Showing off CNC systems, encoders and motors

Consistent with the aims of Industry 4.0, the communication functionality enables all participants in a paperless order handling environment, including design, programming, simulation and production planning staff as well as machinists on the shop floor, to communicate and exchange data seamlessly.

The control uses plain language programming and has an optimised interface that gives users unrivalled insight into system operation. Functionality for mill-turn centres includes simple programme-controlled switchover between milling and turning, comprehensive canned turning cycles for frequently repeated operations such as roughing, finishing, recessing and thread cutting, constant surface speed, and tool-tip radius compensation.

The company’s latest range of touch probe systems will be a key feature of the stand. Intended for aligning and measuring workpieces, tool setting and detecting cutter wear and breakage, they are suited for use with Heidenhain’s TNC controls. Innovative features like mechanical collision protection, combined infrared and radio data transmission, and smart battery management ensure low cost of ownership.

Representative examples will be on show from Heidenhain’s programme of high precision linear and rotary encoders. Incremental and absolute linear encoders are supplied either sealed to resist contamination or exposed to provide higher speed and precision. Applications range from manual and CNC machine tools to semiconductor manufacturing requiring nanometre resolution.

Exhibited also will be contamination-resistant encoders from Heidenhain subsidiary AMO, Austria, which produces inductive tape scale linear and angle measuring systems that combine the accuracy of optical encoders with the robustness of magnetic types.

Heidenhain will additionally showcase linear and rotary encoders manufactured by the German company, Numerik Jena. They include vacuum-compatible products for positioning tasks in such sectors as electronics, medicine, thin-film deposition and analytical technology.

Finally, from Swiss company ETEL, part of the Heidenhain group, the full torque motor range will be on show also. With more than 100 models to choose from, almost any requirement can be met. All ETEL motors benefit from very low cogging. The patented construction enables an exceptional peak force density in the magnetic gap, as well as unparalleled thermal efficiency, which is a significant advantage for high precision machines sensitive to thermal drift.