With the TNC7 in the latest software version 18 and in additional hardware versions, HEIDENHAIN is demonstrating how a machine tool control can support companies in mastering current challenges such as process reliability in automated manufacturing, saving energy and reducing CO2 emissions, or maintaining competitiveness.

Following its premiere at EMO Milano, HEIDENHAIN is presenting further innovations for the TNC7 this year. On the one hand, the hardware portfolio is being expanded: In addition to the familiar 24" version, a 19" TNC7 with a more compact touchscreen and full range of functions will also be available in the future, as will the new TNC7 basic with a 16" touchscreen for 3+2-axis machines. The TNC7 basic also offers an extensive options package with the typical TNC7 features such as graphic 6D setup MAS, collision monitoring DCM or OCM whirling milling cycles. The further development of software version 18 of the TNC7 was based primarily on customer feedback in order to further optimize operation and process reliability.

Intuitive like a smartphone

The user can operate all functions on the TNC7 touchscreen by tapping, swiping and zooming in the same way as on a smartphone or tablet. In addition, the TNC7 supports the user with context-sensitive menus and a cross-mode operating concept. For example, the user can easily open Windows programs on the control and use data from them directly when creating an NC program. This makes working with the TNC7 particularly pleasant, even for newcomers and career changers. They quickly find their way around and, thanks to the intelligent support provided by the control, quickly achieve the necessary confidence in everyday production.


Versatile hardware portfolio

Not every user wants to work exclusively on the touchscreen; experienced TNC experts in particular are very familiar with the HEIDENHAIN keypads. That's why the TNC7 is of course also available with a control panel-as of EMO 2023 even in three variants. In addition to the familiar 24" version, there will be a 19" and 16" variant, all with the same full HD resolution for the screens. For the two more compact versions, there is also a compact machine operating panel with the most important TNC function keys as an alternative to the large operating panel with full keyboard. The 16" variant called TNC7 basic rounds out the TNC7 portfolio, and not just in terms of size. It succeeds the popular TNC 620-with all the typical TNC7 advantages for 3+2-axis machines.

Faster to machining

Efficient to the first part both for small batches and in automated manufacturing-this applies not only to the actual manufacturing process. Above all, setup should be fast. This not only reduces the time required, but also the CO2 footprint. With the graphically supported functions for 6D setup of fixtures and workpieces, the TNC7 offers two real time and energy savers. With virtual support, the user can set up the fixtures and workpiece on the TNC7 quickly, user-friendly and with process reliability. The complexity of the clamping situation is irrelevant. Whether it's a clamping tower or several milled parts next to each other, whether it's a simple or complex, pre-machined workpiece blank: The TNC7 guides you interactively through the entire process step by step-in the case of complex parts up to five times faster than with conventional probing cycles. The 6D calibration of fixtures is part of the expanded dynamic collision monitoring DCM v2, and the new Model Aided Setup MAS option is available for workpieces.

Milling with the optimum cutting values

Optimized ContourMilling OCM is also part of the TNC7 option package. Next-generation contour milling always automatically calculates the best contour milling strategy - for any pocket or island. The user specifies the contours once and takes the optimum machining parameters from the integrated cutting data computer. Roughing and finishing are highly productive and particularly gentle on the tool, while the intelligent deburring functions from OCM finally ensure perfect edges along the programmed contour. In this way, Optimized Contour Milling saves time and energy from programming to machining with maximum process reliability.

Live demonstration "Optimizing Process Times with the TNC7"

HEIDENHAIN showed a complete machining operation with turning, rough and finish milling, and deburring during the live demonstrations with the TNC7. The special focus was on the time savings made possible by the various functions of the new control level, from programming and simulation to finishing the workpiece. Turning operations with FreeTurn tools can be easily programmed on the control with the TNC7's simultaneous turning cycles. They enable simultaneous turning of highly complex contours while taking interference contours into account in one go and take advantage of tools for High Dynamic Turning HDT. The subsequent milling operation is also programmed directly on the TNC7 in a time-saving manner with the OCM cycles for highly efficient whirling. During the complete live machining, the integrated process monitoring of the TNC7 ensures the process-safe sequence of all work steps without additional sensors in the machine.