of "quality". In my experience Chinese magnetic scales are "adequate for hobby use", but I would not call any of them "quality" by any stretch. I haven't heard of the reading heads failing, but the encoder tape you get is basically glorified refrigerator tape. (This is the place where the vendors majorly cut corners). The actual error is usually very cyclic and for home shop is irrelevant. You might have plus/minus a few micron error as you move along. Basically you get 5-micron [nominal] resolution sales that are more resilient than capacitive scales (and about as repeatable and accurate).
If that is not acceptable, you lowest cost of entry will be Electronica/EMS scales from DRO Pros. I don't know if the reading head is implemented much better (at that price point they are probably still using pretty basic interpolation algorithm), but the encoder tape is of better (and documented) quality. They are about 2x the price of generic Chinese scales but repeatability/accuracy/stability is equivalent to glass scales (just more expensive and less bulky).
Regards
Yuriy
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2013
- Messages
- 852
It will, but unless you need to mix and match Shahe and magnetic scales, i'd get the Glass/Magnetic scale adapter.
Since I currently have no scales I plan on the mag scales from DRO Pro. Just got off the phone with them. Nice folks to deal with
I just need to wait for more cash. Next payday.
Thanks for all your help.
Mike
I just need to wait for more cash. Next payday.
Thanks for all your help.
Mike
- Joined
- Jun 12, 2014
- Messages
- 5,056
I think you will find that unless you are buying magnetic scales directly from mainland China, the price of just the magnetic scales is as much as a complete DRO kit with display and magnetic scales. DRO Pros in the US and machine DRO UK I believe both use the Electronica scales which I use and have had no issues. Ditron and Aikron also have magnetic scales, may be slightly less, but as I mentioned their pricing is expensive if purchased individually. Glass DRO scales are much less expensive individually, but there has been reports that the lower quality ones the lip seals are poorer and they can be more prone to contamination. I have used both, the nice thing with magnetic is they are more compact and more forgiving as to alignment and to some degree contamination. But A few people have noted errors with their magnetic scales if a ferrous chip gets stuck between the scale and the reader. DRO Pros (Electronica) and Aikron magnetic scales do have wipers on either side of the reader heads. I have heard of isolated issues with Ditron DRO's as far as accuracy issues, do not know if this has to do with the scale, the display or the software.
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I've been using Ditron Mag scales and tape for 4 years now on my mill. No issues. From AliExpress.
Vevor has glass scales on clearance.
I've had good luck with ordering from them and am going to give these a try.
With the coupon my browser suggested, a set of 3 including shipping set me back $116
www.vevor.com
I've had good luck with ordering from them and am going to give these a try.
With the coupon my browser suggested, a set of 3 including shipping set me back $116
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