Complete machining

Complete machining: milling, turning, and grinding on one machine

On a milling-turning machine with the TNC 640, you can machine the complete workpiece in one go, performing milling and turning operations in whatever sequence is required. The TNC 640 offers powerful functions that allow you to switch between turning and milling operations within the NC program. As a result, you are free to choose how and when you want to combine the two machining methods.

Field-proven HEIDENHAIN lathe controls provide the software basis for the turning functions. You can thereby make use of contour elements unique to turning, such as recesses or thread undercutting. Along with the standard path functions, you can also use FK free contour programming to easily create contour elements.

As a milling user, you can also create turning programs in the familiar Klartext conversational programming language. That's because, during turning, the TNC 640 uses the same programming techniques as those used during milling. TNC programmers can thereby build on available knowledge and enjoy an easy introduction into the world of turning with the milling machine.

Easily switch between turning and milling

You can use standard conversational commands to switch as desired under NC program control between the milling and turning modes. There are practically no limitations. The control switches modes regardless of the current axis configuration and the TNC 640 adopts all internally required changes:

Transition to diameter display
Setting the datum in the center of a rotary table
Locking the tool spindle and other machine-dependent functions

The familiar approach to programming

The turning functions are based on software used in the long-proven HEIDENHAIN turning controls, thereby allowing you to use turning-specific contour elements such as recess cutting and thread undercutting. Alongside normal contouring functions, you can also use FK free contour programming to define turning contours.

As a TNC user, you can also create your turning programs using familiar HEIDENHAIN Klartext programming. That's because, during turning, the TNC 640 uses the same programming techniques as those used during milling. TNC users can thus build on existing knowledge and rapidly enter into the world of turning on a milling machine.

Using standardized Klartext commands, you can switch as desired between milling and turning modes, practically without limitations. Switching takes place independently of the current axis configuration. When switching, the TNC 640 handles all internally required changes:

Switching to diameter display
Setting presets in the middle of the rotary table
Clamping the tool spindle
Other machine-dependent functions

You can also program grinding operations using dialog guidance from HEIDENHAIN Klartext. If the contour is available as a CAD file, you can easily import it using the CAD Import software option.

Milling, turning, and grinding cycles

HEIDENHAIN controls have always been known for their comprehensive and technologically advanced package of cycles. The cycles of the TNC 640 include multi-step, frequently recurring operations. While programming cycles, you enjoy dialog guidance and informative help images that illustrate the required parameters. In addition to the well-known TNC milling and drilling cycles, the TNC 640 also provides numerous turning cycles for roughing, finishing, recessing, thread turning, recess turning, and more. These turning functions are based on software from the longproven HEIDENHAIN turning controls, allowing you to program even complex turning operations with ease on the machine.

The TNC 640's more complex turning cycles employ the same techniques as those used for milling. As a result, TNC programmers can build on their prior knowledge to rapidly enter the world of turning operations on a milling machine without retraining. The control also features grinding cycles, including:

Define reciprocating stroke
Activate wheel edge
Profile dressing

Interpolation turning

Although you can create ring slots, recesses, tapers, or any turning contour using conventional turning operations, you can also take advantage of interpolation turning. In interpolation turning, the tool executes a circular movement using the linear axes. For outside turning, the cutting edge is oriented towards the circle center, and for internal turning, away from the center. By varying the circle radius and the axial position, any rotationally symmetric body can be produced, even in a tilted working plane.

Convenient control of facing heads

The TNC 640 makes it very easy to control facing heads. It enables you to produce any desired turning contours on non-rotationally symmetrical workpieces.