A lathe with a red cover and a clear protective shield stands in front of a concrete wall. Parts, a measuring system and a screen are positioned in the background.

Measuring systems for machines

Would you like to put together a customised measuring system?

At paulimot this is possible according to the "Mix & Match" principle.

On the one hand, you can choose between two position indicators. This means you can decide for yourself whether you want to stick with the "classic model" and choose the display with buttons or whether you would prefer to work with a touchscreen. On the other hand, you have the option of selecting the most suitable scale for your machine and your requirements. You can choose between glass scales and magnetic strips in different lengths. These are all compatible with each other and can be selected depending on the space available on the machine. The new magnetic tapes are already mounted on a profile rail, which saves you time during installation.

The best thing: If there is enough space on your milling machine or lathe, it doesn't matter whether you have a paulimot machine or a machine from another manufacturer.

To the measuring systems

How do I find the right measuring system for my machine?

Step 1: Select position display

The first step is to select a position display. You can choose between the classic display with buttons or a display with a touch screen. The actual screen size and functions are the same for both variants. Only the housing is larger for the button model. Both devices can be attached to the machine or the wall using a bracket.

To the position indicators

Step 2: Check the conditions on the machine

In the next step, check the conditions on your machine. Ask yourself how much space you have for measuring bars and sensors on your machine.
After checking, you can now decide whether you prefer a glass measuring system or magnetic tape. We recommend using the glass measuring system if there is a lot of space and the magnetic tape if there is less space on the machine. A combination of the two is also possible. For example, a glass scale can be used on two axes, but if the space required for the glass scale is not available on the third axis, a magnetic tape can also be installed here.

This means that both distance measurement variants are compatible with each other.

Step 3: Selecting the measuring bar

Then measure the respective traverse paths of the axes to determine the length of the measuring system required.You will find glass scales and magnetic tapes in our range.
The magnetic tapes are already mounted on a profile rail. They can be shortened, i.e. their length can be adapted to the respective traverse path. On the lathe, these are the dimensions on the bed, cross and top slide and on the milling machine the X, Y and Z axes. We offer the matching sensors / read heads for the magnetic tapes, these are already available for the glass scales.

a measuring system therefore consists of:

1x position indicator, 3x measuring strip, 3x sensor

To the glass scales

To the magnetic tapes

To the sensors for magnetic tapes

Close-up of a lathe with mounting example and metric scale. Metal parts in silver and red dominate the picture. An adjustment can be seen in the centre.

Close-up of a machine tool. Red slide labelled "Attachment example". Metal guides and adjusting wheels are visible.

Close-up of a machine tool with red, silver and black components. Screws and threads are visible. The mechanics appear precise and robust.

Close-up of a machine tool. Metallic components in grey, silver and red dominate. A long, silver rail runs horizontally in front of a light-coloured wooden background. Cables and screws are visible.

Tips & tricks for mounting

Glass scales

Symbol for fragile: stylised, black glass shape with a lightning bolt-shaped crack.

1. sensitivity

Glass scales are very sensitive to dirt, coolant and mechanical influences (e.g. knocks and impacts). It is therefore essential to ensure correct mounting and use.

Close-up of a machine tool. A paulimot glass rule is mounted on a red surface and connected to a metal cable. A ruler can be seen in the background.

Close-up of a glass scale mounted on a machine. Silver metal housing with flexible cable guide and various fastening elements. Parts of the machine are in red, grey and black.

Close-up of a silver glass scale attached to a red-painted machine with silver cables and metal mountings.

2. parallelism

The glass scales must be aligned exactly parallel to the respective axis to avoid distortions between the measuring sensor and the glass scale. A deviation can lead to measurement errors and damage.

Metal, rectangular holder with slotted holes and four cylindrical sleeves on a grey surface.

3. absence of voltage

In order to be able to mount the measuring sensor without tension, it is recommended to provide the holder for the measuring head with slotted holes.

Magnetic tapes

Schematic representation of a magnetic tape with corresponding measurement details. Total length 180 mm, max. measuring range 100 mm, magnetic tape length 155 mm, read head 55 mm.

1. magnetic tape length

With a total length of 180 mm, for example, the actual magnetic tape length is 155 mm. The length of the read head of 55 mm must be subtracted from this. This leaves a maximum measuring range of 100 mm.

2. Shortenable magnetic tapes

Magnetic tapes can be shortened individually.

To do this, loosen the screws of the cap (Fig. 1) and remove it (Fig. 2). Pull out the protective film (Fig. 3) and cut it off, e.g. with scissors (Fig. 5). You can then shorten the magnetic tape with a saw (Fig. 6). After shortening, the threads for the fastening screws must be cut again
(Fig. 7).

Close-up of a lathe with mounting holes, silver-coloured components and a sensor with cable in a spiral. Two red circles mark the drill holes.

3. mounting holes

As a rule, the mounting holes for magnetic tapes and read heads are not yet available and must be determined and produced by yourself.

Close-up of a machine tool in greyscale. Screws, a rotary knob with scale and hoses are visible. A label "paulimot" is attached.

4. use of carrier plates

With smaller machines in particular, it can happen that the required magnetic tape is longer than the top slide. In this case, a carrier plate is required for mounting.

Close-up of a machine tool. Metal components are visible, including a rail labelled "KA800mc-170mm". A handwheel is in the lower part of the picture.

5. mounting of the read head

A holder with slotted holes is required to attach the read head. The slotted holes facilitate the exact positioning of the read head to the magnetic tape (recommended distance: 0.1 - 0.3 mm).

Milling machine drills into workpiece, chips lie on blue machine table. Red angle shows focus.

6. customisation work

In special cases, it may be necessary to carry out customisation work on the machine itself.
Example shown here: paulimot PM190-V: Corner on the top slide flange had to be milled off.

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The advantages of a customised measuring system

Can be customised for each machine
Versatile compatibility
Free choice of components
Magnetic bar ready for installation
Glass scale ready for installation

Glass scale measuring system sets

To the set

Magnetic tape measuring system sets

To the set

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Let us advise you personally

Are you interested in a measuring system? Would you like to customise it? We will be happy to support you. Write us an e-mail or give us a call. Our technical sales staff are "experts in their field". They all have technical training and have often worked in metal or woodworking for many years.

Specialist advice on: +49 731 23232 or by email to: support@paulimot.de

To the paulimot specialist shop

Do you still have questions?

Our customer service team will be happy to assist you on +49 731 23232 or by email (info@paulimot.de). We look forward to your feedback!

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Author of this information page

This text was written by our authorised signatory and trained industrial mechanic specialising in machine and system technology. Further information on the profile of Frank