You may be able to adapt an inexpensive electronic digital caliper to your
needs. They use capacitive measuring system and are accurate to 0.02 mm.
They don't like fluids on the scale, so it would have to be protected
against coolant/cutting fluids if you use them. Prices on ebay are around
$20 to $40 for 4" to 8". The display is small and will likely not be
conveniently located for monitoring. The solution is an external DRO. Take
a look at the latest PIC List design contest for some of what you would
need to do that.

http://www.piclist.com/techref/piclist/pcbcontest.htm

--
http://www.piclist.com#nomail Going offline? Don't AutoReply us!
email listserv@mitvma.mit.edu with SET PICList DIGEST in the body