During this year’s AMB, HEIDENHAIN is expected to deliver its 330,000th TNC control. This is an impressive milestone, and a fitting opportunity to look back.
In the early 1970s, HEIDENHAIN began exploring ways to make machine tools easier and more intuitive to operate. With the first microprocessors becoming available in
1973 and the company’s proven position counters already in use, the first experimental controls were developed. Yet these early solutions were still too large, too complex,
and too expensive for widespread adoption. The decisive impulse came in 1976, when MAHO, based in Pfronten, Germany, approached HEIDENHAIN with a specific request. The machine manufacturer was looking for a compact, affordable control that would be easy to operate. Target positions needed to be entered directly and reached without unnecessary intermediate steps.
From this requirement emerged an idea that would shape manufacturing for decades to come: the TNC.
1976-1977 : TNC 110 / TNC 120 / TNC 121
THE SHOP FLOOR GETS A MEMORY
In 1976, HEIDENHAIN began developing the first TNC control, the TNC 110. Although it did not yet feature program memory, it did already allow machining positions to be entered directly and approached on the machine. This placed greater emphasis on the expertise of machine operators while providing increased flexibility in production. The successor model, the TNC 120, was the first to include program memory. Up to 64 program blocks could be stored and recalled for recurring machining operations.
The third TNC model, the TNC 121, followed as early as 1977. It featured a program memory capacity of 128 blocks. Additional commands for program section
repeats and subprograms simplified machining operations and improved efficiency. What began as direct machine operation was evolving into a repeatable
manufacturing process.
1979 : TNC 135
KLARTEXT COMES TO THE SHOP FLOOR
With the TNC 135, HEIDENHAIN introduced Klartext programming, making the programming process at the machine significantly easier to understand. Instead of relying on cryptic command sequences, clear conversational prompts guided users step by step through the required inputs.
At the same time, the TNC 135 was the first TNC control to feature a screen. This made operation clearer and more intuitive. In doing so, HEIDENHAIN set new standards while reinforcing a guiding principle: the control should support the person at the machine—clearly, directly, and in their own language. Today, HEIDENHAIN Klartext is available in more than 20 languages.
1984 / TNC 155
WHAT’S BEING MADE BECOMES VISIBLE
The TNC 155 transformed program code into a graphical representation of the workpiece by bringing machining simulation to the screen. What had previously existed only as lines of program code could now be visualized as a part on the display. Users were able to follow the machining sequence more easily and verify programs before machining began. In addition to conversational Klartext programming, the TNC 155 also supported program input in accordance with ISO 6983.
1987 / TNC 355
FREEDOM TO CUSTOMIZE THE OPERATING PANEL
With the TNC 355, HEIDENHAIN separated the keyboard from the logic unit. This gave machine manufacturers greater flexibility in designing the operating panels, so that they could be tailored more precisely to machines and their applications.
2001 / iTNC 530
CHIP-TUNING FOR THE CONTROL
At EMO 2001, HEIDENHAIN introduced the iTNC 530, ushering in a new era of TNC controls. Its completely redesigned hardware architecture continued the successful concept of TNC contouring controls while setting new standards in HSC machining. Short block processing times and optimized motion control increased speed, precision, and dynamic performance. And for the first time, HEIDENHAIN separated the NC main computer from the controller unit.
2011 / TNC 640
THE TNC REDEFINED THE PROCESS AS A WHOLE
In 2011, the TNC 640 set new standards for done-in-one machining on a single machine tool. It made the switch between milling and turning practical for everyday production, combining operator convenience with the consistency of the TNC philosophy. The control also ushered in a new generation of design. A premium stainless-steel housing, a large 19-inch monitor, and redesigned keys enhanced both clarity and operating comfort. Integrated LED indicators in the machine operating panel provided instant visibility of key machine conditions.
