Digital scales and linear scales measure absolute or relative length dimensions along a horizontal or vertical axis. Digital linear scales have a long beam or blade with a carriage containing a linear encoder and digital LCD. They measure dimensions of workpieces and ensure exact placement of workpieces in mills and other machine tools. Linear scales for digital readouts (DRO) are used with a digital readout machine for dimensional measuring. Also known as linear scales or linear encoders for DROs, they transmit high-resolution distance measurements.