Precision machine control developer Heidenhain Corp. said its TNC 620 digital CNC controller is now more powerful with the addition of software options that mean it can be customized to operators’ specific tasks. The effect is to give CNC machine builders and operators the ability to tailor their control system to specific needs. The benefit is affordability, because users will need to purchase only the options that are required for their applications.
Also, the machine operators will be able to add other features over time, as needed, using specific code.
Heidenhain is the North American subsidiary of Dr. Johannes Heidenhain GmbH, a manufacturer of precision measurement and control equipment. In addition to CNC controls, it supplies linear scales, rotary and angular encoders, digital readouts, digital length gages, and machine inspection equipment.
New end-user functions are available on the TNC 620 include the new DXF converter, which makes it possible to open DXF files directly on the TNC, in order to extract contours, point patterns, or machining positions. The TNC 620 control also comes equipped with the HSCI interface. Advantages of HSCI over traditional interface design include greater distance between components, high noise immunity, simplified troubleshooting, and installation.
With shop-oriented programming that uses plain language dialog, the TNC 620 provides users with optimal support via practical prompts, questions, and meaningful help graphics. When programming away from the machine, the TNC 620 automatically takes machine geometry into account, tilting the working plane, and conducting cylinder surface machining, 3-D tool compensation and fast execution through short block processing times, so it can handle complex operations with confidence.
Another important feature of the TNC 620 control is that it dynamically calculates and adapts to conditions. This is done through a range of new functions like CTC (Cross Talk Compensation), LAC (Load Adaptive Control), and ACC (Active Chatter Control.)
ACC, according to the developer, can significantly reduce a machine’s tendency to chatter and increase the attainable metal removal rate during heavy cutting by 25% and more, depending on the type of machine. The new ACC option is available in the tool table.
