More features in CNC make use easier

Added to an existing CNC are an adaptive feed rate control, global programming settings and expansion of the DXF converter to improve ease of operation.

Although well established, Heidenhain's iTNC 530 control remains subject to ongoing scrutiny to ensure that it remains at the forefront of CNC control systems when it comes to operation and user-friendliness.

Existing functions include exact tool guidance with five-axis machining, simple tilting of the working plane and very high contour accuracy for high speed machining.

These have now been added to with the latest developments in functionality such as TNCGuide help system; adaptive feed rate control; global programming settings; expansion of the DXF converter; and enhancement of smarT.NC to include tool tables, expanded file management and programming during a program run.

"These new features deliver genuine added-value in terms of user-friendliness and operational reliability," said Heidenhain's sales office manager, Stuart Jenkins.

"For existing iTNC 530 users these features can be retrofitted to existing controls using the Feature Content Level option on the system." * TNCGuide - the iTNC 530 numerical control and iTNC 530 programming station feature a useful in-built guide that will answer questions on a programming step that may arise.

The TNCguide, opens the user documentation in a separate window.

This feature is accessed by simply pressing the help key on the iTNC keyboard or by using the mouse.

The TNCguide displays the information in the immediate context of the element in question (context-sensitive help).

This means that you immediately receive the relevant information.

This function is particularly helpful with the soft keys, where the method and effect of operation is explained in detail.

All new iTNC 530 controls are shipped with integrated documentation for the respective NC software in English and German.

Other languages are available for download free of charge as soon as the translations become available.

The following user manuals are available in the help system: conversational programming; smarT.NC (pilot format); Touch Probe Cycles; iTNC 530 Programming Station (installed only for the programming station).

* Adaptive feed rate control - the three key benefits of AFC are: optimised machine cycle times; tool monitoring; and reduced machine wear.

AFC comes into its own where the material being cut is subject to fluctuations in quality.

Issues such as blow holes or excessive material can now be compensated for by the control automatically adjusting feed rates, with the feed reduced where material problems are present and increasing where practical to do so.

The overall result is reduced in-cut times.

In a similar way the AFC feature constantly monitors the actual spindle power with the feed rate.

As this nominal spindle power increases it is an indication of a worn cutting tool and the feed rate is reduced accordingly.

Once the feed rate falls below a defined minimum the control will react with an error message or by bringing the cycle to a controlled stop.

* Global programming - the global program settings are ideally suited to the machining of large-scale mould and die components.

It is available in the Program Run modes and the MDI mode and allows users to define various co-ordinate transformations and settings with global and priority effect for the selected NC program, without having to edit it.

The end-user can change the global program settings in program run mode even during a stop in mid-program.

After program start the iTNC then moves, if necessary, to a new position with a positioning logic influenced by the programmer.

The following functions are available: swapping axes; additive datum shift; superimposed mirroring; axis locking; handwheel superimposition, with axis-specific memory of paths covered per handwheel; superimposed basic rotation; superimposed rotation; globally effective feed rate factor * DXF converter expansion - the changes to the DXF converter mean that users can now select machining positions in addition to contours and save them as a point table.

Furthermore, these additional locations can be also be defined as machining positions: the beginning, end or mid-point of a line; the beginning, end or midpoint of an arc quadrant; transitions or centre of a circle; intersection of two lines, regardless of whether it is located inside or outside the programmed segments; intersection of a line and arc; intersection of a line and circle.

The point tables generated in the DXF converter can then be used with relative simplicity in smarT.NC as well as in conversational programming mode.

The new feature also makes the selection of contours simpler.

Designers do not always define contours so that they can be selected directly without manual work.

However with the iTNC 530 you can now separate laterally joined contour elements that would otherwise prevent contour selection.

The extension and shortening of contour elements is now also allowed for when the desired element limits are too far apart.

* smarT.NC - the file management in smarT.NC has been completely revised.

smarT.NC programs (file types .HU, .HC, .HP) can now be saved in any directories.

The pop-up window for file selection has also been expanded to allow end-users to navigate within the window to any directories, while file management can be accessed via the mouse or by the familiar soft keys.

When .HP (point pattern) and .HC (contour programs) file types are selected, a preview appears showing the file content before actual selection.

In the smarT.NC operating mode it is now possible to edit a tool table directly.

The display of tool data is oriented to the forms in smarT.NC and is presented as a well organised screen that allows a fast overview of the existing tool data and offers a easy editing function.

As smarT.NC is a separate operating mode you can create, test and run part programs on the basis of editable forms.

When you start a program in this mode, or in a full sequence-mode, you can now also edit and create other smarT.NC programs (.HU and .HC files) in programming and editing mode (background editing).

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