Moldmaking Applications Supported by CNC Controller With Fully Integrated Process Monitoring

At IMTS 2022, Heidenhain unveils the novel TNC7. The CNC control supports users from initial design to final machining, from one-off jobs to serial production, and from simple slots to complex contours. According to the company, the control platform also enables machine manufacturers to adapt the user interface to their machines and offers dynamic development potential for greater functionality. Its single, most important feature, however, is the set of reliable processes that it provides builders for moldmaking applications.

For example, the TNC7 is said to be the first CNC control on the market to provide the users with fully integrated process monitoring. Based on one or more reference machining operations, the TNC7 can reliably detect process deviations and can immediately respond appropriately. Thus, a broken tool or indexable insert will not cause secondary damage.

This feature, together with the replacement tool and pallet machining functions, even makes it possible to immediately continue machining and maintain machine productivity, Heidenhain points out. With the TNC7, this does not require additional hardware or interventions into the PLC. The visualization of process deviations on the simulated workpiece and in a graph, a feature that is integrated in the control and acts as a basis for future control generations from the company, enables easy and intuitive implementation of process monitoring.

Moreover, the TNC7 enhances familiar Klartext programming with smart functions and newly developed graphical programming. Users are able to draw contours directly on the touchscreen and convert them into dialog-guided TNC Klartext programming code. Cycles and older contour programs can still be used, including already existing NC programs. A diverse package of functions, intelligent probing cycles, and graphical guidance for determining the position of clamping devices completes the next level of smart programming.

The TNC7 is on display at Heidenhain’s booth #135716 (East Building), as well as the IMTS Student Summit booth #215600 and appears a the Hermle USA booth #339119 (South Building) on the Hermle C250 high-performance line five-axis milling machine tool.