NC Software

280 620-xx
280 621-xx
286 180-xx

User’s Manual
Conversational
Programming

English (en)
4/2001

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
Controls on the visual display unit Programming path movements
Split screen layout Straight line
Switch between machining or
programming modes Circle center/pole for polar coordinates

Soft keys for selecting functions in screen Circle with center

Switching the soft-key rows Circle with radius

Changing the screen settings
(only BC 120) Circular arc with tangential connection

Typewriter keyboard for entering letters and symbols Corner rounding

File names
Comments Electrode data
ISO Enter and call electrode length and radius
programs
Activate electrode radius compensation
Machine operating modes
MANUAL OPERATION Cycles, subprograms and program section
repeats
INCREMENTAL JOG
Define and call cycles
POSITIONING WITH MDI Enter and call labels for subprogramming and
program section repeats
PROGRAM RUN, SINGLE BLOCK
Program stop in a program
PROGRAM RUN, FULL SEQUENCE
Enter touch probe functions in a program
Programming modes
Coordinate axes and numbers:Entering and editing
PROGRAMMING AND EDITING Select coordinate axes or
... enter them into the program
TEST RUN
... Numbers
Program/file management, TNC functions
Decimal point
Select programs and files
Change arithmetic sign
Delete programs and files (only TNC 406)
Polar coordinates
Activate external data transfer (only TNC 406)
Incremental dimensions
Pocket calculator
Q parameters
Moving the highlight, going directly to blocks, cycles
and parameter functions Capture actual position
Move highlight Skip dialog questions, delete words
Go directly to blocks, cycles and parameter Confirm entry and resume dialog
functions
Override control knobs for feed rate/C axis End block
100 100 Clear numerical entry or TNC error
message
Abort dialog, delete program section
50 150 50 150

F % S %
0 0

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
TNC Models, Software and Features
This manual describes functions and features provided by the TNCs as
of the following NC software numbers.

TNC Model NC Software No.

TNC 406 280 620-12
280 621-12
280 622-12

TNC 416 286 180-06

Location of use
The TNC complies with the limits for a Class A device in accordance
with the specifications in EN 55022, and is intended for use primarily
in industrially-zoned areas.

New features of the NC software 280 62x-xx and

280 180-xx
„ Cycle 14 CONTOUR GEOMETRY (see also ”Cycle 14 CONTOUR
GEOMETRY” on page 137)
„ Q parameters for the roughness (see also ”Data from the erosion
table” on page 203)
„ Q parameters for the gap size (see also ”Gap size LS max when
machining which Cycle 1 GENERATOR: Q164” on page 206)
„ After manual traverse, the incremental coordinates always refer to
the actual position (see also ”Resuming program run with the
GOTO key” on page 226)
„ Expansion of the tool table with tool pocket number, tool undersize
and radius (see also ”Entering electrode data in tables” on page 74)
„ Probed values can be written to a datum table as well as to a tool
table (see also ”Writing probed values to tables” on page 28)
„ Enhancement of functions FN14 and FN15 (see also ”Output of Q
Parameters and Messages” on page 197)
„ M108/M109 (see Overview of Miscellaneous Functions on the
inside rear cover of this manual)

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 I

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
Contents Introduction
1
Manual Operation, Setup and Probing
Functions 2
Positioning with manual data input
(MDI) 3
Programming: Fundamentals, Files,
Program Entry, Spark Erosion, Erosion
Tables 4
Programming: Tools
5
Programming: Programming Contours
6
Programming: Miscellaneous Functions
7
Programming: Cycles
8
Programming: Subprograms and
Program Section Repeats 9
Programming: Q Parameters
10
Test Run and Program Run
11
MOD Functions
12
Tables and Overviews
13

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 III

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
1 Introduction ..... 1
1.1 The TNC 406, the TNC 416 ..... 2
Controls ..... 2
Visual display unit and keyboard ..... 2
Programming ..... 2
Graphics ..... 2
Compatibility ..... 2
1.2 Visual Display Unit and Keyboard ..... 3
Visual display unit ..... 3
Screen layout ..... 4
Keyboard ..... 5
1.3 Modes of Operation ..... 6
Manual Operation, Incremental Jog, and Positioning with Manual Data Input ..... 6
Programming and Editing ..... 7
Test Run ..... 7
Program Run, Full Sequence and Program Run, Single Block ..... 8
1.4 Status Display ..... 9
General status display ..... 9
Additional status displays ..... 9
1.5 Accessory: Electronic Handwheels from HEIDENHAIN ..... 13
HR electronic handwheels ..... 13

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 I

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
2 Manual Operation, Setup and Probing Functions ..... 15
2.1 Switch-on ..... 16
Switch-on ..... 16
2.2 Moving the Machine Axes ..... 18
Note ..... 18
To traverse with the machine axis direction buttons: ..... 18
Traversing with the HR 410 electronic handwheel ..... 19
Incremental jog positioning ..... 20
Positioning with manual data input (MDI) ..... 20
Eroding a workpiece manually ..... 21
2.3 Datum Setting ..... 22
Example ..... 22
2.4 Calibration and Setup ..... 23
Using an electrode ..... 23
Select the touch probe function ..... 24
Calibrating the probing electrode ..... 25
Compensating workpiece misalignment ..... 27
2.5 Datum Setting with a Probing Electrode ..... 28
Functions for setting the datum ..... 28
Writing probed values to tables ..... 28
Datum setting in any axis ..... 29
Manual probing ..... 29
Workpiece center as datum ..... 30
Corner as datum ..... 31
Circle center as datum ..... 32
2.6 Measuring with a Probing Electrode ..... 33
Introduction ..... 33
To find the coordinate of a position on an aligned workpiece ..... 33
Finding the coordinates of a corner in the working plane ..... 33
Measuring workpiece dimensions ..... 34
Measuring angles ..... 35
2.7 Entering and Starting Miscellaneous Functions M ..... 36
Entering values ..... 36

3 Positioning with Manual Data Input (MDI) ..... 37

3.1 Positioning with Manual Data Input (MDI) ..... 38
Positioning with manual data input (MDI) ..... 38
Protecting and erasing programs in $MDI ..... 39

II

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4 Programming: Fundamentals, Files,
Program Entry, Spark Erosion, Erosion Tables ..... 41
4.1 Fundamentals of Positioning ..... 42
Introduction ..... 42
What is NC? ..... 42
The part program ..... 42
Programming ..... 42
Position encoders and reference marks ..... 43
Reference system ..... 43
Reference system with EDMs ..... 44
Programming electrode movement ..... 44
Polar coordinates ..... 45
Absolute and incremental workpiece positions ..... 46
Setting the datum ..... 47
4.2 Files ..... 48
File directory ..... 48
Selecting, copying, deleting and protecting files ..... 50
4.3 Creating and Writing Programs ..... 51
Organization of an NC program in HEIDENHAIN conversational format. ..... 51
Defining the blank form–BLK FORM ..... 51
Creating a new part program ..... 52
Programming tool movements in conversational format ..... 54
Editing a program ..... 55
4.4 Automatic Workpiece Change with WP-Call ..... 57
Programming a workpiece change ..... 57
4.5 Fundamentals of Spark Erosion ..... 58
4.6 Erosion Tables ..... 61
Using erosion tables in a program ..... 61
Working without an erosion table ..... 61
Ready-to-use erosion tables ..... 61

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 III

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.7 Parameters in the Erosion Table ..... 62
To enter erosion parameters in the erosion table ..... 63
Power stage (NR) ..... 64
Low voltage current (LV) ..... 64
High voltage current (HV) ..... 64
Gap voltage (GV) ..... 64
Pulse-on duration and pulse-off duration ..... 65
Servo sensitivity SV ..... 65
Erosion time ET, Auto jump distance AJD ..... 65
Arc sensitivity (AR) ..... 66
Electrode polarity (P) ..... 66
High voltage selector HS ..... 66
Wear rate WR ..... 67
Surface finish RA ..... 67
Stock removal SR ..... 68
Two-times gap (2G) ..... 68
Minimum undersize (UNS) ..... 69
Auxiliary parameters AUX 1, AUX 2, ... AUX 6 ..... 69

5 Programming: Tools ..... 71

5.1 Electrodes ..... 72
Electrode axis C ..... 72
Determining the electrode data ..... 72
Entering electrode data into a program ..... 73
Entering electrode data in tables ..... 74
Calling electrode data ..... 76
Following electrode ..... 77
Changing the electrode ..... 77
Electrode compensation ..... 78
5.2 Electrode Compensation Values ..... 79
Electrode length compensation ..... 79
Electrode radius compensation ..... 80
Radius compensation: Machining corners ..... 82
5.3 Entering Electrode-Related Data ..... 83
Introduction ..... 83
Feed rate F ..... 83
5.4 Actual Position Capture ..... 84
Function ..... 84

IV

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6 Programming: Programming Contours ..... 85
6.1 General Information on Programming Electrode Movements ..... 86
Path functions ..... 86
Machines with 5 axes ..... 86
Subprograms and program section repeats ..... 86
Cycles ..... 87
Parametric programming ..... 87
6.2 Contour Approach and Departure ..... 88
Starting point and end point of machining ..... 88
Tangential contour approach and departure ..... 91
6.3 Path functions ..... 92
General ..... 92
Programmed machine axis movement ..... 92
6.4 Path Contours — Cartesian Coordinates ..... 93
Overview of path functions ..... 93
Straight line L ..... 94
Inserting a chamfer CHF between two straight lines ..... 96
Corner rounding RND ..... 97
Circles and circular arcs ..... 97
Circle center CC ..... 98
Circular path C around circle center CC ..... 100
Circular path CR with defined radius ..... 101
Circular path CT with tangential connection ..... 103
6.5 Path Contours — Polar Coordinates ..... 109
Overview ..... 109
Polar coordinate origin: Pole CC ..... 109
Straight line LP ..... 110
Circular path CP around pole CC ..... 111
Circular path CTP with tangential connection ..... 112
Helical interpolation ..... 113

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 V

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
7 Programming: Miscellaneous functions ..... 119
7.1 Entering Miscellaneous Functions M and STOP ..... 120
Fundamentals ..... 120
7.2 Miscellaneous Functions for Program Run Control, Electrode and Flushing ..... 122
Overview ..... 122
7.3 Miscellaneous Functions for Contouring Behavior and Coordinate Data ..... 123
Introduction ..... 123
Machining small contour steps: M97 ..... 123
Machining open contours: M98 ..... 124
Programming machine-referenced coordinates: M91/M92 ..... 124
Retracting electrode to block starting point at end of block: M93 ..... 125
7.4 Vacant miscellaneous functions ..... 126

VI

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8 Programming: Cycles ..... 129
8.1 General Overview of Cycles ..... 130
Prerequisites ..... 130
Start of effect ..... 130
Dimensions in the electrode axis ..... 130
OEM cycles ..... 130
Programming a cycle ..... 131
8.2 Cycle 1 GENERATOR ..... 133
Working with an erosion table ..... 133
Working without an erosion table ..... 133
To enter Cycle 1.0 GENERATOR ..... 133
Changing the power stage ..... 134
8.3 Electrode Definition ..... 135
Cycle 3 TOOL DEF ..... 135
Example NC blocks ..... 136
8.4 Erosion Cycles ..... 137
Overview ..... 137
Cycle 14 CONTOUR GEOMETRY ..... 137
Cycle 16 ORBIT ..... 139
Cycle 17 DISK ..... 142
Cycle 2 ERO.TIME LIM. ..... 145
Cycle 4 SPARK-OUT TIME ..... 146
8.5 Coordinate Transformation Cycles ..... 155
Cycles for electrode definition ..... 155
Coordinate transformation cycles ..... 155
DATUM SHIFT (Cycle 7) ..... 156
Working with datum tables ..... 157
MIRROR IMAGE (Cycle 8) ..... 158
ROTATION (Cycle 10) ..... 159
SCALING FACTOR (Cycle 11) ..... 160
WORKING PLANE (Cycle 19) ..... 161
8.6 Other Cycles ..... 171
DWELL TIME (Cycle 9) ..... 171
PGM-CALL (Cycle 12) ..... 171

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 VII

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
9 Programming: Subprograms and Program Section Repeats ..... 173
9.1 Labeling Subprograms and Program Section Repeats ..... 174
Labels ..... 174
9.2 Subprograms ..... 175
Operating sequence ..... 175
Programming notes ..... 175
Programming a subprogram ..... 175
Calling a subprogram ..... 175
9.3 Program Section Repeats ..... 176
Label LBL ..... 176
Operating sequence ..... 176
Programming notes ..... 176
Resetting the program repeat counters after an interruption ..... 176
Programming a program section repeat ..... 176
Calling a program section repeat ..... 177
9.4 Separate Program as Subprogram ..... 178
Operating sequence ..... 178
Programming notes ..... 178
Calling any program as a subprogram ..... 178
9.5 Nesting ..... 179
Types of nesting ..... 179
Nesting depth ..... 179
Subprogram within a subprogram ..... 179
Repeating program section repeats ..... 180
Repeating a subprogram ..... 181

VIII

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10 Programming: Q Parameters ..... 185
10.1 Principle and Overview ..... 186
Automatic deletion of Q parameters ..... 186
10.2 Part Families – Q Parameters in Place of Numerical Values ..... 187
Example NC blocks ..... 187
Example ..... 187
To assign numerical values to Q parameters ..... 188
10.3 Describing Contours through Mathematical Operations ..... 189
Function ..... 189
Overview ..... 189
Programming example for basic mathematical operations ..... 190
10.4 Trigonometric Functions ..... 192
Definitions ..... 192
Overview of functions ..... 193
10.5 If-Then Decisions with Q Parameters ..... 194
Function ..... 194
Unconditional jumps ..... 194
Programming If-Then decisions ..... 194
Abbreviations used: ..... 195
10.6 Checking and Changing Q Parameters ..... 196
Procedure ..... 196
10.7 Output of Q Parameters and Messages ..... 197
Output of error messages ..... 197
Output through an external data interface ..... 197
Indexed assignment ..... 198
Transferring values to/from the PLC ..... 198
10.8 Measuring with a probing electrode during program run ..... 199
Introduction ..... 199
To program the use of a probing electrode ..... 200
10.9 Q Parameters with Special Functions ..... 202
Vacant Q parameters ..... 202
Preassigned Q parameters ..... 202
Q parameters with special functions ..... 202
Preassigned Q parameters ..... 202
Q parameters with special functions ..... 206

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 IX

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
11 Test run and Program Run ..... 215
11.1 Graphics ..... 216
Function ..... 216
Overview of display modes ..... 216
Plan view ..... 217
Projection in 3 planes ..... 217
3-D view ..... 217
Magnifying details ..... 218
Repeating graphic simulation ..... 219
11.2 Test run ..... 220
Function ..... 220
Running a program test ..... 220
Running a program test up to a certain block ..... 221
Operating time ..... 221
11.3 Program run ..... 222
Application ..... 222
Background programming ..... 222
Operating time ..... 222
Changing the erosion parameters during program run ..... 222
Running a part program ..... 223
Interrupting machining ..... 223
Mid-program startup (block scan) ..... 224
Resuming program run after an interruption ..... 225
Returning to the interruption spot ..... 226
Resuming program run with the GOTO key ..... 226
Resetting the counters ..... 227
Time capture table TIME.W ..... 227

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
12 MOD Functions ..... 229
12.1 MOD functions ..... 230
Selecting, Changing and Exiting the MOD Functions ..... 230
Overview of MOD functions ..... 230
Position Display Types ..... 231
Unit of measurement ..... 231
System Information ..... 232
Setting the external data interfaces ..... 232
BAUD RATE ..... 232
RS-232-C interface ..... 232
12.2 External Data Transfer ..... 233
Application examples ..... 233
LSV-2 protocol ..... 233
Protecting files ..... 233
12.3 Menu for External Data Transfer ..... 233
To select external data transfer ..... 233
Windows for external data transfer ..... 234
12.4 Selecting and Transferring Files ..... 235
Selecting the transfer function ..... 235
Selecting a file ..... 235
Transferring files ..... 235
Formatting disks ..... 236
Deleting files ..... 236
12.5 Software for Data Transfer ..... 237
Software for data transfer ..... 237
12.6 Enter Axis Traverse Limits ..... 240
Introduction ..... 240
12.7 Machine-Specific User Parameters ..... 242
Function ..... 242
12.8 Code Number ..... 243
Function ..... 243
12.9 Q Parameter Status Display ..... 244
Function ..... 244

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 XI

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
13 Tables and Overviews ..... 245
13.1 General User Parameters ..... 246
Entering machine parameters ..... 246
Selecting the General User Parameters ..... 246
13.2 Pin Layout and Connecting Cable for the Data Interfaces ..... 254
RS-232-C/V.24 Interface HEIDENHAIN devices ..... 254
RS-422/V.11 Interface ..... 255
13.3 Preparing the Devices for Data Transfer ..... 256
HEIDENHAIN devices ..... 256
Non-HEIDENHAIN devices ..... 256
13.4 Technical Information ..... 257
13.5 TNC Error Messages ..... 259
TNC error messages during programming ..... 259
TNC error messages during test run and program run ..... 259

XII

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
1
Introduction

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
1.1 The TNC 406, the TNC 416

1.1 The TNC 406, the TNC 416

Controls
The TNC 406 and the TNC 416 are shop-floor programmable
contouring controls for EDM machines with up to five axes.

Visual display unit and keyboard

The 14-inch color monitor (TNC 406) and 15-inch color monitor
(TNC 416) display all information necessary for effective use of the
TNC’s capabilities.
Program entry is supported by soft keys on the monitor.
The keys on the operating panel are grouped according to function.
This makes it easier to create programs and use the TNC’s functions.

Programming
The user programs the TNC 406/TNC 416 right at the machine with
interactive conversational-type guidance.

Graphics
Workpiece machining can be graphically simulated. Various display
modes are available.

Compatibility
The TNC 406/TNC 416 can execute all programs whose commands
belong to the command set of the TNC 406/TNC 416.

2 1 Introduction

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
1.2 Visual Display Unit and

1.2 Visual Display Unit and Keyboard

Keyboard
Visual display unit
The TNC 406 is delivered with the BC 110 color monitor (CRT); the
TNC 416 can be delivered with the BC 120 color monitor (CRT) or the
BF 120 flat-screen color monitor (TFT). The figure at top right shows
the keys and controls on the BC 120, and the figure at bottom right
shows those of the BF 120. 1

1 Header
When the TNC is on, the selected operating modes are shown in
the screen header.
2 Soft keys
In the footer the TNC indicates additional functions in a soft-key
row. You can select these functions by pressing the keys 2
immediately below them. The lines immediately above the soft-
key row indicate the number of soft-key rows that can be called 4 4
with the black arrow keys to the right and left. The line 31
representing the active soft-key row is highlighted.
5 7 8 9 10 6
1
3 Soft key selector keys
4 Switching the soft-key rows
5 Setting the screen layout
6 Shift key for switchover between machining and programming
modes

Keys on BC 120 only

7 Screen demagnetization; Exit main menu for screen settings
8 Select main menu for screen settings:
„ In the main menu: Move highlight downward
„ In the submenu: Reduce value or move picture to the left or
downward 1
9 „ In the main menu: Move highlight upward
„ In the submenu: Increase value or move picture to the right or
upward
10 „ In the main menu: Select submenu
„ In the submenu: Exit submenu
2
5
1 41 3 41 6
Main menu dialog Function
BRIGHTNESS Adjust brightness

CONTRAST Adjust contrast

H-POSITION Adjust horizontal position

V-POSITION Adjust vertical position

V-SIZE Adjust picture height

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 3

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
1.2 Visual Display Unit and Keyboard

Main menu dialog Function

SIDE-PIN Correct barrel-shaped distortion

TRAPEZOID Correct trapezoidal distortion

ROTATION Correct tilting

COLOR TEMP Adjust color temperature

R-GAIN Adjust strength of red color

B-GAIN Adjust strength of blue color

RECALL No function

The BC 110 and BC 120 are sensitive to magnetic and electromagnetic

noise, which can distort the position and geometry of the picture.
Alternating fields can cause the picture to shift periodically or to
become distorted.

Screen layout
You select the screen layout yourself: In the TEST RUN mode of
operation, for example, you can have the TNC show program blocks in
the left window while the right window displays programming
graphics. You could also display the tool status in the right window
instead, or display only program blocks in one large window. The
available screen windows depend on the selected operating mode.
To change the screen layout:

Press the SPLIT SCREEN key: The soft-key row

shows the available layout options (see ”Modes of
Operation” on page 6).

Select the desired screen layout.

4 1 Introduction

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
1.2 Visual Display Unit and Keyboard
Keyboard
1 7
The figure at right shows the keys of the keyboard grouped according
to their functions:

1 Alphabetic keyboard for entering text and file names

2 „ File management
„ MOD functions 5
3 Programming modes 2
1
6
4 Machine operating modes
5 Initiation of programming dialog
6 Arrow keys and GOTO jump command 4
1 3 5
7 Numerical input and axis selection
The functions of the individual keys are described on the inside front
cover. Machine panel buttons, e.g. NC START, are described in the
manual for your machine tool.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 5

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
1.3 Modes of Operation
1.3 Modes of Operation

Manual Operation, Incremental Jog, and

Positioning with Manual Data Input
The Manual Operation mode is required for setting up the machine
tool. In this mode of operation, you can position the machine axes
manually or by increments, set the datums, and tilt the working plane.
The Incremental Jog mode of operation allows you to move the
machine axes manually with the HR electronic handwheel.
Simple traverse movements can be programmed in the Positioning
with Manual Data Input (MDI) mode of operation.
Soft keys for selecting the screen layout (see ”Screen layout” on
page 4)

Screen windows Soft key

Positions

Left: positions. Right: status display.

6 1 Introduction

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
1.3 Modes of Operation
Programming and Editing
In this mode of operation you can write your part programs. The
various cycles and Q parameter functions help you with programming
and add necessary information.
Soft keys for selecting the screen layout

Screen windows Soft key

Top: program. Bottom: positions

Top left: program. Top right: status

Bottom: positions

Test Run
In the Test Run mode of operation, the TNC checks programs and
program sections for errors, such as geometrical incompatibilities, or
missing or incorrect data within the program. This simulation is
supported graphically in different display modes.
Soft keys for selecting the screen layout

Screen windows Soft key

Top: program. Bottom: positions

Top left: program. Top right: status

Bottom: positions

Left: program. Right: status

Left: program. Right: graphics

Top left: program. Top right: graphics

Bottom: positions

Graphics

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 7

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
1.3 Modes of Operation

Program Run, Full Sequence and

Program Run, Single Block
In the Program Run, Full Sequence mode of operation the TNC
executes a part program continuously to its end or to a manual or
programmed stop. You can resume program run after an interruption.
In the Program Run, Single Block mode of operation you execute each
block separately by pressing the machine START button.
Soft keys for selecting the screen layout

Screen windows Soft key

Top: program. Bottom: positions

Top left: program. Top right: status

Bottom: positions

Top left: program. Top right: graphics

Bottom: positions

8 1 Introduction

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
1.4 Status Display

1.4 Status Display

General status display
Besides the coordinates, the status display also contains the following
information:
„ Type of position display (ACTL, NOML, etc.)
„ Axis is locked ( on the axis)
„ Number of the current electrode T
„ Electrode axis
„ Feed rate F
„ Active miscellaneous functions M
„ TNC is in operation (indicated by )
„ Name of the selected erosion table
„ Permissible power stages (GENERATOR cycle)
„ Current power stage

Additional status displays

In all modes of operation (except PROGRAMMING AND EDITING),
you can split the screen layout to display additional status information
in the right screen window:

Soft
Additional status display
keys
Information on the current electrode

General program information

Information on the current OEM cycle

Positions and coordinates

Active coordinate transformations

Tilting the working plane

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 9

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
1.4 Status Display

Information on the current electrode

1 Electrode length
2 Electrode radius 1
3 Electrode undersize 2
4 Electrode axis 3
4

General program information

1 Programs called with PGM CALL

2 Active cycle
3 Active circle center 1
4 Dwell time counter
5 Status for eroding with time limit 2
6 Operating time
3 4

5 6

10 1 Introduction

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
1.4 Status Display
Information on the current OEM cycle

1 Active OEM cycle (number and name)

2 Number of the transfer parameters
3 Content of each transfer parameter 1

2 3

Positions and coordinates

1 Second position display

2 Feed rate and angular position for Cycle 17 DISK
3 Active basic rotation
1

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 11

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
1.4 Status Display

Active coordinate transformations

1 Active datum table and active datum number

2 Datum shift
1
3 Rotation
4 Mirror image
5 Scaling factor 3
2

Tilting the working plane

1 Active basic rotation

2 Active tilting angle 1

12 1 Introduction

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
1.5 Accessory: Electronic

1.5 Accessory: Electronic Handwheels from HEIDENHAIN

Handwheels from HEIDENHAIN
HR electronic handwheels
The electronic handwheels facilitate precise manual control of the axis
slides.
Similar to a conventional machine tool, you move the machine slide a
defined distance by turning the handwheel.
A wide range of traverses per revolution is available.
Portable handwheels, such as the HR 410, are connected via cable to
the TNC.
Integral handwheels, such as the HR 130, are built into the machine
control panel.
Your machine manufacturer can tell you more about the handwheel
configuration of your machine.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 13

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
2
Manual Operation, Setup and
Probing Functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
2.1 Switch-on
2.1 Switch-on

Switch-on

Switch-on and traversing the reference points can vary

depending on the individual machine tool. Refer to your
machine manual.

Switch on the power supply for control and machine. The TNC
automatically initiates the following dialog

MEMORY TEST

The TNC memory is automatically checked.

POWER INTERRUPTED

TNC message that the power was interrupted —

clear the message.

TRANSLATE PLC PROGRAM

The PLC program of the TNC is automatically compiled.

RELAY EXT. DC VOLTAGE MISSING

Switch on external dc voltage. The TNC checks the

functioning of the EMERGENCY STOP circuit.

MANUAL OPERATION
TRAVERSE REFERENCE POINTS

Cross the reference points manually in the displayed

sequence: For each axis press the machine START
button, or

Cross the reference points in any sequence: Press

and hold the machine axis direction button for each
axis until the reference point has been traversed.

16 2 Manual Operation, Setup and Probing Functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
2.1 Switch-on
The TNC is now ready for operation in the Manual Operation mode.

The reference points need only be traversed if the

machine axes are to be moved. If you intend only to write,
edit or test programs, you can select the Programming
and Editing or Test Run modes of operation immediately
after switching on the control voltage.
You can traverse the reference marks later by choosing
the Manual mode of operation.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 17

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
2.2 Moving the Machine Axes
2.2 Moving the Machine Axes

Note

The TNC shows the position of up to five machine axes.

The machine manufacturer can enable the position of the
fifth axis, for example with the machine axis-direction
buttons, with jog increments, with the electronic
handwheel or through ”PLC positioning”.
Contact your machine manufacturer if you need to
position a fifth axis.

To traverse with the machine axis direction

buttons:

Select the Manual Operation mode.

Press the machine axis-direction button and hold it as

long as you wish the axis to move, or

Move the axis continuously: Press and hold the

machine axis direction button, then press the
and machine START button

To stop the axis, press the machine STOP button.

18 2 Manual Operation, Setup and Probing Functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
2.2 Moving the Machine Axes
Traversing with the HR 410 electronic
handwheel
The portable HR 410 handwheel is equipped with two permissive
buttons. The permissive buttons are located below the star grip.
You can only move the machine axes when an permissive button is 1
depressed (machine-dependent function). 2
The HR 410 handwheel features the following operating elements:
1 EMERGENCY STOP
2 Handwheel 3
4
3 Permissive buttons 4
6 5
4 Axis address keys
5 Actual-position-capture key 7
8
6 Keys for defining the feed rate (slow, medium, fast; the feed rates
are set by the machine tool builder)
7 Direction in which the TNC moves the selected axis
8 Machine function (set by the machine tool builder)

The red indicators show the axis and feed rate you have selected.
It is also possible to move the machine axes with the handwheel
during a program run.

To move an axis:

Select the Jog Increment mode.

Press and hold the permissive button.

Select the axis.

Select the feed rate.

Move the active axis in the positive or negative

direction.
or

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 19

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
2.2 Moving the Machine Axes

If short-circuit monitoring is active: When the electrode

makes sparking contact, the TNC stops positioning in the
direction of the workpiece, and only permits retracting in
the opposite direction. Also, the axes cannot be switched.
After they have been retracted at least 10 µm, the TNC
switches back to normal Handwheel operation mode.
This function is not active while the reference marks are
being traversed.
The axes can also be positioned with the electronic
handwheel in the PROGRAMMING AND EDITING mode.
You must set machine parameter MP7655=1.

Incremental jog positioning

With incremental jog positioning you can move a machine axis by a
preset distance. Z
Incremental Jog Positioning must be enabled by the
machine tool builder. Refer to your machine manual.

Select the Jog Increment mode.

INTERPOLATION FACTOR = 8 8

Enter interpolation factor, i.e. 4

8 16 X
Go to JOG INCREMENT.

JOG INCREMENT =

Enter the jog increment in millimeters, i.e. 8 mm.

The axis moves by the jog increment every time an

external axis-direction button is pressed.

Positioning with manual data input (MDI)

Positioning with manual input of the target coordinates is described in
Chapter 3 (see ”Positioning with Manual Data Input (MDI)” on page
38).

20 2 Manual Operation, Setup and Probing Functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
2.2 Moving the Machine Axes
Eroding a workpiece manually
The MANUAL and JOG INCREMENT modes of operation enable you
to erode a workpiece manually. This function is especially useful for
initial erosion and datum setting. The present gap must be taken into
account when setting the datum.

Prerequisite
Cycle 1 GENERATOR must be active.

Procedure
8 Select the MANUAL or JOG INCREMENT mode of operation.

8 Switch on the generator with M36

8 Use the axis direction buttons to preposition the electrode in the
working plane. During free run of the electrode, the manual feed
rate is effective.
8 Move the electrode with the axis direction button until it touches the
workpiece. Gap control becomes effective upon contact. The TNC
deduces the eroding direction from the axis direction button that
was last pressed.

In the MANUAL mode of operation, you can erode up to

the limit switch. In the JOG INCREMENT mode of
operation, the workpiece is eroded the preset distance.
During erosion you can only move the electrode in the
other axes by using the handwheel.

8 To end the erosion process, press the machine axis-direction button

for the opposite direction.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 21

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
2.3 Datum Setting
2.3 Datum Setting

Z
The production drawing identifies a certain form element of the
workpiece (usually a corner) as the absolute datum, and usually one or
more form elements as relative datums (see ”Setting the datum” on
page 47). Through the datum setting process, the origin of the Y
absolute or relative coordinate systems is set to these datums:
The workpiece – aligned to the machine axes – is brought into a certain
position relative to the electrode, and the display is set to zero or the
appropriate position value (i.e., to account for the electrode radius).
X

Example
Coordinates of Point 1:
X = 10 mm
Y = 5 mm
Z = 0 mm
Z
The datum of the rectangular coordinate system is located
negative 10 mm on the X axis and negative 5 mm on the Y axis from
Point 1.
The fastest, easiest and most accurate way of setting the datum is by Y
using the probing functions for datum determination.

X
1

10

22 2 Manual Operation, Setup and Probing Functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
2.4 Calibration and Setup

2.4 Calibration and Setup

Using an electrode
An electrode and the probing functions of the TNC 406 can
significantly reduce setup time. The TNC 406 offers the following
probing functions:
„ Compensation of workpiece misalignment
(Basic rotation)
„ Datum setting
„ Measuring
- lengths and positions on the workpiece
- angles
- circle radii
- circle centers
„ Measurements during program run

The TNC must be prepared by the machine tool builder

before the probing functions can be used.

In probing functions, the electrode starts moving after the external

START button is pressed. The machine tool builder determines the
feed rate F for movement towards the workpiece.
When the probing electrode touches the workpiece,
„ the TNC stores the coordinates of the probed position,
„ the probing electrode stops moving,
„ the probing electrode returns to its starting position in rapid
F F
traverse.

Machine parameter 6100 determines whether each

probing process is to be executed once or several times
F max
(maximum number of probing processes: 5). If you wish to
probe several times, the TNC calculates the average of all
touch points. This average value is the probing result.
(See also ”Selecting the General User Parameters” on
page 246)

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 23

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
2.4 Calibration and Setup

Select the touch probe function

Overview
The following probing functions are available in the Manual and Jog
Increment modes:

Function Soft key

Measuring a basic rotation using a line

Manual probing

Set the datum in any axis

Set the datum at a workpiece center

Set the datum at a circle center

Set the datum at a corner

Select the calibration function for the electrode length

(second soft-key row)

Select the calibration function for the electrode radius

(second soft-key row)

Select the touch probe function

8 Select the Manual Operation or Jog Increment mode.
8 Select the probing function by pressing the TOUCH
PROBE soft key. The TNC displays additional soft
keys- see table above.
8 To select the probe cycle: press the appropriate soft
key, for example PROBING ROT, and the TNC
displays the associated menu.

24 2 Manual Operation, Setup and Probing Functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
2.4 Calibration and Setup
Calibrating the probing electrode
The probing electrode is to be calibrated in the following situations:
„ During commissioning
„ When the electrode is changed
„ When the probing feed rate is changed
„ In case of irregularities, such as those arising when the machine
heats up
During calibration, the TNC finds the effective length and the effective
radius of the electrode.
To calibrate the electrode, clamp a ring gauge of known height and
inside diameter to the machine table.

To calibrate the effective length:

8 Set the datum in the spindle axis such that for the machine tool table
Z=0.
8 Select the calibration function for the electrode length
(second soft-key row).
8 (QWHUWKHWRROD[LV ZLWKWKHD[LVNH\
8 'DWXP(QWHUWKHKHLJKWRIWKHULQJJDXJH
8 Move the probing electrode to a position just above
the ring gauge.
8 ,IQHFHVVDU\FKDQJHWKHGLUHFWLRQZLWKWKHFXUVRU
NH\V
8 The electrode probes the surface of the ring gauge:
Press the START button.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 25

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
2.4 Calibration and Setup

To calibrate the effective radius:

8 Position the probing electrode in the hole of the ring gauge.
8 Select the calibration function for the electrode radius
Z
(second soft-key row).
8 Select the tool axis and enter the radius of the ring
gauge.
8 To probe the workpiece, press the machine START Y
button four times. The probing electrode touches the
hole in each axis direction.
8 If you want to terminate the calibration function at this
point, press the END soft key. 10
Displaying calibration values
X
The effective length and radius of the probing electrode are stored in
the TNC’s memory, and are taken into account when the electrode is
used later.
The stored values are displayed on the screen whenever the
calibration functions are selected.

26 2 Manual Operation, Setup and Probing Functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
2.4 Calibration and Setup
Compensating workpiece misalignment
The TNC electronically compensates workpiece misalignment by
computing a ”basic rotation”.
For this purpose, the rotation angle is set to the desired angle with
respect to the reference axis in the working plane. If the tilt working
plane function is used, the TNC also takes the basic rotation into
account in the tilted system.

Measuring the basic rotation

8 Select probing function BASIC ROTATION.

8 Set ROTATION ANGLE to the nominal value.

8 Move the electrode to position A near the first probe
point 1. Y Y
8 Select the probe direction perpendicular to the angle
reference axis: Select the axis by soft key.
8 To probe the workpiece, press the machine START
button.
PA
8 Move the electrode to position B near the second
probe point 2. X X
8 To probe the workpiece, press the machine START A B
button.
A basic rotation is stored in nonvolatile memory and is effective for all
subsequent program runs and graphic simulations.

Displaying a basic rotation

The angle of the basic rotation is shown after ROTATION ANGLE. The
rotation angle is also shown in the additional status display window
whenever a basic rotation is active.

To cancel a basic rotation:

8 Select BASIC ROTATION again.
8 Enter a rotation angle of zero and confirm with the ENT key.
8 To terminate the probe function, press the END key.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 27

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
2.5 Datum Setting with a
2.5 Datum Setting with a Probing Electrode

Probing Electrode
Functions for setting the datum

Function Soft key

Set the datum in any axis

Manual probing

Set the datum at a workpiece center

Set the datum at a circle center

Set the datum at a corner

After probing you can set a new datum or transfer the captured values
to a datum or tool table.

Writing probed values to tables

In order to write probed values to datum tables, the tables

must be active on your TNC (bit 2 in machine parameter
7224 = 0).

The TNC writes the probed value to a table after the TRANSFER TO
TABLE soft key is pressed. You can choose a datum table (NAME.D)
as well as a tool table (NAME.T):
8 Select manual probing by pressing the TOUCH PROBE soft key.
8 Enter the name of the datum or tool table.
8 Enter the datum number or tool number.
8 Select the probing function and begin probing.
8 Press the TRANSFER TO TABLE soft key for the TNC to write the
probed value to the selected table.

Writing probed values to a table while a program is running

You can also write probed values to the TOOL table during program
run. Use miscellaneous function M109 to transfer the contents of the
Q parameters Q81 to Q84 into the table TOOL.T.
You can also use M108 to read the tool compensation values from the
TOOL table into parameters Q81 to Q84 (see also ”Q parameters for
the datum table: Q81 to Q84” on page 206).

28 2 Manual Operation, Setup and Probing Functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
2.5 Datum Setting with a Probing Electrode
Datum setting in any axis
8 Select the probing function by pressing the PROBING
POS soft key.
8 Move the touch probe to a starting position near the
touch point.
8 Select the probe axis and direction in which you wish
to set the datum, such as Z in direction Z–. Selection
is made via soft keys.
8 To probe the workpiece, press the machine START
button.
8 Datum: Enter the nominal coordinate and confirm your
entry with ENT.

Manual probing
The PROBING DEPTH function enables you to probe the workpiece as
often as desired in one axis. At the same time, you can move all
remaining axes with the electronic handwheel. This probing function
is particularly convenient for finding peaks and valleys.
In this process, the TNC always stores the last point of electrode
contact with the workpiece. You can end the probing process with the
CYCLE STOP button.
8 Select the probing function PROBING DEPTH.
8 Move the probing electrode to a starting position near the touch
point.
8 Set the axis traverse limit, i.e. the maximum permissible traverse of
the electrode in the probing axis, and confirm with ENT.
8 Select the probe axis and direction in which you wish to set the
datum, such as Z in direction Z–.
8 Start the probing process. The TNC moves the electrode in the
selected axis direction until it makes contact with the workpiece.
This coordinate is stored in the TNC memory.
The probing process is repeated until you end the probing function
with CYCLE STOP.
8 Use the electronic handwheel to move the electrode in any of the
remaining axes to be scanned for peaks or valleys.
8 Enter the nominal coordinate of the datum and confirm with ENT.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 29

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
2.5 Datum Setting with a Probing Electrode

Workpiece center as datum

With the function PROBING CENTER, you can find the center of
square or rectangular workpieces and set the datum at that point. The
workpiece must be aligned paraxially to use this function.
8 Select the probing function by pressing the PROBING
CENTER soft key.
8 Move the probing electrode to a position near the first
touch point.
8 Select the probing direction via soft key, e.g. X+.
8 To probe the workpiece, press the machine START Z
button. Y
l
8 Move the probing electrode to a position near the
second touch point. X 1
8 To probe the workpiece, press the machine START
button. 2
8 Enter the first coordinate of the datum, for example on
the X axis.
8 Repeat the process for the third and fourth touch
points on the second axis, for example on the Y axis.
8 Enter the second coordinate of the datum, for
example on the Y axis.
8 End the probing function.

30 2 Manual Operation, Setup and Probing Functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
2.5 Datum Setting with a Probing Electrode
Corner as datum
8 To select the probe function, press PROBING P.
8 Move the probing electrode to a position near the first
touch point. Y Y
8 Select the probing direction via soft key, e.g. X+.
8 To probe the workpiece, press the machine START
button.
8 Position the probing electrode near the second touch
point on the same side. Y=?
P P
8 To probe the workpiece, press the machine START
button. X X
X=?
8 Probe two points on the next edge in the same
manner.
8 Datum: Enter both datum coordinates into the menu
window, and confirm your entry with the ENT key.
8 To terminate the probe function, press the END key.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 31

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
2.5 Datum Setting with a Probing Electrode

Circle center as datum

With this function, you can set the datum at the center of bore holes,
circular pockets, cylinders, studs, circular islands, etc. Y
Inside circle
The TNC automatically probes the inside wall in all four coordinate axis
directions. Y+

For incomplete circles (circular arcs) you can choose the appropriate
X– X+
probing direction.
8 Move the electrode to a position approximately in the center of the
circle.
Y–
8 To select the probe function, press PROBING CC.

8 To probe the workpiece, press the machine START

button four times. The touch probe touches four X
points on the inside of the circle.
8 Datum: Enter both circle center coordinates into the
menu window, and confirm your entry with ENT.
8 To terminate the probe function, press the END key. Y
Y–
Outside circle
X+
8 To select the probe function, press PROBING CC.
8 Move the probing electrode to a position near the first
touch point outside of the circle.
8 Select the probe direction with a soft key.
8 To probe the workpiece, press the machine START X–
button.
8 Repeat the probing process for the remaining three
points. See figure at lower right. Y+ X
8 Enter the coordinates of the circle center.
After the probing procedure is completed, the TNC displays the
coordinates of the circle center and the circle radius PR on the
monitor.

32 2 Manual Operation, Setup and Probing Functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
2.6 Measuring with a

2.6 Measuring with a Probing Electrode

Probing Electrode
Introduction
An electrode can be used to determine
„ position coordinates, and from them,
„ dimensions and angles on the workpiece.

To find the coordinate of a position on an aligned

workpiece
8 Select the probing function by pressing PROBING
POS.
8 Move the probing electrode to a starting position near
the touch point.
8 Select the probe direction and axis of the coordinate.
Use the corresponding soft keys for selection.
8 To probe the workpiece, press the machine START
button.
The TNC shows the coordinates of the touch point as datum.

Finding the coordinates of a corner in the

working plane
Find the coordinates of the corner point as described under ”Corner
as datum”.
The TNC displays the coordinates of the probed corner as datum.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 33

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
2.6 Measuring with a Probing Electrode

Measuring workpiece dimensions

8 Select the probing function by pressing PROBING
POS.
8 Move the probing electrode to a position near the first
touch point 1.
8 Select the probing direction with a soft key. Z
8 To probe the workpiece, press the machine START Y
l
button.
8 If you will need the current datum later, write down X 1
the value that appears in the Datum display.
8 Set the datum to 0. 2

8 To terminate the dialog, press the END key.

8 Select the touch probe function again:
Press PROBING POS.
8 Move the probing electrode to a position near the
second touch point 2.
8 Select the probe direction with the soft keys: Same
axis but from the opposite direction.
8 To probe the workpiece, press the machine START
button.
The value displayed as DATUM is the distance between the two
points on the coordinate axis.

To return to the datum that was active before the length

measurement:
8 Select the probing function by pressing PROBING POS.
8 Probe the first touch point again.
8 Set the DATUM to the value that you wrote down previously.
8 To terminate the dialog, press the END key.

34 2 Manual Operation, Setup and Probing Functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
2.6 Measuring with a Probing Electrode
Measuring angles
You can also use the probing electrode to measure angles in the
working plane. You can measure
„ the angle between the angle reference axis and a workpiece side, or
„ the angle between two sides.
The measured angle is displayed as a value of maximum 90°.

To find the angle between the angle reference axis and a side of
the workpiece
8 Select the probing function by pressing the PROBING
ROT soft key.

8 Rotation angle: If you will need the current basic

rotation later, write down the value that appears
under Rotation angle.
8 Make a basic rotation with the side of the workpiece
(see ”Compensating workpiece misalignment” on
page 27).
8 Press the PROBING ROT soft key to display the angle PA
between the angle reference axis and the edge of the
workpiece as the rotation angle.
8 Cancel the basic rotation, or restore the previous basic
rotation by setting the Rotation angle to the value that
you wrote down previously.

To measure the angle between two workpiece sides:

8 Select the probing function by pressing the PROBING ROT soft key. Z
8 Rotation angle: If you will need the current basic rotation later, write
L?
down the value that appears under Rotation angle. Y
8 Make a basic rotation with the side of the workpiece (see α?
”Compensating workpiece misalignment” on page 27). 100 X
8 Probe the second side as for a basic rotation, but do not set the
α?
Rotation angle to zero!
8 Press the PROBING ROT soft key to display the angle PA between
the two sides as the Rotation angle.
8 Cancel the basic rotation, or restore the previous basic rotation by –10
100
setting the Rotation angle to the value that you wrote down
previously.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 35

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
2.7 Entering and Starting
2.7 Entering and Starting Miscellaneous Functions M

Miscellaneous Functions M
Entering values
Miscellaneous function M

To enter the miscellaneous function, press the M soft

key.

MISCELLANEOUS FUNCTION M =

6 Enter a miscellaneous function, e.g. M6.

Start the miscellaneous function.

The machine tool builder determines which miscellaneous

functions M are available on your TNC and what
function they have. Refer to your machine manual.

36 2 Manual Operation, Setup and Probing Functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
3
Positioning with
Manual Data Input (MDI)

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
3.1 Positioning with Manual Data Input (MDI)

3.1 Positioning with Manual Data

Input (MDI)
The POSITIONING WITH MANUAL DATA INPUT mode of operation is
particularly convenient for simple machining operations or exact pre-
positioning of the electrode. You can write a program in conversational
programming and execute it immediately. You can also define and call
TNC cycles. The program is stored in the file $MDI.

„ PGM CALL can not be used to call a program.

„ LBL CALL can not be used for calling sub-routines or
repeating sections of programs.
„ For a TOOL CALL block to processed, the
corresponding TOOL DEF tool definition must be
programmed within the $MDI file.
„ Incremental positionings always refers to the present
electrode position.
„ Programming a radius compensation (RL/RR) is not
permitted.

Positioning with manual data input (MDI)

Select the Positioning with MDI mode of operation.

Program the file $MDI as you wish.

To start program run, press the machine START button.

Example: Programming and processing a line

Select operating mode: Positioning with MDI.

Select the axis, and enter the end-point coordinates

of the line and the feed rate,
i.e.: L X+125 R F100 M

Conclude entry.

Start positioning block.

38 3 Positioning with Manual Data Input (MDI)

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
3.1 Positioning with Manual Data Input (MDI)
Protecting and erasing programs in $MDI
The $MDI file is generally intended for short programs that are only
needed temporarily. Nevertheless, you can store a program, if
necessary, by proceeding as described below:

Select the Programming and Editing mode of

operation.

To call the file manager, press the PGM MGT key

(program management).

Move the highlight to the $MDI file.

To select the file copying function, press the COPY

soft key.

TARGET FILE =

74523 Enter the name under which you want to save the
current contents of the $MDI file.

End the copying process with the ENT key.

Erasing the contents of the $MDI file is done in a similar way: Instead
of copying the contents, however, you erase them with the DELETE
soft key. The next time you select the operating mode Positioning with
MDI, the TNC will display an empty $MDI file.

If you wish to delete $MDI, then

„ you must not have selected the Positioning with MDI
mode.
„ you must not have selected the $MDI file in the
Programming and Editing mode.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 39

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4
Programming:
Fundamentals, Files,
Program Entry, Spark Erosion,
Erosion Tables

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.1 Fundamentals of Positioning
4.1 Fundamentals of Positioning

Introduction
This chapter covers the following topics:
„ What is NC?
„ The part program
„ Programming
„ Position encoders and reference marks
„ Reference system
„ Reference system with electrical discharge machines (EDM)
„ Programming electrode movement
„ Polar coordinates
„ Absolute and incremental workpiece positions
„ Setting the datum

What is NC?
NC stands for Numerical Control, that is, the operation of a machine
tool by a series of coded instructions comprised of numbers.
Modern controls such as TNCs have a built-in computer for this
purpose and are therefore called CNC (Computerized Numerical
Control).

The part program

The part program is a complete list of instructions for machining a part.
It contains such information as the target position of an electrode
movement, the path function (how the electrode should move toward
the target position) and the feed rate.
Information on the radius and length of the electrode and the electrode
axis must also be included in the program.

Programming
Conversational programming is a particularly easy method of writing
and editing part programs.
HEIDENHAIN NCs were developed specifically for the machine
operator who keys in programs right at the machine. This is why they
are called TNC (Touch Numerical Control).
You begin each machining step by pressing a key. The TNC then asks
you for all the information it needs to execute the step.

42 4 Programming: Fundamentals, Files, Program Entry, Spark Erosion, Erosion Tables

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.1 Fundamentals of Positioning
Position encoders and reference marks
The machine axes are equipped with position encoders that register
the positions of the machine table or tool. When a machine axis XMP
moves, the corresponding position encoder generates an electrical
signal. The TNC evaluates this signal and calculates the precise actual
position of the machine axis. X (Z,Y)
If there is an interruption of power, the calculated position will no
longer correspond to the actual position of the machine slide. The TNC
can re-establish this relationship with the aid of reference marks when
power is returned. The scales of the position encoders contain one or
more reference marks that transmit a signal to the TNC when they are
crossed over. From the signal the TNC identifies that position as the
machine-axis reference point and can re-establish the assignment of
displayed positions to machine axis positions.
Linear encoders are generally used for linear axes. Rotary tables and
tilt axes have angle encoders. If the position encoders feature
distance-coded reference marks, you only need to move each axis a
maximum of 20 mm (0.8 in.) for linear encoders, and 20° for angle Z
encoders, to re-establish the assignment of the displayed positions to
machine axis positions. Y

Reference system X

A reference system is required to define positions in a plane or in

space. The position data are always referenced to a predetermined
point and are described through coordinates.
The Cartesian coordinate system (a rectangular coordinate system) is
based on the three coordinate axes X, Y and Z. The axes are mutually
perpendicular and intersect at one point called the datum. A
coordinate identifies the distance from the datum in one of these
directions. A position in a plane is thus described through two
coordinates, and a position in space through three coordinates.
Coordinates that are referenced to the datum are referred to as
absolute coordinates. Relative coordinates are referenced to any other
known position (datum) you define within the coordinate system. Z
Relative coordinate values are also referred to as incremental
coordinate values.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 43

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.1 Fundamentals of Positioning

Reference system with EDMs

When using an EDM, you orient tool movements to the Cartesian
coordinate system. The illustrations at right show how the Cartesian
+Y
coordinate system describes the machine axes. The figure at center
right illustrates the ”right-hand rule” for remembering the three axis +Z
+X +Z
directions: the middle finger is pointing in the positive direction of the
tool axis from the workpiece toward the tool (the Z axis), the thumb is
+X
pointing in the positive X direction, and the index finger in the positive +Y
Y direction. +X

The TNC 406/TNC 416 can control up to 5 axes. The axes U, V and W
are secondary linear axes parallel to the main axes X, Y and Z,
respectively. Rotary axes are designated as A, B and C. The illustration
at lower right shows the assignment of secondary axes and rotary
axes to the main axes.

Programming electrode movement

Depending on the machine tool, either the machine table with the
workpiece moves or the electrode moves.

You always program as if the electrode moves and the

workpiece remains stationary, no matter the type of
machine.

If the machine table moves, the corresponding axes are identified on

the machine operating panel with a prime mark (e.g., X’, Y’). The
programmed direction of such axis movement always corresponds to
the direction of electrode movement relative to the workpiece but in
the opposite direction.

Y W+
C+
B+
V+ A+ X

U+

44 4 Programming: Fundamentals, Files, Program Entry, Spark Erosion, Erosion Tables

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.1 Fundamentals of Positioning
Polar coordinates
If the production drawing is dimensioned in Cartesian coordinates, you
also write the part program using Cartesian coordinates. For parts
containing circular arcs or angles it is often simpler to give the Y
dimensions in polar coordinates (see „Path Contours — Polar
Coordinates” on page 109).
R
While the Cartesian coordinates X, Y and Z are three-dimensional and H2
can describe points in space, polar coordinates are two-dimensional
and describe points in a plane. Polar coordinates have their datum at a H3
R
circle center (CC), or pole. A position in a plane can be clearly defined R
by the: H1
10 0°
CC
„ Polar Radius, the distance from the circle center CC to the position,
and the
„ Polar Angle, the size of the angle between the reference axis and X
the line that connects the circle center CC with the position. 30

See figure at upper right.

Definition of pole and angle reference axis

The pole is set by entering two Cartesian coordinates in one of the
three planes. These coordinates also set the reference axis for the
polar angle PA.
Z Y
Coordinates of the pole (plane) Reference axis of the angle
X/Y +X

Y/Z +Y Z
Y
Z/X +Z X
Z Y

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 45

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.1 Fundamentals of Positioning

Absolute and incremental workpiece positions

Absolute workpiece positions
Absolute coordinates are position coordinates that are referenced to Y
the datum of the coordinate system (origin). Each position on the
workpiece is uniquely defined by its absolute coordinates.
13
Example 1: Holes dimensioned in absolute coordinates 30
12
Hole 1 Hole 2 Hole 3 20
X = 10 mm X = 30 mm X = 50 mm 1
Y = 10 mm Y = 20 mm Y = 30 mm 10

Incremental workpiece positions

Incremental coordinates are referenced to the last programmed
X
nominal position of the tool, which serves as the relative (imaginary) 10 30 50
datum. When you write a part program in incremental coordinates,
you thus program the tool to move by the distance between the
previous and the subsequent nominal positions. Incremental
coordinates are therefore also referred to as chain dimensions.
To program a position in incremental coordinates, enter the prefix "I" Y
before the axis.
Example 2: Holes dimensioned in incremental coordinates 16
Absolute coordinates of hole 4
10

15
X = 10 mm
Y = 10 mm
10

14
Hole 5, referenced to 4 Hole 6, referenced to 5
X = 20 mm X = 20 mm
Y = 10 mm Y = 10 mm 10
20 20 X
Absolute and incremental polar coordinates 10
Absolute polar coordinates always refer to the pole and the reference
axis.
Incremental polar coordinates always refer to the last programmed
nominal position of the tool.
Y

+IPR
PR

+IPA +IPA PR
PR PA
10 0°
CC

X
30

46 4 Programming: Fundamentals, Files, Program Entry, Spark Erosion, Erosion Tables

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.1 Fundamentals of Positioning
Setting the datum
The production drawing identifies a certain form element of the
workpiece (usually a corner) as the absolute datum, and usually one or
more form elements as relative datums. Through the datum setting Z
process, the origin of the absolute or relative coordinate systems is set
to these datums: The workpiece – aligned to the machine axes – is MAX
brought into a certain position relative to the electrode, and the display Y
is set to zero or the appropriate position value (i.e., to account for the
electrode radius) (see „Datum Setting” on page 22).
X
Example
The workpiece drawing at right shows holes (1 to 4) whose
dimensions are shown with respect to an absolute datum with the
coordinates X=0, Y=0. The holes (5 to 7) are dimensioned with respect
to a relative datum with the absolute coordinates X=450, Y=750. With MIN
the DATUM SHIFT cycle you can temporarily set the datum to the
position X=450, Y=750, to be able to program the holes (5 to 7)
without further calculations.

17 150 13 14
0
750 16
15 -150
300±0,1

320
1 12

X
325 450 900
950

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 47

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.2 Files
4.2 Files

The TNC 416 saves programs and tables as files. The TNC can store
up to 100 files. A file is identified by its file name and file extension.
The file name is entered when a new file is created.
The file extension is separated from the file name by a period, and
indicates what type of file it is.

Files in the TNC Type

Programs
In HEIDENHAIN format .H

Tables for
Erosion .E
Datum .D
Tools .T
Time capture Time.W

The tool table TOOL.T is only active if bit 2 of MP7224 is

set to 0.

File directory
You call the file directory with the PGM NAME key (TNC 406) or the
PGM MGT key (TNC 416).
To delete files from the TNC, use CL PGM on the TNC 406 to call up
the directory.
Overview of the file management functions:

Operating
File Call file directory with
mode
... Create or

... Edit or

... Delete or

... Test or

... Run or

48 4 Programming: Fundamentals, Files, Program Entry, Spark Erosion, Erosion Tables

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.2 Files
The file directory contains the following information:

Display Meaning
FILE NAME Name (up to 8 characters plus file extension)

BYTE File size in bytes

STATUS Properties of the file:

R File is active for Program Run/Program Test.
E File is active for Programming and Editing.
P File is protected against editing and erasure.
I Dimensions are given in inches.

STORAGE AREA
AND NUMBER
INTERNAL Files in the TNC memory
FILES

EXTERNAL FILES Files, e.g., on a PC 401

Files in ROM
Pressing the ROM soft key displays files that the machine tool builder
wrote and stored in ROM, such as erosion tables. These files can be
edited.

Identification of protected files

The TNC inserts a ”P” in the first and last lines of write- and erase-
protected files.
The file directory also shows a ”P” next to the file name.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 49

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.2 Files

Selecting, copying, deleting and protecting files

Activate the file directory
8 Use the PGM MGT key with the TNC 416, and the PGN NAME key
with the TNC 406. If you want to delete files with the TNC 406, you
must call the file directory with the CL PGM key.

Select the file

8 Enter the file name (not for CL PGM) or move the highlight with the
cursor keys to the desired file.

Function Soft key

Go to the next page

Go to the previous page

Display files in ROM

Select file (such as for a test run)

Copy file: Enter the name of the target file

File protection

Cancel file protection

Deleting a file

Close the file directory

50 4 Programming: Fundamentals, Files, Program Entry, Spark Erosion, Erosion Tables

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.3 Creating and Writing Programs

4.3 Creating and Writing Programs

Organization of an NC program in HEIDENHAIN
conversational format.
A part program consists of a series of program blocks. The figure at
right illustrates the elements of a block.
The TNC numbers the blocks in ascending sequence.
Blocks
The first block of a program is identified by BEGIN PGM, the program
name and the active unit of measure. 10 L X+10 Y+5 R0 F100 M3
The subsequent blocks contain information on:
„ The workpiece blank
„ Tool definitions, tool calls Path function Words
„ Feed rates and spindle speeds, as well as
Block number
„ Path contours, cycles and other functions
The last block of a program is identified by END PGM, the program
name and the active unit of measure.

Defining the blank form–BLK FORM

Immediately after initiating a new program, you define a cuboid
workpiece blank. If you wish to define the blank at a later stage, press Z
the BLK FORM soft key. This definition is needed for the TNC’s
graphic simulation feature. The sides of the workpiece blank lie parallel Y MAX
to the X, Y and Z axes and can be up to 30 000 mm long. The blank
form is defined by two of its corner points:
„ MIN point: the smallest X, Y and Z coordinates of the blank form, X
entered as absolute values.
„ MAX point: the largest X, Y and Z coordinates of the blank form,
entered as absolute or incremental values.

You only need to define the blank form if you wish to run
a graphic test for the program!
MIN

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 51

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.3 Creating and Writing Programs

Creating a new part program

You always enter a part program in the Programming and Editing
mode of operation. Program initiation in an example:

Select the Programming and Editing mode of

operation.

Press the key to call the file directory.

FILE NAME = 7432

Enter the new program name and confirm your entry

with the ENT key.

Choose the type of file: Press the .H, .E or .D soft key.

The TNC changes to the program window.

To define the BLK-FORM, press the BLK-FORM soft

key. The TNC opens a dialog for defining the
BLK FORM.

WORKING SPINDLE AXIS X/Y/Z ?

Enter the spindle axis.

DEF BLK FORM: MIN-CORNER ?

0 Enter in sequence the X, Y and Z coordinates of the

MIN point.
0

-40

DEF BLK FORM: MAX-CORNER ?

100 Enter in sequence the X, Y and Z coordinates of the

MAX point.
100

52 4 Programming: Fundamentals, Files, Program Entry, Spark Erosion, Erosion Tables

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.3 Creating and Writing Programs
Example: Display the BLK form in the NC program.
0 BEGIN PGM NEW MM Program begin, name, unit of measure
1 BLK FORM 0.1 Z X+0 Y+0 Z-40 Spindle axis, MIN point coordinates
2 BLK FORM 0.2 X+100 Y+100 Z+0 MAX point coordinates
3 END PGM NEW MM Program end, name, unit of measure

The TNC automatically generates the block numbers as well as the

BEGIN and END blocks.

If you do not wish to define a blank form, cancel the dialog

at Working spindle axis X/Y/Z by pressing the DEL key!
The TNC can display the graphic only if the ratio of the
short side to the long sides of the BLK FORM is greater than
1:64!

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 53

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.3 Creating and Writing Programs

Programming tool movements in conversational

format
To program a block, initiate the dialog by pressing a function key. In the
screen headline, the TNC then asks you for all the information
necessary to program the desired function.

Example of a dialog

Dialog initiation

COORDINATES ?

Enter the target coordinate for the X axis.

10

Enter the target coordinate for the Y axis, and go to

20
the next question with ENT.

RADIUS COMP. RL/RR/NO COMP. ?

Enter ”No radius compensation” and go to the next

question with ENT.

FEED RATE ? F= / F MAX = ENT

Enter a feed rate of 100 mm/min for this path contour;

100
go to the next question with ENT.

MISCELLANEOUS FUNCTION M ?

Enter the miscellaneous function M36 ”eroding ON”;

36
pressing the ENT key terminates this dialog.

The program blocks window will display the following line:

3 L X+10 Y+20 R0 F100 M36

54 4 Programming: Fundamentals, Files, Program Entry, Spark Erosion, Erosion Tables

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.3 Creating and Writing Programs
Function Key
Continue the dialog

Ignore the dialog question

End the dialog immediately

Abort the dialog and erase the block

Editing a program
While you are creating or editing a part program, you can select any
desired line in the program or individual words in a block with the
arrow keys or the soft keys:

Function Soft keys/keys

Go to the previous page

Go to the next page

Move from one block to the next

Select individual words in a block

Function Key
Set the selected word to zero

Erase an incorrect number

Clear a (non-blinking) error message

Delete the selected word

Delete the selected block

Erase cycles and program sections: First

select the last block of the cycle or program
section to be erased, then erase with the DEL
key.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 55

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.3 Creating and Writing Programs

Inserting blocks at any desired location

8 Select the block after which you want to insert a new block and
initiate the dialog.

Editing and inserting words

8 Select a word in a block and overwrite it with the new one. The plain-
language dialog is available while the word is highlighted.
8 To accept the change, press the END key.
If you want to insert a word, press the horizontal arrow key repeatedly
until the desired dialog appears. You can then enter the desired value.

Looking for the same words in different blocks

To select a word in a block, press the arrow keys

repeatedly until the highlight is on the desired word.

Select a block with the arrow keys.

Select a block directly.

The word that is highlighted in the new block is the same as the one
you selected previously.

56 4 Programming: Fundamentals, Files, Program Entry, Spark Erosion, Erosion Tables

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.4 Automatic Workpiece Change

4.4 Automatic Workpiece Change with WP-Call

with WP-Call
If your machine features an automatic handling system, you can
program an automatic workpiece change with the WP-CALL function.
WP-CALL resets an active rotation, and can be programmed to
subsequently execute a datum shift and activate the rotation again, if
desired. The values for datum shift and rotation are transferred by the
PLC.

The function for automatic workpiece change is adapted to

the TNC by the machine tool builder. Refer to your
machine tool manual.

Programming a workpiece change

8 Select the Programming and Editing mode of operation.
8 Press the WP-CALL soft key.

8 Workpiece name: Enter the name of the pallet

(for example, 1). You can enter up to 16 characters
(letters and numbers).
8 Number of tilts: Enter the number of tilts (maximum
input value: 9).

Example NC block
7 WP–CALL 1 / 1

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 57

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.5 Fundamentals of Spark Erosion
4.5 Fundamentals of Spark Erosion

Electrical discharge machining is an electrothermal process which

uses a spark to remove metal by melting and vaporizing (”eroding”) I
the workpiece surface.
In contrast, cutting machine tools such as milling machines remove
metal by direct abrasive action. d +
The spark erosion process is described on the following pages. e U
–
The electrode (e) and the workpiece (w) are submerged in a dielectric
W
fluid (d).
A generator applies a voltage to the electrode and the workpiece (both
the electrode and the workpiece are then electrodes).

An electric field is then created in the gap between the electrode and

+
the workpiece.
The electric field is strongest where the gap is the smallest.
The electrically conductive particles in the dielectric fluid are
concentrated at this point.

A bridge of electrically conductive particles forms between the

electrode and the workpiece.
+

58 4 Programming: Fundamentals, Files, Program Entry, Spark Erosion, Erosion Tables

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.5 Fundamentals of Spark Erosion
After a certain length of time (the ignition delay time), a discharge
channel suddenly forms across the bridge of particles, and current
starts to flow between the electrode and the workpiece. The current
flow increases the temperature in the discharge channel, and further
electrically charged particles are created (ions). The current increases.
+

The temperature in the discharge channel becomes so great that the

+
dielectric fluid there vaporizes.

–
The discharge channel expands in the middle while at the electrode

+
and workpiece it becomes narrower.
The temperature increases to a point where the surfaces of the
electrode and workpiece melt. Part of the molten metal vaporizes.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 59

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.5 Fundamentals of Spark Erosion

When the voltage is removed, the discharge channel collapses

(implodes).

–
When the discharge channel collapses, the implosion thrusts the
molten metal into the dielectric fluid.
+

–
A small crater remains on the electrode and the workpiece. The debris
of melted electrode or workpiece material remains suspended in the
dielectric fluid.
+

60 4 Programming: Fundamentals, Files, Program Entry, Spark Erosion, Erosion Tables

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.6 Erosion Tables

4.6 Erosion Tables

The machine tool builder can define the erosion tables as
required. He may also define additional parameters that
are not mentioned in your TNC manual. Refer to your
machine tool manual.

The spark erosion process is influenced by process variables called

erosion parameters. You can enter the erosion parameters for a
machining sequence in erosion tables for the TNC 406/416.
For example, you can create a separate erosion table for each
combination of electrode and workpiece material.
All parameters are then clearly grouped in this table. The TNC can
access the parameters for a particular machining sequence.

Using erosion tables in a program

If you want to work with erosion tables in a program, you must copy
Cycle 1 (GENERATOR) into the program (see „Cycle 1 GENERATOR”
on page 133). In this cycle you declare what erosion table you are
working with.

Working without an erosion table

It is also possible to work without an erosion table. In this case the
TNC stores the erosion parameters in the Q parameters Q90 to Q99
(see „Preassigned Q parameters” on page 202). Your machine manual
provides more information on these Q parameters.

Ready-to-use erosion tables

The machine builder can prepare erosion tables and store them in the
TNC’s ROM. Proceed as follows if you want to work with these
erosion tables:
8 Press the PGM NAME key in the PROGRAMMING AND EDITING
mode of operation.
8 Press the ROM soft key.
The machine tool builder can give you additional information on these
erosion tables.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 61

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.7 Parameters in the Erosion Table
4.7 Parameters in the Erosion Table

You can enter the following erosion parameters in one erosion table:

Meaning Range
Power stage (NR) 25 to 1

Low voltage current (LV) 0 to 99

High voltage current (HV) 0 to 9

Gap voltage (GV) 0 to 99

Pulse-on duration (TON) 0 to 999

Pulse-off duration (TOFF) 0 to 255

Servo sensitivity (SV) 0 to 99 %

Auto jump distance (AJD) 0 to 99.9 mm

Erosion time (ET) 0 to 999 s

Arc sensitivity (AR) 0 to 99

Electrode polarity (P) 0 or 1

High voltage selector (HS) 0 to 99

Wear rate (WR) 0 to 99 %

Surface finish (RA) 0 to 99.9 µm

Stock removal (SR) 0 to 999.999 ccm/min

Two-times gap (2G) 0 to 9.999 mm

Minimum undersize (UNS) 0 to 9.999 mm

Auxiliary parameters (AUX 1 to AUX 6)

62 4 Programming: Fundamentals, Files, Program Entry, Spark Erosion, Erosion Tables

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.7 Parameters in the Erosion Table
To enter erosion parameters in the erosion table

Activate file management.

FILE NAME ?

Select a file with the arrow keys.

15 Enter the file name directly, e.g. 15. For a new erosion
table you must enter the name.

Open the selected erosion table.

PROGRAM SELECTION

Select program type .E (erosion table).

POWER STAGE NUMBER

1 Enter the number of the power stage for the following

data. Confirm with ENT.

The TNC then asks for all further erosion parameters described in this
chapter.

To enter erosion parameters for additional power stages

With INSERT, erosion parameters for up to 25 power

stages can be entered.

To conclude entry
Return to program management with PGM NAME.

To go to a certain power stage

Use GOTO to directly access a certain power stage number in the
erosion table (do not enter the table row number).

Unit of measurement in the table

With the TAB soft key you can change the name of the table and the
unit of measurement. The same unit (millimeters or inches) should be
used in the erosion tables as in the NC program.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 63

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.7 Parameters in the Erosion Table

Power stage (NR)

The power stages determine the type of machining (roughing,
finishing or polishing).

Recommended input
„ Roughing NR = 15 to 10
„ Finishing NR = 10 to 6
„ Fine finishing NR = 6 to 1
„ Polishing NR = 5

Input range
15 (25) to 1 in decreasing order.

To change the power stage in the program

The current power stage is given by Q parameter Q99.
If you change Q99, you also change the power stage.

Low voltage current (LV)

The machine tool builder can give you information on this

erosion parameter. Refer to your machine tool manual.

Input range
0 to 99 in up to 100 increments.

High voltage current (HV)

The machine tool builder can give you information on this

erosion parameter. Refer to your machine tool manual.

Input range
0 to 9 in up to 10 increments.

Gap voltage (GV)

The TNC adjusts the width of the gap between the electrode and the
workpiece by controlling the gap voltage. The nominal gap voltage GV
should be chosen with care.

Setting
„ If the gap voltage is too high, the rate of stock removal will be too
low.
„ If the gap voltage is too low, irregularities will occur (arcing, short
circuiting).

64 4 Programming: Fundamentals, Files, Program Entry, Spark Erosion, Erosion Tables

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.7 Parameters in the Erosion Table
Pulse-on duration and pulse-off duration
The pulse-on duration (TON) is the time in which the generator
U
applies a voltage to the electrode and workpiece.
Ignition and subsequent discharge take place during this time.
The pulse-off duration (TOF) is the time in which no voltage is 1
t
generated. T- ON TF
During this time the gap is flushed and deionized.
Select the TON/TOF ratio according to the type of machining:
U
Setting
„ Roughing: Long pulse-on duration, short pulse-off duration
2
„ Finishing and polishing: Short pulse-on duration, long pulse-off t
T- ON TF
duration

Servo sensitivity SV

The machine tool builder specifies a characteristic curve

F
for servo sensitivity (see figure center right). Refer to your
machine tool manual.
SV= 99

The servo sensitivity influences the reaction speed of the gap control.
SV= 60
Setting
„ High servo sensitivity: fast gap control U gap
„ Low servo sensitivity: slow gap control

Input range
0 to 99 %

Erosion time ET, Auto jump distance AJD

The erosion time determines how long an erosion step lasts. When
the programmed erosion time has run out, the electrode retracts by
the auto jump distance and subsequently returns to the position
given in machine parameter MP2051.

Intermittent flushing
To improve deionization of the gap and flush away debris, you can
activate miscellaneous function M8 (intermittent flushing ON). ET AJD

ET

AJD
MP 2051

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 65

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.7 Parameters in the Erosion Table

Arc sensitivity (AR)

The arc sensitivity setting influences the gap signal that the generator
sends to the TNC. The characteristic curve shows the nominal speed
value plotted against the gap voltage.

The machine tool builder can give you information on this

erosion parameter. Refer to your machine tool manual.

Electrode polarity (P)

To minimize wear on the electrode and ensure a high rate of stock
removal, you must set the correct electrode polarity.

Input value
„ Positive electrode: 0
„ Negative electrode: 1

If you mount the electrode on the machine table, you must

change the electrode polarity defined in the machine table.
The TNC does not reverse the polarity automatically.

High voltage selector HS

U
The high voltage is the voltage that the generator applies to the
electrode and workpiece. HS
Setting
„ High value for HS:
For large gaps and for high rate of stock removal.
„ Low value for HS (with ignition pulse):
For small gaps and for low rate of stock removal.
„ Low value for HS (without ignition pulse):
For a few specific hard metals and very small electrodes.

T- ON t

66 4 Programming: Fundamentals, Files, Program Entry, Spark Erosion, Erosion Tables

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.7 Parameters in the Erosion Table
Wear rate WR
The wear rate is the ratio between the volume of material removed
from an electrode (Ve) and the volume of material removed from the
workpiece (Vw).
WR = Ve / Vw • 100 %
For the wear rate on the electrode for your particular machining task
and combination of materials, refer to the electrode table. Ve

Vw

Surface finish RA
Surface finish is a measure of machining quality. A machined surface
is never absolutely smooth, but consists of a series of peaks and
valleys.

Maximum surface roughness Rmax

R2 R3 R4
The maximum surface roughness Rmax is the difference in height max
between the highest peak and the lowest valley.
The maximum surface roughness Rmax is also calculated from the
width of the two-times gap 2G and the minimum undersize UNS as RA
follows: Rmax

Rmax = 0.5 • ( UNS – 2G )

Determining surface finish RA according to VDI 3400

R1 min Rn
1 Determine the centerline of Rmax
2 Measure all peaks and valleys from the centerline
3 Add the measured values together and divide by the number of
measured values. The result is the surface finish RA in [µm]

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 67

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.7 Parameters in the Erosion Table

Stock removal SR
The stock removal is the volume of removed workpiece material (Vw)
per unit of time.
Stock removal is measured in ccm/minute.

Vw

Two-times gap (2G)

During the erosion process, a minimum gap G must be maintained
between the electrode and the workpiece. The higher the current, the
larger the gap (G = radial gap) can (and should) be.

Minimum for the two-times gap Rmax G G Rmax

The two-times gap 2G is the minimum total gap (2 x G in millimeters)
that must be maintained in the cavity between the electrode and the
workpiece (2G = diametrical gap).

68 4 Programming: Fundamentals, Files, Program Entry, Spark Erosion, Erosion Tables

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
4.7 Parameters in the Erosion Table
Minimum undersize (UNS)
The electrode diameter (Re) must be smaller than the cavity diameter
by at least the value of the minimum undersize UNS. UM UNS
=
„ Roughing 2 2
For roughing, the minimum undersize UNS is calculated from the
two-times gap 2G and the maximum surface roughness Rmax.
„ Finishing and polishing Rmax G
For finishing and polishing, the minimum undersize UNS is equal to
the two-times gap 2G. (The maximum surface roughness Rmax can
be disregarded.)

Selecting the actual undersize UM

e
„ For a simple cavity (movement only in the electrode axis):
UNS = UM
„ For contour eroding and eroding with DISC cycle
(movement of the electrode in all axes): UM ≥ UNS

Auxiliary parameters AUX 1, AUX 2, ... AUX 6

The machine tool builder can assign functions to up to six

auxiliary parameters. Refer to your machine tool manual.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 69

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
5
Programming: Tools

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
5.1 Electrodes
5.1 Electrodes

Each electrode is identified by a number.

The electrode data, consisting of the
„ Length L
„ Radius R
are assigned to the electrode number.
The electrode data are entered into the program with the TOOL DEF
command.
The TNC takes the electrode length and radius into account when the
electrode is called by its number.
If you are working with standard electrodes you can also define all the
electrode data in a separate program.
In the part program you then call the program containing the electrode
definitions with the PGM CALL command.

Electrode axis C
You can define the C axis as the electrode axis.
The TNC then operates as if the Z axis were the electrode axis. This
also holds for radius compensation and for the ROTATION cycle.

Determining the electrode data

Electrode number
Each electrode is assigned a number from 0 to 99 999 999.
Electrode number 0 is defined as having length L = 0 and radius R = 0
when the electrode data are entered into the program.

Electrode radius R
The radius of the electrode is entered directly.

Electrode length L
The compensation value for the electrode length is defined
„ as a length difference between the electrode and a zero electrode,
or
„ with a tool presetter.
If electrode lengths are determined with a tool presetter they should
be entered directly into the electrode definition (TOOL DEF block)
without further conversions.

72 5 Programming: Tools

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
5.1 Electrodes
Determining the electrode length with a zero electrode
Sign of the electrode length L:
L>L0: The tool is longer than the zero tool
L<L0: The tool is shorter than the zero tool

To determine the length:

TN T1 T2
8 Move zero electrode to the reference position in electrode axis
(such as workpiece surface with Z = 0).
8 If necessary, set datum in electrode axis to zero.
Z=0
8 Insert electrode.
L=0 L–
8 Move electrode to the same reference position as zero electrode.
8 The compensation value for length L of the electrode is displayed.
L+
8 Write down the value and enter it later, or transfer the value with the
actual position capture function.

Entering electrode data into a program

For each electrode the electrode data can be entered once in the part
program:
„ Electrode number
„ Electrode length compensation value L
„ Electrode radius R

To enter the electrode data into a program block

The number, length and radius of a specific electrode is defined in the
TOOL DEF block of the part program.
8 To select tool definition, press the TOOL DEF key.
8 Tool number : Assign a number to the electrode

8 Tool length : Compensation value for the tool length

8 Tool radius : Compensation value for the tool radius

„ The electrode length L can be transferred directly into

the electrode definition with the actual position capture
function (see ”Actual Position Capture” on page 84).
„ Cycle 3 TOOL DEF (see ”Cycle 3 TOOL DEF” on page
135) deletes the tool length from the TOOL DEF(inition)!

Example

4 TOOL DEF 5 L+10 R+5

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 73

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
5.1 Electrodes

Entering electrode data in tables

You can define and store up to 999 tools and their tool data in a tool
table. You can assign a pocket number in the tool magazine to the
tools.

With MP7261 you can limit the number of pockets in the

tool magazine. There is no limiting if MP7261=0.
Setting MP7265=1 prevents multiple assignment of a
pocket number.

Tool table: Standard tool data

Abbr. Input Dialog
NR Number by which the tool is called in the program (e.g. 5) Tool number ?

PT Pocket number in the tool magazine Pocket number?

U Tool undersize (diametrical) Tool undersize? (diametrical)

X Tool compensation value for the X axis Tool compensation?

Y Tool compensation value for the Y axis Tool compensation?

Z Tool compensation value for the Z axis Tool compensation?

C Tool compensation value for the C axis Tool compensation?

R Compensation value for the tool radius R Tool radius R?

Tool undersize from the table is only active if you do not

define it again during TOOL CALL.

Editing tool tables

The tool table that is active during execution of the part program is
designated TOOL.T. It can only be edited in the Programming and
Editing mode. Other tool tables that are used for archiving or test runs
are given different file names with the extension .T .
To open any other tool table:
8 Select the Programming and Editing mode of operation.
8 Call the program directory.

8 Choose the desired TOOL table, and confirm your

choice with the ENT key or with the SELECT soft key.
When you have opened the tool table, you can edit the tool data by
moving the cursor to the desired position in the table with the arrow
keys or the soft keys. You can overwrite the stored values, or enter
new values at any position. The available editing functions are
illustrated in the table below.

74 5 Programming: Tools

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
5.1 Electrodes
If the TNC cannot show all positions in the tool table in one screen
page, the highlight bar at the top of the table will display the symbol
”>>” or ”<<”.

Exiting the tool table

8 Call the file manager and select a file of a different type, e.g. a part
program.

Editing functions for tool tables Soft key

Insert new line above the highlighted field

Delete line

Create new TOOL table by entering a new name

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 75

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
5.1 Electrodes

Calling electrode data

Electrode data are called into the part program with TOOL CALL.
TOOL CALL is programmed with
„ Tool number
„ Spindle axis
„ Undersize
„ Code indicating whether the electrode is a following electrode
You can skip individual entries with NO ENT, for example to enter only
one (new) undersize.

Calling electrode data

8 Select the tool call function with the TOOL CALL key.

8 Tool number: Enter the number of the electrode as

defined in TOOL DEF block. Confirm your entry with
the ENT key.
8 Working tool axis X/Y/Z/4: Enter the tool axis, e.g.
Z.
8 Tool undersize (diameter): Enter the electrode
undersize (diameter), e.g. 0.5. Confirm with the ENT
key or
skip the entry with the NOENT key.
8 Folw. electrode YES=ENT/NO=NOENT: e.g., to identify
the electrode as a following electrode.

If you define a value for the tool undersize in the TOOL

CALL, the value from the TOOL table is ignored.
Otherwise the undersize from the TOOL table is valid.

Example: Electrode call

Call electrode number 5 in the tool axis Z.
The diametrical electrode undersize is + 0.5 mm.

20 TOOL CALL 5 Z U+0.5 F

76 5 Programming: Tools

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
5.1 Electrodes
Following electrode
Answering ”YES” to FOLW. ELECTRODE prevents the workpiece
from being damaged by too large an amount of taper (caused by
insufficient flushing or deep mold cavities) during roughing operations
at high current. For the gap between the electrode and the workpiece
the TNC multiplies the minimum gap by the value in Q157.
The value in Q157 is determined by your answer to FOLW.
ELECTRODE.
Call with following electrode: finishing, small undersize (narrow gap):
Q157 = 1
Call without following electrode: roughing, large undersize (wide gap):
1< Q157 < 2.5

Changing the electrode

The electrode can be changed automatically or manually.

Automatic electrode change with EL-CALL

The function for automatic electrode change is adapted to

the TNC by the machine tool builder. Refer to your
machine tool manual.

If your machine features an automatic handling system, you can

program an automatic electrode change with the EL-CALL function.
EL-CALL combines the functions TOOL DEF and TOOL CALL.
8 Select the Programming and Editing mode of operation.
8 Select the EL-CALL function with the EL-CALL soft
key.
8 Electrode name: Enter the name of the electrode, e.g.
1. You can enter up to 16 characters (letters and
numbers). Confirm your entry with the ENT key.
8 Working tool axis X/Y/Z/4: Enter the tool axis.
8 Folw. electrode YES=ENT/NO=NOENT:
e.g., to identify the electrode as a following electrode.
Example

4 EL-CALL 1 /ZF

To ensure that the TNC shifts the electrode correctly to

the programmed position, you must enter the correct
C axis coordinates in a traversing block with L,
programmed directly after the EL-CALL block.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 77

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
5.1 Electrodes

Manual electrode change

Before a manual electrode change, you must move the electrode to a
changing position. Course of actions:
„ Interrupt program run (see ”Interrupting machining” on page 223)
„ Move the electrode to the change position (can be programmed)
„ Change electrode
„ Resume the program run (see ”Resuming program run after an
interruption” on page 225)

Electrode change position

The electrode change position must be capable of being approached
without collision next to or over the workpiece.
The coordinates of the change position can also be entered as
machine-based coordinates with miscellaneous functions M91 and
M92.
If TOOL CALL 0 is programmed before the first electrode call, the TNC
moves the clamping shaft in the spindle axis to a position that is
independent of the electrode length.

Electrode compensation
You can compensate the electrode length and radius in a separate
program block.
8 Select the Programming and Editing mode of operation.
8 Select the EL-CORR function with the EL-CORR soft
key.
8 Undersize comp: Enter the undersize compensation.
Confirm your entry with the ENT key.
8 Electrode length comp:
Enter the electrode length compensation value.
Confirm your entry with the ENT key.
If no electrode length compensation: Press the NO
ENT key.
8 Electrode radius comp:
Enter the electrode radius compensation value.
Confirm your entry with the ENT key.
If no electrode radius compensation: Press the NO
ENT key.

Example
4 EL-CORR U+1 L R+0.5

Effect on Q parameters
The EL CORR block influences the pre-assigned Q parameters Q108,
Q158 and Q159 (see also ”Electrode data: Q108, Q158 to Q160” on
page 203).

78 5 Programming: Tools

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
5.2 Electrode Compensation Values

5.2 Electrode Compensation Values

For each electrode, the TNC takes the compensation value for the
electrode length into account for the electrode axis. In the working
plane, it compensates the electrode radius.

Electrode length compensation

The compensation value for the electrode length goes into effect
automatically as soon as an electrode is called and the spindle axis is
moved.
The compensation value for the electrode length is cancelled by calling
an electrode with length L = 0.

If a positive length compensation was active before TOOL

CALL 0, the distance to the workpiece will be reduced.
If the electrode axis is positioned incrementally
immediately following a TOOL CALL, then in addition to
the programmed value the length difference between the
old and new electrodes will also be traversed.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 79

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
5.2 Electrode Compensation Values

Electrode radius compensation

Radius compensation becomes effective as soon as an electrode is
called and is moved in the working plane with RL or RR.
To cancel radius compensation, program a positioning block with R0.
Electrode movements can be programmed in the following ways:
„ Without radius compensation: R0
„ With radius compensation: RL or RR
„ Paraxial movements with R+ or R–
Radius compensation becomes effective as soon as a tool is called
and is moved in the working plane with RL or RR. R

Contouring without radius compensation: R0

The electrode center moves to the programmed coordinates.
Applications:
„ Countersinking
„ Pre-positioning

80 5 Programming: Tools

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
5.2 Electrode Compensation Values
Tool movements with radius compensation: RR and RL
RR The electrode moves to the right of the programmed
contour.
RL The electrode moves to the left of the programmed contour. Y

The electrode center moves along the contour at a distance equal to

the radius. ”Right” or ”left” are to be understood as based on the
direction of electrode movement along the workpiece contour. See
figures at right.

Between two program blocks with different radius RL

compensations (RR and RL) you must program at least one
traversing block in the working plane without radius
compensation (that is, with R0).
Radius compensation does not take effect until the end of
the block in which it is first programmed. X
Whenever radius compensation is activated or cancelled,
the TNC positions the electrode perpendicular to the
programmed starting or end position. Position the
electrode at a sufficient distance from the first (or last)
contour point to prevent damaging the contour. Y

Entering radius compensation

Program any desired path function, enter the coordinates of the target
point and confirm your entry with ENT.
RR
RADIUS COMP. RL/RR/NO COMP. ?

To select tool movement to the left of the contour,

press the RL key, or
X

To select tool movement to the right of the contour,

press the RR key, or

To select tool movement without radius

compensation or to cancel radius compensation,
press the ENT key.

To terminate the block, press the END key.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 81

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
5.2 Electrode Compensation Values

Shortening or lengthening paraxial movements: R+, R–

This type of radius compensation is only possible for single-axis
movements in the working plane. The programmed electrode path is
lengthened (R–) or shortened (R+).
Applications:
„ Paraxial machining
„ Under certain circumstances for pre-positioning the electrode

R+ and R– are available when a positioning block is

opened with an orange axis key.

Radius compensation: Machining corners

„ Outside corners
The TNC moves the electrode in a transitional arc around outside
corners. The electrode ”rolls” around the corner point. If necessary,
the feed rate F of the electrode is automatically reduced at outside
corners to reduce machine stress, for example at very great
changes of direction.

RL

„ Inside corners
The TNC calculates the intersection of the electrode center paths at
inside corners. It then starts the next contour element from this
point. This prevents damage to the workpiece at the inside corners.
The permissible electrode radius is therefore limited by the
geometry of the programmed contour.
RL RL
To prevent the tool from damaging the contour, be careful
not to program the starting or end position for machining
inside corners at a corner of the contour.
S S

82 5 Programming: Tools

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
5.3 Entering Electrode-Related

5.3 Entering Electrode-Related Data

Data
Introduction
Besides the electrode data and compensation you must also enter the
following information: Z
„ Feed rate F
„ Miscellaneous functions M
F
Y
Feed rate F
X
The feed rate is the speed (in millimeters per minute or inches per
minute) at which the electrode center moves. For eroding, the feed
rate is defined by machine parameters. It can also be selected for
positioning with eroding.
Input range:
F = 0 to 30 000 mm/min (1 181 inch/min)
The maximum feed rates can be different for the individual axes and
are set in machine parameters.

Input
Answer the dialog question in the positioning block:

FEED RATE F=? / F MAX = ENT

100 Enter the feed rate, for example F = 100 mm/min.

The TNC does not always ask for FMAX.

Rapid traverse
For rapid traverse you can enter F = FMAX. The rapid traverse can also
be programmed directly.
FMAX is only effective in the program block in which it is programmed.

Duration of feed rate F

A feed rate entered as a numerical value remains in effect until the
control encounters a block with a different feed rate. If the new feed
rate is FMAX, then after the block with FMAX is executed, the feed
rate will return to the last feed rate entered as a numerical value.

Feed rate override

You can adjust the feed rate with the override knob on the TNC
keyboard.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 83

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
5.4 Actual Position Capture
5.4 Actual Position Capture

Function
The coordinates of the electrode position can be transferred into the Z
part program with the actual position capture feature.
You can also use this feature to transfer the electrode length directly L0
into the program (also see ”To enter the electrode data into a program T3
block” on page 73).
–5
When the ACTL, ACT.W, NOML, NOM.W or REF TOOL DEF 3 L–5 R
positions are being displayed, the TNC takes the value
from the position display. When the DIST. or LAG
positions are being displayed, the TNC uses the
associated nominal value. X

Actual position capture

Select the MANUAL OPERATION mode.

Move the electrode to the position that you wish to capture.

Select the PROGRAMMING AND EDITING mode of

operation.

Select or open the program block into which you wish to transfer the
actual position of the electrode.

COORDINATES ?

Select the axis in which you wish to capture a

coordinate, such as X.

Transfer the actual position coordinate into the

program.

Enter the radius compensation according to the position of the

electrode relative to the position of the workpiece.

84 5 Programming: Tools

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6
Programming:
Programming Contours

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.1 General Information on Programming Electrode Movements

6.1 General Information on

Programming Electrode
Movements
Y
Electrode movements are always programmed as if the electrode
moves and the workpiece remains stationary.

Before running a part program, always pre-position the

electrode to prevent the possibility of damaging it or the
workpiece.

Path functions
Each element of the workpiece contour is entered separately using X
path functions. You enter
„ straight lines
„ circular arcs
You can also program a combination of the two elements (helical
paths):
The contour elements are executed in sequence to machine the
programmed contour as in the illustration.

Machines with 5 axes L

L
A fifth axis can only be moved in the operating modes MANUAL
OPERATION or ELECTRONIC HANDWHEEL or with a ”PLC L CC
positioning.”
Contact your machine tool builder if you need to position a fifth axis. L

C
Subprograms and program section repeats
If a machining routine occurs several times in a program, you can save
time and reduce the chance of programming errors by entering the
sequence once and then defining it as a subprogram or program
section repeat.
Programming variants:
„ Repeat a machining routine immediately after it is executed
(program section repeat)
„ Writing a machine routine separately and then inserting it into a
program (subprogram)
„ Calling a separate program for execution or test run within the main
program (program call)

86 6 Programming: Programming Contours

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.1 General Information on Programming Electrode Movements
Cycles
The ORBIT erosion cycle is the basis for user-specific machining tasks.
This cycle allows you to program features such as conical and rounded
cavities.
You can also define the eroding time for this cycle.
Further cycles for coordinate transformations are available. These can
be used to change the coordinates of a machining sequence in a
defined way. Examples:
„ Datum shift
„ Mirroring
„ Basic rotation
„ Enlarging and reducing
The TOOL DEF cycle allows you to enter compensation values for the
electrode dimensions (tool data).

Parametric programming
With parametric programming, instead of programming numerical
values you enter markers called parameters which are defined through
mathematical functions or logical comparisons. You can use
parametric programming for:
„ Conditional and unconditional jumps
„ Probing for measurements with an electrode during program run
„ Output of values and messages
„ Transferring values to and from memory
The following mathematical functions are available:
„ Assign
„ Addition/Subtraction
„ Multiplication/Division
„ Angular measurement/Trigonometry

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 87

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.2 Contour Approach and
6.2 Contour Approach and Departure

Departure

A convenient way to approach or depart the workpiece is

on an arc which is tangential to the contour. This is done
with the corner rounding function (see ”Corner rounding
RND” on page 97).

Starting point and end point of machining

Starting point S
From the starting point S the electrode approaches the first contour
point A.
The starting point is programmed without radius compensation.
The starting point S must be:
„ Approachable without danger of collision
„ Close to the first contour point A

„ Located in relation to the workpiece such that no contour damage

can occur when the contour is approached.
If the starting point S is located within the hatched area, the contour
will be damaged when the first contour point is approached.
The ideal starting point is located on the extended tool path for
machining the first contour element. S

First contour point A

Machining begins at the first contour point A. The electrode moves to
this point with radius compensation.

RL

RL A

88 6 Programming: Programming Contours

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.2 Contour Approach and Departure
Approaching the starting point S in the spindle axis
When the starting point S is approached, the spindle axis is moved to
working depth.
If there is danger of collision:
Approach the starting point in the spindle axis separately.
Example:

L X ... Y ...

The electrode retains the Z coordinate and moves in the XY plane to

the start position.

L Z-10
S
The electrode is positioned in the Z axis to working depth.

End point
Similar requirements hold for the end point E:
„ Approachable without danger of collision
„ Near the last contour point
„ Avoids damage to tool and the workpiece
The ideal location for the end point E is again on the extended tool path
outside the hatched area. It is approached without radius
compensation.
E A

R0

Departure from an end point in the spindle axis

The spindle axis is moved separately.
Example:

L X ... Y ... R0

The electrode retains the Z coordinate and moves in the XY plane to

the end position.

L Z+50

The electrode moves to set-up clearance.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 89

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.2 Contour Approach and Departure

Common starting and end point

Outside of the hatched area in the illustration it is possible to define a
single point as both the starting and end point.
The ideal location for this point is exactly between the extensions of
the tool paths for machining the first and last contour elements.
A common starting and end point is approached without radius
compensation. A

SE

90 6 Programming: Programming Contours

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.2 Contour Approach and Departure
Tangential contour approach and departure
Starting point and end point
The starting point and end point of machining are off the workpiece
near the first or last contour element. RL

The tool path to the starting or end point is programmed without radius
compensation.

Input A
The RND function is entered at the following points in the program: R
„ For the approach path, RND is programmed after the block
containing the first contour element (the first block with radius S
compensation RL/RR).
R0
„ For the departure path, RND is programmed after the block
containing the last contour element (the last block with radius
compensation RL/RR).

B
RL

E
R0

Example NC blocks
...
7 L X ... Y ... RO Starting point S
8 L X ... Y ... RL First contour point A
9 RND R Tangential approach
...
CONTOUR ELEMENTS
...
52 L X ... Y ... RL Last contour point B
53 RND R Tangential departure
54 L X ... Y ... RO End point E
...

The radius in the RND function must be selected such that

it is possible to perform the circular arc between the
contour point and the starting point or end point.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 91

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.3 Path functions
6.3 Path functions

General
Part program input
You create a part program by entering the workpiece dimensions.
Coordinates are programmed as absolute or relative (incremental)
values.
In general you program the coordinates of the end point of the contour
element.
The TNC automatically calculates the path of the electrode based on
the electrode data (length and radius) and the radius compensation.

Programmed machine axis movement

All axes programmed in a single NC block are moved simultaneously.
Z
Paraxial movements
The electrode moves in path parallel to the programmed axis. L X +70 Y +50

Number of axes programmed in the NC block: 1

Movement in the main planes Y

The electrode moves to the programmed position in a straight line or
circular arc in a plane. X

Number of axes programmed in the NC block: 2

50
Movement of three machine axes (3-D movement)
The electrode moves in a straight line to the programmed position. 70
Number of axes programmed in the NC block: 3
Exception:
A helical path is created by combining circular movement with linear
movement.

92 6 Programming: Programming Contours

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.4 Path Contours — Cartesian

6.4 Path Contours — Cartesian Coordinates

Coordinates
Overview of path functions
The path function keys define the type of contour element and open a
programming dialog.

Function Path function key Tool movement Required input

Line L Straight line Coordinates of the end points of
the straight line

Circle Center CC No tool movement Coordinates of the circle center or

pole

Circle C Circular arc around a circle center Coordinates of the arc end point,
CC to an arc end point direction of rotation

Circular Arc CR Circular arc with a certain radius Coordinates of the arc end point,
arc radius, direction of rotation

Circular Arc CT Circular arc with tangential Coordinates of the arc end point
connection to the preceding and
subsequent contour elements

Corner Rounding RND Circular arc with tangential Rounding-off radius R

connection to the preceding and
subsequent contour elements

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 93

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.4 Path Contours — Cartesian Coordinates

Straight line L
The TNC moves the tool in a straight line from its current position to
the straight-line end point. The starting point is the end point of the Y
preceding block.
8 Coordinates of the end point of the straight line 40

15
Further entries, if necessary:
8 Radius compensation RL/RR/R0

10
8 Feed rate F
8 Miscellaneous function M

Example NC blocks
7 L X+10 Y+40 RL F M 20 X
8 L IX+20 IY-15 R F M 10

9 L X+60 IY-10 R F M 60

Actual position capture

You can also generate a straight-line block (L block) by using the
ACTUAL-POSITION-CAPTURE key:
8 In the Manual Operation mode, move the tool to the position you
wish to capture.
8 Switch the screen display to Programming and Editing.
8 Select the program block after which you want to insert the L block.
8 Press the ACTUAL-POSITION-CAPTURE key: The
TNC generates an L block with the actual position
coordinates.

In the MOD function, you define the number of axes that

the TNC saves in an L block.

94 6 Programming: Programming Contours

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.4 Path Contours — Cartesian Coordinates
Programming a straight line
Example — programming a straight line:

Initiate the programming dialog, e.g. for a straight

line.

COORDINATES ?

Enter the coordinates of the straight-line end point.

10

RADIUS COMP. RL/RR/NO COMP. ?

Select the radius compensation (here, press the RL

soft key - the tool moves to the left of the
programmed contour).

Move the electrode on the straight line directly to the

end point

FEED RATE F=? / F MAX = ENT

Enter the feed rate (here, 100 mm/min), and confirm

100 your entry with ENT.

Choose rapid traverse for the electrode:

F = F MAX

MISCELLANEOUS FUNCTION M ?

Enter a miscellaneous function, for example M37

37
(Eroding OFF).

The part program now contains the following line:

L X+10 Y+5 RL F MAX M37

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 95

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.4 Path Contours — Cartesian Coordinates

Inserting a chamfer CHF between two straight

lines
The chamfer enables you to cut off corners at the intersection of two
straight lines.
„ The blocks before and after the CHF block must be in the same
Y
working plane.
„ The radius compensation before and after the chamfer block must
be the same.
„ An inside chamfer must be large enough to accommodate the
current tool.
(The tool radius in the illustration at bottom right is too large)
8 Chamfer side length: Input the length L without
entering an axis designation

Example NC blocks
7 L X+0 Y+30 RL F M X
8 L X+40 IY+5 R F M
9 L 12
10 L IX+5 Y+0 R F M
Y 12
„ You cannot start a contour with a CHF block.
„ A chamfer is possible only in the working plane.
„ The feed rate for chamfering is the same as for the
12
5

preceding block. 30
„ The corner point E is cut off by the chamfer and is not
part of the contour.

5 X
40

1 S E

96 6 Programming: Programming Contours

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.4 Path Contours — Cartesian Coordinates
Corner rounding RND
The RND function is used for rounding off corners.
The tool moves on an arc that is tangentially connected to both the Y
preceding and subsequent contour elements.
The rounding arc must be large enough to accommodate the tool.
40
8 Rounding-off radius: Enter the radius
Further entries, if necessary: R5 25
8 Feed rate F (only effective in RND block)

Example NC blocks
5
5 L X+10 Y+40 RL F M
6 L X+40 Y+25 R F M X
10 40
7 RND R5 R F M
8 L X+10 Y+5

In the preceding and subsequent contour elements, both

coordinates must lie in the plane of the rounding arc. If
you machine the contour without tool-radius
compensation, you must program both coordinates in the
working plane.
The corner point is cut off by the rounding arc and is not
part of the contour.
A feed rate programmed in the RND block is effective only
in that block. After the RND block, the previous feed rate
becomes effective again.
You can also use an RND block for a tangential contour
approach.

Circles and circular arcs

Y
Here the TNC moves two machine axes in a circular path relative to
the workpiece. The axes can also be auxiliary axes U, V, or W.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 97

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.4 Path Contours — Cartesian Coordinates

Circle center CC
You can define a circle center CC for circles that are programmed with
the C key (circular path C). This is done in the following ways:
„ Entering the Cartesian coordinates of the circle center, or
Z
„ Using the circle center defined in an earlier block, or Y
„ Capturing the coordinates with the ACTUAL-POSITION-CAPTURE
key. CC

8 Coordinates CC: Enter the circle center coordinates, X

YCC
or
If you want to use the last programmed position, do
not enter any coordinates.

Example NC blocks X CC
5 CC X+25 Y+25

or

10 L X+25 Y+25
11 CC Y

The program blocks 10 and 11 do not refer to the illustration.

CC
Duration of effect
The circle center definition remains in effect until a new circle center
IY
is programmed. You can also define a circle center for the secondary
axes U, V and W.

Entering the circle center CC incrementally

If you enter the circle center with incremental coordinates, you have
programmed it relative to the last programmed position of the tool. X
IX
„ The only effect of CC is to define a position as circle
center: The tool does not move to this position.
„ The circle center is also the pole for polar coordinates.

Direction of rotation DR
When a circular path has no tangential transition to another contour Z
element, enter the mathematical direction of rotation DR of the
circular path:
„ Clockwise rotation: negative direction of rotation (DR–) DR – DR +
Y
„ Counterclockwise rotation: positive direction of rotation (DR+)
X
Radius compensation in circular paths
You cannot begin radius compensation in a circle block - it must be
activated beforehand in a line block (L block).

98 6 Programming: Programming Contours

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.4 Path Contours — Cartesian Coordinates
Circles in the main planes
When you program a circle, the TNC assigns it to one of the main
planes. This plane is automatically defined when you set the electrode
axis during an electrode call (TOOL CALL).

Tool axis Main plane

Z XY, also
UV, XV, UY

Y ZX, also
WU, ZU, WX

X YZ, also
VW, YW, VZ

You can program circles that do not lie parallel to a main

plane by using Q parameters.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 99

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.4 Path Contours — Cartesian Coordinates

Circular path C around circle center CC

Before programming a circular path C, you must first enter the circle
center CC. The last programmed tool position before the C block is
used as the circle starting point. Y

If you are using an electrode with tool compensation in

the XY plane, you must rotate the electrode in synchrony
with the angle on circular arcs. For example, for a
semicircle you must rotate the C axis by 180°
(incremental). E S
CC

8 Move the tool to the circle starting point.

8 Coordinates of the circle center

8 Enter the coordinates of the arc end point X

8 Direction of rotation DR
Further entries, if necessary:
8 Linear coordinates

8 Feed rate F
8 Miscellaneous function M

Example NC blocks
5 CC X+25 Y+25
6 L X+45 Y+25 RR F M
7 C X+5 Y+25 IC +180 DR+ R F M

Full circle
To program a full circle you must enter two C blocks in succession:
The end point of the first semicircle is the starting point of the second Y
circle. The end point of the second semicircle is the starting point of
the first.
The easiest method of programming a full circle is described on
page 111.
R
E1=S2
CC S1=E2

100 6 Programming: Programming Contours

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.4 Path Contours — Cartesian Coordinates
Circular path CR with defined radius
The electrode moves on a circular path with the radius R.
8 Coordinates of the arc end point
Y
8 Radius R
Note: The algebraic sign determines the size of the arc!
8 Direction of rotation DR
Note: The algebraic sign determines whether the arc
is concave or convex! R
E1=S2
Further entries, if necessary:
CC S1=E2
8 Miscellaneous function M
8 Feed rate F

Full circle
To program a full circle you must enter two CR blocks in succession: The X
end point of the first semicircle is the starting point of the second circle.
The end point of the second semicircle is the starting point of the first.
The easiest method of programming a full circle is described on
page 111.

Central angle CCA and arc radius R

The starting and end points on the contour can be connected with four
Y
arcs of the same radius:
Smaller arc: CCA<180° 1
Enter the radius with a positive sign R>0
Larger arc: CCA>180°
40 DR+
Enter the radius with a negative sign R<0 ZW
R R
The direction of rotation determines whether the arc is curving
outward (convex) or curving inward (concave): 2
Convex: Direction of rotation DR– (with radius compensation RL)
Concave: Direction of rotation DR+ (with radius compensation RL)
X
Example NC blocks 40 70

10 L X+40 Y+40 RL F M36

3
11 CR X+70 Y+40 R+20 DR- (ARC 1) Y

or ZW

11 CR X+70 Y+40 R+20 DR+ (ARC 2)

R R
or 40

11 CR X+70 Y+40 R-20 DR- (ARC 3)

4
or DR+

11 CR X+70 Y+40 R-20 DR+ (ARC 4)

X
40 70

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 101

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.4 Path Contours — Cartesian Coordinates

„ For a full circle, two CR blocks must be programmed in

succession.
„ The distance from the starting and end points of the arc
diameter cannot be greater than the diameter of the arc.
„ The maximum radius is 30 m.
„ You may not enter rotary axes A, B or C.

102 6 Programming: Programming Contours

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.4 Path Contours — Cartesian Coordinates
Circular path CT with tangential connection
The electrode moves on an arc that starts at a tangent with the
previously programmed contour element.
Y
A transition between two contour elements is called tangential when
there is no kink or corner at the intersection between the two
contours—the transition is smooth.
The contour element to which the tangential arc connects must be
programmed immediately before the CT block. This requires at least
two positioning blocks. 30
25
20
If you are using an electrode with tool compensation in
the XY plane, you must rotate the electrode in synchrony
with the angle on circular arcs. For example, for a
semicircle you must rotate the C axis by 180°
(incremental). X
25 45
8 Coordinates of the arc end point
Further entries, if necessary:
8 Feed rate F

8 Miscellaneous function M

Example NC blocks
7 L X+0 Y+25 RL F M36
8 L X+25 Y+30 R F M
9 CT X+45 Y+20 R F M
10 L Y+0 R F M

A tangential arc is a two-dimensional operation: the

coordinates in the CT block and in the contour element
preceding it must be in the same plane of the arc.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 103

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.4 Path Contours — Cartesian Coordinates

Example: Linear movements and chamfers with Cartesian coordinates

Y 10

31
95
4

10
20
1
5
21
20 X
5 95

0 BEGIN PGM LINEAR MM Start of program, program name LINEAR, dimensions in mm

1 BLK FORM 0.1 Z X+0 Y+0 Z-20 Define blank form for graphic workpiece simulation
2 BLK FORM 0.2 X+100 Y+100 Z+0
3 CYCL DEF 1.0 GENERATOR Cycle GENERATOR (see ”Cycle 1 GENERATOR” on page 133)
4 CYCL DEF 1.1 P-TAB CUST Select erosion table (here, table CUST)
5 CYCL DEF 1.2 MAX=3 MIN=3 Set power stage (here, to stage 3)
6 TOOL DEF 1 L+0 R+15 Define electrode in the program
7 TOOL CALL 1 Z U+1 Call electrode in the infeed axis Z, undersize 1 mm
8 L Z+100 C+0 R0 F MAX M Retract in the infeed axis; orient electrode; rapid traverse
9 L X-10 Y-10 R F MAX M Pre-position in X and Y; rapid traverse
10 L Z–10 R F MAX M Move to working depth
11 LX+5 Y+5 RL F M36 Approach the contour at point 1 with radius compensation; eroding ON
13 L Y+95 R F M Move to point 2
14 L X+95 R F M Point 3: first straight line for corner 3
15 L 10 Program chamfer with length 10 mm

104 6 Programming: Programming Contours

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.4 Path Contours — Cartesian Coordinates
16 L Y+5 R F M Point 4: 2nd straight line for corner 3, 1st straight line for corner 4
17 L 20 Program chamfer with length 20 mm
18 L X+5 R F M Move to last contour point 1, second straight line for corner 4
21 L X–10 Y–10 R0 F M37 Retract tool in the working plane; eroding OFF
20 L Z+100 F MAX Move electrode to set-up clearance; rapid traverse
21 END PGM LINEAR MM End of program

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 105

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.4 Path Contours — Cartesian Coordinates

Example: Full circle with Cartesian coordinates

CC
50

X
50

0 BEGIN PGM C-CC MM Start of program

1 BLK FORM 0.1 Z X+0 Y+0 Z-20 Define the workpiece blank
2 BLK FORM 0.2 X+100 Y+100 Z+0
3 CYCL DEF 1.0 GENERATOR Cycle GENERATOR (see ”Cycle 1 GENERATOR” on page 133)
4 CYCL DEF 1.1 P-TAB HDH700 Select erosion table (here, table HDH700)
5 CYCL DEF 1.2 MAX=6 MIN=6 Set power stage (here, to stage 6)
6 TOOL DEF 6 L+0 R+15 Define electrode in the program
7 TOOL CALL 6 Z U+1.5 Call electrode in the infeed axis Z, undersize 1.5 mm
8 L Z+250 C+0 R0 F MAX M37 Set-up clearance; orient electrode; eroding OFF
9 CC X+50 Y+50 Define the circle center
10 L X-40 Y+50 R0 F MAX M Pre-position the tool
11 L Z-5 R0 F MAX M Move to working depth
12 L X+0 Y+50 RL M36 Move to first contour point with radius compensation; eroding ON
13 C X+100 Y+50 DR- R F M End point of first semicircle; clockwise rotation
14 C X+0 Y+50 DR- R F M End point of second semicircle; clockwise rotation
15 X-40 Y+50 R0 F MAX M37 Retract tool in the working plane; eroding OFF
16 L Z+250 F MAX Move electrode to set-up clearance; rapid traverse
17 END PGM C-CC MM End of program

106 6 Programming: Programming Contours

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.4 Path Contours — Cartesian Coordinates
Example: Circular movements with Cartesian coordinates

95

R3
85
R10

0
40

X
5 30 40 70 95

0 BEGIN PGM CIRCULAR MM

1 BLK FORM 0.1 Z X+0 Y+0 Z-20 Define blank form for graphic workpiece simulation
2 BLK FORM 0.2 X+100 Y+100 Z+0
3 CYCL DEF 1.0 GENERATOR Cycle GENERATOR (see ”Cycle 1 GENERATOR” on page 133)
4 CYCL DEF 1.1 P-TAB CUST1 Select erosion table (here, table CUST1)
5 CYCL DEF 1.2 MAX=6 MIN=6 Set power stage (here, to stage 6)
6 TOOL DEF 6 L+0 R+10 Define electrode in the program
7 TOOL CALL 6 Z U+1.5 Call electrode in the infeed axis Z, undersize 1.5 mm
8 L Z+100 C+0 R0 F MAX M37 Retract in the infeed axis; orient electrode; eroding OFF
9 L X-10 Y-10 R F MAX Pre-position in X and Y; rapid traverse
10 L Z-5 R0 F MAX M Move to working depth
11 L X+5 Y+5 RL F M36 Approach the contour at point 1 with radius compensation; eroding ON
12 L X+5 Y+85 R F M Point 2: first straight line for corner 2
13 RND R10 F Insert radius with R = 10 mm
14 L X+30 Y+85 R F M Move to point 3: Starting point of the arc with CR
15 CR X+70 Y+95 R+30 DR- Move to point 4: End point of the arc with CR, radius 30 mm
16 L X+95 R F M Move to point 5
17 L X+95 Y+40 R F M Move to point 6
18 CT X+40 Y+5 R F M Move to point 7: End point of the arc, radius with tangential
connection to point 6, TNC automatically calculates the radius

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 107

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.4 Path Contours — Cartesian Coordinates

19 L X+5 R F M Move to last contour point 1

20 L X-10 Y-10 R F M37 Retract tool in the working plane; eroding OFF
21 L Z+100 R0 F MAX Move electrode to set-up clearance; rapid traverse
22 END PGM CIRCULAR MM

108 6 Programming: Programming Contours

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.5 Path Contours — Polar

6.5 Path Contours — Polar Coordinates

Coordinates
Overview
With polar coordinates you can define a position in terms of its angle
PA and its distance PR relative to a previously defined pole CC (see
”Polar coordinates” on page 45).
Polar coordinates are useful with:
„ Positions on circular arcs
„ Workpiece drawing dimensions in degrees, e.g. bolt hole circles
Polar coordinates are identified with a P.

Overview of path functions with polar coordinates

Function Path function key Tool movement Required input
Line LP + Straight line Polar radius, polar angle of the
straight-line end point

Circular arc CP + Circular path around circle center/ Polar angle of the arc end point,
pole CC to arc end point direction of rotation

Circular arc CTP + Circular arc with tangential Polar radius, polar angle of the arc
connection to the preceding end point
contour element

Helical interpolation + Combination of a circular and a Polar radius, polar angle of the arc
linear movement end point, coordinate of the end
point in the tool axis

Polar coordinate origin: Pole CC

You can define the pole CC anywhere in the part program before
blocks containing polar coordinates. Enter the pole in Cartesian Y
coordinates as a circle center in a CC block.
8 Coordinates CC: Enter Cartesian coordinates for the
pole, or
If you want to use the last programmed position, do
not enter any coordinates. Before programming polar CC
coordinates, define the pole CC. You can only define YCC
the pole CC in Cartesian coordinates. The pole CC
remains in effect until you define a new pole CC.

Example NC blocks
12 CC X+45 Y+25 X
XCC

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 109

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.5 Path Contours — Polar Coordinates

Straight line LP
The electrode moves in a straight line from its current position to the
straight-line end point. The starting point is the end point of the
preceding block. Y
8 Polar coordinates radius PR: Enter the distance
from the pole CC to the straight-line end point.

30
8 Polar coordinates angle PA: Angular position of the 60°
straight-line end point between –360° and +360°. 60°

The sign of PA depends on the angle reference axis: 25

CC
„ Angle from angle reference axis to PR is counterclockwise: PA>0
„ Angle from angle reference axis to PR is clockwise: PA<0

Example NC blocks X
45
12 CC X+45 Y+25
13 LP PR+30 PA+0 RR F M
14 LP PR PA+60 R F M
15 LP PR IPA+60 R F M
16 LP PR PA+180 R F M

110 6 Programming: Programming Contours

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.5 Path Contours — Polar Coordinates
Circular path CP around pole CC
The polar coordinate radius PR is also the radius of the arc. It is defined
by the distance from the starting point to the pole CC. The last
programmed electrode position before the CP block is the starting Y
point of the arc.

If you are using an electrode with tool compensation in

the XY plane, you must rotate the electrode in synchrony
0
with the angle on circular arcs. For example, for a R2
semicircle you must rotate the C axis by 180° 25
(incremental). CC

8 Polar coordinates angle PA: Angular position of the

arc end point
8 Direction of rotation DR X
25
Example NC blocks
18 CC X+25 Y+25
19 LP PR+20 PA+0 RR F M
20 CP PA+180 DR+ R F M

„ For incremental coordinates, enter the same sign for

DR and PA.
„ For PA you may enter values from –5400 to +5400.
„ The end point of the circle may not be identical with the
starting point of the circle.

Full circle
For a full circle you must program the incremental polar coordinate
angle IPA with 360°. The electrode moves from the starting point Y
around the circle center CC.
The linear coordinate IC +360 rotates the electrode in synchrony with
the angle on the circular path.

You can only program a full circle with the incremental

CC
polar coordinate angle IPA. 25

Example NC blocks

5 CC X+25 Y+25
6 L X+45 Y+25 RR F M X
25 45
7 CP IPA +360 IC+360 DR+ R F M

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 111

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.5 Path Contours — Polar Coordinates

Circular path CTP with tangential connection

The tool moves on a circular path, starting tangentially from a
preceding contour element. Y
8 Polar coordinates radius PR: Distance from the arc
end point to the pole CC
8 Polar coordinates angle PA: Angular position of the 120°
arc end point

5
0
R3

R2
Example NC blocks 30°
35
12 CC X+40 Y+35 CC

13 L X+0 Y+35 RL F M
14 LP PR+25 PA+120 R F M
15 CTP PR+30 PA+30 R F M X
16 L Y+0 R F M 40

The pole CC is not the center of the contour arc!

112 6 Programming: Programming Contours

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.5 Path Contours — Polar Coordinates
Helical interpolation
A helix is a combination of a circular movement in a main plane and a
liner movement perpendicular to this plane.
Z
A helix is programmed only in polar coordinates.
Y CC
Application
„ Large-diameter internal and external threads
X
„ Lubrication grooves

Calculating the helix

To program a helix, you must enter the total angle through which the
tool is to move on the helix in incremental dimensions, and the total
height of the helix.
For calculating a helix that is to be cut in a upward direction, you need
the following data:
Thread revolutions n Thread revolutions + thread overrun at
the start and end of the thread
Total height h Thread pitch P times thread revolutions n
Incremental total Number of revolutions times 360° + angle for
angle IPA beginning of thread + angle for thread
overrun
Starting coordinate Z Pitch P times (thread revolutions + thread
overrun at start of thread)

Shape of the helix

The table below illustrates in which way the shape of the helix is
determined by the work direction, direction of rotation and radius
compensation.

Work Radius
Internal thread Direction
direction comp.
Right-handed Z+ DR+ RL
Left-handed Z+ DR– RR

Right-handed Z– DR RR
Left-handed Z– DR+ RL

External thread
Right-handed Z+ DR+ RR
Left-handed Z+ DR– RL

Right-handed Z– DR RL
Left-handed Z– DR+ RR

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 113

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.5 Path Contours — Polar Coordinates

Programming a helix

„ Always enter the same algebraic sign for the direction

of rotation DR and the incremental total angle IPA. The
tool may otherwise move in a wrong path and damage Z
the contour.
„ For the total angle IPA, you can enter values from Y
CC
–5400° to +5400°. If the thread has more than 15 R3

5
revolutions, program the helix in a program section 270°
repeat 25 X
(see ”Program Section Repeats” on page 176)
„ If you are using an electrode with tool compensation in
the XY plane, you must rotate the electrode in 40
synchrony with the angle on circular arcs. Enter the
same angle in incremental dimensions for the C axis as
for the total angle.

8 Polar coordinates angle: Enter the total angle of

tool traverse along the helix in incremental
dimensions. After entering the angle, identify the
tool axis with an axis selection key.
8 Coordinate: Enter the coordinate for the height of the
helix in incremental dimensions.
8 Enter the coordinate for the angle-synchronous
rotation of the electrode in incremental dimensions,
e.g., IC -1800.
8 Direction of rotation DR
Clockwise helix: DR–
Counterclockwise helix: DR+
8 Radius compensation RL/RR/R0
Enter the radius compensation according to the table
above.
Example NC blocks: Thread M6 x 1 mm with 5 revolutions

12 CC X+40 Y+25
13 L Z+0 R F M37
14 LP PR+3 PA+270 RL F M
15 CP IPA-1800 IZ+5 IC-1800 DR- R F M

114 6 Programming: Programming Contours

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.5 Path Contours — Polar Coordinates
Example: Linear movement with polar coordinates

Y
100
31
21
60°

5
R4
CC
50 1 41

61 51
5

X
5 50 100

0 BEGIN PGM LINEARPO MM

1 BLK FORM 0.1 Z X+0 Y+0 Z-20 Define the workpiece blank
2 BLK FORM 0.2 X+100 Y+100 Z+0
3 CYCL DEF 1.0 GENERATOR Cycle GENERATOR (see ”Cycle 1 GENERATOR” on page 133)
4 CYCL DEF 1.1 P-TAB CUST1 Select erosion table (here, table CUST1)
5 CYCL DEF 1.2 MAX=6 MIN=6 Set power stage
6 TOOL DEF 6 L+0 R+15 Define electrode in the program
7 TOOL CALL 6 Z U+1.5 Call electrode in the infeed axis, undersize 1.5 mm
8 CC X+50 Y+50 Define the datum for polar coordinates
9 L Z+100 C+0 R0 F MAX M37 Retract in the infeed axis; orient electrode; eroding OFF
10 LP PR+80 PA-190 R0 F MAX Pre-position in X and Y; rapid traverse
11 L Z-10 R0 F M Move to working depth
12 LP PR+45 PA+180 RL M36 Approach the contour at point 1 with radius compensation; eroding ON
13 LP PR PA+120 R F M Move to point 2
14 LP PR PA+60 R F M Move to point 3
15 LP PR PA+0 R F M Move to point 4
16 LP PR PA-60 R F M Move to point 5
17 LP PR PA-120 R F M Move to point 6
18 LP PR PA+180 R F M Move to point 1
19 LP PR+80 PA+170 R0 F MAX M37 Retract tool in the working plane; eroding OFF

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 115

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.5 Path Contours — Polar Coordinates

20 L Z+100 R0 F MAX M Move electrode to set-up clearance; rapid traverse

21 END PGM LINEARPO MM

116 6 Programming: Programming Contours

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.5 Path Contours — Polar Coordinates
Example: Helix

Right-handed internal thread M64 x 1.5 with

starting angle 0°, end angle 360° and 8 revolutions
nG. The thread overrun is 0.5 at both the start of
thread nS and end of thread nE. Y

The calculation of the entered values is explained 100

in ”Calculating the helix” on page 113.

M64 x 1,5
CC
50

X
50 100

0 BEGIN PGM HELIX MM

1 BLK FORM 0.1 Z X+0 Y+0 Z-20 Define the workpiece blank
2 BLK FORM 0.2 X+100 Y+100 Z+0
3 CYCL DEF 1.0 GENERATOR Cycle GENERATOR (see ”Cycle 1 GENERATOR” on page 133)
4 CYCL DEF 1.1 P-TAB HDH700 Select erosion table (here, table HDH700)
5 CYCL DEF 1.2 MAX=6 MIN=6 Set power stage
6 TOOL DEF 6 L+0 R+5 Define electrode in the program
7 TOOL CALL 6 Z U+1.5 Call electrode in the infeed axis Z, undersize 1.5 mm
8 L Z+100 C0 R0 F MAX M Retract in the infeed axis; orient electrode
9 L X+50 Y+50 R0 F MAX M Pre-position in X and Y; rapid traverse
10 CC Transfer the last programmed position as the pole
11 L Z-12.75 R F MAX M Move to working depth
12 LP PR+32 PA–180 RL F M36 Move to first contour point with radius compensation; eroding ON
13 CP IPA+3240 IZ+13.5 IC+3240 DR+ R F M Helical interpolation; also rotate electrode in angle synchronicity
14 L X+50 Y+50 R0 F MAX M37 Retract tool in the working plane; eroding OFF
15 L Z+100 F MAX Move electrode to set-up clearance; rapid traverse
16 END PGM HELIX MM

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 117

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
6.5 Path Contours — Polar Coordinates

To cut a thread with more than 16 revolutions

...
11 L Z-12.75 R0 F M
12 LP PR+32 PA–180 RL M36
13 LBL 1 Identify beginning of program section repeat
14 CP IPA+360 IZ+1.5 IC+360 DR+ R F M Enter the thread pitch as an incremental IZ dimension
15 CALL LBL 1 REP 24 Program the number of repeats (thread revolutions)
16 L X+50 Y+50 R0 F MAX M37

118 6 Programming: Programming Contours

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
7
Programming:
Miscellaneous functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
7.1 Entering Miscellaneous
7.1 Entering Miscellaneous Functions M and STOP

Functions M and STOP

Fundamentals
With the TNC’s miscellaneous functions – also called M functions –
you can affect:
„ Program run
„ Machine functions
„ Electrode behavior
An overview of how the miscellaneous functions are set in the TNC is
shown on the inside rear cover. This table shows if a function
becomes effective at the beginning or at the end of the block in which
it was programmed.
Answer the dialog question in the positioning block:

To enter the miscellaneous function, press the M soft

key.

MISCELLANEOUS FUNCTION M ?

38 Enter miscellaneous function, e.g. M38.

Entering an M function in a STOP block

MISCELLANEOUS FUNCTION M ?

39 Enter miscellaneous function, e.g. M39.

Example NC block
7 STOP M39

If you program a miscellaneous function in a STOP block, the program

run is interrupted at the block.

Certain miscellaneous functions do not work on certain

machines. There may also be additional miscellaneous
functions available which have been defined by the
machine tool builder.

120 7 Programming: Miscellaneous functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
7.1 Entering Miscellaneous Functions M and STOP
The program run or test run is interrupted when the NC block
containing the STOP function is reached.
You can also enter an M function in a STOP block.
If the program run is to be interrupted for a specified time, use Cycle
9 DWELL TIME (see also ”DWELL TIME (Cycle 9)” on page 171).

Enter STOP function

Select STOP function.

MISCELLANEOUS FUNCTION M ?

6 If desired: Enter miscellaneous function, e.g. M6

(electrode change).

Example NC block

7 STOP M6

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 121

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
7.2 Miscellaneous Functions for
7.2 Miscellaneous Functions for Program Run Control, Electrode and Flushing

Program Run Control, Electrode

and Flushing
Overview

M Effect Effective at block start end

M00 Stop program run „

M02 Stop program run „

Go to block 1
Clear the status display (dependent
on machine parameter 7300)

M03 Free rotation of the C axis (direction „

of rotation set by the machine tool
builder)

M04 Free rotation of the C axis (direction „

of rotation set by the machine tool
builder)

M05 Stop free rotation of the C axis „

M06 Electrode changing „

Program run stop (dependent on
machine parameter 7440)

M08 Flushing ON „

M09 Flushing OFF „

M13 Functionality of M03 + M08 „

M14 Functionality of M04 + M08 „

M30 Same as M02 „

122 7 Programming: Miscellaneous functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
7.3 Miscellaneous Functions for

7.3 Miscellaneous Functions for Contouring Behavior and Coordinate Data

Contouring Behavior and
Coordinate Data
Introduction
The following miscellaneous functions allow you to change the TNC’s
standard contouring behavior in certain situations:
„ Machining small contour steps
Y
„ Machining open contours
„ Entering machine-referenced coordinates
„ Retracting the electrode to the block starting point at the end of
block

Machining small contour steps: M97

Standard behavior (without M97) X
The TNC inserts a transition arc at outside corners. If the contour steps
are very small, however, the tool would damage the contour.
In such cases the TNC interrupts program run and generates the error
message ”Tool radius too large”.

Behavior with M97

The TNC calculates the intersection of the contour elements—as at Y
inside corners—and moves the tool over this point (see illustration
bottom right).
S S
Program M97 in the same block as the outside corner.
13 16 17

Effect
14 15
M97 is effective only in the blocks in which it is programmed.

A corner machined with M97 will not be completely

finished. You may wish to rework the contour with a X
smaller tool.

Example NC blocks
5 TOOL DEF L ... R+20 Large tool radius
...
13 L X ... Y ... R.. F .. M97 Move to contour point 13
14 L IY–0.5 .... R .. F.. Machine small contour step 13 to 14
15 L IX+100 ... Move to contour point 15
16 L IY+0.5 ... R .. F.. M97 Machine small contour step 15 to 16
17 L X .. Y ... Move to contour point 17

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 123

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
7.3 Miscellaneous Functions for Contouring Behavior and Coordinate Data

Machining open contours: M98

Standard behavior (without M98)
The TNC calculates the intersections of the electrode paths at inside
corners and moves the tool in the new direction at those points.
If the contour is open at the corners, however, this will result in
incomplete machining.

Behavior with M98

With the miscellaneous function M98, the TNC temporarily suspends
radius compensation to ensure that both corners are completely
machined.

Effect S S
M98 is effective only in the blocks in which it is programmed.
M98 takes effect at the end of block.

Example NC blocks
Move to the contour points 10, 11 and 12 in succession:

10 L X ... Y... RL F
11 L X... IY-... M98
12 L IX+ ...
10

Programming machine-referenced coordinates:

M91/M92
Scale reference point
The scales are provided with one or more reference marks. A
reference mark indicates the position of the scale reference point.
If the scale has only one reference mark, its position is the scale
reference point. If the scale has several (distance-coded) reference 11 12
marks, the scale reference point is the position of the left-most
reference mark (at the beginning of the measuring range).

Machine datum
The machine datum is required for the following tasks:
„ Defining the limits of traverse (software limit switches)
„ Moving to machine-referenced positions (such as tool change
positions)
„ Setting the workpiece datum
The distance in each axis from the scale reference point to the
machine datum is defined by the machine tool builder in a machine
parameter.

Standard behavior
The TNC references coordinates to the workpiece datum.

124 7 Programming: Miscellaneous functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
7.3 Miscellaneous Functions for Contouring Behavior and Coordinate Data
Behavior with M91 – Machine datum
If you want the coordinates in a positioning block to be referenced to X MP
the machine datum, end the block with M91. X(Z,Y)

The coordinate values on the TNC screen are referenced to the

machine datum. Switch the display of coordinates in the status display
to REF (see also ”Status Display” on page 9).

Behavior with M92 – Additional machine datum

X MP
In addition to the machine datum, the machine tool builder X(Z,Y)
can also define an additional machine-based position as a
reference point.
For each axis, the machine tool builder defines the
distance between the machine datum and this additional
machine datum. Refer to the machine manual for more
information.

If you want the coordinates in a positioning block to be based on the

additional machine datum, end the block with M92.

Radius compensation remains the same in blocks that are

programmed with M91 or M92. The tool length, however,
is not compensated.

Effect
M91 and M92 are effective only in the blocks in which they are
programmed.
Z

M91 and M92 take effect at the start of block.

Z

Workpiece datum Y
The position of the datum for the workpiece coordinates is defined in Y
the MANUAL OPERATION mode (see also ”Datum Setting” on page X
22). The user enters the coordinates of the datum for workpiece
machining in this mode.
X
Retracting electrode to block starting point at M
end of block: M93
Standard behavior
The TNC executes the NC blocks as programmed.

Behavior with M93

The TNC retracts the electrode at the end of a block and moves it back
to the starting point of this block. This function can be used not only
with linear but also with circular and helical movements.
M93 is effective only in the blocks in which it is programmed, and only
if M36 (eroding ON) is active.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 125

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
7.4 Vacant miscellaneous functions
7.4 Vacant miscellaneous functions

Vacant miscellaneous functions are defined by the machine tool

builder. They are described in your machine manual.

M Function Effective at block M Function Effective at block

start end start end
M01 „ M52 „

M07 „ M53 „

M10 „ M54 „

M11 „ M55 „

M12 „ M56 „

M15 „ M57 „

M16 „ M58 „

M17 „ M59 „

M18 „ M60 „

M19 „ M61 „

M20 „ M62 „

M21 „ M63 „

M22 „ M64 „

M23 „ M65 „

M24 „ M66 „

M25 „ M67 „

M26 „ M68 „

M27 „ M69 „

M28 „ M70 „

M29 „ M71 „

M31 „ M72 „

M32 „ M73 „

M33 „ M74 „

M34 „ M75 „

M35 „ M76 „

M40 „ M77 „

126 7 Programming: Miscellaneous functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
7.4 Vacant miscellaneous functions
M Function Effective at block M Function Effective at block
start end start end
M41 „ M78 „

M42 „ M79 „

M43 „ M80 „

M44 „ M81 „

M45 „ M82 „

M46 „ M83 „

M47 „ M84 „

M48 „ M85 „

M49 „ M86 „

M50 „ M87 „

M51 „ M88 „

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 127

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8
Programming: Cycles

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.1 General Overview of Cycles
8.1 General Overview of Cycles

Frequently recurring machining sequences which comprise several

working steps are stored in the TNC as standard cycles. To enter the
required data the user only has to respond to questions asked by the
TNC.
Cycles are divided into the following groups:
„ GENERATOR, for basic information on the eroding process.
„ CONTOUR, for machining closed contours.
„ DISK, which allows you to easily carry out many different tasks, and
EROSION TIME LIMIT, which depends on the DISK cycle.
„ TOOL DEF, which allows you to define electrodes with
compensation values.
„ Coordinate transformation cycles for shifting, rotating, mirroring,
enlarging and reducing contours.
„ Special cycles: dwell time and program call.

Prerequisites
Before a cycle call you must have programmed:
„ BLK FORM for graphic display
„ Electrode call
„ Positioning block for starting position X, Y
„ Positioning block for starting position Z (set-up clearance)

Start of effect
All cycles except PGM CALL go into effect as soon as they are
defined. PGM CALL must be called.

Dimensions in the electrode axis

Infeeds in the electrode axis always refer to the position of the
electrode at the moment the cycle is called. The TNC interprets the
coordinates as incremental dimensions; you do not have to press the
I key.

OEM cycles

The machine tool builder can prepare additional cycles and

store them in the TNC’s ROM. These cycles can be called
with the cycle numbers 30 to 99. Refer to your machine
tool manual.
The control goes to the first available OEM cycle when the
GOTO OEM CYCLE soft key is pressed.

130 8 Programming: Cycles

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.1 General Overview of Cycles
Programming a cycle
Press the CYCL DEF key to open the cycle directory. Select the
desired cycle and program it in the dialog. Using the DISK cycle as an
example, the flow chart illustrates how any cycle can be defined:

Open the cycle directory.

CYCL DEF 1 GENERATOR

Select, for example, Cycle 17 with the vertical arrow

keys.

The control goes to the first available OEM cycle

when the GOTO OEM CYCLE soft key is pressed.

17 Address the desired cycle directly with GOTO.

Confirm your entry with the ENT key.

CYCL DEF 17 DISK

Open selected cycle

ERODING AXIS AND DEPTH ?

-5 Enter the eroding axis and depth, e.g. Z = –5 mm.

Confirm your entry with the ENT key.

MISCELLANEOUS FUNCTION M ?

36 Enter a miscellaneous function, e.g. M36 (eroding

ON).

EXPANSION RADIUS ?

0 Enter expansion mode, e.g. 0.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 131

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.1 General Overview of Cycles

Example NC blocks
17.0 DISK
17.1 Z-5, M36
17.2 RAD=75, MOD=0

132 8 Programming: Cycles

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.2 Cycle 1 GENERATOR

8.2 Cycle 1 GENERATOR

Working with an erosion table

If you want to work with erosion tables in a program, you

must copy Cycle 1.0 GENERATOR into the program.

Program the following information in this cycle:

„ Which erosion table P-TAB you want to use
„ The maximum power stage MAX for subsequent machining
„ The minimum power stage MIN for subsequent machining
In a program run operating mode the TNC displays the highest and
lowest power stage after the GENERATOR cycle has been executed.

Working without an erosion table

If you are not working with an erosion table, do not copy Cycle 1.0
GENERATOR into the program. In this case you must enter the
erosion parameters in Q parameters Q90 to Q99.

To enter Cycle 1.0 GENERATOR

Open the cycle directory.

CYCL DEF 1 GENERATOR

Open selected cycle.

EROSION TABLE ?

5 Enter name of the erosion table, e.g. 5.

MAX. POWER STAGE ?

15 Enter the highest power stage for machining, e.g. 15.

MIN. POWER STAGE ?

2 Enter the lowest power stage for machining, e.g. 2.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 133

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.2 Cycle 1 GENERATOR

Example NC blocks
1.0 GENERATOR
1.1 P-TAB 5
1.2 MAX=15, MIN=2

Changing the power stage

The TNC stores the current power stage in Q parameter Q99. If you
want to change the power the stage, assign to Q99 the value of the
new power stage.

Example NC block
Desired power stage = 12

FN 0: Q99 = 12

134 8 Programming: Cycles

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.3 Electrode Definition

8.3 Electrode Definition

Cycle 3 TOOL DEF
Just as in the NC block TOOL DEF, you can define the number and
radius of an electrode in Cycle 3 TOOL DEF. In addition you can enter
a tool compensation value.
In Cycle 3 TOOL DEF you enter the
„ Tool number T from 1 to 9 999
„ Tool radius R in mm (R > 0)
„ Tool compensation for up to four axes (in mm)

Sign for tool compensation

„ To compensate the tool from the tool datum in the direction of the
positive coordinate axis: compensation value > 0
„ To compensate the tool from the tool datum in the direction of the
negative coordinate axis: compensation value < 0

Determine the compensation values for Cycle 3 TOOL

DEF at 0° angular position so that compensation will be
activated with the correct values in the working plane
when the C axis is rotated.

To enter Cycle 3 TOOL DEF

Open the cycle directory.

CYCL DEF 1 GENERATOR

3 Go to Cycle 3.0 TOOL DEF.

Confirm your entry with the ENT key.

CYCL DEF 3 TOOL DEF

Select Cycle 3.0 TOOL DEF.

TOOL NUMBER ?

5 Enter tool number, e.g. T = 5.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 135

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.3 Electrode Definition

TOOL RADIUS ?

10 Enter tool radius, e.g. R = 10 mm.

TOOL COMP. ?

-10 Enter the coordinate axes and compensation values

(for example, X = – 10 mm).
Confirm your entry with the ENT key.

-5 Enter the coordinate axes and compensation values

(for example, Z = – 5 mm).
Confirm your entry with the ENT key.
e
Press END when you have entered all compensation
values.
ZK

Example NC blocks XK
Z
3.0 CYCL DEF TOOL DEF
Y
3.1 CYCL DEF T=5 R+10 X

3.2 CYCL DEF X-10 Z-5

Circular path with electrode compensation

If you enter an electrode compensation, you must rotate the electrode
in synchrony with the angle on circular arcs. For example, for a
semicircle you must rotate the C axis by 180°.

136 8 Programming: Cycles

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.4 Erosion Cycles

8.4 Erosion Cycles

Overview
The TNC offers five erosion cycles:
„ Cycle 14 CONTOUR GEOMETRY
„ Cycle 16 ORBIT
„ Cycle 17 DISK
„ Cycle 2 ERO.TIME LIM.
„ Cycle 4 SPARK-OUT TIME

Cycle 14 CONTOUR GEOMETRY

The CONTOUR GEOMETRY cycle is a machining cycle. You use it to
cyclically erode a closed contour in the working plane with the
programmed feed rate. Gap control is effective in the eroding axis
which you defined in the cycle. You define the contour to be eroded in
a separate program. After the programmed eroding depth is reached
and the defined sparking-out distance is traversed, the TNC ends the
erosion cycle. The electrode does not retract automatically.
In Cycle 14 CONTOUR GEOMETRY you enter the
„ Eroding axis
„ Eroding depth
„ Miscellaneous function M
„ Contour program PGM
„ Sparking-out distance in percent PRC
If necessary, you may also use Q parameters for the cycle definition
of the eroding depth and the sparking-out distance.

Eroding axis and depth

The eroding axis determines the coordinate axis parallel to which
eroding takes place in the ”depth.”
The sign of the eroding depth determines whether the working
direction is the direction of the positive coordinate axis (depth +) or of
the negative coordinate axis (depth –).
You can enter the eroding depth in absolute or incremental
dimensions.

Miscellaneous function M
You can enter a miscellaneous function in Cycle 14 CONTOUR
GEOMETRY, such as M36 (eroding ON).

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 137

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.4 Erosion Cycles

Contouring program PGM

The cycle parameter PGM determines the contouring program that is
to be used by the TNC.

Requirements for the contouring program:

„ The contour programmed in the contouring program
must be a closed contour, such as a rectangle.
„ The start of the contour should be in the middle, so that
the contour is scalable with Cycle 11.
„ No coordinates may be programmed for the eroding axis
in the contouring program. The eroding axis and eroding
depth are specified in Cycle 14.
„ No M functions that cause a geometry reset, such as
M02 or M30, may be programmed in the contouring
program.

Sparking-out distance in percent PRC

This parameter determines how far the TNC should retract for
sparking-out after having reached the eroding depth. The value is to be
entered as a percentage of the total contour length.

138 8 Programming: Cycles

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.4 Erosion Cycles
Cycle 16 ORBIT
Z
The ORBIT cycle is a machining cycle which facilitates programming UM
of spark-out behavior and movement of the electrode. 2
Re
In Cycle 16 ORBIT you enter the
„ Eroding axis
V
„ Eroding depth
„ Miscellaneous function M
„ Expansion radius RAD
„ Rotational direction DIR
RAD
„ Expansion mode PAT
„ Spark-out mode SPO UNS X
2 D
If necessary, you may also use Q parameters for the cycle definition.

Eroding axis and depth

The eroding axis determines the coordinate axis parallel to which
eroding takes place in the ”depth.”
The sign of the eroding depth determines whether the working
direction is the direction of the positive coordinate axis (depth +) or of
the negative coordinate axis (depth –).
You can enter the eroding depth in absolute or incremental
dimensions.

Miscellaneous function M
You can enter a miscellaneous function in Cycle 16 ORBIT, such as
M36 (eroding ON).

Expansion radius RAD

The TNC feeds the electrode in radial direction (perpendicular to the
eroding depth) by the value of the expansion radius.

The electrode radius Re must be larger than the expansion

radius RAD. Otherwise the pocket (disk) will not be
completely eroded.

Calculating the expansion radius RAD

If the diameter D of the disk is known, you can calculate the expansion
radius RAD from the following data:
„ Diameter D of the disk
„ Electrode undersize UM
„ Electrode minimum undersize UNS
„ Electrode radius Re
RAD = 0.5 • (UM – UNS) = 0.5 • D – Re – 0.5 • UNS

Rotational direction DIR

Counterclockwise erosion movement: DIR = 0
Clockwise erosion movement: DIR = 1

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 139

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.4 Erosion Cycles

Expansion mode PAT

The expansion mode PAT determines the movement of the electrode
during erosion.
„ PAT = 0: Circular expansion (top illustration)
From the starting depth S the electrode moves along the surface of S
a circular cone until it reaches the programmed eroding depth T and
the expansion radius RAD. The gap is controlled along an angular
vector. The electrode is retracted to the starting point along a
diagonal path.
„ PAT = 1: Quadratic expansion (center illustration) T
Same as PAT = 0, but with quadratic expansion instead of circular
expansion.
„ PAT = 2: Circular orbital sinking (bottom illustration)
The electrode moves from the starting point S by the expansion
radius RAD in radial direction. It then follows a circular path until
RAD
reaching the eroding depth. The gap is controlled only in the eroding
axis. The electrode is retracted to the starting point along a diagonal
path.
„ PAT = 3: Quadratic orbital sinking
Same as PAT = 2, but with quadratic sinking instead of circular
sinking.
„ PAT = 4: Circular expansion in two phases
1.) From the starting depth S the electrode moves along the surface S
of a circular cone (0° direction) until it reaches the programmed
eroding depth T and the expansion radius RAD. The gap is controlled
along an angular vector.
2.) At the eroding depth T, expansion is carried out in a circular path
with radius = entered end radius. The gap is controlled along the
circular path. The electrode is retracted first along the erosion path
and then diagonally back to the starting point. T
„ PAT = 5: Quadratic expansion in two phases
Same as PAT = 4, but with quadratic expansion instead of circular
expansion.
„ PAT = 6: Circular expansion in two phases
1.) From the starting depth S the electrode moves along the surface
RAD
of a circular cone (0° direction) until it reaches the programmed
eroding depth T and the expansion radius RAD. The gap is controlled
along an angular vector.
2.) At the eroding depth T, expansion is carried out in a circular path
with radius = entered end radius. The gap is controlled along the
circular path. The electrode is retracted to the starting point along a
diagonal path.
„ PAT = 7: Quadratic expansion in two phases S
Same as PAT = 6, but with quadratic expansion instead of circular
expansion.
T
There is the danger of collision if retraction to the starting
point follows a diagonal vector.
Select an electrode radius Re greater than the expansion
radius RAD for the corresponding expansion modes.

RAD

140 8 Programming: Cycles

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.4 Erosion Cycles
Spark-out mode SPO
The spark-out mode SPO determines the manner and duration of the
spark-out.
„ SPO = 0: Fast sparking-out
Spark-out depends on the end radius and machine parameter
MP2110, or, if Cycle 4 SPARK-OUT is defined, on the parameters in
Cycle 4.
„ SPO = 1: Sparking-out
Spark-out begins when the end radius has been reached, and the
electrode has been in free run for 1.25 orbits.

Feed rates for eroding with Cycle 14 ORBIT

The feed rate for rotary motion is the same as the last-programmed
feed rate. It is limited by user parameters MP1092 to MP1097.
The feed rate in the tool axis direction is determined by the gap
control.

Standard behavior with short circuit

In the event of a short circuit, the electrode is stopped and retracted
along the infeed vector.
Once the short circuit is eliminated, the TNC moves the electrode back
along the infeed vector toward the workpiece but stops a certain
distance before the point where the short circuit occurred (this
distance is defined in parameter MP2050).

The machine tool builder may have specified a different

retraction behavior in the event of short circuiting than is
described here.
Refer to your machine tool manual.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 141

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.4 Erosion Cycles

Cycle 17 DISK
Z
The DISK cycle is a machining cycle. It facilitates the sparking-out UM
behavior and movement of the electrode. 2
You can use the DISK cycle to develop machining sequences such as Re
for conical cavities (see Chapter 7).
In Cycle 17 DISK you enter the V
„ Eroding axis
„ Eroding depth
„ Miscellaneous function M
„ Expansion radius RAD RAD
„ Expansion mode MOD UNS X
If necessary, you may also use Q parameters for the cycle definition. 2 D

Eroding axis and depth

The eroding axis determines the coordinate axis parallel to which
eroding takes place in the ”depth.”
The sign of the eroding depth determines whether the working
direction is the direction of the positive coordinate axis (depth +) or of
the negative coordinate axis (depth –).
You can enter the eroding depth in absolute or incremental
dimensions.

Miscellaneous function M
You can enter a miscellaneous function in Cycle 17 DISK, such as M36
(eroding ON).

Expansion radius RAD

The TNC feeds the electrode in radial direction (perpendicular to the
eroding depth) by the value of the expansion radius.

The electrode radius Re must be larger than the expansion

radius RAD. Otherwise the pocket (disk) will not be
completely eroded.

Calculating the expansion radius RAD

If the diameter D of the disk is known, you can calculate the expansion
radius RAD from the following data:
„ Diameter D of the disk
„ Electrode undersize UM
„ Electrode minimum undersize UNS
„ Electrode radius Re
RAD = 0.5 • (UM – UNS) = 0.5 • D – Re – 0.5 • UNS

Expansion mode MOD

The expansion mode MOD determines the movement of the
electrode while eroding. MOD also influences sparking out and the
retraction movement.

142 8 Programming: Cycles

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.4 Erosion Cycles
Differences with sparking out
„ Fast sparking-out (MOD = 0 to 3)
The TNC ends the cycle when the electrode reaches the final vector
V and has eroded one full orbit at the final depth.
S
„ Complete sparking-out (MOD = 4 to 7)
The TNC ends the cycle when the electrode reaches the final vector
V and has eroded 1.25 orbits at the final depth.
Types of electrode movement
T
„ Circular expansion (MOD = 0 and 4)
From the starting depth S the electrode moves along the surface of
a circular cone until it reaches the programmed eroding depth T and
the expansion radius RAD (see top illustration).
„ Square expansion (MOD = 1 and 5)
From the starting depth S the electrode moves along the surface of RAD
a square-base pyramid until it reaches the programmed eroding
depth T and the expansion radius RAD (see center illustration).
„ Orbital sinking (MOD = 2 and 6)
The electrode moves from the starting point S by the expansion
radius RAD in radial direction. It then follows a radial path until
reaching the eroding depth. After reaching the eroding depth T, the S
TNC moves the electrode to the starting point S on a diagonal path.
„ Orbital sinking (MOD = 3 and 7)
The electrode moves from the starting point S by the expansion
radius RAD in radial direction. It then follows a radial path until
reaching the eroding depth (see bottom illustration). After reaching
the eroding depth T, the TNC moves the electrode to the starting
point S on a diagonal path. T
Overview of expansion modes

Movement Sparking-out Mode

Circular expansion Fast 0
Complete 4 RAD

Quadratic Fast 1
expansion Complete 5

Orbital sinking Fast, with diagonal retraction 2

Complete, with vertical 6
retraction
S
Orbital sinking Fast, with diagonal retraction 3
Complete, with vertical 7
retraction
T

Feed rates for eroding with Cycle 17 DISK

The feed rate for rotary motion is the same as the last-programmed
feed rate. It is limited by user parameters MP1092 to MP1097.
The feed rate in the tool axis direction is determined by the gap
control.
RAD

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 143

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.4 Erosion Cycles

Standard behavior with short circuit

In the event of a short circuit, the electrode is stopped and retracted
along the infeed vector.
Once the short circuit is eliminated, the TNC moves the electrode back
along the infeed vector toward the workpiece but stops a certain
distance before the point where the short circuit occurred (this
distance is defined in parameter MP2050).

The machine tool builder may have specified a different

retraction behavior in the event of short circuiting than is
described here.
Refer to your machine tool manual.

144 8 Programming: Cycles

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.4 Erosion Cycles
Cycle 2 ERO.TIME LIM.
Cycle 2 ERO.TIME LIM. (Erosion Time Limit) defines the duration of
eroding for:
„ Cycle 16 ORBIT
„ Cycle 17 ORBIT
„ Miscellaneous function M93
During eroding, the TNC interrupts machining when the programmed
eroding time is reached.
Enter the eroding time T in minutes in Cycle 2 ERO.TIME LIM.

„ Within the program, Cycle 2 ERO.TIME LIM must be

located before Cycle 17 DISK or Cycle 16 ORBIT, or
before the positioning block with M93.
„ Cycle 2 ERO.TIME LIM. influences Q parameter Q153.

To enter Cycle 2 ERO.TIME LIM.

Open the cycle directory.

CYCL DEF 1 GENERATOR

Select Cycle 2.0 ERO.TIME LIM.

ERODING-TIME (MIN) ?

15 Enter eroding time T, e.g. T = 15 min.

Example NC blocks

2.0 CYCL DEF ERO.TIME LIM.

2.1 CYCL DEF T=15

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 145

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.4 Erosion Cycles

Cycle 4 SPARK-OUT TIME

The SPARK-OUT TIME cycle determines how long sparking-out
should last.

The defined spark-out time remains effective until you

enter a new Cycle 4, or a new program is selected in a
Program Run mode. Then the spark-out time set in
MP2110 is once again effective.

To enter Cycle 4 SPARK-OUT TIME

Open the cycle directory.

CYCL DEF 1 GENERATOR

Select Cycle 4.0 SPARK-OUT TIME.

SPARKING-OUT TIME IN SECS. ?

5 Enter the spark-out time T in seconds (for

example,T = 5 seconds).

Example NC blocks

4.0 CYCL DEF SPARK-OUT TIME

4.1 CYCL DEF T=5

146 8 Programming: Cycles

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.4 Erosion Cycles
Example for Cycle 3 TOOL DEF

A cavity is to be eroded with the electrode in the

drawing at right.
Coordinates of the cavity X = Y = 50 mm
Depth of the cavity Z = – 5 mm e

Tool compensation for Xk = – 10 mm

Zk = + 5 mm ZK
The TNC automatically takes account of the
compensation values in the program. You only
have to enter the actual coordinates for the
position of the cavity, and the eroding depth. XK
Z

Y
X

Program section:

•
•
•
11 CYCL DEF 3.1 TOOL DEF Cycle 3 TOOL DEF
12 CYCL DEF 3.1 T1 R+0 Tool number, tool radius
13 CYCL DEF 3.2 X–10 Z+5 Compensation values
14 TOOL CALL 1 Z U+0.1 Tool call
15 L X+50 Y+50 Z+2 Pre-position
16 L Z–5 M36 Eroding
•
•
•

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 147

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.4 Erosion Cycles

Example for Cycle 14 CONTOUR GEOMETRY

The program GEOMETR describes the geometry

of the contour.
The program is called through Cycle 14 CONTOUR
GEOMETRY.
r = 25 mm
The form electrode moves into the material step-
by-step according to counting parameter Q5.
The scaling factor is decreased after each infeed,
resulting in the diagonal side wall.
Machine parameter MP7410=1, meaning the
scaling factor does not apply to the Z axis.

12 mm

Main program:

0 BEGIN PGM POCKET MM Start of program

1 BLK FORM 0.1 Z X-50 Y-50 Z-30 Define the workpiece blank
2 BLK FORM 0.2 X+50 Y+50 Z+0
3 CYCL DEF 1.0 GENERATOR Cycle GENERATOR (see ”Cycle 1 GENERATOR” on page 133)
4 CYCL DEF 1.1 P-TAB HDH700 Select erosion table (here, table HDH700)
5 CYCL DEF 1.2 MAX=13 MIN=13 Select power stage 13
6 TOOL DEF 1 L+0 R+3 Define the tool
7 TOOL CALL 1 Z U+0 Tool call
8 L Z+50 C+0 R F M37 Set-up clearance, orient electrode, eroding OFF
9 L X+0 Y+0 Z+1 R F M Pre-positioning
10 FN 0: Q5 = +8 Counting parameter
11 FN 0: Q1 = +1 Scaling factor
12 FN 0: Q10= +25 Contour radius (semicircle)
13 FN 4: Q12= +Q10 DIV +2 Auxiliary parameters for pre-positioning in Y direction
14 FN 0: Q4 = +80 Parameter for spark-out distance in percent

148 8 Programming: Cycles

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.4 Erosion Cycles
15 FN 16: Q11 = Q200(Q99) The diametrical gap according to the current power stage is
assigned to Q11 (see ”Indexed assignment” on page 198).
16 FN3 Q11 = Q11 * 0.8 Calculation of the vertical gap
17 L Z+Q11 R0 F M36 Pre-positioning with vertical gap; eroding ON
18 LBL 1 Label number
19 CYCL DEF 11.0 SCALING SCALING cycle
20 CYCL DEF 11.1 SCL Q1 (see ”SCALING FACTOR (Cycle 11)” on page 160)
21 L IY+Q12 R F M Pre-positioning
22 CYCL DEF 14.0 CONTOUR GEOMETRY Cycle 14 Contour Geometry (see ”Cycle 14 CONTOUR
GEOMETRY” on page 137)
23 CYCL DEF 14.1 IZ-1.5 M36 Incremental eroding depth, eroding ON
24 CYCL DEF 14.2 PGM GEOMETR Name of the contour program
25 CYCL DEF 14.3 PRC=Q4 Spark-out distance in percent
26 L IY-Q12 R F M37 Retract, eroding OFF
27 FN 2: Q1 = +Q1 - +0.1 New scaling factor
28 FN 2: Q5 = +Q5 - +1 Decrease counter
29 IF +Q5 NE +0 GOTO LBL 1 Jump to LBL1 if counter does not equal zero
30 L Z+50 R0 FMAX M37 Set-up clearance, eroding OFF
31 END PGM POCKET MM End of program

Contour program:

0 BEGIN PGM GEOMETR MM

1 CC IX+0 IY+0 Current position as center of circle
2 FN 3: Q11= +Q10 * +2 Calculate diameter
3 L IX+Q10 IY+0 R F M Traverse contour (block 3 to 5)
4 C IX-Q11 IY+0 DR- R F M
5 L IX+Q10 R F M
6 END PGM GEOMETR MM

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 149

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.4 Erosion Cycles

Practice examples: Eroding with Cycle 16 ORBIT

Workpiece geometry
Z
Cavity diameter D = 24 mm
Eroding depth T = –10 mm

Electrode data
Cylindrical electrode Y
Electrode radius Re = 9.9 mm X
Electrode undersize U = 4.2 mm
Determining the eroding gap B through indexed
assignment
m
24 m
Calculation of the expansion radius Z

Expansion radius for Cycle 16 ORBIT

RAD = 0.5 • (UM – UNS)
RAD = 0.5 • D – Re – 0.5 • UNS Y
Example 1, top illustration: X
Pre-position over the workpiece surface, circular
expansion.
Example 2, bottom illustration:
m
24 m
Erode to –10 mm depth, circular expansion
without pecking.

Cycle 16 ORBIT in the part program, example 1

0 BEGIN PGM EX1 MM

1 BLK FORM 0.1 Z X+0 Y+0 Z–20
2 BLK FORM 0.2 X+100 Y+100 Z+0
3 CYCL DEF 1.0 GENERATOR Cycle GENERATOR (see ”Cycle 1 GENERATOR” on page 133)
4 CYCL DEF 1.1 P-TAB CUST1 Desired erosion table
5 CYCL DEF 1.2 MAX=10 MIN=5 Maximum power stage = 10, minimum power stage = 5
6 TOOL DEF 1 L+0 R+9.9 Electrode radius
7 TOOL CALL 1 Z U+4.2 Undersize
8 L Z+50 C+0 R0 F MAX M37 Pre-position to set-up clearance, eroding OFF
9 L X+50 Y+50 Z+1 R F MAX Pre-position over the workpiece surface
10 FN 0: Q1 = +11 Assign incremental depth to Q1
11 LBL1 Label number
12 FN16: Q10 = Q200(Q99) The diametrical gap according to the current power stage is
assigned to Q10 (see ”Indexed assignment” on page 198)
13 FN2: Q9 = +Q158 - +Q10 Electrode undersize UM minus electrode undersize UNS

150 8 Programming: Cycles

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.4 Erosion Cycles
14 FN4: Q8 = +Q9 DIV +2 Calculation of the expansion radius RAD
15 FN3: Q7 = +Q10 * +0.8 Calculation of the vertical gap
16 FN2: Q6 = +Q1 - +Q7 Decrease incremental depth by the vertical gap
17 CYCL DEF 16.0 ORBIT Cycle ORBIT (see ”Cycle 16 ORBIT” on page 139)
18 CYCL DEF 16.1 IZ–Q6 M36 Incremental eroding depth IZ=–Q6, eroding ON
19 CYCL DEF 16.2 RAD=Q8 DIR=0 Expansion radius RAD=Q8, erosion movement
counterclockwise DIR=0
20 CYCL DEF 16.3 PAT=0 SPO=0 Circular expansion PAT=0, spark-out mode SPO=0
21 IF +Q99 EQU +Q151 GOTO LBL 99 Inquiry if minimum power stage has been reached
22 FN 2: Q99= +Q99 - +1 Decrease current power stage by 1
23 FN 9: IF +0 EQU +0 GOTO LBL 1 Jump to LBL1, machine again with lower power stage
24 LBL 99 LBL 99 is reached when machining with the lowest
power stage is completed
25 L Z+50 R0 F MAX M37 Retract to set-up clearance, eroding OFF
26 END PGM EXORB1 MM

Cycle 16 ORBIT in the part program, example 2

0 BEGIN PGM EX2 MM

1 BLK FORM 0.1 Z X+0 Y+0 Z–20
2 BLK FORM 0.2 X+100 Y+100 Z+0
3 CYCL DEF 1.0 GENERATOR Cycle GENERATOR (see ”Cycle 1 GENERATOR” on page 133)
4 CYCL DEF 1.1 P-TAB CUST1 Desired erosion table
5 CYCL DEF 1.2 MAX=10 MIN=5 Maximum power stage = 10, minimum power stage = 5
6 TOOL DEF 1 L+0 R+9.9 Electrode radius
7 TOOL CALL 1 Z U+4.2 Undersize
8 L Z+50 C+0 R0 F MAX M37 Pre-position to setup clearance, eroding OFF
9 L X+50 Y+50 Z+1 R F MAX Pre-position over the workpiece surface
10 FN 0: Q1 = +11 Assign incremental depth to Q1
11 LBL1 Label number
12 FN16: Q10 = Q200(Q99) The diametrical gap according to the current power stage is
assigned to Q10 (see ”Indexed assignment” on page 198)
13 FN2: Q9 = +Q158 - +Q10 Electrode undersize UM minus electrode undersize UNS
14 FN4: Q8 = +Q9 DIV +2 Calculation of the expansion radius RAD
15 FN3: Q7 = +Q10 * +0.8 Calculation of the vertical gap
16 FN2: Q6 = +Q1 - +Q7 Decrease incremental depth by the vertical gap
17 L IZ - +Q6 R0 F M36 Erode to end depth, eroding ON
18 CYCL DEF 16.0 ORBIT Cycle ORBIT (see ”Cycle 16 ORBIT” on page 139)
19 CYCL DEF 16.1 IZ+0 M36 Erode to end depth, eroding ON

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 151

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.4 Erosion Cycles

20 CYCL DEF 16.2 RAD=Q8 DIR=0 Expansion radius RAD=Q8, erosion movement
counterclockwise DIR=0
21 CYCL DEF 16.3 PAT=0 SPO=0 Circular expansion PAT=0, spark-out mode SPO=0
22 IF +Q99 EQU +Q151 GOTO LBL 99 Inquiry if minimum power stage has been reached
23 FN 2: Q99= +Q99 - +1 Decrease current power stage by 1
24 FN 9: IF +0 EQU +0 GOTO LBL 1 Jump to LBL1, machine again with lower power stage
25 LBL 99 LBL 99 is reached when machining with the lowest
power stage is completed
26 L Z+50 R0 F MAX M37 Retract to set-up clearance, eroding OFF
27 END PGM EX2 MM

152 8 Programming: Cycles

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.4 Erosion Cycles
Practice examples: Eroding with Cycle 17 DISK

Workpiece geometry
Cavity diameter D = 24 mm Z
Eroding depth T = –10 mm

Electrode data
Cylindrical electrode Y
Electrode radius Re = 9.9 mm X
Electrode undersize U = 4.2 mm
Width of the erosion gap B= 0.1 mm

Calculation of the expansion radius m

24 m
Z
Expansion radius for Cycle 17 DISK
RAD = (0.5 • 4.2 mm) – 0.1 mm = 2 mm

Example 1, top illustration: Y

Pre-position over the workpiece surface, circular
X
expansion.

Example 2, bottom illustration:

m
Erode to –10 mm depth, circular expansion 24 m
without pecking.

Cycle 17 DISK in the part program, example 1

0 BEGIN PGM EXDISK1 MM

1 BLK FORM 0.1 Z X+0 Y+0 Z–20
2 BLK FORM 0.2 X+100 Y+100 Z+0
3 CYCL DEF 1.0 GENERATOR Cycle GENERATOR (see ”Cycle 1 GENERATOR” on page 133)
4 CYCL DEF 1.1 P-TAB CUST1 Desired erosion table
5 CYCL DEF 1.2 MAX=8 MIN=8 Select power stage
6 TOOL DEF 1 L+0 R+9.9 Electrode length, electrode radius
7 TOOL CALL 1 Z U+4.2 Undersize
8 L X+50 Y+50 Z+1 R0 F MAX Pre-positioning
9 CYCL DEF 17.0 DISK Cycle 17 DISK (see ”Cycle 17 DISK” on page 142)
10 CYCL DEF 17.1 Z–10 R F M36 Eroding depth Z = –10 mm, eroding ON
11 CYCL DEF 17.2 RAD=2 MOD=0 Expansion radius RAD = 2 mm, circular expansion
13 L Z+100 R F MAX M37 Retract to set-up clearance, eroding OFF
14 END PGM EXDISK1 MM

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 153

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.4 Erosion Cycles

Cycle 17 DISK in the part program, example 2

0 BEGIN PGM EXDISK2 MM

1 BLK FORM 0.1 Z X+0 Y+0 Z–20
2 BLK FORM 0.2 X+100 Y+100 Z+0
3 CYCL DEF 1.0 GENERATOR Cycle GENERATOR (see ”Cycle 1 GENERATOR” on page 133)
4 CYCL DEF 1.1 P-TAB 20 Desired erosion table
5 CYCL DEF 1.2 MAX=8 MIN=8 Select power stage
6 TOOL DEF 1 L+0 R+9.9 Electrode length, electrode radius
7 TOOL CALL 1 Z U+4.2 Undersize
8 L X+50 Y+50 Z+1 R0 F MAX M Pre-position over the workpiece surface
9 L Z-10 R F M36 Erode to end depth, eroding ON
9 CYCL DEF 17.0 DISK Cycle 17 DISK
10 CYCL DEF 17.1 IZ+0 M36 Incremental eroding depth, eroding ON
11 CYCL DEF 17.2 RAD=2 MOD=0 Expansion radius RAD= 2 mm, circular expansion
13 L Z+100 R F MAX M37 Retract to set-up clearance, eroding OFF
14 END PGM EXDISK2 MM

154 8 Programming: Cycles

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.5 Coordinate Transformation

8.5 Coordinate Transformation Cycles

Cycles
Cycles for electrode definition
You can enter electrode data in this cycle in a manner similar to the NC
function TOOL DEF.
In addition, you can program an electrode compensation in up to four
axes.

Coordinate transformation cycles

Once a contour has been programmed, you can position it on the Y Y
workpiece at various locations and in different sizes through the use
of coordinate transformations.
For example you can
„ Move a contour: DATUM SHIFT (Cycle 7)
X X
„ Mirror a contour: MIRROR IMAGE (Cycle 8)
„ Rotate a contour: ROTATION (Cycle 10)
„ Reduce or increase the size of a contour: SCALING FACTOR (Cycle
11) Y Y

The original contour must be marked in the main part program as a

subprogram or program section repeat.
In addition, the function ”Tilt working plane” can be used to execute
Cycle 16 ORBIT, Cycle 17 DISK or an OEM cycle in a tilted system of
X X
coordinates.

Canceling coordinate transformations

You can cancel a coordinate transformation in the following ways:
„ Define cycles for basic behavior with a new value, such as scaling
factor 1.0
„ Execute the miscellaneous function M02 or M30, or an END PGM
block (depending on machine parameters)
„ Select a new program

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 155

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.5 Coordinate Transformation Cycles

DATUM SHIFT (Cycle 7)

Application
Machining operations can be repeated at various locations on the Z
workpiece with a datum shift.

Effect
Y Z
When the DATUM shift cycle is defined, all coordinate data is based Y
on the new datum. X
The datum shift is indicated in the status display with the index T by
the shifted axes.
X
Input
Enter the coordinates of the new datum (zero point) for up to 5 axes.
Absolute values are referenced to the zero point, which is determined
by the manual datum setting. Incremental values are referenced to the
datum which was last valid (this may be a datum which has already
been shifted).
If you are working with the datum table, enter the name of the datum
(with the # key) from the table and the name of the datum table from
which the TNC is to activate the datum shift. If you do not enter a Z
name, the TNC automatically uses the datum table 0.D. A selected
datum table remains active until you activate another table at a later
stage in the program.
Y
The status display STATUS COORD. TRANSF. shows you the datum
table and the datum number that are currently active.

Cancellation Y X
A datum shift is canceled by entering the datum shift coordinates 0, or
with the number #0.
X
If you combine coordinate transformations, note that the
datum shift must be programmed before other
transformations.

IY
X
IX

156 8 Programming: Cycles

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.5 Coordinate Transformation Cycles
Working with datum tables
The TNC can store several datum tables. Depending on the
configuration of your machine tool, a new datum table includes four or
five axes.
Editing a datum table:
8 Press the PGM NAME or PGM MGT key in the PROGRAMMING
AND EDITING mode of operation.
8 Enter the name of the datum table.
The selected datum table appears on the screen. You can store the
coordinates for up to 999 datum points in this table. If necessary,
you can enlarge the table with the INSERT soft key, and enter the
desired datum number in column D.
The TNC writes the datum number and coordinates in the
Q parameters Q80 to Q85.
With the miscellaneous functions M38 and M39 you can write
coordinates to and from the active datum table. M38 and M39 allow
you to store any positions as datum points in the table 0.D (see also
”Q parameters for the datum table: Q81 to Q84” on page 206).
Depending on the setting of user parameter 7411, a datum shift in the
fourth axis will also result in a rotation (see also ”Selecting the General
User Parameters” on page 246).
If the tool axis is not the Z axis, C from the datum table will only result
in a shift, not a rotation.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 157

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.5 Coordinate Transformation Cycles

MIRROR IMAGE (Cycle 8)

Function
Z
The TNC can machine the mirror image of a contour in the working
plane.
Y
Input X
Enter the axis that you wish to mirror.
The tool axis cannot be mirrored.

Cancellation
The cycle is canceled by replying with NO ENT to the dialog question.

Effect
The mirror image cycle becomes effective as soon as it is defined in
the program. The mirrored axis is indicated in the status display with
the index S by the mirrored axes.
„ When one axis is mirrored, the machining direction of the electrode Z
is reversed.
„ If two axes are mirrored, the machining direction remains the same. Y

The mirror image depends on the location of the datum: X

„ If the datum lies on the contour to be mirrored:
The part simply ”flips over” (see top illustration).
„ If the datum lies outside the contour to be mirrored:
The part also ”jumps” to another location (see bottom illustration).

Y
Z

158 8 Programming: Cycles

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.5 Coordinate Transformation Cycles
ROTATION (Cycle 10)
Function
The coordinate system can be rotated about the active datum in the Z
working plane within a program.
Y Z
Effect X
Y
The rotation takes effect as soon as it is defined in the program.
Cycle 10 ROTATION cancels radius compensation RR/RL.
X
Reference axis for the rotation angle:
„ X/Y plane X axis
„ Y/Z plane Y axis
„ Z/X plane Z axis
The active rotation angle is shown in the status display (ROT).

Definition of the plane of rotation

When the ROTATION cycle is activated for the first time, the plane of
rotation is perpendicular to the tool axis defined in the tool call block.
If later a TOOL CALL block with a different tool axis is executed, the
plane of rotation will not change.

Input
Enter the rotation angle in degrees (°).
Input range: –360° to +360° (absolute or incremental).

Effect on Q parameters
The plane of rotation influences Q parameter Q112:
„ X/Y plane Q112 = 2
„ Y/Z plane Q112 = 0
„ Z/X plane Q112 = 1
„ No plane defined Q112 = –1

Cancellation Example: NC blocks

A rotation is canceled by entering a rotation angle of 0°.
12 CALL LBL1
13 CYCL DEF 7.0 DATUM SHIFT
14 CYCL DEF 7.1 X+60
15 CYCL DEF 7.2 Y+40
16 CYCL DEF 10.0 DREHUNG
17 CYCL DEF 10.1 ROT+35
18 CALL LBL1

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 159

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.5 Coordinate Transformation Cycles

SCALING FACTOR (Cycle 11)

Function
The scaling factor cycle allows contours to be enlarged or reduced in Z
size within a program, enabling you to program shrinkage and oversize
allowances. Y Z
Y
Effect X
The scaling factor cycle takes effect as soon as it is defined.
The scaling factor can be applied X
„ in the working plane, or on all three coordinate axes at the same
time (depending on MP7410)
„ to the dimensions in cycles
„ to the parallel axes U,V,W
The scaling factor is shown in the status display under SCL.

Input
The cycle is defined by entering the factor SCL. The TNC multiplies the
coordinates and radii by the SCL factor (as described under ”Effect”
above).
Enlargement: SCL greater than 1 (up to 99.999 999)
Reduction: SCL less than 1 (down to 0.000 001)

Cancellation
To cancel the scaling factor, enter a scaling factor of 1.

Prerequisite
It is advisable to set the datum to an edge or a corner of the contour
before enlarging or reducing the contour.

Example: NC blocks

11 CALL LBL1
12 CYCL DEF 7.0 DATUM SHIFT
13 CYCL DEF 7.1 X+60
14 CYCL DEF 7.2 Y+40
15 CYCL DEF 11.0 SCALING
16 CYCL DEF 11.1 SCL 0.75
17 CALL LBL1

160 8 Programming: Cycles

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.5 Coordinate Transformation Cycles
WORKING PLANE (Cycle 19)
Function
With Cycle 19, it is possible to tilt linear traverse and machining with
Cycle 16 ORBIT, Cycle 17 DISK or an OEM cycle at random in a 3-D
plane. Thus, execution of inclined eroding-cycles can be made simple.

Effect
After a cycle definition WORKING PLANE, the TNC tilts the
subsequent machining blocks around the datum which was last set in
the MANUAL mode (active datum).

Input
You enter:
„ Tilt angle A, corresponding to the rotation about the X axis. This can
be programmed with the orange key X.
„ Tilt angle B, corresponding to the rotation about the Y axis. This can
be programmed with the orange key Y.
„ Tilt angle C, corresponding to the rotation about the Z axis. This can
be programmed with the orange key Z.
The TNC displays the current active tilt angles in the STATUS TILT
display.
Input range: –360° to +360° (only absolute values possible).

Cancellation
To cancel the tilt angle, redefine the WORKING PLANE cycle and enter
an angular value of 0° for all axes of rotation, or select a new program.

„ Coordinate transformations, e.g. a datum shift, are also

effective when the Tilt working plane function is active.
„ An active basic rotation is calculated in the same way as
a tilting of the machine plane about the C axis.
„ When creating OEM cycles, remember that traverse
paths within the cycle may only be programmed with L
blocks.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 161

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.5 Coordinate Transformation Cycles

Practice example: Datum shifting

A machining sequence in the form of a

subprogram is to be executed twice:
„ once, reference to the specified datum 1 Z
X+0/Y+0, and
„ a second time, reference to the shifted Z
datum 2 X+40/Y+60.

Y X
Y
15
2
20
60
25 X
40 30

1
20
15
0
25 3

DATUM SHIFT cycle in a part program:

0 BEGIN PGM DATUM MM

1 BLK FORM 0.1 Z X+0 Y+0 Z–20
2 BLK FORM 0.2 X+100 Y+100 Z+0
3 CYCL DEF 1.0 GENERATOR Cycle GENERATOR (see ”Cycle 1 GENERATOR” on page 133)
4 CYCL DEF 1.1 P-TAB HDH700 Select erosion table (here, table HDH700)
5 CYCL DEF 1.2 MAX=5 MIN=5 Select power stage
6 TOOL DEF 1 L+0 R+4 Define the tool
7 TOOL CALL 1 Z U+0.05 Tool call
8 L Z+100 R0 F MAX M
9 CALL LBL 1 Without datum shift
10 CYCL DEF 7.0 DATUM SHIFT Datum shift in the X/Y plane
11 CYCL DEF 7.1 X+40
12 CYCL DEF 7.2 Y+60
13 CALL LBL 1 With datum shift
14 CYCL DEF 7.0 DATUM SHIFT Reset the datum shift
15 CYCL DEF 7.1 X+0

162 8 Programming: Cycles

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.5 Coordinate Transformation Cycles
16 CYCL DEF 7.2 Y+0
17 L Z+100 R0 F MAX M2 End of main program
18 LBL 1 Start of the subprogram for the geometry of the original contour
19 L X–10 Y–10 R0 F MAX M Pre-positioning in the X/Y plane
20 L Z+2 R FMAX M Pre-positioning in the Z plane
21 L Z–5 R F M36 Move to end depth, eroding ON
22 L X+0 Y+0 RL F M Traverse the first contour point
23 L Y+20 R F M
24 L X+25 R F M
25 L X+30 Y+15 R F M
26 L Y+0 R F M
27 L X+0 R F M
28 L X–10 Y–10 R0 F MAX M37 Retract in the X/Y plane, eroding OFF
29 L Z+2 R F MAX M Retract in Z direction
30 LBL 0 End of subprogram
31 END PGM DATUM MM

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 163

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.5 Coordinate Transformation Cycles

Practice example: Mirror image

A program section (subprogram 1) is to be

executed once as originally programmed at
position X+0/Y+0 1, and then once mirrored in X3
at position X+70/Y+602. Z

Y
Y X
3
2

X
60
1
20
15
70
0
25 3

MIRROR IMAGE cycle in a part program:

0 PGM MIRROR MM
1 BLK FORM 0.1 Z X+0 Y+0 Z–20
2 BLK FORM 0.2 X+100 Y+100 Z+0
3 CYCL DEF 1.0 GENERATOR Cycle GENERATOR (see ”Cycle 1 GENERATOR” on page 133)
4 CYCL DEF 1.1 P-TAB CUST1 Select erosion table (here, CUST1)
5 CYCL DEF 1.2 MAX=12 MIN=12 Select power stage
6 TOOL DEF 1 L+0 R+3 Define the tool
7 TOOL CALL 1 Z U+0 Tool call
8 L Z+100 R0 F MAX M
9 CALL LBL 1 Unmirrored 1; mirrored version
10 CYCL DEF 7.0 DATUM SHIFT 1. Datum shift 2
11 CYCL DEF 7.1 X+70
12 CYCL DEF 7.2 Y+60
13 CYCL DEF 8.0 MIRROR IMAGE 2. Mirror image 3
14 CYCL DEF 8.1 X
15 CALL LBL 1 3. Subprogram call

164 8 Programming: Cycles

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.5 Coordinate Transformation Cycles
16 CYCL DEF 8.0 MIRROR IMAGE Cancel mirror image
17 CYCL DEF 8.1
18 CYCL DEF 7.0 DATUM SHIFT Reset the datum shift
19 CYCL DEF 7.1 X+0
20 CYCL DEF 7.2 Y+0
21 L Z+100 R0 F MAX M2 End of main program
22 LBL 1 Start of the subprogram for the geometry of the original contour
23 L X-10 Y-10 R0 F MAX M Pre-positioning in the X/Y plane
24 L Z+2 R F MAX M
25 L Z-5 R F M36 Move to end depth, eroding ON
26 L X+0 Y+0 RL F M Traverse the first contour point
27 L Y+20 R F M
28 L X+25 R F M
29 L X+30 Y+15 R F M
30 L Y+0 R F M
31 L X+0 R F M
32 L X–10 Y–10 R0 F MAX M37 Retract in the X/Y plane, eroding OFF
33 L Z+2 R F MAX M
34 LBL 0 End of subprogram
35 END PGM MIRROR MM

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 165

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.5 Coordinate Transformation Cycles

Practice example: Rotation

A contour section (subprogram 1) is to be executed

once as originally programmed referenced to the
datum X+0/Y+0, and then Z
rotated by 35° and referenced to the position X+70
Y+60.
Z
If the tool axis is parallel to axis IV (for example, Z
and C), the ROTATION cycle will cause a shift in
axis IV by the same angle as is programmed in the X
ROTATION cycle. 3
Y Y 35°

2 X

1
60

70

DATUM SHIFT cycle in a part program:

0 BEGIN PGM ROTAT MM

1 BLK FORM 0.1 Z X+0 Y+0 Z–20
2 BLK FORM 0.2 X+100 Y+100 Z+0
3 CYCL DEF 1.0 GENERATOR Cycle GENERATOR (see ”Cycle 1 GENERATOR” on page 133)
4 CYCL DEF 1.1 P-TAB 75 Desired erosion table
5 CYCL DEF 1.2 MAX=7 MIN=7 Select power stage
6 TOOL DEF 1 L+0 R+5,5
7 TOOL CALL 1 Z U+1
8 L Z+100 R0 F MAX M
9 CALL LBL 1 Unrotated version 1
10 CYCL DEF 7.0 DATUM SHIFT Rotated version. Sequence:
11 CYCL DEF 7.1 X+70
12 CYCL DEF 7.2 Y+60 1. Datum shift 2
13 CYCL DEF 10.0 ROTATION 2. Rotate 3
14 CYCL DEF 10.1 ROT +35
15 CALL LBL 1 3. Subprogram call

166 8 Programming: Cycles

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.5 Coordinate Transformation Cycles
16 CYCL DEF 10.0 ROTATION Reset the rotation
17 CYCL DEF 10.1 ROT 0
18 CYCL DEF 7.0 DATUM SHIFT Cancel datum shift
19 CYCL DEF 7.1 X+0
20 CYCL DEF 7.2 Y+0
21 L Z+100 R0 F MAX M2 End of main program
22 LBL 1 Start of the subprogram for the geometry of the original contour
.
.
.
LBL 0 End of subprogram
END PGM ROTAT MM

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 167

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.5 Coordinate Transformation Cycles

Practice example: Scaling factor

A contour section (subprogram 1) is to be executed

as originally programmed at the manually set
datum X+0/Y+0, and then referenced to position
X+60/Y+70 and executed with a scaling factor of
0.8.

SCALING FACTOR cycle in a part program:

0 BEGIN PGM SCALING MM

1 BLK FORM 0.1 Z X+0 Y+0 Z–20
2 BLK FORM 0.2 X+100 Y+100 Z+0
3 CYCL DEF 1.0 GENERATOR Cycle GENERATOR (see ”Cycle 1 GENERATOR” on page 133)
4 CYCL DEF 1.1 P-TAB 100 Desired erosion table
5 CYCL DEF 1.2 MAX=7 MIN=7 Select power stage
6 TOOL DEF 1 L+0 R+3 Define the tool
7 TOOL CALL 1 Z U+0.2 Tool call
8 L Z+100 R0 F MAX M
9 CALL LBL 1 Version in original size 1
10 CYCL DEF 7.0 DATUM SHIFT Version with scaling factor. Sequence:
11 CYCL DEF 7.1 X+60
12 CYCL DEF 7.2 Y+70 1. Datum shift 2
13 CYCL DEF 11.0 SCALING 2. Define scaling factor 3
14 CYCL DEF 11.1 SCL 0.8
15 CALL LBL 1 3. Call subprogram (scaling factor effective)

168 8 Programming: Cycles

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.5 Coordinate Transformation Cycles
16 CYCL DEF 11.0 SCALING Cancel transformations
17 CYCL DEF 11.1 SCL 1
18 CYCL DEF 7.0 DATUM SHIFT Reset the datum shift
19 CYCL DEF 7.1 X+0
20 CYCL DEF 7.2 Y+0
21 L Z+100 R0 F MAX M2 End of main program
22 LBL 1 Start of the subprogram for the geometry of the original contour
23 L X-10 Y-10 R0 F MAX M Pre-positioning in the X/Y plane
24 L Z+2 R F MAX M
25 L Z-5 R F M36 Move to end depth, eroding ON
26 L X+0 Y+0 RL F M
27 L Y+20 R F M
28 L X+25 R F M
29 L X+30 Y+15 R F M
30 L Y+0 R F M
31 L X+0 R F M
32 L X–10 Y–10 R0 F MAX M37 Retract in the X/Y plane, eroding OFF
33 L Z+2 R F MAX M
34 LBL 0
35 END PGM SCALING MM

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 169

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.5 Coordinate Transformation Cycles

Practice examples: Tilt the working plane with Cycle 17 DISK

Execute disk cycle with 45° tilt in the B axis,

depth = 10 mm.

For calculation of the cycle parameters,

see example Cycle DISK.

20

WORKING PLANE cycle in a part program:

0 BEGIN PGM CYC19 MM

1 BLK FORM 0.1 Z X+0 Y+0 Z–40
2 BLK FORM 0.2 X+100 Y+100 Z+0
3 CYCL DEF 1.0 GENERATOR Cycle GENERATOR (see ”Cycle 1 GENERATOR” on page 133)
4 CYCL DEF 1.1 P-TAB 100 Desired erosion table
5 CYCL DEF 1.2 MAX=7 MIN=7 Select power stage
6 TOOL DEF 1 L+0 R+9.9 Define the tool
7 TOOL CALL 1 Z U+4.2 Tool call
8 L Z+100 R0 F MAX Pre-position to set-up clearance
9 CYCL DEF 19.0 WORKING PLANE Define Cycle 19 WORKING PLANE
10 CYCL DEF 19.1 B+45 Tilt working plane about the B axis
11 L X+20 Y+20 R0 F MAX M Pre-position to center of disk
12 L Z+1 R0 F MAX M Pre-position over the workpiece surface
13 CYCL DEF 17.0 DISK Define Cycle 17 DISK
14 CYCL DEF 17.1 Z–10 M36 Eroding depth Z = –10 mm, eroding ON
15 CYCL DEF 17.2 RAD=2 MOD=0 Expansion radius RAD = 2 mm, circular expansion
16 L Z+50 F MAX M37 M Retract diagonally to safety clearance, eroding OFF
17 CYCL DEF 19.0 WORKING PLANE Reset Cycle 19 WORKING PLANE
18 CYCL DEF 19.1 B+0
19 L R F M2
20 END PGM CYC19 MM

170 8 Programming: Cycles

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.6 Other Cycles

8.6 Other Cycles

DWELL TIME (Cycle 9)
Function
This cycle causes the execution of the next block within a running
program to be delayed by the programmed dwell time.

Effect
The cycle takes effect as soon as it is defined. Modal conditions are
not affected.

Input
Enter the dwell time in seconds.
Input range: 0 to 30 000 seconds (approx. 8.3 hours) in increments of
0.001 seconds.

PGM-CALL (Cycle 12)

Application and effect
Routines that are programmed by the user (such as special eroding
cycles, curves or geometrical modules) can be written as main
programs and set equal to machining cycles.
These main programs can then be called like fixed cycles.

Input
Enter the name of the program to be called.

Calling Cycle 12 PGM-CALL

The program is called with
„ CYCL CALL (separate block) or
„ M99 (blockwise) or
„ M89 (performed after every positioning block, depending on
machine parameters).

Cancellation
You can cancel M89 (cycle call after every block) as follows:
„ With M99 (the program is called one more time)
„ With CYCL CALL (the program is called one more time)
„ By redefining Cycle 12

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 171

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
8.6 Other Cycles

Example: Program call

A callable program 50 is to be called into a program via a cycle call.
The part program:

...
...
11 CYCL DEF 12.0 PGM CALL Definition
12 CYCL DEF 12.1 PGM 50 ”Program 50 is a cycle”
13 L X+20 Y+50 R FMAX M99 Call program 50
...
...

172 8 Programming: Cycles

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
9
Programming:
Subprograms and Program
Section Repeats

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
9.1 Labeling Subprograms and
9.1 Labeling Subprograms and Program Section Repeats

Program Section Repeats

Subprograms and program section repeats enable you to program a
machining sequence once and then run it as often as desired.

Labels
The beginnings of subprograms and program section repeats are
marked in a part program by labels.
A label is identified by a number between 1 and 254. Each label can be
set only once with LABEL SET in a program.

If a label is set more than once, the TNC sends an error

message at the end of the LBL SET block.

LABEL 0 (LBL 0) is used exclusively to mark the end of a subprogram

and can therefore be used as often as desired.
For a better overview in this program window, LBL blocks and CALL
LBL blocks are indented to the left by one character.

174 9 Programming: Subprograms and Program Section Repeats

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
9.2 Subprograms

9.2 Subprograms
Operating sequence
1 The TNC executes the part program up to the block in which a
subprogram is called with CALL LBL. 0 BEGIN PGM ...
2 The subprogram is then executed from beginning to end. The
subprogram end is marked LBL 0.
3 The TNC then resumes the part program from the block after the CALL LBL1
subprogram call.

Programming notes
L Z+100 M2
„ A main program can contain up to 254 subprograms.
LBL1
„ You can call subprograms in any sequence and as often as desired.
„ A subprogram cannot call itself.
„ Write subprograms at the end of the main program (behind the block LBL0
with M2 or M30). END PGM ...
„ If subprograms are located before the block with M02 or M30, they
will be executed at least once even if they are not called.

Programming a subprogram
8 To mark the beginning, press the LBL SET key and
enter a label number.
8 Enter the subprogram number.
8 To mark the end, press the LBL SET key and enter the
label number ”0”.

Calling a subprogram
8 To call a subprogram, press the LBL CALL key.
8 Label number: Enter the label number of the
subprogram you wish to call.
8 Repeat REP: Ignore the dialog question with the NO
ENT key. Repeat REP is used only for program section
repeats.

CALL LBL 0 is not permitted (label 0 is only used to mark

the end of a subprogram).

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 175

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
9.3 Program Section Repeats
9.3 Program Section Repeats

Label LBL
The beginning of a program section repeat is marked by the label LBL.
The end of a program section repeat is identified by CALL LBL /REP. 0 BEGIN PGM ...

Operating sequence
LBL1
1 The TNC executes the part program up to the end of the program
section (CALL LBL /REP).
2 Then the program section between the called LBL and the label
call is repeated the number of times entered after REP. CALL LBL1 REP 2/2
3 The TNC then resumes the part program after the last repetition.

Programming notes END PGM ...

„ You can repeat a program section up to 65 534 times in succession.

„ The number behind the slash after REP indicates the number of
repetitions remaining to be run.
„ The total number of times the program section is executed is always
one more than the programmed number of repeats.

Resetting the program repeat counters after an

interruption
If you interrupt program run during a program section repeat and then
restart, the TNC resets the program section repeat counters as
follows:
„ If you select a new program, the TNC resets all counters.
„ If you restart the same program with GOTO 0, the TNC resets the
counters in the current program.
„ If you do not return to the start of the program (GOTO > 0), the TNC
does not reset any counters.

Programming a program section repeat

8 To mark the beginning, press the LBL SET key and
enter a LABEL NUMBER for the program section you
wish to repeat.
8 Enter the program section.

176 9 Programming: Subprograms and Program Section Repeats

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
9.3 Program Section Repeats
Calling a program section repeat
8 Press the LBL CALL key and enter the label number of
the program section you want to repeat as well as the
number of repeats (with Repeat REP).

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 177

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
9.4 Separate Program as
9.4 Separate Program as Subprogram

Subprogram
Operating sequence
1 The TNC executes the part program up to the block in which
another program is called with CALL PGM.
2 Then the other program is run from beginning to end.
0 BEGIN PGM A 0 BEGIN PGM B
3 The TNC then resumes the first (calling) part program with the
block behind the program call.

Programming notes CALL PGM B

„ Programs called from external storage media must not contain

subprograms or program section repeats.
END PGM A END PGM B
„ No labels are needed to call any program as a subprogram.
„ The called program must not contain the miscellaneous functions
M2 or M30.
„ The called program must not contain a program call into the calling
program, otherwise an infinite loop will result.

Calling any program as a subprogram

8 To select the functions for program call, press the
PGM CALL key.
8 Program Name: Enter the name of the program to be
called.

You can also call a program with Cycle 12 PGM CALL (see
also ”Calling Cycle 12 PGM-CALL” on page 171).

178 9 Programming: Subprograms and Program Section Repeats

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
9.5 Nesting

9.5 Nesting
Types of nesting
„ Subprograms within a subprogram
„ Program section repeats within a program section repeat
„ Subprograms repeated
„ Program section repeats within a subprogram

Nesting depth
The nesting depth is the number of successive levels in which
program sections or subprograms can call further program sections or
subprograms.
„ Maximum nesting depth for subprograms: 8
„ Maximum nesting depth for calling main programs: 4

Subprogram within a subprogram

Example NC blocks
0 BEGIN PGM SUBPGMS MM
...
17 CALL LBL 1 Calling a subprogram at LBL 1
...
35 L Z+100 R0 FMAX M2 Last program block of the
main program (with M2)
36 LBL 1 Beginning of subprogram 1
...
39 CALL LBL 2 Call the subprogram marked with LBL2
...
45 LBL 0 End of subprogram 1
46 LBL 2 Beginning of subprogram 2
...
62 LBL 0 End of subprogram 2
63 END PGM SUBPGMS MM

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 179

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
9.5 Nesting

Program execution
1 Main program SUBPGMS is executed up to block 17.
2 Subprogram 1 is called, and executed up to block 39.
3 Subprogram 2 is called, and executed up to block 62. End of
subprogram 2 and return jump to the subprogram from which it
was called.
4 Subprogram 1 is executed from block 40 up to block 45. End of
subprogram 1 and return jump to the main program SUBPGMS.
5 Main program SUBPGMS is executed from block 18 up to block
35. Return jump to block 1 and end of program.
A subprogram that ends with LBL 0 cannot be located within another
subprogram.

Repeating program section repeats

Example NC blocks
0 BEGIN PGM REPS MM
...
15 LBL 1 Beginning of program section repeat 1
...
20 LBL 2 Beginning of program section repeat 2
...
27 CALL LBL 2 REP 2/2 The program section between this block and LBL 2
... (block 20) is repeated twice
35 CALL LBL 1 REP 1/1 The program section between this block and LBL 1
... (block 15) is repeated once.
50 END PGM REPS MM

Program execution
1 Main program REPS is executed up to block 27.
2 Program section between block 27 and block 20 is repeated twice.
3 Main program REPS is executed from block 28 to block 35.
4 Program section between block 35 and block 15 is repeated once
(including the program section repeat between 20 and block 27).
5 Main program REPS is executed from block 36 to block 50 (end of
program).

180 9 Programming: Subprograms and Program Section Repeats

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
9.5 Nesting
Repeating a subprogram
Example NC blocks
0 BEGIN PGM SUBREP MM
...
10 LBL 1 Beginning of program section repeat 1
11 CALL LBL 2 Subprogram call
12 CALL LBL 1 REP 2/2 The program section between this block and LBL 1
... (block 10) is repeated twice
19 L Z+100 R0 FMAX M2 Last program block of the main program with M2
20 LBL 2 Beginning of subprogram
...
28 LBL 0 End of subprogram
29 END PGM SUBREP MM

Program execution
1 Main program SUBREP is executed up to block 11.
2 Subprogram 2 is called and executed.
3 Program section between block 12 and block 10 is repeated twice.
This means that subprogram 2 is repeated twice.
4 Main program SUBREP is executed once from block 13 to block
19. End of program.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 181

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
9.6 Programming Examples

Example: Erosion hole patterns

Program sequence
„ Approach the erosion hole patterns in the main
program Y
„ Call the erosion hole pattern (subprogram 1)
100
„ Program the erosion hole pattern only once in
subprogram 1

21
60

5
20

20
1 31
10

X
15 45 75 100

0 BEGIN PGM GROUPS MM

1 BLK FORM 0.1 Z X+0 Y+0 Z-20 Define the blank
2 BLK FORM 0.2 X+100 Y+100 Z+0
3 CYCL DEF 1.0 GENERATOR Cycle GENERATOR (see ”Cycle 1 GENERATOR” on page 133)
4 CYCL DEF 1.1 P-TAB 10 Select erosion table (here, table 10)
5 CYCL DEF 1.2 MAX=10 MIN=10 Set power stage (here, to stage 10)
6 TOOL DEF 1 L+0 R+2.4 Define electrode in the program
7 TOOL CALL 1 Z U+0.2 Call electrode in the infeed axis Z, undersize 0.2 mm
8 L Z+100 R0 F MAX M Retract in the infeed axis; rapid traverse; insert electrode
9 L X+15 Y+10 R0 F MAX M Move to erosion hole group 1; rapid traverse
10 L Z+2 R FMAX M Pre-position in the infeed axis
11 CALL LBL 1 Subprogram call (the subprogram is executed once with block 11)
12 L X+45 Y+60 R F MAX M Move to erosion hole group 2
13 CALL LBL 1 Call subprogram 1
14 L X+75 Y+10 R0 F MAX M Move to erosion hole group 3
15 CALL LBL 1 Call subprogram 1
16 L Z+100 R F MAX M2 Retract electrode; end of main program (M2);
Subprograms are entered after M2
17 LBL 1 Beginning of subprogram 1
18 CALL LBL 2 Call subprogram 2

182 9 Programming: Subprograms and Program Section Repeats

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
9.6 Programming Examples
19 L IX+20 R F MAX M Move to second cavity
20 CALL LBL 2 Call subprogram 2
21 L IY+20 R F MAX M Move to third cavity
22 CALL LBL 2 Call subprogram 2
23 L IX–20 R F MAX M Move to fourth cavity
24 CALL LBL 2 Call subprogram 2
25 LBL 0 End of subprogram 1
26 LBL 2 Beginning of subprogram 2
27 L Z–10 R F M36 Sink; eroding ON
28 L Z+2 F MAX M37 Retract electrode; eroding OFF
29 LBL 0 End of subprogram 2
30 END PGM GROUPS MM

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 183

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
9.6 Programming Examples

Example: Erosion hole row parallel to X axis

¬5
15 X

10

0 BEGIN PGM ROW MM

1 BLK FORM 0.1 Z X+0 Y+0 Z-20
2 BLK FORM 0.2 X+100 Y+100 Z+0 Define the blank
3 CYCL DEF 1.0 GENERATOR Cycle GENERATOR (see ”Cycle 1 GENERATOR” on page 133)
4 CYCL DEF 1.1 P-TAB 10 Select erosion table (here, table 10)
5 CYCL DEF 1.2 MAX=8 MIN=8 Set power stage (here, to stage 8)
6 TOOL DEF 1 L+0 R+2.4 Define electrode in the program
7 TOOL CALL 1 Z U+0.1 Call electrode in the infeed axis Z, undersize 0.1 mm
8 L Z+100 R0 F MAX Retract in the infeed axis; rapid traverse; insert electrode
9 L X-10 Y+10 Z+2 F MAX M3 Pre-position to eroding distance in negative X direction
10 LBL 1 Start of the program block to be repeated
11 L IX+15 F MAX Position above the cavity; rapid traverse
12 L Z-10 M36 Sink; eroding ON
13 L Z+2 F MAX M37 Retract electrode; rapid traverse; eroding OFF
14 CALL LBL 1 REP 5/5 Call LBL 1; program section between block 10 and
block 14 is repeated five times (for 6 cavities!)
15 L Z+100 R0 F MAX Retract electrode
16 END PGM ROW MM

184 9 Programming: Subprograms and Program Section Repeats

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10
Programming: Q Parameters

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.1 Principle and Overview
10.1 Principle and Overview

You can program an entire family of parts in a single part program. You
do this by entering variables called Q parameters instead of fixed
numerical values.
Q parameters can represent information such as:
Q6
„ Coordinate values
„ Electrode data
Q1 Q3
„ Cycle data
Q parameters are designated by the letter Q and a number between Q4
0 and 255. Q2

Q parameters also enable you to program contours that are defined

Q5
through mathematical functions.In addition, you can use Q
parameters to make execution of machining steps depend on certain
logical conditions. You can mix
Q parameters and fixed numerical values within a program.

Some Q parameters are always assigned the same data by

the TNC. For example, Q108 is always assigned the
current electrode radius (see ”Preassigned Q parameters”
on page 202).

Automatic deletion of Q parameters

The TNC deletes Q parameters (and the status display) when user
parameter 7300 = 1 and the miscellaneous functions M00, M02 or
M30 or the END block are executed in a program.

186 10 Programming: Q Parameters

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.2 Part Families – Q Parameters in

10.2 Part Families – Q Parameters in Place of Numerical Values

Place of Numerical Values
The Q parameter function FN0: ASSIGN assigns numerical values to
Q parameters. This enables you to use variables in the program
instead of fixed numerical values.

Example NC blocks
15 FNO: Q10=25 Assign
... Q10 contains the value 25
25 L X +Q10 Means L X +25

You need write only one program for a whole family of parts, entering
the characteristic dimensions as Q parameters.
To program a particular part, you then assign the appropriate values to
the individual Q parameters.

Example
Cylinder with Q parameters
Cylinder radius R = Q1
Cylinder height H = Q2 Q1
Cylinder Z1 Q1 = +30
Q2 = +10
Cylinder Z2 Q1 = +10
Q2 = +50 Q1

Q2 Z2

Q2
Z1

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 187

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.2 Part Families – Q Parameters in Place of Numerical Values

To assign numerical values to Q parameters

Example:

To select Q parameter functions, press the Q key.

FN0: ASSIGN

Select FN 0: ASSIGN

PARAMETER NUMBER FOR RESULT ?

5 Enter the number of the Q parameter: 5

FIRST VALUE OR PARAMETER ?

10 Assign a value to Q5, for example 10.

Example NC block
FN0: Q5 = 10

The TNC assigns the numerical value on the right of the equal sign to
the Q parameter on the left of the equal sign.

188 10 Programming: Q Parameters

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.3 Describing Contours through

10.3 Describing Contours through Mathematical Operations

Mathematical Operations
Function
The Q parameters listed below enable you to program basic
mathematical functions in a part program:
8 Select a Q parameter function: Press the Q key (in the numerical
keypad at right). The dialog FN 0: Assign appears.
8 Select a function directly: Press GOTO, enter the function number,
and select it with the ENT key, or
8 Select a function with the arrow keys: Use the arrow keys to select
the desired function, and confirm your selection with the ENT key.

Overview

Function
FN0: ASSIGN
Example: FN0: Q5 = +60
Assigns a numerical value.

FN1: ADDITION
Example: FN1: Q1 = –Q2 + –5
Calculates and assigns the sum of two values.

FN2: SUBTRACTION
Example: FN2: Q1 = +10 – +5
Calculates and assigns the difference of two values.

FN3: MULTIPLICATION
Example: FN3: Q2 = +3 * +3
Calculates and assigns the product of two values.

FN4: DIVISION
Example: FN4: Q4 = +8 DIV +Q2
Calculates and assigns the quotient of two values.
Not permitted: division by 0

FN5: SQUARE ROOT

Example: FN5: Q20 = SQRT 4
Calculates and assigns the square root of a number.
Not permitted: Square root of a negative number

To the right of the ”=” character you can enter the following:
„ Two numbers
„ Two Q parameters
„ A number and a Q parameter
The Q parameters and numerical values in the equations can be
entered with positive or negative signs.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 189

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.3 Describing Contours through Mathematical Operations

Programming example for basic mathematical

operations
Example: Program blocks in the TNC
Assign the value 10 to the parameter Q5:
16 FN0: Q5 = +10
To select Q parameter functions, press the Q key. 17 FN3: Q12 = +Q5 * +7

FN 0: ASSIGN

To select the Q parameter function FN0,

press the ENT key.

PARAMETER NUMBER FOR RESULT ?

5 Enter the number of the Q parameter: 5

FIRST VALUE OR PARAMETER ?

10 Assign the value 10 to Q5.

190 10 Programming: Q Parameters

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.3 Describing Contours through Mathematical Operations
Assign the product of Q5 and Q7 to Q12:

To select Q parameter functions, press the Q key.

FN 0: ASSIGN

Select the function directly: Press GOTO and enter

the number of the function, for example FN3, or

Select the function with the arrow keys.

FN 3: MULTIPLICATION

Select FN 3: MULTIPLICATION

PARAMETER NUMBER FOR RESULT ?

12 Enter the number of the Q parameter: 12

FIRST VALUE OR PARAMETER ?

Q5 Enter Q5 for the first value.

SECOND VALUE OR PARAMETER ?

Q7 Enter 7 for the second value.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 191

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.4 Trigonometric Functions
10.4 Trigonometric Functions

Definitions
Sine, cosine and tangent are terms designating the ratios of sides of
right triangles. For a right triangle, the trigonometric functions of the
angle a are defined by the following equations:
Sine: sin α = a / c
Cosine: cos α = b / c
Tangent: tan α = a / b = sin α / cos α c
a
where
α
„ c is the side opposite the right angle
b
„ a is the side opposite the angle a
„ b is the third side.
The TNC can find the angle from the tangent:
α = arctan (a / b) = arctan (sin α / cos α)

Example:
a = 10 mm
b = 10 mm
α = arctan (a / b) = arctan 1 = 45°
Furthermore:
a² + b² = c² (where a² = a x a)

c = (a² + b²)

192 10 Programming: Q Parameters

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.4 Trigonometric Functions
Overview of functions

Function
FN6: SINE
Example: FN6: Q20 = SIN–Q5
Calculate the sine of an angle in degrees (°) and
assign it to a parameter.

FN7: COSINE
Example: FN7: Q21 = COS–Q5
Calculate the cosine of an angle in degrees (°) and
assign it to a parameter.

FN8: ROOT SUM OF SQUARES

Example: FN8: Q10 = +5 LEN +4
Calculate and assign length from two values.

FN13: ANGLE
Example: FN13: Q20 = +10 ANG–Q1
Calculate the angle from the arc tangent of two sides
or from the sine and cosine of the angle (0 < angle <
360°) and assign it to a parameter.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 193

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.5 If-Then Decisions with
10.5 If-Then Decisions with Q Parameters

Q Parameters
Function
The TNC can make logical If-Then decisions by comparing a
Q parameter with another Q parameter or with a numerical value. If
the condition is fulfilled, the TNC continues the program at the label
that is programmed after the condition (for information on labels see
also ”Labeling Subprograms and Program Section Repeats” on page
174). If it is not fulfilled, the TNC continues with the next block.
To call another program as a subprogram, enter PGM CALL after the
block with the target label.

Unconditional jumps
An unconditional jump is programmed by entering a conditional jump
whose condition is always true. Example:
FN9: IF+10 EQU+10 GOTO LBL1

Programming If-Then decisions

If-Then decisions appear when the Q function key is pressed, and after
selection with the GOTO key or the arrow keys. The TNC displays the
following dialogs:

Function
FN9: IF EQUAL, JUMP
Example: FN9: IF +Q1 EQU +Q3 GOTO LBL 5
If the two values or parameters are equal, jump to the
given label.

FN10: IF NOT EQUAL, JUMP

Example: FN10: IF +10 NE –Q5 GOTO LBL 10
If the two values or parameters are not equal, jump to
the given label.

FN11: IF GREATER THAN, JUMP

Example: FN11: IF+Q1 GT+10 GOTO LBL 5
If the first parameter or value is greater than the
second value or parameter, jump to the given label.

FN12: IF LESS THAN, JUMP

Example: FN12: IF+Q5 LT+0 GOTO LBL 1
If the first value or parameter is less than the second
value or parameter, jump to the given label.

194 10 Programming: Q Parameters

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.5 If-Then Decisions with Q Parameters
Abbreviations used:
IF : If
EQU : Equals
NE : Not equal
GT : Greater than
LT : Less than
GOTO : Go to

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 195

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.6 Checking and Changing
10.6 Checking and Changing Q Parameters

Q Parameters
Procedure
Q parameters can be checked during a program run or test run. If you
wish to change any Q parameters, you must interrupt the program run
or test run.

Select the supplementary operating mode MOD.

Press the Q parameter status soft-key: The TNC

shows a list of the first 15 parameters.

To scroll through the subsequent Q parameters, press and hold the

down arrow key. You can go to a specific Q parameter by pressing the
GOTO key and entering the desired Q parameter number.

0 You can only change the Q parameter if you have

interrupted the program run or test run. Enter the new
value, for example 0, and confirm with the ENT key.

Return to the last active operating mode.

196 10 Programming: Q Parameters

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.7 Output of Q Parameters and

10.7 Output of Q Parameters and Messages

Messages
Output of error messages
With the function FN14: ERROR you can call messages that were pre-
programmed by the machine tool builder.
When the TNC encounters a block with FN 14 during program run, it
interrupts the run and displays an error message. The program must
then be restarted.

Input:
Example: FN 14: ERROR = 254
The TNC then displays the text stored under error number 254.

Range of error numbers Standard dialog text

0 ... 299 FN 14: Error code 0 .... 299

300 ... 799 PLC dialogs from 0....499

Example NC block
180 FN14: ERROR = 254

The machine tool builder may have programmed a

standard dialog that differs from the text above.

Output through an external data interface

The function FN15: PRINT transfers Q parameter values and error
messages through the data interface, for example to a printer or to the
file %FN15RUN.A.
„ FN 15: PRINT with numerical values from 0 to 499 are used to
access PLC dialogs 0 to 499.
Example: FN 15: PRINT 20
Transfers the error message (see overview at FN 14).
„ FN 15: PRINT with numerical value 200
Example: FN 15: PRINT 200
Transfers the ETX character (end of text).
„ FN 15: PRINT with Q parameters Q1 to Q255
Example: FN 15: PRINT Q20
Transfers the value of the Q parameter.
You can transfer up to six Q parameters and numerical values
simultaneously. The TNC separates them with slashes.

Example NC block
23 FN 15: PRINT 1/Q1/2/Q2

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 197

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.7 Output of Q Parameters and Messages

Indexed assignment
The function FN16: INDEXED DATA ASSIGNMENT accesses a
Q parameter in a previously created list (for example, a list of gap Q200<-- Q20
diameter values).
In the following example, Q55 is the pointer parameter that points to
Q201 = 0.04
a Q parameter in a list, and Q200 is the base parameter that indicates Q202 = 0.08
the beginning of the list. Q203 = 0.12
Example: Q204 = 0.16
12 FN 0: Q55 = 5 Q205 = 0.20<-- Q55
...
Q206 = 0.24
23 FN 16: Q20 = Q200 (Q55)
Q207 = 0.28
.....
...

The TNC assigns to Q parameter Q20 the value that is in the fifth
position in the list from Q200.

Transferring values to/from the PLC

With the function FN 19: PLC you can send data to the PLC or receive
data from the PLC.

Example:
22 FN 19: PLC + 11/+Q13/Q77

The value 11 is transferred to word D280.

The contents of Q parameter Q13 are transferred to word D284
(optional entry, can be ignored with NO ENT).
The value from word D512 is transferred to Q parameter Q77 by the
PLC and can now be evaluated in the subsequent NC part.

198 10 Programming: Q Parameters

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.8 Measuring with a probing

10.8 Measuring with a probing electrode during program run

electrode during program run
Introduction
You can use a probing electrode to probe positions on the workpiece Z
during program run.
Applications: Y L?

„ Measuring differences in the height of cast surfaces a?

100
„ Tolerance checking during machining
a? X
To program the use of a probing electrode, press the TOUCH PROBE
key. 100

You pre-position the electrode to automatically probe the desired

position. The coordinate measured for the probe point is stored in a –10
Q parameter.
The TNC interrupts the probing process if the electrode does not reach
the workpiece within a certain distance (programmed in MP6130).
The C axis can also be defined as the electrode axis.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 199

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.8 Measuring with a probing electrode during program run

To program the use of a probing electrode

Select the probing function: Press the TOUCH

PROBE key.

TCH PROBE 0: REF. PLANE

To select the touch probe functions:

PARAMETER NUMBER FOR RESULT?

5 Enter the number of the Q parameter that you want

to assign the coordinate to, e.g. Q5.

PROBING AXIS / PROBING DIRECTION?

Enter the probing axis for the coordinate, e.g. X.

Select the probing direction and confirm it.

POSITION VALUE?

Enter all coordinates of the pre-positioning point of

5
the electrode, e.g. X = 5 mm, Y = 1 mm, Z = –5 mm.

Concludes your input.

Example NC blocks
180 TCH PROBE 0.0 REF. PLANE Q5 X-
181 TCH PROBE 0.1 X+5 Y+0 Z-5

„ Pre-position the electrode manually to avoid a collision

when the programmed pre-positioning point is
approached.
„ You can also use the programmable probing function
when the ”Tilt working plane” function is active. The
TNC then acknowledges the coordinate of the touch
point in the tilted coordinate system.

200 10 Programming: Q Parameters

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.8 Measuring with a probing electrode during program run
Example: Measuring the height of an island on a workpiece

Program sequence
„ Store coordinates for pre-positioning the
electrode in Q parameters Z
„ Probe probe point 1
„ Probe probe point 2
„ Determine the height from the difference in Z
values
Y 1

2 X

0 BEGIN PGM PROBE MM

1 FN 0: Q11 = +20 Parameter coordinates for probe point 1 in the X axis
2 FN 0: Q12 = +50 Parameter coordinates for probe point 1 in the Y axis
3 FN 0: Q13 = +10 Parameter coordinates for probe point 1 in the Z axis
4 FN 0: Q21 = +50 Parameter coordinates for probe point 2 in the X axis
5 FN 0: Q22 = +10 Parameter coordinates for probe point 2 in the Y axis
6 FN 0: Q23 = +0 Parameter coordinates for probe point 2 in the Z axis
7 TOOL CALL 0 Z Insert probing electrode
8 L Z+100 R0 F MAX M Retract to safety clearance
9 TCH PROBE 0.0 REF. PLANE Q10 Z– Assign the Z coordinate probed in the negative direction to Q10
10 TCH PROBE 0.1 X+Q11 Y+Q12 Z+Q13 Touch probe is valid for point 1
11 L X+Q21 Y+Q22 Auxiliary point for second pre-positioning
12 TCH PROBE 0.0 REF. PLANE Q20 Z– Assign the Z coordinate probed in the negative direction to Q20
13 TCH PROBE 0.1 X+Q21 Y+Q22 Z+Q23 Touch probe is valid for point 2
14 FN2: Q1 = Q10–Q20 Measure the height of the island and assign to Q1
15 STOP Q1 can be checked after program run has stopped
16 L Z+100 R0 F MAX M2 Retract probing electrode and end program
17 END PGM PROBE MM End of program

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 201

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.9 Q Parameters with Special
10.9 Q Parameters with Special Functions

Functions
Vacant Q parameters

Q parameters Q0 to Q79 are freely programmable.

The TNC always uses the last numerical value assigned to these
Q parameters (see Chapter 8).
When programming part families with Q parameters, you should only
use ”vacant” Q parameters. This ensures that the TNC does not
overwrite a parameter used in the program.

Preassigned Q parameters

The TNC always assigns the same values to the following

Q parameters, e.g. the electrode radius or the current generator
power stage.

Q parameters with special functions

Some Q parameters have special functions. For example, the TNC

uses these parameters to transfer values between the program and
the datum table:
Q80 to Q84

Preassigned Q parameters
Additional erosion parameters: Q96, Q97, Q98
If you work with erosion tables, the machine tool builder can store
additional erosion parameters in the Q parameters Q96, Q97 and Q98.
The machine tool builder can give you more information about these
Q parameters.

202 10 Programming: Q Parameters

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.9 Q Parameters with Special Functions
Data from the erosion table
When you are working with an erosion table, the following erosion
parameters are also available in Q parameters.

Erosion parameters Parameters

Current power stage LS Q99

Surface finish [µm] Q148

Highest power stage Q150

Lowest power stage Q151

Number of the active erosion table Q152

Minimum undersize UNS of the lowest Q154

power stage [mm]

Two-times gap 2G of the lowest power stage Q155

[mm]

Two-times gap 2G of the highest power Q156

stage [mm]

Two-times gap 2G from the lowest to the Q201 to Q225

highest power stage [mm]

Minimum undersize UNS of the lowest to the Q231 to Q255

highest power stage [mm]

Q parameters when not using erosion tables:

Q90 to Q99
If you are working without erosion tables, you must use the
Q parameters for eroding (Q90 to Q99).
The machine tool builder can give you more information about these
Q parameters.

Electrode data: Q108, Q158 to Q160

The TNC stores the electrode data that you entered in the TOOL DEF,
TOOL CALL and EL-CORR blocks in the following Q parameters:

Entry Parameters
Electrode radius from TOOL DEF Q108

Electrode undersize from TOOL CALL Q158

Electrode length from TOOL DEF Q159

Electrode number from TOOL CALL Q160

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 203

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.9 Q Parameters with Special Functions

Electrode axis Q109

The value of parameter Q109 depends on the current tool axis:

Tool axis Parameter value

No tool axis defined Q109 = -1

Z axis Q109 = 2

Y axis Q109 = 1

X axis Q109 = 0

Miscellaneous functions for free rotation of the C axis: Q110

The value of parameter Q110 depends on which M function was last
programmed for the rotation of the C axis:

Definition of miscellaneous functions Parameter value

No M3, M4 or M5 defined Q110 = –1

M03: Free rotation of C axis ON Q110 = 0

M04: Free rotation of C axis OFF Q110 = 1

M05 active Q110 = 2

Flushing: Q111

M functions Parameter value

Directly after program selection Q111 = –1

Flushing OFF (M09 active) Q111 = 0

Flushing ON (M08 active) Q111 = 1

Plane of rotation during ROTATION Cycle: Q112

Plane of rotation Parameter value

No plane defined Q112 = –1

Y/Z plane Q112 = 0

Z/X plane Q112 = 1

X/Y plane Q112 = 2

Dimensions of the main program: Q113

Dimensions of the main program Parameter value

Directly after program selection Q113 = –1

Metric system (mm) Q113 = 0

Inch system (inches) Q113 = 1

204 10 Programming: Q Parameters

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.9 Q Parameters with Special Functions
Dimensions in the erosion table: Q114

Dimensions in the erosion table Parameter value

Directly after table selection Q114 = –1

Metric system (mm) Q114 = 0

Inch system (inches) Q114 = 1

Coordinates after probing during program run: Q115 to Q119

The parameters Q115 to Q119 contain the coordinates of the spindle
position in the machine system at the moment of contact during
programmed measurement with the probing electrode.
The length and radius of the probing electrode are ignored in these
coordinates:

Coordinate axis Parameter

X axis Q115

Y axis Q116

Z axis Q117

IVth axis Q118

Vth axis Q119

Coordinates after probing during program run: Q120 to Q124

The parameters Q120 to Q124 contain the coordinates of the spindle
position in the workpiece system at the moment of contact during
programmed measurement with the probing electrode.
The length and radius of the probing electrode are ignored in these
coordinates:

Coordinate axis Parameter

X axis Q120

Y axis Q121

Z axis Q122

IVth axis Q123

Vth axis Q124

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 205

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.9 Q Parameters with Special Functions

Status for eroding with time limit: Q153

The TNC assigns values to the Q parameter Q153 if you are machining
with Cycle 2 ERO.TIME LIM.:

Data Parameter value

Return jump to the main program, Q153 = 0
for example, from the subprogram.

Time exceeded during eroding and Q153 = 1

Cycle 17 DISK cancelled.

Cycle 2 ERO.TIME LIM. completed. Q153 = 2

Data about following electrode: Q157

Entry Parameter value

Following electrode = YES Q157 = 1

Following electrode = NO Q157 = MP2040

Number of the cycle called with CYCL CALL: Q162

Entry Parameter
Cycle number Q162

Gap size LS max when machining which Cycle 1 GENERATOR:

Q164

Entry Parameter
Gap size Q164

Q parameters with special functions

The TNC uses some Q parameters, for example, to exchange
coordinates between the datum table or the integrated PLC and the
program.

Q parameters for the datum table: Q81 to Q84

The TNC exchanges coordinates between the datum table and the
machining program with the following Q parameters:

Datum coordinates Parameter

Number of the datum in the table Q80

X coordinate Q81

Y coordinate Q82

Z coordinate Q83

C coordinate Q84

Coordinate of the fifth axis Q85

206 10 Programming: Q Parameters

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.9 Q Parameters with Special Functions
Q parameters from the PLC: Q100 to Q107
The TNC can assume preassigned Q parameters from the integrated
PLC (Q100 to Q107).
The machine tool builder can give you more information about these
Q parameters.

Machining time: Q161

The TNC stores the current machining time in Q parameter Q161.
Format: hh:mm:ss

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 207

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.9 Q Parameters with Special Functions

Example: Ellipse

Program sequence
„ The contour of the ellipse is approximated by
many short lines (defined in Q7). The more Y
calculating steps you define for the lines, the
smoother the curve becomes.
„ The machining direction can be altered by 50
changing the entries for the starting and end
angles in the plane:

30
Clockwise machining direction:
starting angle > end angle
50
Counterclockwise machining direction: starting
angle < end angle
„ The tool radius is not taken into account.

X
50

0 BEGIN PGM ELLIPSE MM

1 FN 0: Q1 = +50 Center in X axis
2 FN 0: Q2 = +50 Center in Y axis
3 FN 0: Q3 = +50 Semiaxis in X
4 FN 0: Q4 = +30 Semiaxis in Y
5 FN 0: Q5 = +0 Starting angle in the plane
6 FN 0: Q6 = +360 End angle in the plane
7 FN 0: Q7 = +40 Number of calculating steps
8 FN 0: Q8 = +0 Rotational position of the ellipse
9 FN 0: Q9 = +5 Milling depth
10 FN 0: Q10 = +100 Feed rate for plunging
11 FN 0: Q11 = +350 Feed rate for milling
12 FN 0: Q12 = +2 Setup clearance for pre-positioning
13 BLK FORM 0.1 Z X+0 Y+0 Z-20 Define the workpiece blank
14 BLK FORM 0.2 X+100 Y+100 Z+0
15 CYCL DEF 1.0 GENERATOR Cycle GENERATOR (see ”Cycle 1 GENERATOR” on page 133)
16 CYCL DEF 1.1 P-TAB 300 Select erosion table (here, table 300)
17 CYCL DEF 1.2 MAX=12 MIN=8 Power stages, for example between 8 and 12
18 TOOL DEF 1 L+0 R+5 Define electrode in the program
19 TOOL CALL 1 U+1 Call electrode in the infeed axis Z, undersize 1 mm

208 10 Programming: Q Parameters

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.9 Q Parameters with Special Functions
20 L Z+250 R0 F MAX M Retract electrode
21 CALL LBL 10 Call machining operation
22 L Z+100 R0 F MAX M2 Retract in the tool axis, end program
23 LBL 10 Subprogram 10: Machining operation
24 CYCL DEF 7.0 DATUM SHIFT Shift datum to center of ellipse
25 CYCL DEF 7.1 X+Q1
26 CYCL DEF 7.2 Y+Q2
27 CYCL DEF 10.0 ROTATION Account for rotational position in the plane
28 CYCL DEF 10.1 ROT+Q8
29 FN2 Q35 = Q6 - Q5 Starting angle - end angle
30 FN4 Q35 = Q35 DIV Q7 Calculate angle increment
31 FN0 Q37 = 0 Set counter
32 FN7 Q36 = COS Q5
33 FN3 Q21 = Q3 * Q36 Calculate X coordinate for starting point
34 FN7 Q36 = SIN Q5
35 FN3 Q22 = Q4 * Q36 Calculate Y coordinate for starting point
36 L X+Q21 Y+Q22 R0 F MAX M36 Move to starting point in the plane; eroding ON
37 L Z+Q12 R0 F MAX M Pre-position in tool axis to setup clearance
38 L Z-Q9 R0 FQ10 M Move to working depth

39 LBL 1
40 FN1 Q36 = Q5 + Q35 Update the angle
41 FN1 Q37 = Q37 + 1 Update the counter
42 FN7 Q38 = COS Q36
43 FN3 Q21 = Q3 * Q38 Calculate the current X coordinate
44 FN6 Q38 = SIN Q36
45 FN3 Q22 = Q4 * Q38 Calculate the current Y coordinate
46 L X+Q21 Y+Q22 R0 FQ11 M Move to next point
47 FN 12: IF +Q37 LT +Q7 GOTO LBL 1 Unfinished? If not finished, return to LBL 1

48 CYCL DEF 10.0 ROTATION Reset the rotation

49 CYCL DEF 10.1 ROT+0
50 CYCL DEF 7.0 DATUM SHIFT Reset the datum shift
51 CYCL DEF 7.1 X+0
52 CYCL DEF 7.2 Y+0
53 L Z+Q12 R0 F MAX M37 Move to safety clearance; eroding OFF
54 LBL 0 End of subprogram
55 END PGM ELLIPSE MM

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 209

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.9 Q Parameters with Special Functions

Example: Circular hole patterns

Program sequence
Y
„ Define parameter coordinates for the full circle
„ Define parameter coordinates for the circle arc
„ The positions to be eroded are each approached
in the subprogram LBL1 through movements in 25
the plane with polar coordinates.
90°
30°
1

25
70
35

30 90 X

0 BEGIN PGM HOLES MM

1 BLK FORM 0.1 Z X+0 Y+0 Z–20 Define the workpiece blank: MIN point
2 BLK FORM 0.2 X+100 Y+100 Z+0 Define the workpiece blank: MAX point
3 CYCL DEF 1.0 GENERATOR Cycle GENERATOR (see ”Cycle 1 GENERATOR” on page 133)
4 CYCL DEF 1.1 P-TAB 300 Select erosion table (here, table 300)
5 CYCL DEF 1.2 MAX=12 MIN =12 Set power stage (here, to stage 12)
6 TOOL DEF 1 L+0 R+5 Define electrode in the program
7 TOOL CALL 1 Z U+1 Call electrode in the infeed axis Z, undersize 1 mm
8 L Z+100 R0 F MAX M Retract in the infeed axis; rapid traverse; insert electrode

9 FN 0: Q1 = +30 Full circle 1: center X

10 FN 0: Q2 = +70 Full circle 1: center Y
11 FN 0: Q3 = +10 Full circle 1: number of cavities
12 FN 0: Q4 = +25 Full circle 1: radius
13 FN 0: Q5 = +90 1 and 2: starting angle
14 FN 0: Q6 = +0 Full circle 1: angle increment (input value 0: full circle)
15 FN 0: Q7 = +2 1 and 2: set-up clearance
16 FN 0: Q8 = –15 1 and 2: eroding depth

17 CALL LBL 1 Call subprogram 1 for full circle

210 10 Programming: Q Parameters

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.9 Q Parameters with Special Functions
18 FN 0: Q1 = +90 Circle segment 2: center X
19 FN 0: Q2 = +25 Circle segment 2: center Y
20 FN 0: Q3 = +5 Circle segment 2: number of cavities
21 FN 0: Q4 = +35 Circle segment 2: radius
22 FN 0: Q6 = +30 Circle segment 2: angle increment

23 CALL LBL 1 Call subprogram 1 for arc

24 LBL 1 Subprogram 1
25 FN 0: Q10 = +0 Reset counter for completed cavities
26 FN 10: IF +Q6 NE +0 GOTO LBL 10 If angle increment does not equal 0, go to LBL 10
27 FN 4: Q6 = +360 DIV +Q3 Calculate angle increment for full circle
28 LBL 10
29 FN 1: Q11 = +Q5 + +Q6 Angle for second eroding position
30 CC X+Q1 Y+Q2 Position pole at center
31 LP PR+Q4 PA+Q5 R0 F MAX M3 Account for rotational position in the plane
32 L Z+Q7 R0 F MAX M Pre-position electrode at set-up clearance
33 L Z+Q8 R F M36 First cavity; eroding ON
34 L Z+Q7 R F MAX M37 Retract electrode; eroding OFF
35 FN 1: Q10 = +Q10 + +1 Increment counter for completed cavities
36 FN 9: IF +Q10 EQU +Q3 GOTO LBL 99 If finished, jump to LBL 99
37 LBL 2
38 LP PR+Q4 PA+Q11 R0 F MAX M Move to next cavity
39 L Z+Q8 R F M36 Eroding
40 L Z+Q7 R F MAX M37 Retract electrode; eroding OFF
41 FN 1: Q10 = +Q10 + +1 Increment counter for completed cavities
42 FN 1: Q11 = +Q11 + +Q6 Calculate angle for next cavity
43 FN 12: IF +Q10 LT +Q3 GOTO LBL 2 If not yet finished, jump to LBL 2

44 LBL 99
45 L Z+200 R F MAX M Retract electrode
46 LBL 0 End of subprogram

47 END PGM HOLES MM

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 211

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.9 Q Parameters with Special Functions

Example: Cavity with DISK cycle

Program sequence
„ The program accesses the minimum undersize Z
UNS with indexed data assignment via the UM
power stage.
2
„ The minimum undersize UNS is located in the
erosion table. Re
„ Calculations in the program:
Undersize UM = D – 2 • R
Expansion radius RAD = 0.5 • ( UM – UNS ) V
„ The depth of cavity T is reduced by the value of
UNS programmed in the DISK cycle. The
electrode radius must be larger than the radius
of the cavity (= 0.5 • D=20 mm).

RAD
UNS X
2 D

0 BEGIN PGM QDISK MM

1 FN 0: Q1 = – 10 Depth of cavity T
2 FN 0: Q2 = + 40 Diameter of cavity D
3 FN 0: Q99 = 6 Power stage
4 BLK FORM 0.1 Z X+0 Y+0 Z–20 Define the workpiece blank: MIN point
5 BLK FORM 0.2 X+100 Y+100 Z+0 Define the workpiece blank: MAX point
6 CYCL DEF 1.0 GENERATOR Cycle GENERATOR (see ”Cycle 1 GENERATOR” on page 133)
7 CYCL DEF 1.1 P-TAB 100 Select erosion table (here, table 100)
8 CYCL DEF 1.2 MAX=6 MIN =6 Set power stage
9 TOOL DEF 1 L+0 R+12 Define electrode in the program
10 TOOL CALL 1 Z U+1 Call electrode in the infeed axis Z, undersize 1 mm
11 L Z+100 R0 F MAX M Retract in the infeed axis; rapid traverse; insert electrode
12 L X+50 Y+50 Z+2 R0 FMAX M Starting position
13 FN 3: Q10 = +2 * +Q108 Calculate electrode diameter
14 FN 2: Q10 = +Q2 – +Q10 Calculate undersize UM
15 TOOL CALL 1 Z UM +Q10 Call tool with UM
16 FN 16: Q11 = Q231(Q99) Determine UNS
17 FN 2: Q12 = +Q10 – +Q11 Calculating the expansion radius RAD

212 10 Programming: Q Parameters

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
10.9 Q Parameters with Special Functions
18 FN 4: Q12 = +Q12 DIV +2
19 FN 1: Q13 = +Q1 + +Q11 Calculate T–UNS
20 CYCL DEF 17.0 DISK
21 CYCL DEF 17.1 Z+Q13 M36 Cycle DISK (see ”Cycle 17 DISK” on page 142),
Depth T–UNS; eroding ON
22 CYCL DEF 17.2 RAD=Q12 MOD=0 Expansion radius Q12; expand circularly
23 L Z+100 R0 FMAX M37 Retract electrode; eroding OFF
24 END PGM QDISK MM

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 213

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
11
Test run
and Program Run

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
11.1 Graphics
11.1 Graphics

Function
In the program run modes of operation as well as in the Test Run
mode, the TNC graphically simulates the machining of the workpiece.
Use the BLK FORM ON/OFF soft key to determine if the graphic
should be shown or not. Using soft keys, select whether you desire:
„ Plan view
„ Projection in 3 planes
„ 3-D view
The TNC will not show a graphic if
„ the current program has no valid blank form definition
„ no program is selected

A graphic simulation is not possible for program sections

or programs in which rotary axis movements or a tilted
working plane are defined. In this case, the TNC will
display an error message.
The TNC graphic does not show a radius oversize DR that
has been programmed in the TOOL CALL block.
The TNC can display the graphic only if the ratio of the
short side to the long sides of the BLK FORM is greater than
1:64!

Overview of display modes

The TNC displays the following soft keys in the program run and
test run modes of operation:

Soft
Display mode
key
Plan view

Projection in 3 planes

3-D view

216 11 Test run and Program Run

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
11.1 Graphics
Plan view
8 Press the soft key for plan view.

8 Select the number of depth levels (after shifting the

soft-key row). You can choose between 16 or 32
shades of depth.

The deeper the surface, the darker the shade.

Plan view is the fastest of the three graphic display

modes.

Projection in 3 planes
Similar to a workpiece drawing, the part is displayed with a plan view
and two sectional planes. A symbol to the lower left indicates whether
the display is in first angle or third angle projection according to ISO
6433 (selected with MP7310).
Details can be isolated in this display mode for magnification.
In addition, you can shift the sectional planes with the corresponding
soft keys:
8 Press the soft key for projection in three planes.
8 Shift the soft-key row until the TNC displays the
following soft keys:

Function Soft keys

Shift the vertical sectional plane to the right
or left

Shift the horizontal sectional plane upwards

or downwards

The positions of the sectional planes are visible during shifting.

3-D view
The workpiece is displayed in three dimensions, and can be rotated
about the vertical axis.
The shape of the workpiece blank can be depicted by a frame overlay
at the beginning of the graphic simulation.
In the Test Run mode of operation you can isolate details for
magnification.
8 Press the soft key for 3-D view.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 217

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
11.1 Graphics

To rotate the 3-D view

Shift the soft-key row until the following soft keys appear:

Function Soft keys

Rotate the workpiece in 27° steps
about the vertical axis

The current angle of rotation of the display is shown at the bottom left
of the graphic.
Switch the frame overlay display for the workpiece blank on/off:
8 Show the frame overlay with SHOW BLK-FORM

8 Omit the frame overlay with OMIT BLK-FORM

Magnifying details
You can magnify details in the Test Run mode in the following display modes:
„ Projection in three planes
„ 3-D view
The graphic simulation must first have been stopped. A detail
magnification is always effective in all display modes.
Shift the soft-key row in the Test Run mode of operation until the
following soft keys appear:

Function Soft keys

Select the left/right workpiece surface

Select the front/back workpiece surface

Select the top/bottom workpiece surface

Shift the sectional plane to reduce or

magnify the blank form

Select the isolated detail

To change the detail magnification:

The soft keys are listed in the table above.
8 Interrupt the graphic simulation, if necessary.
8 Select the workpiece surface with the corresponding soft key (see table).
8 To reduce or magnify the blank form, press and hold the MINUS or
PLUS soft key, respectively.
8 Restart the test run or program run by pressing the START soft key
(RESET + START returns the workpiece blank to its original state).

218 11 Test run and Program Run

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
11.1 Graphics
Cursor position during detail magnification
During detail magnification, the TNC displays the coordinates of the
axis that is currently being isolated. The coordinates describe the area
determined for magnification. To the left of the slash is the smallest
coordinate of the detail (MIN point), to the left is the largest (MAX
point).
If a graphic display is magnified, this is indicated with MAGN at the lower
right of the graphics window.
If the workpiece blank cannot be further enlarged or reduced, the TNC
displays an error message in the graphics window. To clear the error
message, reduce or enlarge the workpiece blank.

Repeating graphic simulation

A part program can be graphically simulated as often as desired, either
with the complete workpiece or with a detail of it.

Function Soft key

Restore workpiece blank to the detail magnification in
which it was last shown.

Reset detail magnification so that the machined

workpiece or workpiece blank is displayed as it was
programmed with BLK FORM.

With the RESET MAGNIFY soft key, you return the

displayed workpiece blank to its originally programmed
dimensions, even after isolating a detail without
TRANSFER DETAIL.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 219

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
11.2 Test run
11.2 Test run

Function
In the TEST RUN mode of operation you can simulate programs and
program sections to prevent errors from occurring during program run.
The TNC checks the programs for the following:
„ Geometrical incompatibilities
„ Missing data
„ Impossible jumps
The following TNC functions can be used in the TEST RUN mode of
operation:
„ Blockwise test run
„ Optional Block Skip
„ Functions for graphic simulation

Running a program test

8 Select the Test Run mode of operation.
8 Choose the program you want to test.
8 Press the soft key START. The TNC then tests the
program to its end or up to the next programmed
interruption.
The TNC then displays the following soft keys:

Function Soft key

Reset program, status and workpiece blank

Test the entire program

Interrupt the test run

Test each program block individually

Run a program test up to a certain block

Run program test with graphics (framing around ON) or

without graphics (framing around OFF).

220 11 Test run and Program Run

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
11.2 Test run
Running a program test up to a certain block
If you only want to test the program up to a particular block:
8 Choose the program you want to test.
8 Press the soft key STOP AT N.
8 Enter the block number up to which the TNC should
run a program test.
8 If the block is located in a different program, enter the
PROGRAM.
8 If the block number is located within a program section
repeat, enter the REPEATS.
8 Start the test run with START.

Operating time
The TNC displays the simulation time between the program blocks
and the status display.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 221

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
11.3 Program run
11.3 Program run

Application
In the PROGRAM RUN, FULL SEQUENCE mode of operation the TNC
executes a part program continuously to its end or up to a program
stop.
In the PROGRAM RUN, SINGLE BLOCK mode of operation you must
start each block separately by pressing the machine START button.
The following TNC functions can be used in a program run:
„ Interrupt program run
„ Checking and changing Q parameters
„ Functions for graphic simulation

Background programming
During program run it is possible to switch over to the
PROGRAMMING AND EDITING mode and enter a new program or
edit an existing one while the program being executed continues in
the background.

Operating time
The TNC displays the calculated machining time between the program
blocks and the status display. The TNC resets the counter for the
machining time when you select a new program.

Changing the erosion parameters during

program run
The TNC displays the erosion parameters of the current power stage
in a line on the screen. You can select the individual erosion
parameters with the horizontal arrow keys. Then use the vertical arrow
keys to change the parameters settings while the program is being
executed. Parameter settings that are changed during program run
will not be entered in the erosion table.

The machine tool builder can inhibit changing of specific

erosion parameters. Refer to your machine tool manual.

222 11 Test run and Program Run

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
11.3 Program run
Running a part program
Preparation
1 Clamp the workpiece to the machine table.
2 Set the datum.

Program Run, Full Sequence

8 Start the part program with the machine START button.

Program Run, Single Block

8 Start each block of the part program individually with the machine
START button.

Interrupting machining
There are several ways to interrupt a program run:
„ Programmed interruptions
„ Machine STOP button
„ Switching to PROGRAM RUN, SINGLE BLOCK
If the TNC registers an error during program run, it automatically
interrupts the machining process.

Programmed interruptions
You can program interruptions directly in the part program. The TNC
interrupts the program run at a block containing one of the following
entries:
„ STOP
„ Miscellaneous function M0, M2 or M30
„ Miscellaneous function M6 (determined by the machine tool builder)

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 223

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
11.3 Program run

Interrupting or aborting a program by pressing a button

The block which the TNC is currently executing is not completed.

Interrupt program run.

The symbol in the status display blinks.

Once you have pressed the Hand soft key, the axes can be traversed
manually using the axis-direction keys. To approach the point of
interruption once again, use the ”Return to contour” function (see
”Resuming program run after an interruption” on page 225).
Program run can be aborted with the machine STOP button.

Abort program run.

The symbol in the status display goes out.

Interruption of machining by switching to the PROGRAM RUN,

SINGLE BLOCK mode of operation
The machining process is interrupted at the end of the current block.

Select PROGRAM RUN, SINGLE BLOCK.

Mid-program startup (block scan)

If you want to start the program not at the first block but at some other
block:
8 Test the program in the operating mode TEST RUN up to the desired
block.
8 Switch to the program mode PROGRAM RUN.
8 Start the program at the current block.
The TNC moves the axes towards the contour in a pre-determined
sequence (positioning logic). While the TNC is moving the axes, a
message is displayed indicating that reapproach is active. You can
switch back and forth between the operating modes TEST RUN and
PROGRAM RUN as often as desired.

224 11 Test run and Program Run

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
11.3 Program run
Resuming program run after an interruption
After an interruption you can resume program run at the point where
the program was interrupted. M functions that are not evaluated by
the NC must first be manually activated.

If program run was interrupted during a fixed cycle, you

must restart at the beginning of the cycle. Steps which
have already been carried out will then be performed
again.
If you have interrupted a called program during program
run, the TNC automatically offers the main program when
you press the PGM NAME (or PGM MGT) key.

Resuming program run with the START button

It is possible to resume program run with the machine START button
if the program was interrupted in one of the following ways:
„ The machine STOP button was pressed
„ A programmed interruption

Resuming program run after an error

If the error message is not blinking:
8 Remove the cause of the error.
8 To clear the error message from the screen, press the CE key.
8 Restart the program, or resume program run at the place at which it
was interrupted.
If the error message is blinking:
8 Switch off the TNC and the machine.
8 Remove the cause of the error.
8 Start again.
If you cannot correct the error, write down the error message and
contact your repair service agency.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 225

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
11.3 Program run

Returning to the interruption spot

After interrupting machining with the NC Stop key, you can use the
Hand soft key to move the machine axes in the MANUAL mode, e.g.
to check the electrode for potential damage. Then you can have the
TNC reposition the electrode to the point of the interruption:
8 Interrupt program run: Press the NC Stop key, the * symbol in the
status display starts blinking.
8 Press the Hand soft key to be able to traverse the machine axes.
8 Using the axis-direction keys, move the electrode to any position.
8 To reapproach the interruption position: Press the RESTORE
POSITION key and the TNC activates the ”Return to contour”
function (see figure at right).
8 Using the soft keys, select the axis to be repositioned and then
press NC Start.
8 Reposition all of the axes to the interruption point in the same way.
8 Resume program run with NC Start.

Resuming program run with the GOTO key

You can interrupt workpiece machining (PROGRAM RUN/FULL
SEQUENCE) and move the machine axes manually.

„ When a program is resumed by pressing the GOTO key,

program blocks that are located before the selected
block are ignored!
„ After manual positioning the TNC moves the axes to
incremental coordinates referenced to the actual
position of the tool, and not to the last programmed
position.

226 11 Test run and Program Run

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
11.3 Program run
Resetting the counters
To reset the counters of program section repeats after you resume
program run:
8 Use GOTO 0 to return to the beginning of the program.
If you do not wish to reset the counters:
8 Use GOTO > 0 to go to a certain block.

Time capture table TIME.W

The time capture table TIME.W in the TNC contains the following
columns:
„ PS: Power stage number
„ ETABLE: Erosion table name
„ TOOL: Tool number
„ REL.: Erosion time per power stage
„ ABS.: Total erosion time
„ DATUM: Datum table name
„ NR: Datum number
„ PROGRAM: Program name
„ BLOCK: Block number
The TNC automatically writes the above data to TIME.W when a new
generator setting is transmitted to the PLC during program run. The
time table therefore receives as many lines as there are power stages
programmed.

To display TIME.W
8 Select the operating mode PROGRAMMING AND EDITING.
8 Press the PGN NAME key.
8 Enter ”TIME”.

Resetting TIME.W
The TNC automatically overwrites TIME.W when you select a new
program in a program run mode of operation or press the RESET soft
key.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 227

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
12
MOD Functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
12.1 MOD functions
12.1 MOD functions

Selecting, Changing and Exiting the MOD

Functions
8 Press the toggle key.

8 Select the desired MOD function with the corresponding soft key.
8 Use the horizontal arrow keys to change the setting, or enter a
value.
8 Press the END key to exit the MOD function.

8 Press the toggle key to return to the mode of

operation from which you called MOD.

Overview of MOD functions

The MOD functions provide additional displays and input possibilities.
They are selected with soft keys. The following functions are available:
„ Position Display Types
„ Unit of measurement (mm/inches)
„ System information (NC and software numbers)
„ Set data interface
„ Axis traverse limits
„ Machine-specific user parameters
„ Enter code number
„ Q parameter status in test run or in program run mode of operation

230 12 MOD Functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
Position Display Types

12.1 MOD functions

The positions indicated in the figure are: 1

„ Starting position A 2 3
„ Target position of the tool Z
„ Workpiece datum W Z
A
„ Scale datum M
The TNC position displays can show the following coordinates:

Function Display W 4 5
Nominal position: the instantaneous value NOML.
commanded by the TNC 1
M
Actual position: the position at which the tool is ACTL.
presently located 2

Servo lag: difference between nominal and actual LAG

positions 3

Reference position; the actual position relative to REF

the scale datum 4

Distance remaining to the programmed position; DIST.

difference between actual and target positions 5

Nominal position referenced to the transformed NOM.W

coordinate system, such as after a datum shift

Actual position referenced to the transformed ACT.W

coordinate system, such as after a datum shift

Select the desired display type with the horizontal arrow keys. It
immediately appears in the status field.

Unit of measurement
This MOD function determines whether the coordinates are displayed
in millimeters (metric system) or inches.
„ To select the metric system (e.g., X = 15.789 mm),
set the MOD function CHANGE MM/INCH to MM.
The value is displayed to 3 decimal places.
„ To select the inch system (e.g., X = 0.6216 inch)
set the MOD function CHANGE MM/INCH to INCH.
The value is displayed to 4 decimal places.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 231

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
System Information
12.1 MOD functions

The NC and PLC software numbers appear on the TNC screen after
the corresponding MOD functions have been selected. The vacant
memory in bytes is displayed directly below them.

Setting the external data interfaces

Two functions are available for setting the external data interfaces:
„ BAUD RATE
„ RS-232-C INTERFACE
The functions are selected as MOD functions with the vertical arrow
keys.

BAUD RATE
Sets the speed of data transfer.
Available baud rates:
110, 150, 300, 600, 1 200, 2 400, 4 800, 9 600, 19 200, 38 400 baud.
To change the baud rate setting:
Press the horizontal arrow keys.

RS-232-C interface
The proper setting depends on the device connected.
Use the ENT key to select the setting.

External device RS-232-C interface

HEIDENHAIN floppy disk units FE 1
FE 401 and FE 401 B

HEIDENHAIN ME 101 magnetic tape unit, EXT

non-HEIDENHAIN devices such as printers,
scanners, tape punchers, PC without
TNC.EXE

232 12 MOD Functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
12.2 External Data Transfer

12.2 External Data Transfer

The TNC features two interfaces for data transfer between it and other
devices.

Application examples
„ Downloading files into the TNC
„ Transferring files from the TNC to external devices
„ Printing files
„ Remote operation of the TNC
The RS-232-C/V.24 interface is used for these operations.

LSV-2 protocol
The TNC supports the LSV-2 protocol. This allows the control of data
transfer or of program run, for example.

Protecting files
The functions PROTECT and UNPROTECT are available for external
data transfer (see Chapter 1).

12.3 Menu for External Data Transfer

To select external data transfer

Press the EXT key or

Press the PGM MGT key.

Press the soft key EXT: The selected interface mode

and the selected baud rate appear on the screen.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 233

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
12.3 Menu for External Data Transfer

Windows for external data transfer

The TNC displays the files in three windows on the screen. You can
move from one window to another with the switch-over keys to the
left and right of the soft keys.

Top window: All files on the external storage device

Middle window: NC programs and erosion tables on the
external storage device (default setting)
Bottom window: All files in the TNC memory
Under the list of files the TNC displays whether the files are in the TNC
memory (INTERNAL files) or whether they are stored on an external
device (EXTERNAL files).
After that the number of files in the displayed directory are shown.

234 12 MOD Functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
12.4 Selecting and Transferring Files

12.4 Selecting and Transferring Files

Selecting the transfer function
The data transfer functions are selected from the soft-key row.

Selecting a file
Select a file with the arrow keys.
The PAGE soft keys are for scrolling up and down in the file directory
(the same as in file management).

Transferring files
Transferring files from the TNC to an external device
The highlight is on a field stored in the TNC.

Function Soft key

Transfer the selected file

Transfer all files

Transferring files from an external device to the TNC

Use a cursor key to move the highlight to a file that is stored in the
external device.

Function Soft key

Transfer the selected file

Transfer all files

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 235

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
12.4 Selecting and Transferring Files

Interrupting data transfer

Press the END key or the END soft key to interrupt data transfer.

Transferring files via the PRT output of the FE 401

You can also transfer files via the PRT output of the FE 401 to devices
such as a printer:
8 Select the file and press the PRINT soft key.

The functions ”Transfer all files,” ”Transfer selected file,”

and ”Transfer directory” are not available in the operating
modes FE2 and EXT.

Formatting disks
If you want to save files to a disk, the disk must be formatted. You can
format a disk in the FE 401 from the TNC keyboard:
8 Press the FORM DISK soft key.
8 Enter a name for the disk.
8 Press ENT.
The TNC then formats the disk.

Deleting files
To delete a file on an external device:
8 Use the arrow keys to select the file.
8 Press the DELETE soft key.

236 12 MOD Functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
12.5 Software for Data Transfer

12.5 Software for Data Transfer

Software for data transfer
For transfer of files to and from the TNC, we recommend using one
the HEIDENHAIN TNCremo data transfer software products for data
transfer, such as TNCremo or TNCremoNT. With TNCremo/
TNCremoNT, data transfer is possible with all HEIDENHAIN controls
via serial interface.

Please contact your HEIDENHAIN agent if you would like

to receive the TNCremo or TNCremoNT data transfer
software for a nominal fee.

System requirements for TNCremo:

„ AT personal computer or compatible system
„ Operating system MS-DOS/PC-DOS 3.00 or later, Windows 3.1,
Windows for Workgroups 3.11, Windows NT 3.51, OS/2
„ 640 KB working memory
„ 1 MB free memory space on your hard disk
„ One free serial interface
„ A Microsoft-compatible mouse (for ease of operation, not essential)
System requirements for TNCremoNT:
„ PC with 486 processor or higher
„ Operating system Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT 4.0
„ 16 MB working memory
„ 5 MB free memory space on your hard disk
„ One free serial interface or connection to the TCP/IP network on
TNCs with Ethernet card

Installation under Windows

8 Start the SETUP.EXE installation program in the file manager
(Explorer).
8 Follow the instructions of the setup program

Starting TNCremo under Windows 3.1, 3.11 and NT 3.51

Windows 3.1, 3.11, NT 3.51:
8 Double-click on the icon in the program group HEIDENHAIN
Applications
When you start TNCremo for the first time, you will be asked for the
type of control you have connected, the interface (COM1 or COM2)
and the data transfer speed. Enter the necessary information.

Starting TNCremoNT under Windows 95, Windows 98 and NT 4.0

8 Click on <Start>, <Programs>, <HEIDENHAIN Applications>,
<TNCremoNT>

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 237

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
12.5 Software for Data Transfer

When you start TNCremoNT for the first time, TNCremoNT

automatically tries to set up a connection with the TNC.

Data transfer between the TNC and TNCremo

Ensure that:
„ The TNC is connected to the correct serial port on your PC.
„ The data transfer speed set on the TNC is the same as that set on
TNCremo. 1

Once you have started TNCremo, you will see a list of all of the files
that are stored in the active directory on the left side of the main
window 1 . Using the menu items <Directory>, <Change>, you can
change the active directory or select another directory on your PC. 2

If you want to control data transfer from the PC, establish the
connection with your PC in the following way:
8 Select <Connect>, <Link (LSV2)>. TNCremo now receives the file
and directory structure from the TNC and displays this at the bottom
left of the main window 2.
8 To transfer a file from the TNC to the PC, select the file in the TNC
window (highlighted with a mouse click) and activate the functions
<File> <Transfer>.
8 To transfer a file from the PC to the TNC, select the file in the PC
window (highlighted with a mouse click) and activate the functions
<File> <Transfer>.
If you want to control data transfer from the TNC, establish the
connection with your PC in the following way:
8 Select <Connect>, <File server (FE)>. TNCremo is now in server
mode. It can receive data from the TNC and send data to the TNC.
8 You can now call the file management functions on the TNC by
pressing the key PGM MGT, in order to transfer the desired files.

End TNCremo
Select the menu items <File>, <Exit>, or press the key combination
ALT+X.

Refer also to the TNCremo help texts where all of the

functions are explained in more detail.

238 12 MOD Functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
12.5 Software for Data Transfer
Data transfer between the TNC and TNCremoNT
Ensure that: 1

„ The TNC is connected to the correct serial port on your PC.

„ The TNCremoNT operating mode is set to LSV2.
1
„ The data transfer speed set on the TNC is the same as that set on
TNCremoNT.
Once you have started TNCremoNT, you will see a list of all of the files
that are stored in the active directory on the upper section of the main
window 1 . Using the menu items <File>, <Change directory>, you
can change the active directory or select another directory on your PC.
2
If you want to control data transfer from the PC, establish the
connection with your PC in the following way:
8 Select <File>, <Setup connection>. TNCremoNT now receives the
file and directory structure from the TNC and displays this at the
bottom left of the main window 2.
8 To transfer a file from the TNC to the PC, select the file in the TNC
window with a mouse click and drag and drop the highlighted file
into the PC window 1.
8 To transfer a file from the PC to the TNC, select the file in the PC
window with a mouse click and drag and drop the highlighted file
into the PC window 2.
If you want to control data transfer from the TNC, establish the
connection with your PC in the following way:
8 Select <Extras>, <TNCserver>. TNCremoNT is now in server mode.
It can receive data from the TNC and send data to the TNC.
8 You can now call the file management functions on the TNC by
pressing the key PGM MGT, in order to transfer the desired files.

End TNCremoNT
Select the menu items <File>, <Exit>.

Refer also to the TNCremoNT help texts where all of the

functions are explained in more detail.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 239

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
12.6 Enter Axis Traverse Limits
12.6 Enter Axis Traverse Limits

Introduction
The AXIS LIMIT mod function allows you to set limits to axis traverse Z
within the machine’s actual working envelope.

Example application:
Z max
To protect an indexing fixture against tool collision.
The maximum range of traverse of the machine tool is defined by Z
min
software limit switches. This range can be additionally limited with the Y
AXIS LIMIT mod function. With this function you can enter the
X
maximum and minimum traverse positions for each axis, referenced min Ym
X ax
to the machine datum. max
Y
min
Working without additional traverse limits
To allow a machine axis to use its full range of traverse, enter the X
maximum traverse of the TNC (+/– 30 000 mm) as the AXIS LIMIT.

To find and enter the maximum traverse:

Select POSITION DISPLAY REF

Move the spindle to the positive and negative end positions of the
X, Y and Z axes.

Write down the values, including the algebraic sign.

MOD functions

Press the AXIS LIMIT soft key.

and enter the values that you wrote down as LIMITS in the
corresponding axes

Exit the MOD function.

240 12 MOD Functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
12.6 Enter Axis Traverse Limits
„ The tool radius is not automatically compensated in the
axis traverse limit value.
„ The traverse range limits and software limit switches
become active as soon as the reference points are
traversed.
„ The TNC checks whether the negative limit is less than
the positive limit in each axis.
„ You can also transfer the reference points directly,
using actual position capture.
„ You can re-establish the last stored value with the
NO ENT key.
„ You can re-establish the axis limits stored in the
machine parameters with the TRANSFER FROM MP
soft key.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 241

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
12.7 Machine-Specific User
12.7 Machine-Specific User Parameters

Parameters
Function
The machine tool builder can assign functions to up to 16 user
parameters. Refer to your machine tool manual.

242 12 MOD Functions

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
12.8 Code Number

12.8 Code Number

Function
If you want to change the user parameters, you must first enter the
code number 123 (see ”General User Parameters” on page 246).
Enter the code number after selecting the corresponding MOD
function in the dialog field. The TNC displays one asterisk for each digit
you enter.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 243

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
12.9 Q Parameter Status Display
Function
With the Q-PAR soft key you can check and, if necessary, change the
currently defined Q parameters while the TNC is running a program
test or part program (see ”Checking and Changing Q Parameters” on
page 196).

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
13
Tables and Overviews

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
13.1 General User Parameters
13.1 General User Parameters

General user parameters are machine parameters affecting TNC

settings that the user may want to change in accordance with his
requirements. Some examples of user parameters are:
„ Dialog language
„ Interface behavior
„ Traversing speeds
„ Effect of overrides

Entering machine parameters

Machine parameters can be programmed as decimal numbers.
Some machine parameters have more than one function. The input
value for these machine parameters is the sum of the individual
values. For these machine parameters the individual values are
preceded by a plus sign.

Selecting the General User Parameters

To access the general user parameters, enter code number 123 in the
MOD functions.

The MOD functions also include machine-specific user

parameters (USER PARAMETERS).

Machining feed rate

Default feed rate for positioning (when no MP1090
feed rate is programmed) 0 to 30 000 [mm/min]

Maximum circular feed rate in Cycle 17 DISK Modes Operating Value

mode

MP1092 0 and 4 Eroding 0 to 30 000 [mm/min]

MP1093 0 and 4 Free run 0 to 30 000 [mm/min]

MP1094 1 and 5 Eroding 0 to 30 000 [mm/min]

MP1095 1 and 5 Free run 0 to 30 000 [mm/min]

MP1096 2 and 6 Eroding 0 to 30 000 [mm/min]

MP1097 2 and 6 Free run 0 to 30 000 [mm/min]

246 13 Tables and Overviews

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
13.1 General User Parameters
Eroding
Value for Q157 with TOOL CALL or EL-CALL MP2040
block 0.1 to 10

Advanced stop distance after short circuit or MP2050

CYCL STOP 0 to 2 [mm]
After a short circuit or CYCL STOP block, the
TNC moves the electrode back towards the
workpiece, but stops at a certain distance from
the workpiece. This distance is entered in
MP2050.

Advanced stop distance after flushing MP2051

0 to 2 [mm]
After flushing the electrode gap, the TNC
moves the electrode back towards the
workpiece, but stops at a certain distance from
the workpiece. This distance is entered in
MP2051.

Advanced stop for oscillator signal MP2052

0 to 2 [mm]
At the end of a programmed eroding time, the
TNC moves the electrode back towards the
workpiece. When the electrode reaches the
distance from the workpiece that was entered
in MP2052, the TNC reactivates the oscillator
signal of the generator. This ensures that the
TNC always receives the correct analog gap
signal when switching from positioning to gap
control.

Rotational speed of the C axis with M3/M4 MP2090

0 to 100 [rpm]
When M3 or M4 are programmed, the C axis
rotates at the speed entered in this user
parameter.

Duration of the free run signal after eroding MP2110

0.1 to 99.9 [s]
The duration of the free run signal when the
programmed eroding step is completed is
determined in this user parameter.

Arc detection MP2120

1 to 99.9 [s]
The TNC recognizes an arc that exists as long
as defined in this user parameter.

Free-run feed rate (only with gap control via MP2141

gap signal) 0 to 3000 [mm/min]
If the voltage at the analog input is greater than
the threshold for the free-run feed rate, the
TNC positions the electrode at the feed rate
entered in this machine parameter.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 247

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
13.1 General User Parameters

Eroding
Gap-control feed rate (only with gap control MP2142
via gap signal) 1 to 99.9 [mm/min]
If the voltage at the analog input is less than the
threshold for the free-run feed rate, the TNC
positions the electrode at the feed rate entered
in this machine parameter, multiplied by a
factor from the PLC.

External data transfer

Control character for end of file MP5010
Control character for end of text (e.g., MP 5010=3: EXT): ASCII character
Do not send control character for end of text: 0

Control character for end of transmission MP5011

Control character for end of text (e.g., MP 5011=4: EOT): ASCII character
Do not send control character for end of transmission: 0

Adapt TNC interface to an external device MP5020

7 data bits (ASCII code, 8th bit = parity): +0
8 data bits (ASCII code, 9th bit = parity): +1

Block Check Character (BCC) any: +0

Block Check Character (BCC) control character not permitted: +2

Transmission stop through RTS active: +4

Transmission stop through RTS inactive: +0

Transmission stop through DC3 active: +8

Transmission stop through DC3 inactive: +0

Character parity even: +0

Character parity odd: +16

Character parity not desired: +0

Character parity desired: +32

2 stop bits: +64

1 stop bit: +128

Example:
Use the following setting to adjust the TNC interface to an external non-
HEIDENHAIN device:
8 data bits, any BCC, transmission stop through DC3, even character
parity, character parity desired, 2 stop bits
Input value:
1+0+8+0+32+64 = 105 (input value for MP5020)

Parity setting for LSV-2 protocol MP5100

No parity: 0
Even parity: 1
Odd parity: 2

248 13 Tables and Overviews

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
13.1 General User Parameters
External data transfer
Baud rate for RS-422 interface of the PLC MP5200
9600: 0
38400: 1

Check sequence of blocks with external data MP5990

transfer Check sequence of blocks with external data transfer: 0
No check: 1

Parameters for probing with the

TCH PROBE function
Number of times the probing process is MP6100
repeated for probing a workpiece 0 to 5

Maximum difference between results from MP6110

probing a workpiece several times 0 to 2 [mm]
The TNC aborts probing and generates an error
message if the difference between results
exceeds the value entered in MP6110.

Probe feed rate MP6120

80 to 3 000 [mm/min]

Maximum traverse to first probe point MP6130

0 to 30 000 [mm]
The TNC aborts probing and generates an error
message if the electrode does not reach the
workpiece within the defined measuring range.

Distance by which the electrode is retracted MP6140

when probing manually 0 to 30 000 [mm]
If 0 is entered, the electrode is always retracted
to the starting point.

Retraction time after the end of electrode MP6141

contact when probing manually 10 to 400 [ms]

Rapid traverse for probing MP6150

1 to 30 000 [mm/min]
After probing, the TNC retracts the electrode at
the speed defined in this parameter.

TNC displays, TNC editor

Programming station MP7210
TNC with machine: 0
TNC as programming station with active PLC: 1
TNC as programming station with inactive PLC: 2

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 249

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
13.1 General User Parameters

TNC displays, TNC editor

Disabling file types MP7224
Not disabled: 0
MP7224 is bit-coded. If bit 2 is set, new tool File type disabled for
tables cannot be created. Existent tool tables
may still be edited, but the changes will be „ Bit 0 vacant
ignored in program run. „ Bit 1 vacant
„ Bit 2 tool table: 4
„ All other bits are vacant

Dialog language MP7230

Input value: 0 to 3
Languages for software 280620
„ English = 0
„ German = 1
„ French = 2
„ Italian = 3
Languages for software 280621
„ English = 0
„ German = 1
„ Swedish = 2
„ Finnish = 3
Languages for software 280622
„ English = 0
„ German = 1
„ Czech = 2
„ Reserved = 3

Protect OEM cycles in the TNC memory MP7240

Protect OEM cycles: 0
Do not protect OEM cycles: 1

Inhibit EL-CALL and WP-CALL soft keys MP7241

Do not display oft keys: 0
Display oft keys: 1

Number of pockets in the tool magazine MP7261

0 to 999

Permit multiple assignment of pocket MP7265

numbers
Assign pocket number only once: 1
Aside from pocket number 0, you can prevent a Assign pocket number several times: 0
pocket from being assigned more than once.

Display feed rate MP7271

Display feed rate F: 0
Do not display feed rate F: 1

250 13 Tables and Overviews

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
13.1 General User Parameters
TNC displays, TNC editor
Display of program blocks during test run MP7273
Do not display program blocks: 0
Display program blocks: 1

Decimal character MP7280

The decimal character is a comma: 0
The decimal character is a point: 1

Display step for the X axis MP7290.0

0.0001 mm, 0.00001 inch: 0
0.0005 mm, 0.00002 inch: 1
0.001 mm, 0.0001 inch: 2
0.005 mm, 0.0002 inch: 3
0.01 mm, 0.001 inch: 4
0.05 mm, 0.002 inch: 5
0.1 mm, 0.01 inch: 6

Display step for the Y axis MP7290.1

Input range see MP7290.0

Display step for the Z axis MP7290.2

Input range see MP7290.0

Display step for the IVth axis MP7290.3

Input range see MP7290.0

Display step for the 5th axis MP7290.4

Input range see MP7290.0

Reset Q parameters and status display MP7300

Do not reset: +0
Reset with M02, M30 and END PGM: +1
Do not reset Q parameters when selecting a program or pressing the
RESET soft key: +2
Do not reset tool data when selecting a program or pressing the RESET
soft key: +4

Graphic display mode MP7310

Projection in three planes according to ISO 6433, part 1, projection
method 1: +0
Projection in three planes according to ISO 6433, part 2, projection
method 1: +1

Do not rotate coordinate system for graphic display: +0

Rotate coordinate system for graphic display by 90°: +2

Graphic simulation without programmed MP7315

tool: Tool radius 0.0000 to 9 999.999 [mm]

Graphic simulation without programmed MP7316

tool: Penetration depth 0.0000 to 9 999.999 [mm]

Effect of Cycle 11 SCALING FACTOR MP7410

SCALING FACTOR effective in 3 axes: 0
SCALING FACTOR effective in the working plane only: 1

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 251

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
13.1 General User Parameters

TNC displays, TNC editor

Effect of axis IV in the datum table MP7411
IVth coordinate with datum from table rotates coordinate system and
shifts in C: 0
IVth coordinate with datum from table shifts in C (no rotation): 1

Effect of CYCL CALL after CYCL DEF 12 PGM MP7412

CALL The program defined as a cycle is executed without display of NC blocks;
local Q parameters are stored: 0
The program defined as a cycle is executed with display of NC blocks;
local Q parameters are not stored: 1
Does not apply as of NC 28612x-04/28062x-10.

Behavior of M functions MP7440

Program stop with M06: +0
No program stop with M06: +1

No cycle call with M89: +0

Modal cycle call with M89: +1

Maximum permissible angle of directional MP7460

change for constant contouring speed 0.0000 to 179.999 [°]
(effective for corners with R0 and for all
inside corners).

Monitoring limit switches in the TEST RUN MP7491

mode of operation Monitoring limit switches active: 0
Monitoring limit switches not active: 1

Override behavior
Set overrides MP7620
Feed rate override,
if rapid traverse key is pressed in program run mode
Override effective: +1
Override not effective: +0

Steps for overrides

2% steps: +0
1% steps: +2

Feed rate override,

if rapid traverse and external direction axis direction button pressed
Override effective: +4
Override not effective: +0

Electronic handwheels
Set interpolation error MP7670.0
Slow handwheel interpolation error: 0...10
MP7670.1
Medium handwheel interpolation error: 0...10
MP7670.2
Fast handwheel interpolation error: 0...10

252 13 Tables and Overviews

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
13.1 General User Parameters
Electronic handwheels
Feed rate of the direction keys on the MP7671.0
handwheel in percent compared to the Slow feed rate: 0...10
machine axis direction buttons on the MP7671.1
operating panel Medium feed rate: 0...10
MP7671.2
Fast feed rate: 0...10

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 253

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
13.2 Pin Layout and Connecting
13.2 Pin Layout and Connecting Cable for the Data Interfaces

Cable for the Data Interfaces

RS-232-C/V.24 Interface
HEIDENHAIN devices

External HEIDENHAIN RS-422 Adapter HEIDENHAIN X21

device standard cable block connecting cable TNC
1m max. 17 m

„ The connector pin layout on the adapter block differs

from that on the TNC logic unit (X21).
„ The connector pin layout of a non-HEIDENHAIN device
may differ considerably from that on a HEIDENHAIN
device.
This often depends on the unit and type of data transfer.
The figure above shows the connector pin layout on the
adapter block.

254 13 Tables and Overviews

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
13.2 Pin Layout and Connecting Cable for the Data Interfaces
RS-422/V.11 Interface
Only non-HEIDENHAIN devices are connected to the RS-422
interface.

The pin layouts on the TNC logic unit (X22) and on the
adapter block are identical.

External RS-422 Adapter HEIDENHAIN X22

device block connecting cable TNC
max. 1.000 m

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 255

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
13.3 Preparing the Devices for Data Transfer

13.3 Preparing the Devices for Data

Transfer
HEIDENHAIN devices
HEIDENHAIN devices (FE floppy disk unit and ME magnetic tape unit)
are already adapted to the TNC. They can be used for data transfer
without further adjustments.

Example: FE 401 floppy disk unit

8 Connect the power cable to the FE.
8 Connect the FE and TNC with the data interface cable.
8 Switch on the FE.
8 Insert a disk in the upper drive.
8 Format the disk if necessary.
8 Set data interface (see ”Setting the external data interfaces” on
page 232).
8 Transfer the data.

„ The memory capacity of a floppy disk is given in sectors.

„ The baud rate can be set on the FE 401.

Non-HEIDENHAIN devices
The TNC and non-HEIDENHAIN device must be adapted to each
other.

To adapt a non-HEIDENHAIN device to the TNC:

8 PC: adapt the software.
8 Printer: Set the DIP switches.

To adapt the TNC to a non-HEIDENHAIN device:

Set the user parameters:
„ 5010 to 5020 for EXT.

256 13 Tables and Overviews

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
13.4 Technical Information

13.4 Technical Information

The TNC 406/416
Description Contouring control for ram EDM machines with up to 5 axes

Components „ Logic unit

„ Keyboard
„ CRT
„ Flat screen (only TNC 416)

Data interfaces „ RS-232-C / V.24

„ RS-422 / V.11
„ Expanded data interface with LSV-2 protocol for remote operation of
the TNC through the data interface with the HEIDENHAIN software
TNCremo

Simultaneous axis control for contour „ Straight lines: up to 3 axes

elements „ Circles: up to 2 axes
„ Helix with C axis interpolation

Background programming One part program can be edited while the TNC runs another program

Graphics „ Test run graphics

File types „ HEIDENHAIN conversational programming

„ Erosion tables
„ Tool tables
„ Datum tables

Program memory Battery buffered for up to 100 files

Capacity approximately 10 000 blocks
(TNC 406) or 20 000 blocks (TNC 416)

TNC Specifications
Block processing time 15 ms/block (4 000 blocks/min)

Control loop cycle time „ TNC 406/416 switchable (2 ms or 4 ms; MP 1700)

Data transfer rate Max. 38 400 baud

Ambient temperature „ Operation: 0° C to +45° C (32° to 113° F)

„ Storage: –30°C to +70°C (–22° F to 158° F)

Traverse range Maximum ± 30 m (1 181 inches)

Traversing speed Maximum 30 m/min (1 181 ipm)

Input range To 1 µm (0.0001 inches) or 0.001°

Control precision 1/16 µm

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 257

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
13.4 Technical Information

Programmable functions
Contour elements „ Straight line
„ Chamfer
„ Circular path
„ Circle center
„ Circle radius
„ Tangentially connecting circle
„ Corner rounding
„ Straight lines and circular arcs for contour approach and departure

Program jumps „ Subprogram

„ Program section repeat
„ Program as subprogram

Fixed cycles „ Cycle GENERATOR

„ Erosion Cycles

Coordinate transformations „ Datum shift

„ Mirror image
„ Rotation
„ Scaling factor

Touch probe function Touch probe functions for setting datums and for automatic workpiece
measurement

Mathematical functions „ Basic arithmetic +, –, x and /

„ Trigonometry sin, cos, tan, arcsin, arccos, arctan
„ Square root and root sum of squares
„ Logical comparisons (greater than, less than, equal to, not equal to)

Electronic handwheels
HR 130 For panel mounting

HR 410 Portable version with cable transmission. Includes axis address keys,
actual position capture key, 3 keys for selecting the traversing speed,
direction keys, machine functions, rapid traverse key, safety switch,
emergency stop button.

258 13 Tables and Overviews

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
13.5 TNC Error Messages

13.5 TNC Error Messages

The TNC automatically generates error messages when it detects
problems such as
„ Incorrect data input
„ Logical errors in the program
„ Contour elements that are impossible to machine
Some of the more frequent TNC error messages are explained in the
following list.
An error message that contains a program block number was caused
by an error in the indicated block or in the preceding block.
To clear the TNC error message, first correct the error and then press
the CE key.

Error messages that are displayed in the screen center are generated
by the TNC. Error messages that appear in the upper screen window
for the operating modes are defined by the machine tool builder. Refer
to your machine tool manual.

TNC error messages during programming

TNC error messages Procedure
Further program entry impossible Erase some old files to make room for new ones.

Entry value incorrect „ Enter a correct label number.

„ Press the correct key.

Ext. in-/output not ready Connect the external device properly.

Label number already assigned A given label number can only be entered once in a program.

Jump to label 0 not permitted Do not program CALL LBL 0.

TNC error messages during test run and

program run
TNC error messages Procedure
Selected block not addressed Before a test run or program run, you must enter GOTO 0.

Probed value inaccurate The difference between individual results from probing the workpiece
several times exceeds the maximum allowable difference set in
MP6110.

Arithmetical error You have calculated with non-permissible values

„ Define values within the range limits.
„ Choose probe positions for the probing electrode that are farther apart.
„ All calculations must be mathematically possible.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 259

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
13.5 TNC Error Messages

TNC error messages Procedure

Path offset wrongly ended Do not cancel electrode radius compensation in a block with a circular
path.

Path offset wrongly started „ Use the same radius compensation before and after a RND and CHF
block.
„ Do not begin electrode radius compensation in a block with a circular
path.

CYCL incomplete „ Define the cycles with all data in the proper sequence.
„ Do not call the coordinate transformation cycles.
„ Before calling a cycle, define Cycle 12 PGM CALL.

BLK FORM definition incorrect „ Program the MIN and MAX points according to the instructions.
„ Choose a ratio of sides that is less than 64:1.
„ If you call another program (PGM CALL), copy the BLK FORM to the
main program.

Axis double programmed Each axis can have only one value for position coordinates.

Plane wrongly defined „ Do not change the electrode axis while a basic rotation is active.
„ Correctly define the main axes for a circular arc.
„ Define both main axes for CC.

Wrong axis programmed „ Do not attempt to program locked axes.

„ Do not mirror rotary axes.
„ Enter a positive chamfer length.

Chamfer not permitted A chamfer block must be located between two straight-line blocks with
identical radius compensation.

No editing of running program A program cannot be edited while it is being transmitted or executed.

Gross positioning error The TNC monitors positions and movements. If the actual position
deviates excessively from the nominal position, this blinking error
message is displayed. To correct the error, do a ”warm start” by holding
down the END key for a few seconds.

Circle end position incorrect „ Enter complete information for connecting arc.
„ Enter end points that lie on the circular path.

Label number not found Only call label numbers that have been set.

PGM section cannot be shown „ Enter a smaller electrode radius.

„ Movements in a rotary axis cannot be graphically simulated.
„ Enter an electrode axis for simulation that is the same as the axis in the
BLK FORM.

Rounding-off undefined Enter tangentially connecting arcs and rounding arcs correctly.

Rounding radius too large Rounding arcs must fit between contour elements.

Key non-functional This message always appears when you press a key that is not needed
for the current dialog.

260 13 Tables and Overviews

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
13.5 TNC Error Messages
TNC error messages Procedure
Program start undefined „ Begin the program only with a TOOL DEF block.
„ Do not resume an interrupted program at a block with a tangential arc
or if a previously defined pole is needed.

Tool radius too large Enter an electrode radius that

„ lies within the given limits
„ permits the contour elements to be calculated and machined.

Angle reference missing „ Complete your definition of the arc and its end points.
„ If you enter polar coordinates, define the polar angle correctly.

Excessive subprogramming „ Conclude all subprograms with LBL0.

„ Program CALL LBL for subprograms without REP.
„ Program CALL LBL for program section repeats to include the
repetitions (REP).
„ Subprograms cannot call themselves.
„ Subprograms cannot be nested more than 8 levels.
„ Main programs cannot be nested as subprograms in more than 4
levels.

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 261

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
Index
Symbole C E
3-D view ... 217 Cycle 1 GENERATOR ... 133 Ellipse ... 208
Cycle 2 ERO.TIME LIM. ... 145 Eroding
A Cycle 3 TOOL DEF ... 135 manually ... 21
Accessories ... 13, 237 Cycle 4 SPARK-OUT TIME ... 146 Erosion cycles
Actual position capture ... 84, 94 erosion cycles see Cycles
Additional ... 9 Cycle 14 CONTOUR Erosion table
Auxiliary axes ... 44 GEOMETRY ... 137 working with an erosion table ... 133
Cycle 16 ORBIT ... 139 working without an erosion
B Cycle 17 DISK ... 142 table ... 133
Block scan ... 224 general ... 130 Erosion tables ... 61
Blocks other cycles erosion parameters ... 62
deleting ... 55 DWELL TIME (Cycle 9) ... 171 erosion tables, working with ... 61
inserting, editing ... 56 PGM-CALL (Cycle 12) ... 171 Error messages ... 259
Bolt hole circles ... 210 programming ... 131 during programming ... 259
Test Run and Program Run ... 259
C D External data transfer
Calibration and setup ... 23 Data interface deleting a file ... 236
calibrating the probing electrode ... 25 pin layout ... 254 disk formatting ... 236
measuring the basic rotation ... 27 setting ... 232 selecting ... 233
select the touch probe function ... 24 Data transfer software ... 237 transferring files ... 235
using an electrode ... 23 Datum setting ... 22
writing probed values to tables ... 28 center as datum ... 30 F
Cavity ... 212 circle center point (bore hole) as Feed rate ... 83
Chamfer ... 96 datum ... 32 Files
Circles and circular arcs corner as datum ... 31 file directory ... 48
circle center ... 98 in any axis ... 29 file type ... 48
circular path ... 100, 101, 103, 111, 112 manual probing ... 29 FN xx: See Q parameter programming
full circle ... 101, 111 Define the blank ... 52 Fundamentals
general ... 97 Dialog ... 54 positioning ... 42
Contour approach and departure ... 88 Disk formatting ... 236 spark erosion ... 58
end point ... 89
starting position ... 88 E G
tangential approach Electrode ... 80 Graphic simulation ... 219
and departure ... 91 Electrode changing ... 77 Graphics
Conversational format ... 54 automatic ... 77 display modes ... 216
Coordinate transformation manually ... 78 magnifying details ... 218
see Cycles Electrode compensation values ... 79
Corner rounding ... 97 length ... 79 H
Cycle ... 133 radius ... 80 Helical interpolation ... 113
Cycles Electrode data Helix ... 113
coordinate transformation calling ... 76
DATUM SHIFT (Cycle 7) ... 156 determining ... 72 I
MIRROR IMAGE (Cycle 8) ... 158 entering in separate program Indexed assignment ... 198
ROTATION (Cycle 10) ... 159 blocks ... 78 Interrupting machining ... 223
SCALING FACTOR entering in tables ... 74
(Cycle 11) ... 160 entering into program block ... 73
WORKING PLANE
(Cycle 19) ... 161

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 I

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
Index

K M P
Keyboard ... 5 Modes of operation ... 6 Program
Moving the machine axes ... 18 editing ... 55
M in increments ... 20 open new ... 52
M functions: See Miscellaneous with the electronic handwheel ... 19 structure ... 51
functions with the machine axis direction Program call
Machine parameters buttons ... 18 program as subprogram ... 178
electronic handwheels ... 252 Program run
eroding ... 247 N executing ... 223
for external data transfer ... 248 Nesting ... 179 interrupting ... 223
machining feed rate ... 246 overview ... 222
override behavior ... 252 O resuming after an interruption ... 225
probing ... 249 Open contours: M98 ... 124 resuming with the GOTO key ... 226
TNC displays, TNC editor ... 249 returning to the
Machine-referenced coordinates: P interruption spot ... 226
M91, M92 ... 124 Parametric programming: See Q Program section repeat ... 176
Measuring the basic rotation ... 27 parameter programming Programming a workpiece change ... 57
Measuring with a probing electrode ... 33 Path contours Programming tool movements ... 54
determining corners ... 33 Cartesian coordinates Projection in 3 planes ... 217
determining position ... 33 circular arc with tangential
introduction ... 199 connection ... 103 Q
measuring angles ... 35 circular path around circle center Q parameters
measuring height ... 201 CC ... 100 checking ... 196
measuring workpiece circular path with defined outputting Q parameters and
dimensions ... 34 radius ... 101 messages ... 197
probing with the electrode ... 200 full circle ... 100, 101 preassigned ... 202
Miscellaneous functions Overview ... 93 transferring values to the PLC ... 198
entering ... 120 straight line ... 94 with special functions ... 202
for contouring behavior ... 123 polar coordinates Q-parameter programming ... 186
electrode retraction (M93) ... 125 circular arc with tangential basic arithmetic (assign, add,
machine-referenced coordinates connection ... 112 subtract, multiply, divide, square
(M91/M92) ... 124 circular path around pole CC ... 111 root) ... 189
machining small contour steps full circle ... 111 If/then decisions ... 194
(M97) ... 123 overview ... 109 trigonometric functions ... 192
open contours: M98 ... 124 straight line ... 110
for electrode and flushing ... 122 Path functions R
for program run control ... 122 fundamentals ... 86, 92 Radius compensation ... 80
overview ... 122 Pin layout for data interfaces ... 254 contouring ... 81
vacant miscellaneous functions ... 126 Plan view ... 217 outside corners, inside corners ... 82
Miscellaneous functions, entering ... 36 Polar coordinates Range of traverse ... 240
MOD Function fundamentals ... 45 Reference system ... 44
MOD functions programming ... 109 Resetting counters ... 227
changing ... 230 Positioning
exiting ... 230 in increments ... 20
overview ... 230 with manual data input (MDI) ... 20, 38
position display types ... 231 Principal axes ... 44
selecting ... 230
setting the data interface ... 232
system information ... 232
unit of measurement ... 231

II

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
Index
S U
Screen layout ... 4 User parameters
Setting the datum ... 47 electronic handwheels ... 252
Spark erosion ... 58 eroding ... 247
Status ... 9 for external data transfer ... 248
Status display general ... 246
additional ... 9 machining feed rate ... 246
general ... 9 override behavior ... 252
Straight line ... 94, 95, 110 probing ... 249
Subprogram ... 175 TNC displays, TNC editor ... 249
Switch-on ... 16
V
T Visual display unit ... 3
Teach-in ... 94
Test run W
executing ... 220 Workpiece positions
up to a certain block ... 221 absolute ... 46
Time capture table ... 227 incremental ... 46
TNC 426, TNC 430 ... 2
TNCremo ... 237, 238
TNCremoNT ... 237, 238
To ... 63
Tool compensation ... 79
Tool table
editing ... 74
editing functions ... 75
exiting ... 75
Traverse reference points ... 16
Trigonometric functions ... 192
Trigonometry ... 192

HEIDENHAIN TNC 406, TNC 416 III

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
Overview of Miscellaneous Functions
Miscellaneous functions with predetermined effect:

The machine tool builder determines which miscellaneous

functions M are available on your TNC and what effects
they have. Your machine manual provides more detailed
information.

M Effect Effective at block - start end Page

M00 Stop program run „ page 122

M02 Stop program/Clear status display „ page 122

(depending on machine parameter)/Go to block 1

M03 Free rotation of the C axis (direction of rotation set by the machine builder) „ page 122
M04 Free rotation of the C axis (direction of rotation set by the machine builder) „
M05 Stop free rotation of the C axis „

M06 Electrode change / Stop program run (dependent on machine parameter 7440) „ page 122

M08 Flushing ON „ page 122

M09 Flushing OFF „

M13 Functionality of M03 + M08 „ page 122

M14 Functionality of M04 + M08 „

M30 Same function as M02 „ page 122

M36 Eroding ON / Gap control ON „ page 122

M37 Eroding OFF / Gap control OFF „

M38 Transfer coordinates from datum table 0.D into NC program „ page 157
M39 Transfer Q parameters from an NC program into the datum table 0.D „

M89 Vacant miscellaneous function or „

Cycle call, modally effective (depending on machine parameter MP7440)

M90 Reserved „

M91 Within the positioning block: Coordinates are referenced to machine datum „ page 125

M92 Within the positioning block: Coordinates are referenced to position defined „ page 125
by machine tool builder, such as tool change position

M93 Within the erosion block: Retract the electrode at the end of block „ page 125
and return to the starting point of the machining operation

M94 Reserved „

M95 Reserved „

M96 Reserved „

M97 Machine small contour steps „ page 123

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
M Effect Effective at block - start end Page
M98 Machine open contours completely „ page 124

M99 Blockwise cycle call „

M108 Transfer coordinates from tool table TOOL.T into NC program „

M109 Transfer Q parameters from an NC program into the tool table TOOL.T „

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
DR. JOHANNES HEIDENHAIN GmbH
Dr.-Johannes-Heidenhain-Straße 5
83301 Traunreut, Germany
{ +49 (86 69) 31-0
| +49 (86 69) 50 61
E-Mail: [email protected]
Technical support | +49 (86 69) 31-10 00
E-Mail: [email protected]
Measuring systems { +49 (86 69) 31-31 04
E-Mail: [email protected]
TNC support { +49 (86 69) 31-31 01
E-Mail: [email protected]
NC programming { +49 (86 69) 31-31 03
E-Mail: [email protected]
PLC programming { +49 (86 69) 31-31 02
E-Mail: [email protected]
Lathe controls { +49 (7 11) 95 28 03-0
E-Mail: [email protected]
www.heidenhain.de

Ve 00

www.EngineeringBooksPdf.com
291 016-24 · 4/2001 · pdf · Subject to change without notice

bh_Hannover_neutral.indd 1 29.06.2006 10:49:00