Making machine tools more cost-effective through better use of resources

Sustainability and system costs, also known as Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), are trending topics for machinists and machine manufacturers in the machining world. HEIDENHAIN has solutions to make machine tools more cost-effective through better use of resources.

Today's manufacturing challenges include better machine utilization and achieving higher quality in faster production. To achieve these goals, operators expect their machines to remove more material in less time while still achieving perfect results from the first workpiece. Encoders, measuring probes and a tool breakage detector from HEIDENHAIN provide opportunities for maximum performance, process reliability and cost efficiency.

Tool breakage detector 

The TD 110 fracture detector is ideal for checking tools greater than 0.4 mm in diameter for damage. With its inductive sensor, it contactlessly detects length changes as small as 2 mm directly in the work area while the spindle is running at operating speed. Saving up to six seconds with each tool change provides significant time and cost benefits. 

The robust and compact TD 110 can be retrofitted in the working area of almost all machine tools, in the direct vicinity of the table. The corresponding signals are transmitted to the controller via the touch probe interface. Process reliability can be increased as the control provides a message, or an NC stop, or activates a user-specific response.

Winning production time

Set and measure workpieces faster and in-process. This is possible with the TS 460 probe system, which has very high measuring feed rates of up to 3000 mm/min. The time saved in probing can be as much as 30%. This makes valuable production time on the shop floor available to operators. 

Measuring accuracy

The integrated flushing/blowing unit of the TS 460 ensures high measuring accuracy because it cleans any chips from the probe surface, which would otherwise distort the measurement result. In addition, the touch probe can be optionally equipped with an effective collision adapter, which not only prevents expensive damage but also thermally decouples the touch probe. 

High performance level

The TS 760 touch probe enables workpiece measurements with particularly high 3D accuracy and very low probing forces. This makes it ideal for precision parts in mold making and highly sensitive workpieces. Its measuring feed rates of up to 1000 mm/min guarantee a high level of performance.

LC and RCN encoders: 99% less CO2

In the field of machine components, HEIDENHAIN presented LC linear encoders and RCN angle encoders with optimized optics for crystal-clear detection even in the presence of liquid contamination and condensation at the last AMB fair. In many cases, the encoders work fine without compressed air. This simplifies the need for compressed air, allowing the user to enjoy the benefits of Closed Loop position measurement at significantly reduced system costs. In addition, omitting compressed air reduces machine CO2 emissions with 99%.