Open Mind Teams with Heidenhain TNC for Advanced NC Code Machining Simulation

Meeting the needs of the evolving digital manufacturing initiative, Open Mind Technologies (Needham, MA) has recently partnered with Heidenhain TNC controls (Schaumburg, IL) to provide exclusive first use of their new NC code-based machining simulation solution hyperMILL Virtual Machining.  The Connected Machining simulation module allows networked Heidenhain TNC controls to be run from remote locations, a key component for digital production systems. The new machining simulation solution is available with the hyperMILL  2018.1 release.

“We are thrilled to begin roll-out of this unique new virtual machining simulation feature in conjunction with the powerful Heindenhan TNC 640 control,” explained Alan Levine, Open Mind managing director, North America. “Open Mind’s bi-directional virtual software will allow the user to start or stop the machine tool, review or override some settings, run machining simulations, synchronize the machine simulation to the actual machine position and modify the Heidenhain control from anywhere our software is networked. This promises to increase machining efficiency by optimizing machining productions, and reduces the chance of errors while connecting a CAM programming environment with the shop floor machining world.”

Heindenhain’s workshop-oriented TNC 640 mill-turn contouring control is well known for HSC and five-axis machining on machines with up to 18 axes.  Guiding basic to advanced machining, the TNC 640 pairs well with Open Mind’s virtual software by connecting with Heidenhain’s DNC software and TNC Remo SDK options.

“Heidenhain has a well-engineered control and its programming interface was a perfect match with our system,” added Levine. “We are excited to begin implementation at some end users and help expand their virtual manufacturing networks.”

Three new system modules of the hyperMIL Virtual Machining – the Center, Optimizer and Connected Machining – will help to decisively step up communication between the hyperMILL CAM suite and the machine tools.

“Our partnership with OPEN MIND is a good fit,” said Gisbert Ledvon, Heidenhain’s TNC business development Manager.  “We are happy to continue meeting customer’s needs with this advanced machining technology. This new functionality shows how our flexible TNC control is helping customers take the next step in digital manufacturing utilizing five-Axis technology.”