Heidenhain, Mastercam Introduce Five-Axis Postprocessor

In a collaborative aimed at enabling five-axis machining for those using Heidenhain TNC controls and Mastercam CAD/CAM software, the companies have introduced a new postprocessor. The Heidenhain TNC 5X Mill postprocessor is the result of coordinated development by the two companies. 

Those who use Mastercam CAD/CAM software with their iTNC 530, TNC 620 or TNC 640 controls can  benefit from this postprocessor, according to Heidenhain.

“We are experiencing an increased demand in North America for our newest TNC 640 control for high-precision five-axis machine tools, and we want those customers to know that if they have Mastercam software, we are dedicated to providing ongoing translation updates as needed,” says Gisbert Ledvon, Heidenhain TNC business development manager. 

The TNC 5X Mill postprocessor supports PLANE commands (STAY, TURN, MOVE), TCPM, multi-axis machining, drilling, cutter comp (2D/3D), subprograms, safe retract, coolant, canned text, manual entry, HSM (CYCL DEF 32), axis clamping, work offsets (CYCL DEF 247 DATUM SETTING), transform operations (no subroutine output), and rotary-axis limit detection.