Touchscreen Digital Readout Provides Customizable Settings

Heidenhain’s ND 7013 digital readout (DRO) model replaces the ND 780 and offers an improved user interface and touchscreen, among other improvements. It is said to provide machinists with reliable features to optimize the use of manually-operated machine tools with as many as four axes. An I/O feature is also available.

The ND 7013 DRO has an improved status bar on the right side of the main screen that provides options for selecting the respective operating status. A quick-access menu allows the user to view or select multiple options such as displaying length and angle values, presets and tools, a stopwatch or calculator, feed rates, an edge finder (in milling mode), and an Auxiliary Functions key.

The change-over from the conventional Heidenhain keyboard to the touchscreen is said to facilitate operation and enable the implementation of custom settings. It also provides increased protection from dirt and liquids, improving its suitability for a machine shop environment.

The DRO’s custom settings are configured with keys used to switch or control actuators in the machine. With a keystroke, a machinist can display documents (operating instructions, machine manual, tables) on the screen. If spindle control is activated on the ND 7013 I/O, the user can also define keys for presetting the spindle speed. The custom-defined keys are then included in an OEM bar that can be dragged into the screen.