Heidenhain controls allow access to order processing data

It enables efficient exchange of data and creates a paperless environment right through to the manufacture and despatch of components. Heidenhain’s premise is that a workpiece is produced on a machine tool, so all information should be consolidated there and data on the status and quality of a workpiece must flow back into the production IT system. The machinist, who is responsible for the quality of components and for staying on schedule, needs to have access to all this information.

Core components of Heidenhain’s Connected Machining are the company’s Remote Desktop Manager that accesses all Windows applications, StateMonitor interface software which establishes a connection to enterprise resource planning and production control systems on a company network, DNC interface and expanded display function, Extended Workspace.

A scenario will be presented based on a Heidenhain TNC 640, the company's latest, high-performance milling CNC system. Standard features allow access to manufacturing process data on a company network through viewers for PDFs and graphics files as well as for CAD files in STEP or IGES format. Operation of web-based documentation software or ERP systems via the installed browser is possible, as is access to a user’s email inbox.

Using the control’s Remote Desktop Manager software, the CAM system can be accessed directly while for its part, the CAM software interrogates the central tool database during programming. The resulting cycle is then simulated to ensure its reliability. The verified NC code is provided to the TNC 640 through a drive that can be accessed by both the machine operator and the programmer.

In Batch Process Manager, the operator schedules execution of the production job on the machine. NC programs and the position of the clamped workpiece on the pallet are linked with respect to the order and sorted into a list according to priority. The TNC operator is able to schedule several production orders simultaneously.

The control supports this by comparing the tools required to run the program with the cutters actually available in the machine, reporting any tools that are missing. The operator can then, for example, output a list of new tools that need to be prepared to execute the job. Information on the estimated machining time can be used for further order planning and, together with information from the tool management system, for ordering new tools.

StateMonitor software supports the operator, capturing data from connected machines, presenting a real-time overview of machine and job status and sending messages to computers throughout the company as well as to mobile devices. The software can send a message to the tool presetting station if the life of a tool is approaching a critical value. Based on stored data, new tools can be preset, a unique code added to the holder for unambiguous identification and the data sent back into the network so the CAM system and virtual machining software are able to access it.

Automatic workpiece measurement on the machine delivers important data for quality assurance, which can be archived or evaluated. The data is centrally available to all other systems, meaning that from the NC program to the tool presetting station, all links in the process chain can be optimised.