TNC 620
Compact Contouring Control
for Milling, Drilling, andBoring Machines

07/2023

Contents

The TNC 620...
Where can it be used?

Compact and versatile

4

Intuitive and user-friendly

6

Fast and reliable machining at high contour fidelity

10Machining with five axes

12

Minimize setup times

14

Automated machining

16

Programming, editing, and testing18

Programming on the shopfloor

20Intelligent machining

26

Open to outside information

31

Positioning with an electronic handwheel

37

Workpiece measurement

38

Tool measurement

39

Inspecting and optimizing machine accuracy

40

Overview

41

The right control for milling, drilling, and boring machines
What does it look like?
TNC 620with touchscreen

State-of-the-art multitouch operation
Highly practical user interface
What can it do?

Optimal tool guidance by the TNC 620

Swivel head and rotary table controlled by the TNC 620
The TNC 620 makes setup easy
The TNC 620 measures, manages and communicates
Monitoring functions, pallet management and multiple machining

How is it programmed?

A full range of possibilities with the TNC 620
Graphical support in any scenario

Straightforward function keys for complex contours
Programing free contours and Data Matrix codes
Practical cycles for recurring operations
Reusing programmed contour elements
Rapid availability of all information
Dynamic Precision
Active Chatter Control option (ACC)
Optimized roughing processes with OCM (option)

TNC 620with operating keys andalphanumeric keyboard

StateMonitor: collect and evaluate machine data
Uniformly digital job management with Connected Machining
Processing CAD files with the TNC 620
The TNC 620 programming station

What accessories are
there?

Fine motion control of axes

Setup, preset setting, and measuring with touch trigger probes
Measuring length, radius, and wear inside the machine
Easy calibration of rotary axes with KinematicsOpt (option)... At a glance

Specifications, user functions, accessories, options, comparison of controls
The functions and specifications
described in this brochure apply to the
TNC 620 with NC SW 81760x-17.

2

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Compact and versatile
The right control for milling, drilling, and boring machines

For more than 45 years, TNC controls from
HEIDENHAIN have proven themselves
every day on milling machines, machining
centers, and drilling machines. Over thisperiod, they have been continually further
developed, with focus placed on an
operating approach tailored to the needs of
the TNC 620 operator.
These principles can also be found in the
TNC 620: shop-oriented programmability
with graphical support, many practical
cycles, and an operational design that you
are familiar with from other HEIDENHAIN
controls.
The TNC 620 is compact and easy toread. The TNC 620 is a compact, versatilecontouring control with up to fivecontrolled axes and a controlled spindle.
Thanks to its user-friendly operation andscope of features, it is especially suited foruse on universal milling, drilling, and boringmachines for:• Series and single-part production• Tool making• Machine building• Research and development• Prototypes and pilot plants• Repair departments• Training and education facilities
Multitouch operation
The TNC 620 comes with a keyboard andtouchscreen that puts zooming, rotating,and dragging all at your fingertips for fastand easy operation of the TNC 620.

Shop-oriented programming
You program conventional milling anddrilling operations right on the machineusing the shop-oriented Klartext
conversational programming language
from HEIDENHAIN. With helpful dialog
guidance and informative visual aids, theTNC 620 provides optimal programming
support.
For standard machining operations andeven complex applications, a wealth ofpractical machining and coordinatetransformation cycles are at your beck andcall.
Offline programming
The TNC 620 is easy to program remotely
as well. Its Fast Ethernet interface ensures
extremely short upload times, even forlong programs. In addition, data can betransferred quickly and easily via the USB
interface.
CAD viewer as standard
Display your CAD data in the .step or .iges
format directly on the TNC 620. The
standard integrated CAD viewer can open
many common 3D formats and display
them on the TNC 620 screen.
Finely detailed graphics
Thanks to the high-resolution program
verification graphics of the TNC 620, you
can exactly evaluate the result of milling or
drilling processes even before the actualmachining operation.
Advanced Dynamic Prediction (ADP)The TNC 620 offers its ADP function for
demanding milling operations. This
optimizes the motion control for all feed
axes. With the TNC 620, you achieve evenhigher surface quality and contour fidelity.

4

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Intuitive and user-friendly
State-of-the-art multitouch operation

The screen
In a clear format, the 19-inch screen
displays all of the information you need forprogramming, operating, and checking thecontrol and the machine, including program
blocks, tips, and error messages.
Extended Workspace Compact offers
even more information: alongside the main
window with its usual control interface
there is an additional window for displaying
any external application. You can also use asplit screen in the main window to display
your NC blocks on one side and thegraphical image and status display on theother. While the program is running, status
displays are available that inform you about
the tool position, current program,coordinate transformations, and more.
The TNC 620 even displays the current
machining time.
Intuitive touchscreen operation
The conventional operating approach of the
TNC has proven itself over many years,
with operators around the world using the
TNC’s dialog keys, navigation keys, and soft
keys. For even more innovative and userfriendly operation, the TNC 620 now alsocomes in a touchscreen version. Thisapproach combines the proven benefits ofthe HEIDENHAIN controls with a new
method that uses tapping, swiping, anddragging gestures.
Simple operation
The TNC 620 can be conveniently operated
with a connected mouse, but many
machine shops lack an adequate surface
for a mouse. A touchscreen, however,
eliminates the need for additional
workspace for input devices and makes
everyday operation of the TNC 620 eveneasier thanks to swiping, direct selection ofoperating elements, and menu navigation.
The touchscreen is particularly helpfulwhen using the CAD Import function,
allowing you to rapidly zoom, drag, or
select with simple gestures.

6

Main window for displaying two operating
modes, the program, the graphical image,and the machine status

Practical touchscreen
With an IP54 rating, the touchscreen isdesigned to handle harsh shop conditions
thanks to these characteristics:• Dust-protected• Splash-proof• Scratch-proof
To clean the screen, simply select thetouchscreen cleaning mode. This locks thescreen to prevent unintended operation.

PLC soft keys for machine functions

Gestures for multi-touch operation
The screen of the TNC 620 can be
operated with gestures already familiar toyou from your smartphone or tablet. For
example, you can zoom in or out with two
fingers, or swipe to rapidly navigate
through programs, the soft-key row ormenus.

Self-explanatory soft keys for
NC programming

SymbolLeading-edge design
The user interface of the TNC 620 boasts a
sleek outer appearance with gently
rounded edges, color gradients, and apleasingly uniform font. The different
screen areas are clearly delineated, and theoperating modes are indicated by special
operating mode symbols.
To help you evaluate the priority of error
messages, the TNC 620 displays them incolor-coded categories. A color-coded
warning triangle is also displayed.

GestureTap
Double tap

Axis keys, numeric keypad, andnavigation

Long press

Quick access menu

DragFunction keys for programming modes,
machine operating modes, TNC functions,management, and navigation

Two-finger dragSwipe

SpreadMachine operating panel with snap-on
keys and override potentiometers for feed
rate and spindle speed

Pinch

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Highly practical user interface

The key to safe and low-fatigue work is
having an intuitive screen layout and an
ergonomic, well-arranged keyboard.
Although HEIDENHAIN has been adheringto these principles for a long time, theTNC 620 offers a number of features thatmake working with the control evensimpler and easier than before.

8

The smartSelect functions overview
With dialog support, you can now readily
select functions that were previously
available only via soft key structures. As
soon as you open smartSelect, you areshown a tree structure with all of thesubordinate functions that can be definedin the control's current operating state. The
TNC also displays integrated help on theright-hand side of the smartSelect window.
When you make a selection with the cursor
or per mouse click, you immediately
receive detailed information about thefunction. The smartSelect feature is alsoavailable for the definition of machining
cycles, touch probe cycles, special
functions (SPEC FCT), and for parameter
programming.

Color-structured programs
The content of a program line can be quite
extensive:• Line number• Program function• Input value• Comment
To make sure you always keep an overview
even in complex programs, the TNC 620
displays the individual program elements indifferent colors. This allows you to see at a
glance which input values are editable.

Universal table editor
Regardless of whether you are editing atool, preset, or pallet table, the layout,
method of operation, and functions of thetable editor are always the same.
Info line
In the info line, the TNC 620 helps you
orient yourself by displaying the respective
status of the submode.
MOD function
The additional MOD operating mode offers
a wide variety of possible settings in astandardized layout, regardless of theoperating mode.

User administration
The user administration feature of the
TNC 620 lets you define various roles andaccess rights for users, ensuring that eachuser can act only within his assigned rights.
This helps prevent the unintentional orunauthorized deletion of files and systemfile content. Many functions are alsoavailable only with the corresponding
permissions. Consequently, the user
administration feature of the TNC 620 not
only provides greater data security but also
increases machine operating safety.

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Fast and reliable machining at high contour fidelity
Optimal tool guidance by the TNC 620

High contour fidelity and surface quality
TNC controls from HEIDENHAIN are
known for their low-jerk and speed/
acceleration-optimized motion control,
enabling optimized surface quality andworkpiece accuracy. With the TNC 620, youare able to leverage the latest technologicaldevelopments. The TNC 620 anticipates
and thinks along with you, dynamicallycalculating the contour ahead of time. In
addition, special filters suppress machinespecific natural frequencies.

10

With its Look Ahead function, theTNC 620 recognizes directional changes
ahead of time and adapts the traversing
speed to the shape of the contour and thesurface to be machined. You simply
program the maximum machining speed
as the feed rate and, in Cycle 32
TOLERANCE, enter the maximum
permissible deviations from the ideal
contour. The TNC 620 automatically adapts
the machining to the tolerance that you
define. This method prevents contour
defects.

Advanced Dynamic Prediction (ADP)
expands upon the previous look-ahead
calculation of the permissible maximum
feed rate profile. ADP compensates fordifferences in the feed rate profiles
resulting from the point distribution onneighboring paths, especially in NC
programs originating from CAM systems.
Among other benefits, this results inparticularly symmetrical feed rate behavior
on the back-and-forth paths during
bidirectional finish milling, as well as verysmooth feed rate curves on neighboring
milling paths.

Fast machining and computing
processes
With a short block-processing time of at
most 1.5 ms, the TNC 620 can run fast
look-ahead calculations for optimal use of
the machine’s dynamic parameters.
Functions such as ADP and Look Ahead
therefore ensure not only high contour
fidelity and surface quality but also optimize
the machining time.

One basis for the TNC 620's high speed is
its uniformly digital control design. This
includes the integrated digital drive
technology from HEIDENHAIN as well as
digital interfaces connecting all of thecontrol components with each other:• Control components via HSCI(HEIDENHAIN Serial Controller Interface)• Encoders via EnDat 2.2
As a result, exceptionally high feed rates
can be implemented. In the process, theTNC 620 is capable of interpolating up to
five axes at the same time. To attain therequired cutting speeds, the TNC 620 candigitally control spindle speeds of up to
100 000 rpm.

The TNC 620's powerful 5-axis machining
capability even lets you economicallymanufacture complex 3D contours.
Programs for such contours are usuallycreated offline with CAM systems andtypically contain numerous short line
blocks that are transferred to the control.
With its short block-processing time, theTNC 620 quickly executes even complex
NC programs. The control’s computing
power can handle complex look-ahead
calculations in simpler NC programs as
well. Thus, regardless of the data volume of
the NC programs from your CAM system,
the TNC 620 will machine the workpiece tonear-perfect conformity with your program.

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Machining with five axes
Swivel head and rotary table controlled by the TNC 620

Many five-axis operations that initiallyappear to be highly complex can be broken
down into common 2D movements thathave been tilted about one or more rotary
axes or wrapped around a cylindricalsurface. In order for you to create and edit
such programs quickly and easily without a
CAM system, the TNC supports you with
helpful functions.

Tilting the working plane* (option 8)
Programs for contours and holes on
inclined surfaces are often extremelycomplex and require time-consuming
computing and programming work. But the
TNC 620 can save you a great deal ofprogramming time. You simply program themachining operation as usual in the mainplane (e.g., in X/Y); the machine thenperforms the operation in a tilted plane.

* The machine and TNC must be adapted for thesefunctions by the machine manufacturer.

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The PLANE function makes it easy for you
to define a tilted working plane: tilted
working planes can be specified in sevendifferent ways depending on theinformation available in the workpiecedrawing. Help images support you during
program entry.
You can also use the PLANE function todefine the positioning behavior during
tilting to avoid unpleasant surprises when
the program is run. The settings fordefining the positioning behavior are
identical for all PLANE functions, making
operation much easier.

Cylinder surface machining* (option 8)
The programming of contours made up ofstraight lines and circles on cylindricalsurfaces for rotary tables is no problem
with the TNC 620. You simply program thecontour in the plane of an unrolled cylindersurface. The TNC 620 then performs themachining operation on the cylindricalsurface of the cylinder.
The TNC 620 features four cycles forcylindrical surface machining:• Slot milling (the slot width and tool
diameter are equivalent)• Guide-groove milling (the slot width isgreater than the tool diameter)• Ridge milling• Outside contour milling* The machine and TNC must be adapted for thesefunctions by the machine manufacturer.

Manual axis motion in the tool direction
on 5-axis machines
Correct tool retraction is very important in
five-axis machining. The virtual tool axis
function provides assistance by allowing
you to move the tool in the direction of thetool axis using external direction keys or ahandwheel. This function is especially
useful if you want to• retract the tool in the direction of the tool
axis during an interruption of a five-axis
machining program,• use the handwheel or external direction
keys to perform an operation in Manualmode with an inclined tool, or• move the tool with the handwheel in theactive tool axis direction duringmachining.

Feed rate for rotary tables in mm/min*(option 8)
By default, the feed rate of rotary axes is
programmed in degrees/min. However, theTNC 620 can interpret this feed rate in
mm/min as well. The feed rate at thecontour is then independent of the
distance of the tool center point from thecenter of the rotary axis.
Polar kinematics
With polar kinematics, the motions in theworking plane are performed by one linear
axis and one rotary axis. This greatly
increases the machining operations
possible on machines which have only two
linear axes. For example, front-face
operations become possible on rotary andcylindrical grinding machines. And on
milling machines, suitable rotary axes canreplace various linear axes, for example
when working on very large surfaces onlarge machine tools.

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Minimize setup times
The TNC 620 makes setup easy

Before machining can begin, the workpiecemust first be clamped, the machine must
be set up, the position of the workpiece inthe machine must be determined, and thepreset must be set. This is a timeconsuming but indispensable procedure
because any error directly reduces themachining accuracy. Particularly in small
and medium-sized production runs, as wellas in the case of very large workpieces,
setup times become a significant factor.

Fine manual axis control
During setup, you can use the axisdirection keys to move the machine axes
manually or with an incremental jog. A
simpler and more reliable way, however, is
to use the electronic handwheels from
HEIDENHAIN. With these handwheels, youare always close to the action, enjoy aclose-up view of the setup process, andcan control the infeed responsively andprecisely.

The TNC 620 features application-oriented,
real-world setup functions that support theoperator, help reduce non-productive time,and enable overnight, unattended
production. In conjunction with the touchprobes, the TNC 620 offers numerous
probing cycles for automatic workpiece
setup, setting the preset, and measuring
workpieces and tools.

Adapting the probing speed
In many cases, the workpiece must be
probed at unseen positions or in cramped
spaces, and the standard probing feed rateis usually too fast for this. In suchsituations, you can use the override knob tochange the feed rate during probing
without affecting the accuracy.

The TNC 620 supports L-shaped styli in the
probing cycles. They are used to quickly
and easily probe undercuts.

Workpiece alignment (option 17)
The HEIDENHAIN touch probes andprobing functions of the TNC 620 reduce
the need for tedious manual alignment of
the workpiece:• You start by simply clamping theworkpiece in any position.
• The touch probe probes a surface todetermine the amount of workpiecemisalignment.
• The TNC 620 subsequently compensates
for the misalignment by performing a"basic rotation," in which either the NC
program is executed at the ascertained
angle of rotation or the rotary table isturned in order to correct themisalignment.

Preset management with the preset
table
Preset management enables flexible
machining, shorter setup times, and higher
throughput. Setting up your machine isgreatly simplified.

The TNC 620 features probing cycles forautomatically setting presets. Ascertained
presets can be saved as follows:• Using the preset management• In a datum table• Through direct setting of the display

In preset management, you can saveany number of presets and assign anindividual basic rotation to each one. In
order to permanently save fixed presets inthe machine’s workspace, you can also
write-protect individual lines.

Saving datums
Datum tables let you save positions ormeasured values from the workpiece.
Datums are always defined relative tothe active preset.

There are three possibilities for rapidly
saving the presets:• Via a soft key in Manual mode
• Via the probing functions• With the automatic probing cycles

The TNC 620 offers you a comprehensive
package of cycles for setting up themachine tool:• Manual, automatic, and semiautomatic
cycles for presetting and forcompensating for misalignments in twoor three dimensions• Automatic probing cycle for repeating ameasurement along a line

Workpiece misalignment compensated forby rotating the coordinate system or rotating the
table

14

Setting presets
A preset allows you to assign a definedvalue displayed by the TNC to any positionon the workpiece. Finding this point quickly
and reliably reduces non-productive timeand increases machining accuracy.

Setting a preset on a corner, for example, or in
the center of a circular stud

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Automated machining
The TNC 620 measures, manages and communicates

The requirements gap between machining
centers and typical tool and moldmaking
machines is becoming ever narrower. Of
course, the TNC 620 is also very capable ofcontrolling automated manufacturing
processes. It features the necessaryfunctionality to initiate the propermachining operation in concatenatedmachining scenarios with individual
workpieces in any workholding
arrangement.
Inspecting workpieces for propermachining and dimensional accuracy(option 17)
The TNC 620 features numerous
measuring cycles for inspecting thegeometry of machined workpieces. Thisrequires inserting a touch probe from
HEIDENHAIN into the spindle in place ofthe tool. This allows you to do thefollowing:• Recognize a workpiece and call theappropriate part program• Check whether all machining operations
were conducted correctly• Determine infeeds for finishing• Detect and compensate for tool wear
• Inspect workpiece geometry and sort
parts

16

• Log measured data
• Ascertain the machining trend• Check tolerances and configure various
reactions, such as an error message

control prepares the next tool change while
the current tool is still cutting. Thissignificantly reduces the non-cutting timerequired for tool changes.

Milling-tool measurement andautomatic compensation of tool data
(option 17)
In conjunction with the TT tool touch probe,
the TNC 620 lets you automaticallymeasure milling tools in the machine. The
TNC 620 then stores the determinedvalues, such as tool length and radius, in its
tool memory. By inspecting the tool duringmachining, you can quickly detect wear or
breakage for preventing scrap and rework.
If the measured deviations lie outside thespecified tolerances or if the monitored
tool life has been exceeded, the TNC 620
locks the tool and automatically inserts a
replacement tool.

With the tool manager, the control now
shows only the required input fields basedon the selected tool type. Any data canalso be graphically depicted. Extended tool
management adds the "tooling list" and the"T usage order". These tables enable you to
detect the tool requirements in time andthus prevent interruptions during programrun.

Tool management*
For machining centers with an automatic
tool changer, the TNC 620 offers a central
tool memory area for numerous turning
tools. This tool memory area is a freely
configurable file that can be optimally
adapted to your needs. You can even havethe TNC 620 manage your tool names. The* The machine must be adapted by the machine
manufacturer for this function.

Monitoring functions, pallet management and multiple machining

Component Monitoring (option 155)
Overload often leads to damaged machinecomponents, and therefore to machine
downtime. For example, the spindle
bearing is often subject to a very high loadin machining strategies that have been
optimized for maximum efficiency, and cantherefore sustain undetected damage.
Component Monitoring warns you about
these dangers, and can even stop themachine tool if necessary. Thanks tocontinuous monitoring of the bearing loadand visualization of these values, themachining processes can be optimized
correspondingly.
However, the production quality of amachine tool is influenced not only byoverload. Components that are constantly
under load, such as guideways or therecirculating ball screw, are subject to wear
and thus have an influence on the finishedproduct. The TNC 620 uses the Component
Monitoring option to measure anddocument the momentary machine status.
The machine manufacturer can read andevaluate these data, and react using
predictive maintenance, thereby avoiding
unplanned machine downtimes. The
MONITORING HEATMAP function within

the NC program lets you color the
concurrent material removal simulation in
the workpiece view with the status of amonitoring task. That way you see in theworkpiece view where a component issubject to an excessive load.
Pallet Management (option 22)
Pallet management functionality lets you
automatically machine workpieces in any
order. Upon insertion of the pallet, thecorrect machining program and preset areautomatically selected. You can also apply
coordinate transformations and measuring
cycles in the part programs. A palletcounter function lets you easily define thedesired quantity to be produced.
Batch Process Manager (option 154)
Batch Process Manager is a powerful
function for pallet machining and series
production. Its straightforward userinterface helps you plan your production
process and gather important information
on upcoming machining operations.
Batch Process Manager automaticallychecks for missing tools, insufficient tool
life, and required manual tool changes. The
results are displayed in the status overview.

Batch Process Manager shows thefollowing information in advance:• The machining sequence• The time of the next manual intervention• The program duration and run time
• Status information about preset, tool,and program
Tool-oriented machining (option 22)
In tool-oriented machining, a single
machining step is performed on all of apallet’s workpieces before moving to thenext machining step. This keeps thenumber of tool changes to a minimum andsignificantly shortens the machining time.
The TNC 620 supports you with convenient
fillable forms that allow you to assign atool-oriented operation to a pallet withmultiple workpieces. As always, you still
write the machining program in the normal
workpiece-oriented sequence.
You can also use this function even if yourmachine does not support pallet
management. In this case, you simply
define the position of the workpiece on themachine table in the pallet file.

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Programming, editing, and testing
A full range of possibilities with the TNC 620

Besides being universally deployable, theTNC 620 is equally flexible when it comesto programming, setup, and machining.
Individual machining steps
You don’t need to create a complete
program in order to start machining with
the TNC 620. You can machine a workpiece
step by step using both manual machining
and automatic positioning in any sequence.

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Programming at the machine
HEIDENHAIN controls are designed forshop-friendly programming right at themachine. Instead of requiring you to know
G-codes, the Klartext conversational
programming language provides its own
keys and soft keys for programmingstraight lines, arcs and cycles. At the pushof a button, HEIDENHAIN Klartext dialog
guidance opens and actively helps you
during programming on the TNC. Its clear
instructions prompt you to enter all of therequired data.

Graphical support in any scenario

All interface texts, including Klartext tips,
dialog prompting, program steps and soft
keys, are available in numerous languages.
And even if you prefer ISO programming,
the TNC is still the right control: you canenter ISO command letters via soft keys ordirectly on the alphanumeric keyboard.

Programming graphics
The two-dimensional programming
graphics give you additional assurance:
while you are programming, the TNC 620
renders every programmed movement on
the screen. You can opt for a plan view,side view, or front view. Tool paths or rapidtraverse movements can be hidden, andthe image’s scale can be changed.
Program verification graphics(option 20)
For added certainty prior to machining, theTNC 620 can simulate and render themachining of the workpiece at highresolution. The TNC 620 provides various
view formats of the simulation:• Plan view at different levels of depth• Three projections• 3D view

The type and quality of the image can beselected, and details can be displayed at
magnification. The TNC 620 also displays
the calculated machining time in hours,
minutes, and seconds. You can use STL
files to integrate workpiece blanks andfinished parts in the program.
The 3D view lets you display the
programmed tool-center path in three
dimensions, and a powerful zoom function
lets you see even the tiniest details. The 3D
line graphics are especially helpful inverifying programs created offline, allowing
you to avoid undesired machining marks on
the workpiece, such as those that occur
when the postprocessor outputs points
incorrectly. The 3D view of the TNC also
provides a measuring function. When you
move the mouse pointer anywhere within
the image, the coordinates of that position
are displayed. The measurement window
also displays tool information.

During the machining simulation, theTNC 620 can also display all of the machinecomponents defined by the machine manufacturer, in addition to the workpiece andtool. This rendering capability is particularly
useful in Test Run mode, informing you
ahead of time which positions are too close
to components and when the traversing
path will be insufficient. This is a huge­benefit during machining with tilting axes.
Program-run graphics (option 20)
The program-run graphics display the
workpiece in real time in order to show you
the machining progress. Direct observationof the workpiece is usually impossible due
to coolant and the safety enclosure. Duringmachining, you can switch between
various operating modes at any time inorder to create programs, for example. And
at the press of a button, you can cast aglance at the machining progress while
programming.

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Programming in the shop
Straightforward function keys for complex contours

Programming 2D contours
Two-dimensional contours are the breadand butter of a modern machine shop,
which is why the TNC 620 offers a variety
of ways to handle them.
Programming with function keys
Are the contours properly dimensioned for
NC machining? In other words, are the end
points of the contour elements provided ineither Cartesian or polar coordinates? If
yes, then you can create the NC program
straightaway using function keys.

Straight lines and circular elements
To program a line segment, for example,
simply select the "linear traverse" pathfunction. The Klartext conversational
programming language of the TNC 620
then prompts you for all of the informationneeded by the programming block,including the target coordinates, feed rate,
tool compensation value, and machinefunctions. Functions for circular
movements, chamfers, and cornerrounding also simplify your programmingwork. In order to avoid surface blemishes
during approach or departure from thecontour, movement must be seamless—that is, tangential.

Programing free contours and Data Matrix codes

You simply specify the starting point or end
point of the contour and the approach or
departure radius of the tool. The control
handles the rest.
The TNC 620 can foresee a contour withradius compensation by up to 99 blocks,
thus taking back-cutting into account andavoiding contour gouging. This could be thecase, for example, when roughing acontour with a large tool.

Fast and easy programming of ascannable Data Matrix code
Cycle 224 (Data Matrix code pattern) lets
you convert any text into a Data Matrix
code and machine it onto your workpiece
as a point pattern using, say, drilling
operations. The Data Matrix code can be
decoded with common scanning devices.
Serial numbers and production data canthus be permanently machined onto thepart. All you need to do after defining amachining cycle is enter the text (up to 255
characters) into the cycle and specify thesize and position of the drilling pattern. The
control automatically calculates the Data
Matrix code and performs the machining
work on its own.

FK free contour programming(option 19)
Not all workpieces are properly
dimensioned in accordance with the ISO
standard. Thanks to FK, the control’s
programming function for free contours,
you can simply enter the known data
without needing to convert or calculate
anything! In such cases, individual contour
elements can remain undefined as long as
the overall contour itself is defined. If thedata from the drawing yields more than
one possible mathematical solution, thenthe helpful TNC 620 programming graphics
show you the possible variants for yourselection.

Straight line definedby its end point

Cornerrounding:
circular path with aseamless (tangential)
transition, defined by
its radius and cornerpoint
Chamfer
defined by thecorner point andchamfer lengthCircular path withsmooth (tangential)connection with thepreceding contour
element, defined by
end point

Circular path definedby its center, end
point, and rotational
directionCircular path definedby its radius, end
point, and rotational
direction20

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Practical cycles for recurring operations

Extensive machining cycles formilling and drilling
The TNC 620 offers you a package coveringa broad range of cycles, so you'll surely findthe right one for each task. The cycles are
divided into groups based on themachining technologies and strategies,
ensuring that you always maintain a clear
overview. You program them using
conversational guidance, assisted bygraphics that clearly illustrate all required
input parameters.
Standard cycles
In addition to drilling and tapping cycles(with or without a floating tap holder), a
variety of selectable cycles are available:• Thread milling• Reaming• Engraving• Boring• Hole patterns• Milling cycles for face milling a flat
surface• Roughing and finishing of pockets, slots,
and studs

22

Cycles for complex contours (option 19)
Of great help in roughing pockets with any
contour are the control’s SL cycles(SL = Subcontour List) and OCM cycles(Optimized Contour Milling, option 167).
These functions refer to machining cycles
for pilot drilling, roughing, and finishing inwhich the contour or subcontours aredefined in subprograms. As a result, a
single contour description can be used forvarious operations with different tools.
Up to twelve subcontours can besuperimposed for the machining operation.
The control automatically calculates theresulting contour and the tool paths forroughing or clearing the surfaces.
Subcontours can be pockets or islands.
Multiple pockets are combined to form asingle pocket, with the tool bypassing any
islands. You can also program void areasthat are excluded from machining. Thissignificantly reduces machining times forcast parts or pre-machined workpieces.

During roughing, a finishing allowanceon the wall and floor surfaces is also taken
into account by the TNC 620. Whenroughing with different tools, the control
identifies residual material to be removedby smaller tools. A separate cycle is used
for finishing to the final dimensions.

OEM cycles (option 19)
Machine manufacturers can incorporate
their specialized production expertise in theform of additional machining cycles andstore them in the TNC 620. However, theoperator can write his own cycles as well.
HEIDENHAIN makes this possible with its
PC software CycleDesign, which allows
you to create input parameters and arrange
the menu key structure of the cycles as
desired.

Programming machining patterns withease and flexibility
Positions to be machined are often
arranged in patterns on the workpiece. The
TNC 620’s graphical support helps you
program a wide range of machining
patterns with ease and exceptional
flexibility. You can define as many point
patterns as desired with various numbersof points. During machining, you can thenhave all of the points executed as a unit, or
each point individually.

3D machining with parametricprogramming
Simple, mathematically easy-to-describe
3D geometries can be programmed bymeans of parametric programming. At yourdisposal are basic arithmetical operations,
trigonometric functions, roots, powers,
logarithmic functions, parentheses, andlogical comparisons with conditional jump
instructions. Parametric programming also
gives you a simple way to implement
3D operations.

23

Reusing programmed contour elements

Rapid availability of all information

Coordinate transformation
If you need a pre-programmed contour atdifferent locations and in different sizes on
the workpiece, then the TNC 620 offers you
a convenient solution in the form of
coordinate transformations.

Do you have questions about aprogramming step but your User’s Manual
is not at hand? No problem: both the
TNC 620 control and the TNC 620
programming station feature TNCguide, aconvenient help system that displays theuser documentation in a separate window.
You can activate TNCguide simply bypressing the HELP key on the TNC
keyboard or directly on the touchscreen or
by clicking any soft key when the mousepointer has switched to a question mark.
This is easily done by clicking the help icon
permanently displayed on the TNC screen.

With coordinate transformation you can, forexample, rotate or mirror the coordinate
system, or shift the datum. With a scaling
factor you can enlarge or reduce contours
to respect shrinkage or oversizes.
Program-section repeats andsubprograms
Many machining operations repeat
themselves either on the same workpieceor on different workpieces. Once you haveprogrammed a detail, there is no need toprogram it again. With its subprogram
technology, the TNC can save you a great
deal of programming time.
In program-section repeats, you can labela section of the program, and the TNC will
repeat this section as many times as
required.
You can mark a program section as a
subprogram and then call it at any point in
the program and as often as you want.
With the program call function, you caneven use a completely separate program at
any location in your current program. This
allows you to leverage already programmed
and frequently required working steps orcontours.
Of course, you can also combine these
programming techniques as often as
desired.

24

TNCguide generally displays theinformation instantaneously and in thecorrect context (context-sensitive help),
immediately giving you the information you
currently need. This function is particularly
helpful for soft keys and provides a detailed
explanation of their effects.
You can download the documentation in
the desired language free of charge fromthe HEIDENHAIN website and save it to
the appropriate language directory of the
TNC hard disk.
The following User’s Manuals are available
in the help system:• Klartext Programming• Setup, Testing, and Running NC
Programs• Programming of Machining Cycles• Programming of Measuring Cycles for
Workpieces and Tools• ISO Programming• TNC 620 Programming Station (installed
only with the programming station)

25

Intelligent machining
Dynamic Precision

The TNC 620 is designed for exceptional
accuracy and surface quality at highmachining speeds, regardless of whether
you are milling or turning. A variety oftechnologies, cycles, and functions
operating separately or in concern ensure
perfect surface finishes in extremely shortmachining times:• Optimized motion control• Effective jerk reduction• Dynamic contour look-ahead

26

The term Dynamic Precision covers anumber of HEIDENHAIN cutting solutions
that can dramatically improve the dynamic
accuracy of a machine tool. These solutions
shed new light on the competing demandsof accuracy, high surface quality, and shortmachining times. The dynamic accuracy ofmachine tools manifests itself in deviations
at the tool center point (TCP). These
deviations depend on kinetic quantities
such as speed and acceleration (includingjerk) arising from the vibration of machinecomponents and other factors.

All of these factors contribute todimensional inaccuracy and the formationof defects on the workpiece surface,
thereby impacting both quality andproductivity (in the case of quality-related
scrap). Dynamic Precision counteracts
these problems with intelligent control
technology to help improve the quality anddynamic performance of a machine tool.
As a result, production time and cost are
reduced.

Dynamic Precision contains the following
functions, which can be deployed
separately or in combination.
Function

Benefits

CTC
Cross Talk Compensation

Compensation of acceleration-dependent position
errors at the TCP

Greater accuracy during acceleration phases

MVC
Machine Vibration Control

Damping of machine oscillations• AVD (Active Vibration Damping):
Compensates undesired effects of vibrations on
the feed axes
• FSC (Frequency Shaping Control):Suppresses the inducement of vibrations
through a correspondingly filtered feedforward
controlA superior surface finish

CTC + MVC–

Faster and more accurate machining

PAC
Position Adaptive Control

Position-dependent adaptation of control
parameters

Greater contour fidelity

LAC
Load Adaptive Control

Load-dependent adaption of control parameters
and the maximum axis acceleration

Higher accuracy whatever the load

MAC
Motion Adaptive Control

Motion-dependent adaptation of control
parameters

Less vibration and higher maximum acceleration
during rapid traverse

Vibration can significantly impair surface quality.

Visibly superior surface quality can be attained with MVC.

27

Machine any contour slot with trochoidal milling

The benefit of trochoidal milling is its ultraefficient machining of slots of all kinds. In
this cycle, roughing is performed withcircular movements, onto which a forward
linear movement is superimposed. This
procedure is referred to as trochoidal
milling. It is used particularly for millinghigh-strength or hardened materials, where
the high loads placed on the tool andmachine usually only permit small infeeds.

Thanks to the special cutting motion usedin trochoidal milling, however, there are no
added wear-inducing influences on the tool,and higher infeeds are possible. During
hobbing, the entire cutting edge can beused as well. You thereby attain a higher
material removal rate per tooth. Circularmotion plunging into the material exerts
less radial force on the tool. This reduces
the mechanical load on the machine andprevents vibration.

The slot to be machined is described in acontour subprogram as a contour train. You
define the dimensions of the slot and thecutting data in a separate cycle. Any
residual material can then be easily
removed with a subsequent finishing cut.
The main benefits are as follows:• Contact over entire cutter length• Higher removal rates• Less strain on the machine• Less vibration• Integrated finishing of the side wall
• Superior chip removal

Active Chatter Control option (ACC)

Roughing operations (power milling) giverise to strong milling forces. Depending on
the rotational speed of the tool, theresonances in the machine tool, and thematerial removal rate during milling, thetool may begin to “chatter.” Chatter puts
the machine under heavy strain and causes
blemishes on the workpiece surface. Tool
wear is also accelerated and less evenly
distributed. In extreme cases, the tool may
even break.

To reduce chatter susceptibility,
HEIDENHAIN now offers a highly effective
optional control function called Active
Chatter Control (ACC). This option isparticularly beneficial during heavymachining:• Improved cutting performance• Higher removal rates (up to 25% andmore)• Lower forces on the tool, with increased
tool life• Less strain on the machine

Heavy machining without ACC (upper image)
and with ACC (lower image)

28

29

Optimized roughing processes with OCM (option)

Efficient machining strategies are a keybasis for economical NC manufacturing.
Roughing processes, in particular, offer
great potential for optimization because
they usually make up a sizeable portion of
the total machining time.
Process reliability and maximum removal
rates require optimal adaptation of the
cutting data to the characteristics of thetool and workpiece material. For thispurpose, Optimized Contour Milling(OCM) provides you with a cutting data
calculator that draws on an extensive
integrated material database. You can adapt
the automatically calculated cutting values
with regard to the mechanical and thermalload on the tool. Tool service life can be
managed with process reliability even at
the highest possible removal rates.
With OCM, you can rough out any pocket
and island with high process reliability andlower tool wear thanks to highly consistentprocess conditions. Simply program thecontour as usual in Klartext, or leverage theconvenient CAD import function. The
control then automatically calculates thecomplex movements required formaintaining consistent process conditions.
OCM takes void areas into account, whichsignificantly reduces machining times (withNC software version 16 or later).
Advantages of OCM over conventional
machining:• Reduced thermal load on the tool
• Superior chip removal• Consistent tool contact conditions(higher cutting parameters and higher
material removal rates)
OCM is an effective, reliable, andconvenient way to improve yourthroughput• Create programs on the shop floor for
any pocket or island• Significantly higher machining speed• Considerable reduction in tool wear
• More chips in less time30

The OCM option provides practical cycles
for roughing, side-wall finishing, and floor
finishing.

figures that are then used as a pocket,
island, or boundary for face milling in
conjunction with other OCM cycles.

OCM also permits chamfering anddeburring of contours. With this capability,
only those areas that can be machined
without collisions due to the tool geometry
are machined. In order to machine
standard shapes, OCM offers various

In the following machining example, boththe machining time and tool wear werereduced by a factor of three.

Conventional machining
S5000, F1200, ap: 5.5 mm
Overlap factor: 5 mm
Machining time: 21 min 35 s
Tool: VHM end mill (Ø 10 mm)
Workpiece material: 1.4104
Tool after two parts

Machining with OCM
S8000, F4800, ap: 22 mm
Overlap factor: 1.4 mm
Machining time: 6 min 59 s

Open to outside information
StateMonitor: collect and evaluate machine data

StateMonitor collects and visualizes thestatuses of production machines. By
evaluating important data such as thecurrent machine status, machinemessages, override positions, andutilization history, StateMonitor provides indepth information about the machine's
degree of utilization. Based on the data itcollects, StateMonitor also reveals
machine-specific optimization potential. By
entering comments regarding machine
downtimes and setup times, the operator
can also uncover potential for improvement
at the organizational level. Via the
Messenger function, StateMonitor notifies
the right person by e-mail based on
individually combinable machine signals
and statuses.

Active support for production planning withan extensive range of functions for job datacollection:• Create and assign jobs
• Start and terminate jobs
• Plan setup times and interruptions• Store additional job data, such as
quantities produced

StateMonitor even lets you connect
machines with different controls andsupports the following protocol types:
HEIDENHAIN DNC, OPC UA, MTConnect,and Modbus TCP.
For more information, please contact
HEIDENHAIN.

StateMonitor collects and visualizes thefollowing information from the networked
machines:• Operating modes• Override positions (spindle, rapid
traverse, feed rate)• Program status and program name, as
well as subprograms if applicable• Program run time
• SIK number and software number• Machine messages

Tool: VHM end mill (Ø 10 mm)
Workpiece material: 1.4104
Tool after six parts

Access over a web browser fromvarious terminals

PlantMonitor

Real-time notifications via e-mailDisplay and evaluate
multiple instances ofStateMonitor
Machine inventory
visualization

Job assignment, booking, andfeedback

Organization and logging ofscheduled maintenance andidentified faults

Enhanced capturing andrecording of equipment-specificsignals

Comprehensive
evaluation of all
StateMonitor modules

StateMonitor

Machines connected over the
HEIDENHAIN DNC, OPC UA, MTConnect, and Modbus TCP interfaces

Forwarding to an external
SQL database for theprocessing of machine data
in an MES or ERP system

31

Uniformly digital job management with Connected Machining

The smooth exchange of knowledge iscrucial for the success of a company. In
order for knowledge to be transferred
rapidly and without loss, e-mailcommunication capability is just as
important as the continuous availability ofelectronic production documents or thetransfer of data to ERP and productionactivity control systems. Tool and raw
material inventories, tool data, workholding
drawings, CAD data, NC programs, andinspection instructions must all be available
to machine operators on all shifts. Costeffective manufacturing therefore requires
an efficient process chain and a networked
control.
The TNC 620, with its Connected
Machining package of functions,
integrates itself flexibly into your process
chain and helps you to optimize the transfer
of knowledge within your company. So let
your workshop, as well, benefit from all of
the information available within yourcompany. Connected Machining makes
uniformly digital job management possible
within a networked manufacturing
environment. You thereby benefit from thefollowing:• Ease of data usage• Time-saving procedures• Transparent processes

The networked TNC 620
Integrate the TNC 620 with the functions ofConnected Machining into your corporate
network and, via the control, connect theshop floor to PCs, programming stations,and other data storage media in theseareas of the company:• Design• Programming• Simulation• Production planning• Production
Even the basic version of the TNC 620 isequipped with two Gigabit Ethernet portsof the latest generation. The TNC 620 uses
the TCP/IP protocol to communicate with
NFS servers and Windows networks
without requiring additional software. The
fast data transfer at rates of up to
1000 Mbit/s ensures very shorttransmission times. The TNC 620 therefore
offers the optimal technological platform
for Connected Machining, the networkingof the control in the shop with all
production-related areas of your company.

Standard range of functions
For you to be able to use the data that you
transfer to the TNC 620 over a network, theTNC 620 offers attractive applications, evenas part of its standard range of functions.
The CAD viewer, PDF viewer or Mozilla
Firefox web browser enable the simplest
form of Connected Machining: access to
manufacturing process data right at thecontrol. In this case, operating web-based
documentation systems or ERP systems isjust as feasible as accessing your e-mailinbox. For example, the following fileformats can also be opened directly on the
TNC 620:• Text and PDF files• Graphic files with the extensions .gif,.bmp, .jpg or .png
• Spreadsheet files with the extensions .
xls, .xlsx, .odv or .csv
• html files: .htm, .html, .chm
• and several more

Data transfer
An enhanced solution for fully digital job
management within the context ofConnected Machining is the free-ofcharge TNCremo PC software. With it, you
can transfer remotely stored part programs
and pallet tables in both directions over the
Ethernet.
With the powerful TNCremoPlus PC
software, you can also transfer the screen
contents from the control to your PC using
the live-screen function.
Job-related data
With REMOTE DESKTOP MANAGER(option 133), you can operate a Windows
PC from the TNC 620. On the control, yougain direct access to EDP systems within
the process chain and make your machine
setup processes significantly more efficient
by reducing inconvenient legwork between
the machine and the office. Technicaldrawings, CAD data, NC programs, tool
data, work instructions, parts lists, andwarehouse information are digitally
available at the machine. E-mails can besent and received with ease. With a simple
keystroke on the machine operating panel,
you can switch between the control screen
and the screen of the Windows PC. This PC
can be a computer in the local network or
an industrial PC (IPC) in the machine’s
electrical cabinet.

Detailed data for the optimalorganization of production processes
HEIDENHAIN DNC enables the connectionof existing machine tools to Windowsbased industrial applications, meaning thateven older TNC controls, like the
TNC 426/430 or the iTNC 530, can beconnected to modern inventory
management systems and productionactivity control systems. Use RemoTools
SDK to connect your applications to TNC
controls, or purchase an application that is
DNC-compatible.
Appropriate monitoring and controllingof applications
Efficient and secure digital communication
in a machine-tool context requires
standardized components, applicationrelevant information models and adherence
to current IT security guidelines.
HEIDENHAIN OPC UA NC Server offers
an interface based on OPC UA for
HEIDENHAIN controls. This internationallystandardized and widespreadcommunication technology makes it fastand easy to connect machines to yourproduction IT. You also save time when
integrating new functions because theapplication-oriented presentation of
information reduces programming andconfiguration effort.
• State-of-the-art IT security:
Authentication, authorization, andcryptography• Uncomplicated:
Guided connection configuration• Application-oriented:
Tailored to the demands of modern
industrial applications• Standardized:
OPC UA is the communication
technology recommended for
Industry 4.0• Freedom of choice:Open selection of operating system andtoolkit• Virtual testing environment:
Free HEIDENHAIN programming station• Expandable by the machine
manufacturer:
The machine manufacturer can also
extend the HEIDENHAIN OPC UA
NC Server, giving you access toadditional sensors, machine subsystems,
or values from PLC programs.

CAD
CAM

32

33

Open to outside information
Processing CAD files with the TNC 620

CAD viewer
With the standardly available CAD viewer
software, you can open 3D CAD models
and drawings directly on the TNC 620.
Various view options as well as rotationand zoom capabilities allow for a detailed
visual inspection and analysis of your CAD
data. You can also use the viewer toascertain position values from a 3D model.
You simply select an arbitrary reference
point in your drawing and select thedesired contour elements. The CAD viewer
then displays the coordinates of theelements in a window. The CAD viewer
can depict the following file formats:• STEP files (.STP and .STEP)• IGES files (.IGS and .IGES)• DXF files (.DXF)• STL files (.STL)

CAD Import (option 42)
Why program complex contours if you
already have the drawing as a DXF, STEP,
STL or IGES file? After all, you have theability to extract contours or machining
positions from these types of CAD files.
This not only saves time otherwise spenton programming and testing, but you canalso be sure that the finished contour isexactly in accordance with the design
engineer’s specifications.
Extracting machining information directlyfrom CAD data offers additional
possibilities, particularly for the creation of
NC programs with a tilted machining plane.
You can also define the preset with a 3D
basic rotation of the 3D model and set a
datum with the appropriate 3D rotation in
the desired working plane.

You can easily save the working plane tothe clipboard and transfer it to the NC
program with the appropriate
transformation and the associated PLANE
command. In the defined working plane,
you can extract contours and machining
positions, and apply them to the NC
program.
Selecting contours is very convenient: Start
by selecting any element. Once you selecta second element, the TNC detects yourdesired machining direction and initiates
automatic contour detection. In doing so,
the TNC automatically selects all clearly
identifiable contour elements until thecontour closes or branches out. In thismanner, you can define extensive contours
with just a few steps. Then you can simply
copy the selected contour to an existing
Klartext program using the clipboard.

You can also select machining positions
and save them as point files, especially inorder to apply hole positions or starting
points for pocket machining. This can bedone very easily by selecting the desired
area. In a pop-up window with a filter
function, the TNC displays all of the holediameters within the area you haveselected. To select the desired holediameters and restrict the number of holepositions, simply select the corresponding
filter symbol to change the filter limits. A
zoom function and various configuration
possibilities round out the functionality of
CAD Import.
It is also possible to define the contour
program’s resolution for using it in older
TNC controls. You can also define atransition tolerance if the contour elements
are not completely connected.

Part program on the basis of the imported DXF file

34

The following positions can be defined aspresets:• The beginning, end, or mid-point of a line
• The beginning, end, or center point of acircular arc• Quadrant transitions or center point of acircle• Intersection of two lines, even only intheir extension• Intersection of a line and a circular arc• Intersection of a line and a circle
If multiple intersections between twoelements are possible (e.g., between astraight line and a circle), then you canselect the correct intersection.

Generating STL files (option)
The CAD Model Optimizer option makes it
possible to generate STL files from
3D models. The TNC 620 covers the 3Dmodel displayed in the CAD viewer with amesh of triangles. This simplifies theoriginal model and removes errors, such as
small holes in a solid or self-intersectionsof a surface. The TNC 620 then generates
an STL file that you can use for various
functions of the control. For example, you
can then easily repair faulty files of fixturesor tool holders.

Display of a 3D model in the CAD viewer

35

Positioning with an electronic handwheel
Fine motion control of axes

The TNC 620 programming station

What’s the purpose of a programming
station?
As easy as it is to write a part program on a
TNC 620 at the machine while a different
part is being machined, short reloading
times or high machine utilization may
hinder attentive programming work on the
shop floor. The TNC 620 programming
station lets you program the same way you
would at the machine but away from all thenoise and distractions.
Creating programs
The programming, testing, and optimizingof HEIDENHAIN Klartext or ISO programswith the programming station substantiallyreduces machine idle times. And it’s easy
to get used to because every keystrokefeels the same: the programming station’s
keyboard is just like the one on themachine.

Testing programs created offline
Naturally, you can also test programs thatwere written on a CAD/CAM system. The
various views of the program verificationgraphics help you easily spot contour
damage and hidden details.
Training with the programming station
Since the TNC 620 programming station isbased on the same software as the
TNC 620 control, it is ideal for apprentice
and advanced-level training. Programmingis performed on the original keyboard unit,
and even the test run feature runs exactly
as it would on the machine. This gives thetrainee the experience needed to safely
work on the real machine.
The TNC 620 programming station is also
optimally suited for teaching TNC
programming skills in schools, since the
TNC 620 can be programmed in Klartext
and with ISO codes.

Your workstation
The programming station software runs on
a PC. The PC screen shows you the same
TNC user interface as the control andoffers the familiar graphical support.
Depending on the version of the
programming station, there are multiple
ways of using it.
The free demo version contains all of the
TNC 620’s functions and allows shortprograms to be saved. Programming is
performed on the PC keyboard.
The version with a TNC operating panel
lets you create programs in theaccustomed manner on a keyboard
featuring the same function keys as thecontrol on the machine. It also has a PC
keyboard for ISO programming, file names,
and comments.

You can set up the workpiece by manuallyjogging the axes with the axis direction
keys, but this task is easier and more finely
controllable with the electronic
handwheels from HEIDENHAIN.
In this method, the axis slides are movedby the feed motor in accordance with the
handwheel’s rotation. For particularly highsensitivity, you can incrementally set theamount of traversing distance for eachhandwheel rotation.
Panel-mounted handwheel
The HR 130 panel-mounted handwheelfrom HEIDENHAIN can be integrated into
the machine operating panel or mounted toa different part of the machine.

Portable handwheels
The HR 510, HR 520, and HR 550 portable
handwheels are particularly helpful when
you work near the machine’s working
space. The axis keys and certain function
keys are built into the housing. In this way,
you can switch axes and set up themachine at any time—regardless of where
you happen to be standing. As a wirelesshandwheel, the HR 550 is ideal for use on
large machines. If you no longer need thehandwheel, simply attach it to the machineusing its built-in magnets.

Expanded range of functions of the
HR 520 and HR 550• Definable traversing distance per
revolution• Display for operating mode, actual
position value, programmed feed rate,
handwheel offset, spindle speed, anderror messages• Override potentiometers for feed rate,
handwheel offset, and spindle speed• Selection of axes by means of keys andsoft keys• Keys for continuous traverse of the axes
• Emergency stop button• Actual position capture• NC start/stop• Spindle on/off• Soft keys for machine functions definedby the machine manufacturer

You can also work without the TNC
operating panel: a virtual keyboard for
operating the programming station isshown on the PC screen. This virtual
keyboard provides the TNC 620’s mostimportant dialog-opening keys.

Further information:
Comprehensive descriptions of the
programming station and a free demo
version are available on the Internet atwww.heidenhain.com/programmingstations.

36

HR 55037Workpiece measurement
Setup, preset setting, and measuring with touch trigger probes

Workpiece touch probes* from
HEIDENHAIN help you keep costs down inthe shop and in serial production: whenused in conjunction with the TNC 620, they
enable the automated execution of setup,measurement, and inspection functions.
Upon contact with the workpiece surface,
the stylus of a TS touch trigger probe isdeflected. In that instant, the TS generates
a triggering signal that, depending on themodel, is transmitted either by cable or an
infrared beam to the control.
The touch probes are inserted directly into
the machine tool spindle and can beequipped with various taper shanks
depending on the machine. The ball tips,
which are made of ruby, are available indifferent diameters with various stylus
lengths.
* The machine and TNC must be specially adapted by
the machine manufacturer.

Cable-bound touch probes
For machines requiring manual toolchanges, as well as for grinding machines
and lathes:
TS 260• Axial or radial cable connection• High scanning accuracy
Wireless touch probes
For machines with an automatic toolchanger:
TS 460• Standard touch probe for radio andinfrared transmission• Compact dimensions• Energy-saving mode
• Optional collision protection• Thermal decoupling

Tool measurement
Measuring length, radius, and wear inside the machineTransceiver unit
Radio or infrared transmission isestablished between the TS or TT touchprobe and the SE transceiver:SE 660• For radio or infrared transmission(hybrid technology)• Same SE for TS 460 and TT 460

A key factor in obtaining consistently highproduction quality is, of course, the tool.
This requires exact measurement of thetool dimensions and periodic inspection of
the tool for breakage, wear, and tooth
shape. For tool measurement,
HEIDENHAIN offers the TT triggering
tool touch probes.

SE 661• For radio or infrared transmission(hybrid technology)• Same SE for TS 460 and TT 460• EnDat functionality for transmission of
the switching state, diagnostics, andadditional information

These touch probes are installed directly
within the machine’s workspace, where
they enable tool measurement either
before machining or during interruptions.

The TT tool touch probes measure thetool length and radius. During probing of
the rotating or stationary tool, such as forindividual tooth measurement, the contact
plate is deflected and a trigger signal istransmitted directly to the TNC 620.
The TT 160 uses cable-bound signaltransmission, whereas the TT 460 sends
its signals via radio or infrared transmission.
It is thus particularly well suited for use on
rotary/tilting tables.

To prevent limiting the machining space
and to avoid collisions, the TT touch probemust occasionally be removed from themachine. The touch probe’s new magnetic
base features three contact points and a
setting screw. As a result, the touch probe
requires calibration only during initialinstallation and can then be re-installed andremoved with a quick hand movement.
Here are the benefits in a nutshell:• Fast re-installation without recalibration• Low-profile base
• Same accuracy as a permanent
installation

TS 642• Activation via switch in taper shank• Infrared transmission
TS 760• High scanning accuracy• High reproducibility• Low probing forces• Radio and infrared transmission

SE 660TS 460TT 460Further information:
You can find detailed descriptions ofworkpiece touch probes on the Internet
at www.heidenhain.com or in the
Touch Probes for Machine Tools brochure.

38

Further information:

TS 460 with collision protection

You can find detailed descriptions oftool touch probes on the Internet atwww.heidenhain.com or in the
Touch Probes for Machine Tools brochure.

39Specifications

Accuracy demands are on the rise,
particularly in the realm of 5-axis
machining. Complex parts must be
manufactured with both precision andreproducible accuracy, including overextended periods of time.
The TNC function KinematicsOpt is an
important ingredient in helping you meetthese high requirements: with a
HEIDENHAIN touch probe inserted, a cycle
measures your machine’s rotary axes fully
automatically. The measuring process isthe same, regardless of whether the rotary
axis is a rotary table, tilting table, or aswivel head.

For calibrating the rotary axes, a calibration
sphere is mounted at any position on themachine table and probed with the
HEIDENHAIN touch probe. Prior to this,you define the resolution of themeasurement and the range that you wantto measure for each rotary axis.
Based on the measured values, the TNC
calculates the static tilting accuracy. The
software minimizes the spatial error arisingfrom the tilting movements and, at the endof the measuring process, automaticallysaves the machine geometry in therespective machine constants of thekinematics description.

Of course, a detailed log file is alsoavailable in which the measured andoptimized dispersion (measure of the static
tilting accuracy) is saved along with theactual measured values and the actual
compensation values.
Optimal use of KinematicsOpt requires ahighly rigid calibration sphere for reducing
the deformations caused by probing
forces. For this purpose, HEIDENHAIN
offers calibration spheres with highly rigid
holders of various lengths.

OptionOverview
Specifications

Standard

Inspecting and optimizing machine accuracy
Easy calibration of rotary axes with KinematicsOpt (option)

Components­✓­✓

MC main computer
19-inch portrait screen (1024 x 1280 pixels) for multitouch operation
15-inch screen (1024 x 768 pixels)

Operating system­✓

HEROS 5 real-time operating system for machine control

Memory­✓144 GB on HDR hard disk (total capacity: 320 GB)

Input resolution anddisplay step­✓­✓

Linear axes: down to 0.01 µm
Rotary axes: down to 0.000 01°

Interpolation

­✓
­✓
­✓

9
8

Block processing time­✓

1.5 ms (3D straight line without radius compensation)

Axis feedback control­✓­✓

Position-loop resolution: signal period of the position encoder/4096
Position controller cycle time: 200 µs (100 µs with option 49)

Error compensation­✓

Linear and nonlinear axis error, backlash, reversal peaks during circular movements, reversal
error, thermal expansion
Static friction, sliding friction­✓
Data interfaces

­✓
­
✓
­✓
18
56-61

40

Linear in 4 axes
Linear in up to 5 axes (export license required)
Circular in 2 axes
Circular in 3 axes with tilted working plane
Helical: superimposition of circular and straight paths

Network interface for remote operation of the TNC using the TNCremo or TNCremoPlus
software from HEIDENHAIN
2 x Ethernet interface, 1 Gigabit
USB 3.0 (including 1 x USB 2.0 on the operating panel); the number of ports depends on the
hardware used
HEIDENHAIN-DNC for communication between a Windows application and the TNC(DCOM interface)
HEIDENHAIN OPC UA NC Server
Reliable and stable interface for the connection of state-of-the-art industrial applications

Diagnostics­✓

Fast and simple troubleshooting through integrated diagnostic aids

Ambient temperature­✓­✓

Operation: +5 °C to +40 °C
Storage: –20 °C to +60 °C

41

Short description­✓­✓

Program entry

0/1

­
✓
­✓
42

Basic version: 3 axes plus closed-loop spindle
1st or 2nd additional axis for 4 or 5 axes plus spindle
Digital current and speed control

Program jumps

­
✓
­✓
­✓

HEIDENHAIN Klartext
ISO (with integrated operating panel: via soft keys or external standard USB keyboard;
with separate operating panel: via ASCII keyboard)
Importing of contours or machining positions from CAD files (STP, IGS, DXF) and saving
them as a Klartext contour program or Klartext point table

Fixed cycles­✓

Position entry

­
✓
­✓
­✓

Tool compensation­✓

Tool tables­✓Multiple tool tables with any number of tools

Cutting data­✓

Automatic calculation of spindle speed, cutting speed, feed per tooth, and feed per
revolution
OCM: automatic calculation of overlap factor, milling feed rate, spindle speed, climb or
up-cut milling, lateral infeed, cutting speed, material removal rate, recommended cooling

Nominal positions for straight lines and arcs in Cartesian coordinates or polar coordinates
Incremental or absolute dimensions
Display and entry in mm or inches
21
9

167

Tool radius in the working plane, and tool length
Radius compensated contour look ahead for up to 99 blocks (M120)
Three-dimensional tool-radius compensation for changing tool data without having torecalculate an existing program­✓­✓

With respect to the path of the tool centerWith respect to the cutting edge

Parallel operation­✓

Program creation with graphical support while another program is running

3D machining

­✓

9
9
9

Motion control with highly smoothed jerk
3D tool compensation via surface-normal vectors
Changing the swivel-head angle with the electronic handwheel during program run without
affecting the tool tip position (TCPM = Tool Center Point Management)
Keeping the tool perpendicular to the contour
Tool radius compensation perpendicular to the tool direction
Manual traverse in the active tool-axis system

88Programming of cylindrical contours as if in two axes
Feed rate in mm/min

Constant contour speed

Rotary table machining
Contour elements

Approaching anddeparting the contour
Free contour
programming

9
9

­
✓
­✓
­✓
­✓
­✓
­✓
­✓

Straight line
Chamfer
Circular path
Circle center
Circle radius
Tangentially connected arc
Corner rounding

­
✓
­✓
19

Coordinate transformation ­✓OptionSubprograms
Program-section repeat
Any desired program as subprogram
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
19
167

Drilling, conventional and rigid tapping, rectangular and circular pockets
Peck drilling, reaming, boring, counterboring, centering
Milling internal and external threads
Clearing level and oblique surfaces
Complete machining of rectangular and circular pockets, rectangular and circular studs
Complete machining of straight and circular slots
Circular and linear point patterns
Point pattern: Data Matrix code
Contour train, contour pocket
Contour slot with trochoidal milling
Engraving cycle: engrave text or numbers in a straight line or on an arc
OEM cycles (special cycles developed by the machine manufacturer) can be integrated
Optimized Contour Milling (OCM) cycles: optimization of roughing processes

8

Shifting, rotating, mirroring, scaling (axis-specific)
Tilting the working plane, PLANE functionn­✓
Q parameters
Programming with variables
­✓
­✓
­✓

n

­
✓
­✓

Mathematical functions =, +, –, *, /, sin , cos , tan , arc sin, arc cos, arc tan, a , e , In,log, a, a2 + b2
Logical operations (=, ≠, <, >)Calculating with parentheses
Absolute value of a number, constant π, negation, truncation of digits before or after thedecimal point
Functions for calculation of circles
Functions for text processing

Programming aids

­
✓
­✓
­✓
­✓
­✓
­✓

Calculator
Complete list of all current error messages
Context-sensitive help function for error messages
TNCguide: the integrated help system; user information available directly on the TNC 620
Graphic support for the programming of cycles
Comment and structure blocks in the NC program

Teach-in­✓Application of actual positions directly in the NC program

Program verificationgraphics
Display modes

20
20
20

Graphical simulation of the machining operation, even while another program is being
executed
Plan view/projection in three planes/3D view, also in tilted working plane/3D line graphics
Detail zoom

Programming graphics­✓

In the Programming mode, the contours of entered NC blocks are rendered(2D pencil-trace graphics), even while another program is running

Program-run graphics
Display modes

­✓ 20
20

Real-time graphical simulation during execution of the milling program
Plan view / view in three planes / 3D view

Approach and departure on a straight line: tangential or perpendicular
Approach and departure on an arc

Machining time­✓­✓

Calculation of machining time in the Test Run mode of operation
Display of the current machining time in the program run

FK free contour programming in HEIDENHAIN Klartext format with graphical support forworkpiece drawings not dimensioned for NC

Returning to the contour­✓­✓

Mid-program startup at any block in the program and movement to the calculated nominal
position for continuation of the machining operation
Program interruption, contour departure and return­✓

One table for saving any reference points (presets)

Preset management

42

Standard

User function
OptionUser function

Standard

User functions

43

User function

OptionnumberOptionStartingfrom NC
software81776x-ID

Comment0123Additional Axis 1
Additional Axis 2
Additional Axis 3
Additional Axis 401354540-01
353904-01
353905-01
367867-01

Additional control loops 1 to 4

8

Advanced Function Set 1 01

617920-01

Rotary table machining• Programming of cylindrical contours as if in two axes
• Feed rate in mm/min
Interpolation: circular in 3 axes with tilted working plane
Coordinate transformation: tilting the working plane, PLANE function

9

Advanced Function Set 2 01

617921-01

Interpolation: straight line in more than four axes (export license
required)
3D machining• 3D tool compensation via surface normal vectors• Using the electronic handwheel to change the angle of the swivel
head during program run without affecting the position of the tool
point (TCPM = Tool Center Point Management); only with option 21• Keeping the tool perpendicular to the contour• Tool radius compensation perpendicular to the tool direction• Manual traverse in the active tool-axis system

17

Touch Probe Functions

01

634063-01

Touch probe cycles• Workpiece misalignment compensation, preset setting• Automatic tool and workpiece measurement• Touch probe input enabled for non-HEIDENHAIN touch probes

18

HEIDENHAIN DNC

01526451-01

Communication with external PC applications over COM component

19

Advanced Programming
Features01628252-01

FK free contour programming
Canned cycles• Peck drilling, reaming, boring, counterboring, centering• Milling internal and external threads• Clearing level and oblique surfaces• Multi-operation machining of straight and circular slots• Multi-operation machining of rectangular and circular pockets• Cartesian and polar point patterns and point patterns for DataMatrixcode• Contour train, contour pocket—also with contour-parallel machining• Contour slot with trochoidal milling• Special cycles developed by the machine manufacturer can be
integrated

Datum tables­✓

Pallet tables

­
✓
­✓
­✓

Conversational languages ­✓CAD viewer

Multiple datum tables for storing workpiece-specific datums
22

Touch probe cycles*

Parallel secondary axes

OptionOptions

Standard

User functions and accessories

­✓

154

Workpiece-oriented execution of pallet tables (with any number of entries for the selectionof pallets, NC programs, and datums)
Production process planning with Batch Process Manager

17
17
17
17
48

Touch probe calibration
Manual or automatic compensation of workpiece misalignment
Manual or automatic preset setting
Automatic tool and workpiece measurement
KinematicsOpt: automatic measurement and optimization of the machine’s kinematic model
Compensation of movement in the secondary axes U, V, W through the principal axes X, Y, Z
Movements of parallel axes included in the position display of the associated principal axis
(sum display)
Defining the principal and secondary axes in the NC program enables execution on different
machine configurations
English, German, Czech, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Swedish, Danish, Finnish,
Dutch, Polish, Hungarian, Russian (Cyrillic), Chinese (traditional, simplified), Slovenian,
Slovak, Norwegian, Korean, Turkish, Romanian
Display of standardized CAD file formats on the TNC* Automatically enabled for HEIDENHAIN touch probes.

Accessories
Electronic handwheels• HR 510/HR 520: portable handwheels• HR 550: portable wireless handwheel• HR 130: panel-mounted handwheel

Workpiece measurement• TS 260: workpiece touch probe with cable connection• TS 460/TS 760: workpiece touch probe with radio or infrared transmission• TS 642: workpiece touch probe with infrared transmission

Tool measurement• TT 160: triggering tool touch probe• TT 460: triggering tool touch probe with radio or infrared transmission

Programming station

Control software for PCs for programming, archiving, and training• Single-station license with original control keyboard• Single-station license with operation via virtual keyboard• Network license with operation via virtual keyboard• Demo version (operated with PC keyboard—free of charge)

20

Advanced Graphic
Features01628253-01

Program-verification graphics, program-run graphics
Plan view, projection in three planes, 3D view, 3D line graphic

21

Advanced Function Set 3 01

628254-01• RemoteAccess: software for remote diagnostics, monitoring, and operation• CycleDesign: software for creating your own cycle structure• TNCremo: software for data transfer—free of charge• TNCremoPlus software for data transfer with live-screen function• StateMonitor: software for recording, evaluating, and visualizing machine data

Tool compensation• Radius-compensated contour look-ahead for up to 99 blocks(LOOK AHEAD)
3D machining• Superimposing handwheel positioning during program run

22

Pallet Management01628255-01

Pallet management

24

Gantry Axes

01

634621-01

Gantry axes via master-slave torque control

42

CAD Import

05

526450-01

Import of contours from 2D and 3D models (e.g., STEP, IGES, DXF)

46

Python OEM Process

01579650-01

Execution of Python applications

48

KinematicsOpt

01630916-01

Touch-probe cycles for the automatic measurement of rotary axes

49

Double-Speed Axes

01

632223-01

Short control-loop cycle times for a direct drive motor

Software for PCs

44

45

Comparison of controls

OptionnumberOptionStartingfrom NC
software81776x-ID

Comment

Comparison of controls

TNC 620

TNC 640

NC software 81760x-17

NC software 34059x-17

Standard milling

High-end
milling / turning / grinding

Simple machining centers(up to 8 control loops, max. 2 of which are spindles)­✓­✓

Machine tools/machining centers(up to 24 control loops, max. 4 of which are spindles)–­✓

Milling / turning / grinding operations(up to 18 control loops + 2 spindles)–

OptionArea of application

56–61

HEIDENHAIN OPC UA
NC Server

081291434-01 Reliable and stable interface for the connection of state-of-the-art
to -06industry applications; uncomplicated thanks to the use of standardized
designs. Each of the six SIK options enables an incoming OPC UA
connection via an application certificate

93

Extended ToolManagement02676938-01

133

Remote Desk. Manager

01894423-01

Display and remote operation of external computer units(e.g., a Windows PC)

141

Cross Talk Comp.

01

800542-01

CTC: compensation of axis couplings

HEIDENHAIN Klartext format

­✓

­✓

142

Pos. Adapt. Control

01

800544-01

PAC: position-dependent adaptation of the control parameters

ISO programming

­✓

­✓

143

Load Adapt. Control

01

800545-01

LAC: load-dependent adaptation of the control parameters

CAD Import

OptionOption144

Motion Adapt. Control

01

800546-01

MAC: motion-dependent adaptation of the control parameters

CAD viewer

­✓

­✓

145

Active Chatter Control

01

800547-01

ACC: active suppression of chatter during heavy machining

FK free contour programming

Option­✓146

Machine Vibration
Control

08

800548-01

Damping of machine oscillations to improve workpiece surfaces.
The following functions are part of Machine Vibration Control (MVC):• Active Vibration Damping (AVD): active damping of vibrations in thecontrol loop
• Frequency Shaping Control (FSC): reduction of vibration inducement
by means of frequency-based feedforward control

Extended milling and drilling cycles

Option­✓OCM cycles

OptionOptionTurning cycles–

OptionFunctions for grinding–

OptionNC program memory

144 GB on HDR hard disk
(total capacity: 320 GB)

144 GB on HDR hard disk
(total capacity: 320 GB)
21 GB on SSDR (total capacity:
32 GB)

5-axis and high-speed machining

OptionOptionBlock processing time

1.5 ms< 0.5 ms

Input resolution and display step (standard)

0.01 μm

0.01 μm

Screen and keyboard

15-inch touchscreen/
19-inch touchscreen (portrait)

19-inch / 24-inch touchscreen

Touchscreen­✓­✓

Adaptive Feed Control (AFC)–

OptionActive Chatter Control (ACC)

OptionOptionDynamic Collision Monitoring (DCM)–

Option–OptionExtended tool management• Tooling list (list of all tools of the NC program)• T usage sequence (sequence of all tools inserted during the program)

152

CAD Model Optimizer

16

1353918-01 Conversion and optimization of CAD models• Fixtures• Workpiece blank• Finished part

154

Batch Process Manager

05

1219521-01 Planning and executing multiple machining operations

155

Component Monitoring

06

1226833-01 Monitoring for component overloading and wear

160

Integrated FS: Basic

07

1249928-01 Gen 3 exclusive:• Enables 4 safe control loops• Enables functional safety (FS)161

Integrated FS: Full

07

1249929-01 Gen 3 exclusive:• Enables the maximum number of safe control loops• Enabling of functional safety (FS)Program entry

162

Add. FS Ctrl. Loop 1

071249930-01 Additional FS control loop 1

163

Add. FS Ctrl. Loop 2

071249931-01 Additional FS control loop 2

164Add. FS Ctrl. Loop 3

071249932-01 Additional FS control loop 3

165Add. FS Ctrl. Loop 4

071249933-01 Additional FS control loop 4

166Add. FS Ctrl. Loop 5

071249934-01 Additional FS control loop 5

KinematicsOpt

OptionOption167

Optimized Contour
Milling

07

1289547-01 Optimization of roughing processes

KinematicsComp–

OptionTouch probe cycles

Option­✓Add. FS Full

08

Pallet Management

Option­✓Parallel axis function

­✓

­✓

169

1319091-01 Enabling of all FS axis options or control loops. Options 160 and 162 to
166 must already be set.

Fixture monitoring

­
✓
–

46

Standard
Not available

47

Mastering
Nanometer nanometer
beherrschbaraccuracymachenDR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH
Dr.-Johannes-Heidenhain-Straße 583301 Traunreut, Germany +49 8669 31-0
 +49 8669 32-5061
info@heidenhain.dewww.heidenhain.com
896140-2C · 07/2023 · H · Printed in Germany

HEIDENHAIN
worldwide