Turn-Mill CNC Enables CAD Visualization, Interpolation Turning

Heidenhain’s TNC 640 turn-mill CNC enables interpolation turning and gear hobbing for machining large parts, such as those required for power plants. The model adds cycles and features including new manual probing cycles designed to ease workpiece setup, as well as enhanced graphics.

When the interpolation turning feature is in use, the machine tool’s linear axes move along a circle, while the cutting edge with the milling spindle is oriented toward either the center of rotation (outside machining) or away from it (inside machining). Interpolation turning is well-suited for manufacturing large, rotationally-symmetric sealing surfaces such as the housings of some energy generation components.

Cycle 880 is a machining process for hobbing of external cylindrical and helical teeth, performed through synchronization of the tool and lathe spindles. The cycle positions the rotary axis to the required tilted position, then performs the in-feed movements to the workpiece in the radial direction and the milling movements in the axial direction.

Another feature is the ability to determine the 3D basic rotation for a plane surface as a manual probing function. The misalignment of a surface can be measured by probing three points in any direction on that plane. Subsequently, the result can be transferred to the datum table and/or the workpiece can be aligned.

The new graphics package includes a CAD viewer that opens any .step, .iges or .dxf file, enabling an operator to evaluate the workpiece at the control. Dynamic collision monitoring (DCM) is available with an M3D converter, which enables CAD files of components in the machining envelope to be merged, edited and added to collision monitoring.