History
1947
The David A. Richardson Grating Laboratory was constructed by Bausch & Lomb, 150 feet below ground level and on bedrock, for the purpose of precision ruling and replicating diffraction gratings.
The 1950's
This technology was applied to the ruling of master linear scales and the replication of these scales in commercial quantities. Those linear scales became the basis for the evolution of a line of optical measuring products.
1968
Bausch & Lomb acquired Micro Line, a company located in Jamestown, NY that had developed a photographic emulsion process for replicating precision patterns.
1972
Both companies combined their replication technologies to produce precision chrome line scales. This, along with Bausch & Lomb's emerging electronics capability, resulted in the development of the first truly commercial digital readout (DRO) system.
1985
Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH acquired ACU-RITE INCORPORATED.
1986
ACU-RITE INCORPORATED acquired METRONICS, INC. a company located in
Manchester, NH, that had developed a line of geometric readouts known
by the brand name Quadra-Chek.
ACU-RITE introduced TurnVision, the first vision readout (VRO) specifically
designed for turning applications.
1988
ACU-RITE introduced MillVision, the first vision readout (VRO) specifically designed for milling applications.
1989
ACU-RITE constructed a new 77,000 square foot facility located in Jamestown, NY which continues to serve as our corporate headquarters and manufacturing facility.
1990
ACU-RITE introduced MillMate and TurnMate readout systems to the marketplace. These application-specific digital readout (DRO) systems were an affordable solution for cost conscious consumers.
1991
ACU-RITE introduced a re-designed Qwikcount readout to the marketplace. The Qwikcount readout was a compact, economical and simple readout that was ideal for grinding applications.
1992
ACU-RITE introduced the Master readout line to the marketplace. The
Master series consisted of three application specific models: Master-MP
for milling, Master-TP for turning and Master-G for grinding and general
purpose applications.
ACU-RITE began construction of a 12,000 square foot environmental and
temperature controlled clean room; allowing ACU-RITE to house it's
all new and one of a kind, in the United States, scale replication
equipment. The clean room became fully operational in 1994.
ACU-RITE added surface mount technology (SMT) to increase the quality
and throughput of it's P.C. board assembly process.
The above multi-million dollar expenditures made ACU-RITE one of the
worlds premier manufacturing facilities for electronic products and
precision glass scales.
ACU-RITE introduced EDMVision, the first vision readout (VRO) specifically
designed for EDMing applications.
1994
ACU-RITE INCORPORATED received ISO-9001 certification.
ACU-RITE introduced a brand new precision glass scale to the marketplace
known as the MicroScale. The all new MicroScale offers a compact design
ideal for cross-slides of lathes, inspection equipment and other applications
that have limited mounting space.
ACU-RITE entered into the CNC controls market with the introduction
of MILLPWR®, a 2-axis Control/3-axis Readout system that provides a
versatile, flexible, cost-effective solution to increase the efficiency,
productivity and profitability of manual milling machines.
1996
ACU-RITE completed construction of a 40,000 square foot addition to the manufacturing and stock room facilities.
1997
ACU-RITE introduced a complete family of user-defined, application-specific
readout systems that provide greater flexibility, increased efficiency & productivity,
easy feature access, better accuracy and improved workpiece quality.
ACU-RITE introduced a brand new precision glass scale to the marketplace
known as the ENC 150. The all new ENC 150 scale offers superior accuracy,
finer resolutions, advanced technology and improved durability & reliability.
1999
Acu-Rite’s MILLPWR control system was completely reengineered and introduced to the marketplace. The new MILLPWR is available as a 2 or 3 axes readout system and offers many new features and benefits at a reduced price.
2000
Acu-Rite introduced the ENC 250 long travel encoder. The ENC 250 is specifically designed for large machine applications and answers the growing demand for an accurate, reliable and competively priced scale for planer mills, horizontal boring mills, large lathes and other over-sized machines.
2001
Acu-Rite introduced the new Micro-Line readout systems for Milling
and Turning. Micro-Line M and T are the latest additions to the Acu-rite
family of readout systmes specifically designed for milling and turning
applications and are affordable solutions to basic machining needs
without sacrificing performance.
MILLPWR was enhanced to run G-code files from CAD/CAM programs for
full 3D contouring as well as an ability to translate DCF files directly
into program code. The added features made MILLPWR the most accurate
CNC milling machine in its class.